For Immediate Release

May 9, 2022

Contact: bowman.press@mail.house.gov

Co-Op City, NY – Today, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) joined neighbors and local leaders in Co-op City to celebrate $500,000 in federal funding to revitalize currently polluted waterfront land in Co-op City into a community park to support the health and wellbeing of residents.

“Everyone should have easy access to outdoor spaces to gather, exercise, relax and enjoy nature,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16). “For too long, the government has failed to provide high-quality green space for residents in low and moderate-income communities compared to those in wealthier areas. This is environmental injustice and can lead to higher rates of chronic health issues like obesity.  Co-op City houses over 45,000 neighbors in New York’s 16th Congressional District and included in this development is  waterfront land that overlooks the Hutchinson River. Currently that land needs major improvements to turn it into a peaceful and environmentally resilient area for people to enjoy. However, Riverbay Fund, the Co-op City management entity, has a transformative plan to restore the waterfront land and turn it into a park which would in turn bring environmental justice to residents throughout Co-op. Co-op City residents deserve to have a beautiful waterfront that is clean and accessible, and I have heard from many in the community about the importance of this project. I am proud to have secured $500,000 through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations process which would make that a reality soon. I look forward to joining neighbors once renovations and restorations are complete to celebrate Co-op City leading the district into climate resilience and a greener future.” 

“I am proud that the Riverbay Fund and its community partners were able to secure a grant from Congressman Jamaal Bowman on behalf of Co-op City securing the start of building an open space with a park and recreational activities that lend support to a better quality of life and health initiatives for our community,” said Sonia Feliciano, 1st Vice President of the Riverbay Board. 

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