Research Center To Focus On Ecosystem, Climate Change Around Jamaica Bay

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined federal officials Monday to announce plans for a new research center focusing on the ecosystem around Jamaica Bay.

The Science and Resilience Institute will be operated by a consortium led by the City University of New York.

The institute will promote a better understanding of urban ecosystems and how residents in nearby communities interact with the environment.

"Jamaica Bay is one of the greatest natural treasures any city has within its borders, and our Administration is working hard to make the bay an even greater, stronger, and more resilient natural resource for decades to come," Mayor Bloomberg said in a news release. "The new consortium we're announcing today is an all-star team of research institutions and non-profits who will do important work to protect and preserve urban ecosystems from development and from the effects of climate change."

An October symposium will be held to discuss urban resilience in an era of climate change.

There are about 10,000 acres of federal and city-owned parks in and around Jamaica Bay, which borders Brooklyn and Queens.

Officials also announced a public-private partnership to study development of Jamaica Bay-area parklands and waters.

Bloomberg made the announcement Monday with U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan.

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