In NYC: Sidewalk Sheds Down, Community Based Violence Protection, Red Light Cameras, Re-Opening Community Serving Centers, Greenway Expansion: Mayor Mamdani: UPDATED Free FC Gotham Tickets

Mayor Mamdani Expands Community-Based Violence Prevention to Bushwick, Harlem, and Washington Heights/Inwood 

Expansion strengthens community-based violence prevention, conflict mediation, street outreach and support through trusted local organizations and credible messengers

Mayor Mamdani Names Douglas Keith as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Announces Sweeping Ethics Reforms 

Douglas Keith named Executive Director of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. 

First-ever public Code of Conduct establishes ethical standards for Committee members; agreement restores and for the first time formalizes New York City Bar Association’s role in evaluating judicial candidates.

Mayor Mamdani Nominates Five Housing Leaders to City Planning Commission  

Re-nominates Kenneth Knuckles and Anthony Crowell; nominates Meenakshi Srinivasan, Margaret Anadu and Julie Stein  

Mayor Mamdani Deploys Red Light Cameras at 600 Intersections to Make City Streets Safer   

Red light cameras have reduced red light running by 80%, T-bone crashes by 65% and rear-end collisions by 49% at camera locations

“In 2024 we passed my legislation, dramatically increasing the number of red light cameras throughout the city,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “We may never know how many lives are saved as a result of this, but I do know that this law will protect New Yorkers and prevent fatal traffic accidents. I’m very pleased that the city is using their newly granted authority to expand the red light camera program and has fulfilled their commitment of expanding it to 600 intersections. I hope to see as many cameras as possible placed in the Bronx.”

“I applaud NYC DOT for successfully expanding the Red Light Camera Program to cover 600 intersections across our city,” said Assembly Member Diana Moreno. “Our district is no stranger to street safety advocacy, too often spurred by a preventable tragedy. But we don’t have to wait for another tragedy to act — we can and must prevent them. These cameras are an essential tool to change how drivers behave and to prevent red light running and fatal crashes. I know that the many Astoria working parents who have shared their concerns about street safety with our office will welcome additional red light cameras in our community. I look forward to working with NYC DOT and my colleagues in Albany to secure funding for additional red light cameras and other street safety measures we need.”

“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and that starts with streets designed to protect people,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. Queens has some of the most dangerous intersections and roadways in our city, and too many of our communities have been left behind when it comes to street safety investments. Expanding the Red Light Camera Program to 600 intersections is an important step toward preventing crashes and saving lives. We must continue investing in safer streets so that our families, pedestrians, cyclists and all New Yorkers can get where they need to go safely.”

“I was glad to have voted to authorize the expansion of the Red Light Camera Program and it’s great to see the City completing implementation of the expansion,” said Assembly Member Robert Carroll. “Mayor Mamdani and DOT Commissioner Flynn have repeatedly demonstrated the leadership the City needs when it comes to making our streets safer, and I look forward to the City and State continuing to partner to ensure our streets are safe for all.”

“The expansion of the Red Light Camera Program marks a significant investment in street safety and will go a long way in reducing crashes and preventing injuries,” said Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal. “Years of data have demonstrated the safety benefits that red light cameras can bring to our communities. From the passage of Sammy’s Law, legislation that I sponsored to facilitate lower speed limits in the five boroughs, to deployment of speed-limiting devices and the expansion of the school speed camera program, the state Legislature has long partnered with New York City to end reckless driving. With red light cameras now installed at 600 intersections throughout the City, I look forward to seeing our streets becoming an even safer place for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.”

“Traffic violence affects every neighborhood,” said Assembly Member Brian Cunningham. “These new cameras will protect children walking to school, seniors crossing the street and everyone who travels on foot, by bike or behind the wheel. I’m proud to have co-sponsored the legislation that paved the way for this street safety investment. Safe streets are a right, not a luxury.”

“New Yorkers deserve safe streets, and red light cameras are an important tool in protecting everyone who uses our roadways,” said State Senator José Serrano. “By encouraging drivers to obey traffic signals, these cameras can help reduce dangerous collisions, protect pedestrians and cyclists and promote greater accountability on our streets. As the Senator representing the 29th Senate District, I recognize the importance of these safety measures, particularly in busy communities like those I represent, where pedestrians, cyclists and motorists share heavily trafficked roadways.”

