Sanders Supports Mayor's Investment in Revitalization of Rockaways

February 4, 2016

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village) today applauded Mayor Bill de Blasio, for allocating tens of millions of dollars in city funding to revitalize the Rockaways, something the Mayor will discuss further during his State of the City address.

The Rockaways have been experiencing economic stress for years, even before the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy and this newly allocated money could be used to increase economic development, repair deteriorating infrastructure and activate long-abandoned sites.

Last year after the Mayor made a commitment to assisting the Rockaways, Council Member Donovan Richards created the Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group, an advisory board made up of elected officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, who made a series of recommendations regarding changes they believe would benefit the community.

In a letter addressed to the Mayor in January 2016, they outlined their goals and recommendations. Among the ideas presented were: the redevelopment of the shopping area in the heart of Downtown Rockaway; the strengthening of retail corridors to attract new and diverse businesses; and the redevelopment of the NYC DOT bus turnaround and municipal lot to include housing, retail and community services, while maintaining bus service.

“Rockaway has a lot of untapped potential, and I am glad to see that the Mayor recognizes that, has listened to our voices, and is providing an opportunity to make an enormous difference in enhancing the vibrancy and vitality of this community,” Sanders said. “As an elected official that represents most of the Rockaways, and as a person who calls this area home, I am looking forward to the growth and prosperity that lies ahead, as well as to be able to assist in building on that foundation. I would like to thank Council Member Richards for his leadership as well as everyone who participated in the Rockaway Working Group."

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