Rep. Velázquez Presents Over $1 Million in Federal Funding for Workforce Development and Infrastructure in East New York 

BROOKLYN, NY — Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) presented two Community Project Funding checks totaling $1,100,000 for projects serving the East New York and City Line communities, delivering federal investments in immigrant workforce development and public infrastructure.
 
At the first event, Velazquez presented a $250,000 check to Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services (BACDYS) to support workforce development, adult literacy classes, skills training, career development, after-school tutoring, and intervention services for justice-involved residents across Brooklyn and Queens. This is the second time Velazquez has secured Community Project Funding for the organization.
 
Founded to support first-generation Bangladeshi newcomers, BACDYS now serves the broader East New York community including individuals from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The organization provides wraparound services to low-income residents, including housing and food assistance, adult education, youth programs, immigration services, small business support, and public benefits enrollment.
 
“I have witnessed firsthand the essential role that BACDYS plays in improving the lives of our immigrant friends and neighbors,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Now more than ever, it is imperative that we rally behind immigrant service providers like BACDYS. In the face of unprecedented challenges, these organizations serve as beacons of hope, resilience, and empowerment for our immigrant communities.”
 
“BACDYS was founded to serve our immigrant community, and this funding allows us to continue that mission. From adult literacy to workforce development to services for justice-involved residents, these programs change lives. We thank Congresswoman Velazquez for her continued investment in our work and for standing with immigrant communities when it matters most.” - Herb Reigner, Executive Director, BACDYS
 
At the second event, Velazquez presented an $850,000 check to the New York City Department of Transportation for the permanent construction of Liberty Avenue Plaza at the intersection of Liberty Avenue, 101st Avenue, and Drew Street. The project will transform underused roadway into a vibrant public gathering space and reconfigure traffic circulation to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
 
“This federal investment is about more than infrastructure. It is about bringing resources directly back to the community, improving daily life for residents, the business corridor, and families,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for public plazas and community-centered spaces. This is what federal investment should look like: targeted, community-driven, and impactful.”
  
“I commend Congresswoman Velázquez for her longstanding dedication and continued fight for the communities in Council District 37,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “The $1.1 million she secured guarantees that BACDYS will continue critical community development work and advance a new vision for Liberty Avenue Plaza. I’m grateful for her commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of City Line as part of her legacy.”
 
“When we invest in world-class plazas and public spaces, we’re investing in gathering places where neighbors connect and as a result, communities prosper,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Thank you Congresswoman Velazquez.  With this support, the upgrade of Liberty Avenue Plaza will enhance street safety and bring an enriching, dynamic public space to City Line and East New York.” 
 
“Liberty Avenue Plaza is the heart of our community. This federal investment will give families and local businesses a real gathering space they can be proud of. We are grateful to Congresswoman Velazquez for fighting for this funding and for showing up for the people of City Line and Ozone Park.” - Khairul Islam Kukon, Board Member, City Line Ozone Park Business Association
 
The two projects are among 13 Community Project Funding initiatives that Velazquez secured in the FY2026 spending package, totaling over $15.5 million for New York's 7th District.
 
For pictures from the events, click here.