“I commend Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn for expanding the Red Light Camera Program,” said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “This program is a pivotal step toward improving roadway safety, reducing vehicular-related fatalities and protecting pedestrians throughout the city. By advancing safer driving and increasing accountability on our streets, we can help save lives and build safer communities for all New Yorkers.”

“With millions of New Yorkers traveling through our neighborhoods every day, we have a responsibility to make sure our streets are safe for everyone,” said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “Running a red light is a reckless decision that can cost lives, and the data shows that these cameras are making a real difference in preventing dangerous crashes. I thank Mayor Mamdani and NYC DOT for prioritizing public safety and taking meaningful steps to protect pedestrians, motorists and families across our city.”

“I am pleased to hear of the successful expansion of NYC DOT’s red light camera program,” said State Senator Liz Krueger. “Street safety is a top concern for my constituents, and red light cameras are a proven, effective tool to ensure fewer accidents and more accountability for unsafe drivers.”

“Red light cameras are a commonsense safety measure that uses proven technology to deter reckless driving and prevent crashes,” said State Senator John Liu. “With data showing a more than 80 percent decline in red light running, we owe it to every family affected by traffic violence to expand this program and make sure our streets are safe for everyone.”

“Red light cameras prevent crashes, save lives and improve the quality-of-life for all of us here in Queens and across the city,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Installing these cameras at as many intersections as possible across Queens will surely continue to deter the dangerous driving behaviors that have injured or killed far too many of our neighbors. Thank you to the DOT for its partnership in ensuring our streets are safe for all who use them, however they use them.”

“We know that stoplight cameras do wonders for street safety, helping stop reckless behavior before tragedy strikes,” said Council Member Shaun Abreu. “I thank Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for delivering on this expansion of the program across the city and look forward to building on this progress to make every intersection in our city safer.”

“Red light cameras save lives, and we applaud DOT and the Mamdani administration for installing them at 600 intersections — the limit of what state law allows,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “In the 2027 session, the state legislature has an opportunity to reauthorize and expand this critical safety program. There are still more than 10,000 signalized intersections in our city where drivers can recklessly drive through red lights without any deterrence. We look forward to working with the leaders in New York City and Albany to expand this lifesaving program to thousands of intersections, not just a few hundred.”

“New Yorkers deserve safe, livable streets regardless of how they get around, and the expansion of the red light camera program is essential to meeting that goal. Fair enforcement of bad behavior makes our roads better for everyone and directly tackles the reckless driving that has made mobility in our city so difficult,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director at Open Plans. “We’re excited to see automated enforcement continue to grow and look forward to delivering more solutions that rein in dangerous drivers, keep our neighborhoods safe and foster more connected and vibrant communities.”

“Every New Yorker deserves to walk, bike and drive safely on our streets,” said Rachel Weinberger, Vice President for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association. “Red light cameras have been proven to deter dangerous driving and prevent serious crashes. We applaud the New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul for authorizing this expansion and the Mayor and NYCDOT for bringing this critical safety tool to more intersections across the city.”

Mayor Mamdani Opens 1976 Time Capsule to Break Ground on $185 Million Upgrade of Port Richmond Wastewater Facility 

Letter from former Mayor Beame reflects on progress cleaning up New York City waterways and hopes for a future where people can work in ways that “enhance, rather than degrade, the environment” 

Design‑build approach will deliver major upgrades in under four years, 40% faster than typical

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today opened a time capsule sealed inside the Port Richmond Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) in 1976, marking the start of construction on a $185 million capital project to modernize the Staten Island facility and ensure reliable, resilient wastewater treatment for decades to come. 

The Port Richmond facility, located on Staten Island’s North Shore, began operating in 1953 and serves roughly 200,000 residents across a 9,665‑acre drainage area. During former Mayor Abraham Beame’s administration in the 1970s, the facility underwent a major $165 million expansion to meet updated harbor water quality standards and serve a growing population, quadrupling its treatment capacity from 15 million gallons per day to 60 million gallons per day. 

Fifty years later, the City is investing $185 million to modernize the facility’s electrical distribution equipment and upgrade its mechanical rooms, control room, offices and locker rooms. The project will also strengthen flood protection with reinforced walls, raised windowsills and deployable flood barriers. 

DEP will complete the project in under four years — 40% faster than typical — by using a design-build approach that combines engineering and construction under one contract. Construction completion is expected in summer 2029. This project builds upon $279 million of ongoing wastewater treatment upgrades at the Port Richmond facility. 

