Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder
Broad Channel, Queens....
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway) announced the Regional Economic Development Council has awarded $400,000 in funding for the Jamaica Bay Habitat Restoration and Waterfront Revitalization. This project will be administered by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation in conjunction with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
“Jamaica Bay has been a longtime community gem, but its breathtaking views and grassy marsh also serve a significant purpose—storm protection,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “Jamaica Bay contains natural barriers that have proven to be more effective than any man-made sea wall or levee. This funding toward Jamaica Bay will not only help attract visitors and increase economic development, but it will enable our community to become more resilient against potential future storms.”
Sunset Cove located in the heart of Jamaica Bay has been severely deteriorating for years, but conditions were made worse after Superstorm Sandy ravaged through the area more than a year ago. This award will not only repair the deterioration to Sunset Cove, but it will also restore the surrounding vital coastal ecosystems of Jamaica Bay to create natural barriers and better protect residents. Additionally, this funding potentailly includes plans to increase utilization of the waterfront for public access with construction of a small boardwalk and expanding nearby recreational opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
“The Jamaica Bay EcoWatcher's commend Governor Cuomo and Assemblyman Goldfeder for their commitment to help our storm affected communities rebuild in a more resilient manner and to better prepare for future storm events!,” said Dan Mundy Jr., president of the Broad Channel Civic Association. “This award will restore our coastal wetlands which will provide protection for our vulnerable residential neighborhood. When completed, Sunset Cove will consist of not only restored wetlands but oyster wave breaks, tidal dune protection and a coastal forest. In addition to using natural features to produce a storm buffer, the area will allow for public access to some of the most scenic waterfront views in NYC and encourage education for school children on coastal protection through walking trails and a wetlands boardwalk. It is a visionary approach to the threats that our coastal communities will face in the years to come.”
"Once again Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder has shown his strong support for protecting and enhancing Jamaica Bay," said Don Riepe, chapter director of the American Littoral Society. "The $400k grant will greatly help with much needed habitat restoration and access planning for Sunset Cove, a newly acquired shoreline park."
This award provides $400,000 in funding for the Jamaica Bay Habitat Restoration and Waterfront Revitalization administered by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
“Jamaica Bay is an important natural and economic resource for our community and deserves to be protected,” concluded Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “This funding will go a long way to ensure our bay is stronger and more resilient for future generations.”
Jamaica Bay is an 18,000-acre wetland estuary surrounded by the Rockaway Peninsula to the South, Brooklyn to the West, and Queens to the East. Comprising an area almost equal to that of Manhattan, the bay consists of numerous islands, a labyrinth of waterways, meadowlands, and two freshwater ponds. The wetlands provide a unique environment for both wildlife preservation and urban recreation.
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