Dear Friends, 

Last week, six appropriations bills were combined into one, including funding for the Department of Homeland Security. While I supported many of the provisions of the various funding bills, I could not in good conscience vote to give one more penny to ICE. I, therefore, voted against the bill.

However, I wanted to let you know about several provisions of the bill that provide direct funding to New York City. I worked hard to get these projects into the bill, and they will greatly improve the lives of New Yorkers. They will improve accessibility, preserve history, upgrade affordable housing, and modernize our parks across Manhattan. I am proud to have fought for and secured this funding, especially at a time when the Trump Administration threatens New York at every turn.

The bill includes ten Community Project Funding requests. They are: 

$250,000 to modernize the Roosevelt Island Tram through structural upgrades, improved accessibility features, and enhanced safety systems, ensuring continued reliable transit service.  

$500,000 to revitalize play spaces and outdoor learning areas at the Joan of Arc Educational Complex, thereby enhancing the educational and recreational infrastructure for students and neighborhood families.   

$850,000 to repair and improve pedestrian pathways throughout Central Park, enhancing safety, accessibility, and infrastructure resilience in one of the nation’s most visited public parks.   

$850,000 to reconstruct and modernize Seabury Playground, addressing safety and accessibility issues to create a resilient, inclusive recreational space for Upper East Side families.  

$850,000 to construct a new ADA-accessible entrance at West 16th Street, ensuring equitable access to the High Line for all visitors and enhancing mobility at a major public park and cultural destination.  

$850,000 to rehabilitate restroom facilities across Hudson River Park, improving cleanliness, safety, and accessibility for millions of annual park visitors.   

$1,200,000 to replace outdated elevators at the Harborview Terrace NYCHA complex. This upgrade is essential to ensure safe, accessible, and reliable service for residents, especially seniors and individuals with disabilities.  

$2,000,000 to renovate Ralph Bunche Park to improve accessibility, safety, and usability. The renovation will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for residents, workers, and visitors in Midtown East. 

$2,000,000 to upgrade and preserve affordable housing at the Thomas Apartments. Planned improvements include modernization of critical building systems, enhanced living conditions, and preservation of long-term affordability for low-income residents. 

$3,150,000 to restore and preserve the historic Swedish Cottage in Central Park. The revitalization includes improving the building's accessibility and modernizing its electrical wiring.   

More information about FY2026 Community Project Funding requests can be found here. 

Sincerely,

JERROLD NADLER

Member of Congress