“The return of whales, dolphins and seahorses to our rivers and harbors represent decades of work to clean up our waterways. That progress isn’t a reason to slow down; it’s a reason to do more,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We are building bigger sewer systems, turning street medians into sponges that absorb stormwater and modernizing wastewater treatment facilities like Port Richmond. And we are not wasting a minute — we’re using tools like design-build to collapse timelines so we can deliver critical infrastructure sooner and protect the health and safety of every New Yorker.” 

“Mayor Beame’s words from 50 years ago continue to resonate in our commitment to protect public health, improve water quality and build a better future for New Yorkers. DEP’s $185 million investment in operational and equipment upgrades at the Port Richmond Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility will ensure the continued safety, efficiency and resiliency of this critical infrastructure while carrying forward the legacy of Mayor Beame’s vision,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “We have come a long, long way since 1976, investing billions of dollars in our city’s infrastructure and making remarkable improvements to New York Harbor’s water quality. As we reflect on the progress of the past 50 years, we also reaffirm our mission to continue this work for the next 50 years and beyond, creating a cleaner and more sustainable New York City for the next generation.” 

The time capsule, sealed behind the administration building’s 1976 cornerstone, contained a letter from former Mayor Beame to New York City’s mayor in 2026, along with architectural and engineering blueprints for the facility’s 1970s expansion, the 1976 Harbor Water Quality Survey, staff photos, newspaper clippings and bicentennial coins. DEP continues to publish the annual Harbor Water Quality Survey today. 

In his letter, Mayor Beame reflected on the capsule’s contents as a record of the city’s triumphs and setbacks, writing: “This time capsule, with its newspapers and other objects of our year, should give you an idea of our accomplishments and failures; our pride and frustrations; and above all, our hopes for those who come after us.”  

Written at the height of the city’s fiscal crisis, the letter celebrated the wastewater facility’s expansion as a commitment to a cleaner environment and public health, even during a period of deep uncertainty.  

“We are doing all we can, despite a current period of governmental austerity, to leave you a legacy of a clean and beautiful environment. We hope you and your young people will be able to swim, fish and recreate in any part of the Hudson River, the East River, the Harlem River, the Long Island Sound, the Upper Bay and the beaches of Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.” 

Before the major investments of the 1970s, New York City discharged roughly 200 million gallons of untreated sewage into surrounding waterways each day because the city lacked sufficient treatment capacity. Sludge, the solid byproduct of wastewater treatment, was barged from the few operating facilities to a controversial ocean dumping site 12 miles offshore. That practice ended in 1992 under the Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988.  

Today, DEP operates 14 wastewater resource recovery facilities that treat 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily. In the 1970s, only 85% of sewage was treated. Today, DEP facilities capture 100% of sewage in dry weather. DEP is also advancing New York City’s circular economy by recovering resources from wastewater treatment to power homes. 

“The Port Richmond Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility has served Staten Island’s North Shore for generations, and this $185 million investment is an important commitment to our community’s future,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Kamillah M. Hanks. “As we continue to see growth and development along the North Shore, we must ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace. Modernizing this facility, strengthening flood protections and protecting our waterways are essential to the health, safety and quality of life of our residents. I thank Mayor Mamdani and DEP for recognizing that investing in our infrastructure means investing in the future of Staten Island.”

After Years of Closure, Mayor Mamdani Re-Opens Edenwald’s Community, Senior and Child Care Centers  

Renovated centers will serve nearly 5,000 Edenwald residents as part of a comprehensive campus-wide modernization 

Senior center renamed in honor of longtime Edenwald Tenant Association President Walter J. McNeill 

NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, development partners and residents cut the ribbon on the reopening of the community, child care and senior centers at Edenwald Houses in the Bronx. The reopening marks a major milestone in the comprehensive renovation of Edenwald Houses, NYCHA’s largest development in the Bronx and third-largest in the city. 

The renovations, completed by Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) partners Camber Property Group, Henge Development and SAA | EVI, include upgrades to heating and cooling, electrical and mechanical systems, as well as new flooring, walls, windows and carpentry. The senior center, which had been closed for more than 20 years, has been restored, reopened and named in honor of longtime Edenwald Tenant Association President Walter J. McNeill.  

