News From Congresswoman
Nydia M. Velázquez
Representing New York's 12th Congressional District - Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens
Ranking Democratic Member, House Small Business Committee

For Immediate Release
May 2, 2002

Contact: Wendy Belzer, James Snyder (202) 225-2361

Brooklyn Bridge Park Gets New Planning Body
Velázquez thanks Gov. Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg for assembling public corporation

NEW YORK - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Brooklyn) today thanked Governor George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg for the creation of a new Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, unveiled today in a harborside ceremony, to steer development of the nascent Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Both administrations have pledged $150 million to develop 67 acres along the Brooklyn waterfront. Congresswoman Velázquez has long been a supporter of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, recently winning $1 million in federal appropriations for the purpose of conducting a transportation analysis to ensure greater pedestrian access to the park, while reducing vehicular traffic to a minimum.

Congresswoman Velázquez issued the following statement:

"I want to thank Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg for their hard work in putting together this new public benefit corporation to develop Brooklyn Bridge Park. This is that important step forward to realize the community's long vision and hard work for a waterfront park for Brooklyn.

"This newly formed governance body will guide planning and implementation of the park. Having brought the first federal money into this effort, I will continue to work in partnership to bring more resources to the park to help it grow and to open up more opportunities for federal funding.

"It is important to everyone in Brooklyn and all of New York to have this new, open access to the waterfront. I applaud the efforts of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, and all the residents of Brooklyn who continue to work to make this vision a reality."

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