“The residents of Edenwald Houses, led by Mr. McNeill, have spent years fighting for the homes and community space they deserve. Now, we are delivering. These renovated centers will give residents places to gather, access services and build community, while honoring a leader who has dedicated his life to fighting for his neighbors,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This is part of our broader commitment to invest in public housing and ensure every NYCHA resident has the home and community they deserve.”  

“The reopening of these important community spaces for Edenwald residents has been a long time coming, and is just a small piece of the work we are doing every day to invest in NYCHA communities and build a more affordable city. Through projects like the modernization of Edenwald Houses, we can deliver high-quality, renovated homes to NYCHA residents in the Bronx and across New York City,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. “Congratulations to the residents and the project teams who have made this day a reality!” 

“NYCHA communities deserve welcoming spaces where residents of all ages can connect, grow, and thrive,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “The reopening of the Edenwald Senior Center — named in honor of longtime Tenant Association President Walter J. McNeill in recognition of his dedication to this community — and the revitalization of the Community Center represent an important part of the broader investment in Edenwald Houses through the PACT program, ensuring that residents benefit not only from modernized homes and buildings, but also from the community resources that enrich their daily lives. We are proud to deliver these renewed spaces in partnership with Mayor Mamdani, our development partners, and the dedicated residents who call Edenwald Houses home.” 

“After 25 years of fighting to bring our senior center back, I am grateful to celebrate the ribbon-cutting at Edenwald’s community and senior centers—especially knowing how many of our seniors sheltered at home and suffered alone during COVID while the senior center was closed,” said Walter J. McNeill, Edenwald Tenant Association President. “As the largest NYCHA development in the Bronx, Edenwald deserves a place where our seniors can gather, stay connected, and be cared for, and seeing them regain that space is the proudest moment of my 33 years as Tenant Association president. I thank Camber, the PACT Partners, management, the general contractor, and our elected officials—especially Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who contributed so much to the senior center—for making this transformation possible.” 

The renovated senior center will feature a commercial kitchen, event space and computer lab along with expanded social services, including meals and transportation support from Regional Aid for Interim Needs (R.A.I.N.), a Bronx-based nonprofit. The community center, operated by Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, will provide youth programming, a new storefront and improved accessibility. The Susan Wagner Day Care received a modernized outdoor play area, new flooring and plumbing, accessibility upgrades and full lead paint abatement. 

These center reopenings are part of comprehensive renovations at Edenwald Houses, which serves nearly 5,000 residents across 2,035 apartments. Shaped by resident input and made possible through the PACT program, the broader modernization includes lead paint removal and mold remediation, mechanical system upgrades, heating and cooling improvements, enhanced security, new apartment interiors, free development-wide WiFi, extensive landscaping and outdoor amenities, among other investments outlined in the Edenwald Community Plan. 

NYCHA and a resident review committee selected the PACT partner team in 2021. Financing closed and construction began in 2023. 

Through PACT, NYCHA can access additional and more flexible federal funding to support comprehensive repairs and modernization while improving property management. The program has brought 170 NYCHA developments into predevelopment, construction or completed renovations, representing nearly $17 billion in capital repairs. NYCHA retains ownership of developments in the PACT program, and residents retain their rights, including permanent affordability and succession rights. 

In his first budget, Mayor Mamdani made the largest City investment in NYCHA in recent history. His administration’s housing plan, Block by Block, includes plans to address NYCHA’s major capital needs, reboot the Authority as a public developer, strengthen resident voice in decision-making and support economic mobility for NYCHA residents. 

“Thousands of Edenwald residents can once again connect through the newly reopened community, childcare, and senior centers, updated as part of critical infrastructure and modernization efforts across the campus. Members of the Edenwald community will benefit from this investment, as we know that shared spaces make for stronger communities. Thank you to the New York City Housing Authority, Permanent Affordability Commitment Together, the Mayor, and our leaders at City Hall for their efforts to reconnect this thriving community,” said U.S. Representative George Latimer.  

“The reopening of the Edenwald Community and Senior Centers is more than just the opening of its doors,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Cark E. Heastie. “This day marks a significant moment in history for the residents of this development, bringing hopes and aspirations to life. As renovations continue across the development, we will witness the power of public-private partnerships that assist everyday New Yorkers in navigating the affordable housing market. Edenwald, a landmark in the Northeast Bronx, will continue to undergo modernization, system upgrades, and more. This investment is a win for residents, the community, and the city. I would like to express my gratitude to my partners in government who helped move this project forward, Mayor Mamdani, Senator Bailey, and Councilman Riley, and a special thank you to Edenwald Tenant Association President, Walter McNeill for his unwavering dedication to his community and beyond.” 

“Reopening Edenwald’s Community and Senior Centers is a long overdue investment in the health, safety, and dignity of NYCHA residents,” said Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. “Providing Bronxites access to essential senior services, youth programming, social services, and modernized living spaces is necessary in the success of our neighbors. There have been far too many delays in this infrastructure but by completing these repairs we are providing necessary and basic community amenities. I thank Mayor Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, my colleagues in government, and community leaders taking action to revitalize NYCHA developments across our city and ensure working families have resources.”  

“The long-awaited reopening of the Edenwald Community Senior Center and Community Center marks a significant milestone for our Northeast Bronx community and our Edenwald Houses residents who have visited these centers for generations,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “For so many in our borough, community centers are the most accessible places to exercise, learn new skills, build community, relieve stress, and participate in programs that support long‑term success. With the completed renovations, made possible in part by invaluable resident input, these centers are now fully modernized, featuring amenities that will enhance the experiences of both our youth and older adults while honoring the legacy of our late great Tenant Association President, Walter J. McNeil. Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg, New York City Housing Authority CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Permanent Affordability Commitment Together partners Camber Property Group, Henge Development, and SAA | EVI, R.A.I.N. Homecare, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, and the Edenwald Tenant Association, who all played a pivotal role in the completion of these projects.”   

“Congratulations to Edenwald Houses on the reopening and renovation of our local senior center and community center. These spaces help meet our most basic needs while bringing neighbors together. These are places where residents can access support, build meaningful connections, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. Whether you’re a teenager, or a seenager, I am excited to welcome you back! Thank you to all the community partners who made this happen,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. 

“The $8.1 million renovations to the Edenwald Community and Senior Centers are an important component of the larger $783 million PACT modernization of the development, extending investment beyond residents’ apartments to the community spaces that bring people together,” said NYCHA Executive Vice President and Chief Real Estate Officer Heather Beck. “Through our partnership with Edenwald residents, we were able to prioritize the repairs to these community spaces and bring the Senior Center back online after decades of obsolescence. We thank the Mamdani administration; our PACT partners at Camber Property Group, Henge Development, and SAA | EVI; and most importantly the Edenwald Tenant Association and community, for their ongoing trust and partnership in making this vision a reality.” 

“The newly renovated Edenwald Senior Center will offer a community space for residents to receive vital services and gather with other residents of the Edenwald Houses,” said Rick Gropper, Founding Principal at Camber Property Group. “Spaces like these are crucial gathering spaces for senior residents, creating a place to connect with neighbors and gain access to on-site programming and resources that drastically improve the resident experience. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani and our partners for helping to revitalize this gathering space for the seniors of the Edenwald community.” 

“The transformation of Edenwald has always been about more than renovating apartments. It’s about meaningfully improving residents’ quality of life and ensuring they have access to the services and resources they need within their own community,” said Ayanna Oliver-Taylor, founder and principal of Henge Development. “After more than two decades, reopening the senior center restores an important part of community life at Edenwald and responds directly to a need residents identified throughout the planning process. Mr. McNeil’s leadership and advocacy have been instrumental throughout this process, and naming the center in his honor is a fitting recognition of his decades of service and commitment to the Edenwald community.” 

“Completing the substantial renovations at Edenwald is our starting point, our everyday mission and goal will be to support our residents by bringing resources and opportunities that allow them to thrive,” said Ernst Valery of EVI Equity. 

“We couldn’t be more excited for this major milestone to be realized and celebrated. A great moment for the community and residents of Edenwald,” said David Alexander of SAA. 

“Older adults centers are crucial for providing meals, critical services, and social connection for us as we age and keeping older New Yorkers in the communities they built.” said Allison Nickerson, Executive Director at LiveOn NY. “We’re thrilled to see that this center is available for the community again after 25 years, and applaud the city for using everything in its toolbox to ensure that the affordable housing and community spaces we need to age in dignity will be available to us all.”

Mayor Mamdani Triples City’s Commitment to Speed-Limiting Technology in City Vehicles 

City will retrofit 2,000 additional vehicles, expanding the nation’s largest intelligent speed assistance fleet to 3,000 vehicles

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul Announce Groundbreaking of $35.7 Million Project to Fight Flooding in Harlem and East Harlem and Save Drinking Water in Central Park   

Central Park project will divert 132 million gallons of water from local sewers and conserve 175 million gallons of drinking water annually

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul and Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Betsy Smith today announced the groundbreaking of the North End Recirculation Project, a $35.7 million investment to reduce flooding in Harlem and East Harlem while conserving the city’s vital drinking water supply.

The project will modernize stormwater management in northern Central Park and ease pressure on the combined sewer system serving the park and surrounding neighborhoods during heavy rainfall. The new recirculation system will also reduce the park’s reliance on the city’s drinking water supply to replenish three water bodies: the Pool, the Loch and the Harlem Meer. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

The project is funded through a combination of City, State and private support, including more than $19.6 million in New York City Capital funding — $14.2 million of which is from NYC DEP — and a $10 million Green Resiliency Grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC) funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The project also includes $2 million from New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, $500,000 from Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, $100,000 from Council Member Gale Brewer and $3.5 million in funding contributed by Central Park Conservancy donors.

“Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe rainfall to our city. So far this year, we’ve spent one in three days under a flash flood activation,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We are investing in infrastructure that protects New Yorkers during extreme weather while conserving the resources we all depend on. In Central Park, that means turning three beloved water bodies into part of a massive recirculation system that can conserve our drinking water on dry days and protect our neighborhoods from flooding when storms hit. This $35.7 million investment will make our city more resilient, help stretch our water supply further and keep our communities safer.”

“While Washington Republicans continue to deny climate change and cut essential federal disaster funding, we in New York recognize the devastating impacts severe weather is having on our communities,” said Governor Hochul. “I championed New York’s Environmental Bond Act because protecting New Yorkers from the growing threats of extreme weather requires us to make smart, forward-looking investments. This project shows what that commitment looks like in action by protecting Central Park for generations to come, safeguarding the surrounding communities in Harlem and East Harlem and improving water quality.”

“Central Park is one of New York City’s most treasured public spaces and a vital part of our city’s ecosystem,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “I am proud to allocate $2 million toward this historic project to modernize and expand the city’s largest water circulation system, helping to reduce flooding in Harlem and East Harlem during major storms while strengthening our water infrastructure and bolstering climate resilience. I look forward to continuing the City Council’s strong partnership with the Central Park Conservancy for years to come.”

“The North End Recirculation Project is just another example of the smart stormwater management efforts that DEP and our partners are undertaking across the city,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “By giving Central Park more control over these water bodies, we’re conserving valuable water supply, reducing the volume of stormwater to help mitigate flooding during heavy rains, enhancing water quality and strengthening the park’s ability to prepare for intense storms. DEP is proud to partner with the Central Park Conservancy, NYC Parks and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation on this important project.”

“This is the kind of work that most people will never see but is essential to the future of Central Park and its surrounding neighborhoods,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “The North End Recirculation System is our most ambitious infrastructure project to date. It addresses a fundamental civic challenge: how we manage water more responsibly in one of the City’s most important public spaces. By conserving drinking water, managing stormwater during and after major storms and improving water quality, we are creating a system that will benefit the Park and surrounding communities for generations to come. This project is only possible because of the extraordinary partnership among the Conservancy, the City, the State and our philanthropic supporters.”

“Resilience doesn’t happen by chance; it takes leadership, investment and action,” said NYS EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman. “This $10 million Green Resiliency Grant is putting that commitment to work in Harlem. By making critical stormwater infrastructure more affordable and achievable, Governor Hochul is reducing flood risk, protecting our waterways and helping build a stronger, more resilient New York. This is how we turn State investment and partnership with New York City and local governments into real protection for our communities across the state.”

“Central Park is not only one of New York City’s most treasured public spaces, but also an important part of our city’s environmental infrastructure,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “The North End Recirculation Project is an investment that will help protect surrounding neighborhoods from flooding, conserve our drinking water and improve the health of the park’s waterways. This ambitious effort will strengthen Central Park’s resilience to a changing climate while ensuring this vital public space can be enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers to come.”

“When communities help lead infrastructure planning, we can build projects that protect New Yorkers and the places they call home from extreme weather,” said NYC Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. “Through Climate Strong Communities, the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice worked with East Harlem residents, WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Community Board 11 to identify how their neighborhood should handle heavy rain. Together with our partners at DEP, NYC Parks and the Central Park Conservancy, we secured a $10 million State investment in the North End Recirculation Project, which, once complete, will mean fewer flooded streets and more drinking water saved.”

The North End Recirculation Project will recirculate and filter water among the Harlem Meer, the Loch and the Pool. During dry weather, water will be diverted from the Meer and pumped south of the Pool before flowing back through the system by gravity. When a major storm is forecast, the system will lower the Meer’s water level in advance, creating capacity to capture incoming rainfall. As the storm arrives, rainwater will naturally refill the Meer and the other water bodies. Once conditions return to normal, the system will resume its regular recirculation process.

The project is expected to keep approximately 132 million gallons of water out of local sewers annually. The system will manage stormwater across a 204‑acre park watershed in Central Park, reducing stormwater flows to City sewers by 90%.

The recirculation system will also conserve an estimated 175 million gallons of potable water annually by reducing Central Park’s reliance on the City’s drinking water supply, which right now is the primary water source for the Harlem Meer, Loch and the Pool. The project will improve water quality in those three water bodies and reduce harmful algal blooms that thrive during warmer months.

The project has earned support from all five community boards surrounding Central Park. The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewed the project as part of its oversight of the park’s designated scenic landmark status and issued an advisory report in support. The NYC Public Design Commission granted final design approval in December 2024.

The system of water bodies in Central Park’s north end is one of the Park’s defining landscape features. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the Pool, Loch and Harlem Meer were constructed as an interconnected water system between 1862 and 1865.

The North End Recirculation System continues the Conservancy’s transformation of the Park’s north end. In 2025, the Conservancy opened the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, replacing the former Lasker Rink and Pool with a year-round recreation center integrated into the Park’s landscape and re-establishing the historic watercourse running from the Ravine into the Meer. The Conservancy continues to restore the Harlem Meer Shoreline, with the latest section connecting the Davis Center to the Conservatory Garden recently starting construction.

“Water management is increasingly important at both the macro and micro levels, including the nine water bodies in Central Park,” said State Senator Cordell Cleare. “This project has significant conservation, public health and environmental benefits; thus, I fully support it.”

“The North End Recirculation Project is a significant investment in climate resilience, water conservation and stormwater management,” said State Senator José M Serrano. “As the Senator proudly representing the 29th Senate District, I commend the efforts of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Central Park Conservancy and partnering agencies for advancing this vital infrastructure project in Central Park, which will strengthen water management systems and benefit surrounding communities, including East Harlem. As a proud supporter of the Harlem Meer Shoreline Project, I am encouraged to see these complementary initiatives working toward shared goals of improving water quality, strengthening environmental resilience and ensuring our communities have healthier and more sustainable public spaces.”

“The North End Recirculation Project will conserve water, improve stormwater management and make Central Park and the surrounding neighborhoods of Harlem and East Harlem more resilient to climate change,” said Council Member Yusef Salaam. “I commend the Mayor and the Central Park Conservancy on this investment.”

Mayor Mamdani Unveils Major Safety Overhaul of Third Avenue in Sunset Park 

Redesign will transform 2.1 miles of one of Brooklyn’s most dangerous streets, with protected bike lanes, shorter crossings and safer intersections 

Project will address a corridor where 17 people have been killed over the past decade, including nurse Jiayi Zheng

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today unveiled plans to redesign 2.1 miles of Third Avenue in Brooklyn, making it safer to cross, reducing speeding and reckless driving and creating protected space for cyclists.  

The redesign will overhaul one of Brooklyn’s most dangerous streets, where 17 people have died over the past decade. Those deaths include nurse Jiayi Zheng, who was killed in a hit-and-run in August.  

“We know what keeps New Yorkers safe on our streets: calmer intersections, shorter crossings, protected bike lanes and ambitious redesigns that put people first,” said Mayor Mamdani. “17 people have lost their lives along this corridor in a decade. That cannot continue. Starting next year, we will transform Third Avenue to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. And across this city, we will redesign our most dangerous streets over the next three years. Preventable traffic deaths are not inevitable, and we will not accept them as the price of getting around our city.”  

“Too many New Yorkers have lost their lives simply trying to navigate Brooklyn’s Third Avenue. After years of delays, this administration will complete a comprehensive redesign of one of Brooklyn’s most dangerous streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “This administration is being proactive with street safety. As we announced in our new Vision Zero action plan, we will ensure all of the city’s most dangerous streets will receive safety improvements over the next three years because we cannot wait for the next tragedy to strike.” 

Starting in 2027, NYC DOT will redesign 2.1 miles of Third Avenue, from 62nd Street to 20th Street, with new pedestrian islands, redesigned intersections and barrier-protected bike lanes in both directions along the center median. Similar redesigns have been shown to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries among all road users by 30%. 

Third Avenue is currently 150 feet wide and, along much of the corridor, has six moving lanes, two parking lanes and a 52-foot-wide center median. Pedestrians must cross the equivalent of half of a football field just to get from one side of the avenue to the other.  

The proposed redesign will use the new pedestrian islands and sidewalk and median extensions to cut the distance people must travel across moving traffic by up to half.   

NYC DOT will also install a two-way, parking-protected bike lane on 60th Street between Second and Fourth avenues. The project will improve safety near two schools and connect Fourth Avenue’s protected bike lanes and the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway on Second Avenue. 

The redesign will be delivered in phases: 

• 2027: Work will begin on Third Avenue between 62nd and 43rd streets and on 60th Street between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue.  

• 2028: NYC DOT will redesign Third Avenue between 43rd and 20th streets.  

The City will explore future phases extending the redesign to Third Avenue between 62nd and 65th streets and north of Prospect Avenue to Carroll Street in Gowanus. NYC DOT will also redesign Third Avenue’s medians to establish safer, more orderly vehicle parking with metered spaces. 

The redesign builds on Mayor Mamdani’s release last month of Vision Zero Reimagined, a 10-year blueprint for street safety. The comprehensive, citywide plan commits to complete safety treatments on all untreated Vision Zero priority corridors — the city’s most dangerous streets — over the next three years, alongside more than 100 additional policies to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries and unlock the full potential of New York City’s streets. 

“Today, we’re finally responding to the pleas of Sunset Park neighbors who have suffered through year after year of preventable tragedies on Third Avenue,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “You don’t have to be a traffic engineer to know this street is dangerous — you just have to try to walk across it. But crossing the street shouldn’t mean putting your life at risk. Now, we’re taking action to make Third Avenue truly safe for everyone who uses it, no matter how they get around. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani and NYCDOT for this crucial work.” 

“Third Avenue has been a source of tremendous fear and grief for our community over recent years. This responsive plan will be a major step towards improving street safety in Sunset Park,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés. “The redesign will start at the most problematic portion of the Avenue, ensuring that local students and families will be able to cross the street with ease of mind. I am excited to see this full project come to fruition and grateful to the Mayor and those at the Department of Transportation for prioritizing the needs of our community.” 

“Third Avenue is an important part of our community, with schools, healthcare facilities, local businesses and families who rely on this corridor every day,” said Cynthia Felix-Jeffers, Chair, Brooklyn Community Board 7. “Making it safer is about protecting our children, our neighbors and everyone who walks, works and travels along this avenue. We appreciate Mayor Mamdani, our elected officials and City agency partners for listening to our community, valuing our concerns and working alongside us toward safer streets for everyone. Brooklyn Community Board 7 will continue working alongside our neighbors and city agency partners to advocate for improvements that make Third Avenue safer for everyone who calls our community home.” 

“We couldn’t be happier that Third Avenue in Sunset Park will finally be safe,” said Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, Executive Co-Chair of Families for Safe Streets New York. “This is a significant milestone for everyone who lives here or works here or just travels through the neighborhood. We want to thank the Mamdani administration for listening to the community, especially all of the Sunset Park schools, who came out and repeatedly demanded better. Lives will be saved because of this redesign.” 

“Jiayi Zheng’s loss was a terrible tragedy for her family and our community. We are grateful to the Mayor and the Department of Transportation for prioritizing the redesign of the Third Avenue corridor,” said Bret J. Rudy, MD, Executive Vice President and Anne N. Chenault Chief of Hospital Operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. “The safety of our patients, staff, visitors and all who live and work in this neighborhood is of paramount importance. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city and community to advance meaningful safety improvements.” 

“The human toll of traffic crashes along 3rd Avenue has been devastating, and the city’s commitment to a safety-focused redesign in very welcome news,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC. “3rd Avenue has been the textbook definition of a traffic sewer, and we look forward to a future in which safety of vulnerable users is first and foremost on the avenue.”