For more than three decades, Lowey served the people of Westchester County in the United States House of Representatives, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for the communities she represented and a powerful voice on behalf of families, children, environmental protection, health care, education and critical federal investments.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Nita Lowey dedicated her life to public service and to making life better for the people she represented. Her impact can be seen and felt throughout Westchester County, not only in the investments and initiatives she championed, but in the example she set as a leader of integrity, compassion and determination. It is fitting that this beautiful public space at Kensico Dam Plaza now carries her name and will serve as a lasting reminder of an extraordinary public servant and an extraordinary Westchester resident.”

United States Senator Chuck Schumer said: “Nita Lowey was a happy warrior for the people of Westchester. A history-maker as the first woman to chair the powerful Appropriations Committee, she delivered billions to support education, affordable healthcare, women’s rights, and better roads, bridges, and water systems. She was passionate and compassionate and worked across the aisle to get things done for the people of the Hudson Valley and beyond – from the Violence Against Women Act to expanding access to Head Start for millions. I was extremely fortunate to call Congresswoman Lowey a colleague and, above all, a dear friend. Establishing the Rep. Nita Lowey Community Green in Valhalla is a fitting tribute to an amazing person.”

United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Nita was not only my colleague for many years, but she was also a close friend who exemplified persistence and compassion. She loved our nation and had a passion for public service that never wavered throughout her 32 years in office. Throughout her career, Nita broke barriers that changed the course of our state and improved her community. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, her decisions and leadership helped get critical infrastructure projects completed and money into the pockets of New Yorkers. This community green, dedicated in her honor, will help ensure Nita’s service to our country will never be forgotten.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer. She fought tirelessly to protect and advance the rights of New Yorkers and paved the way for women in political office serving in leadership positions. The dedication of this beautiful green space will stand as a testament to her service to the state and country in fighting for women’s rights, affordable housing, childcare, and the environment. I am proud to honor her incredible legacy, and hope that she will continue to inspire every visitor to Kensico Dam Plaza.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said: “Congresswoman Lowey passionately fought for New Yorkers and her district for more than 30 years. Her deep understanding of government, finances, foreign policy and so much more is reflected in her extraordinary record of achievements. Her commitment to public service was truly exceptional, and her fierce advocacy and strong voice are missed. I am so happy that she is receiving this recognition and we can celebrate her legacy.”

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey dedicated her life to serving the people of Westchester and making our community, our state, and our nation stronger. She was a role model, a mentor, and a friend, and her legacy continues to inspire all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. It is especially meaningful to see her honored in a space where families, neighbors, and community members can come together. The Nita M. Lowey Community Green is a tribute to her extraordinary life, and a reminder of the generations of people she touched through her service.”

New York State Senator Pete Harckham said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer and a champion for Hudson Valley communities throughout her three decades of service in Congress, giving a voice to the voiceless and helping uplift and empower people in their lives. She was a friend and mentor to me and countless others and exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. Thank you to Westchester County and County Executive Ken Jenkins for this fitting dedication to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable woman.”

New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was an extraordinary public servant and a true role model for all of us in public life. I always admired her intelligence and integrity, as well as her ability to work across the aisle to get things done. She was always available and accessible to me and the people who needed her, which was truly appreciated. She was deeply committed to the ideals of public service and to making a difference in the lives of the people she represented, which are values I’ve always tried to embrace in my own work. Nita was a role model for women in politics, and really for all elected officials. It is wonderful to see her legacy honored with the Nita M. Lowey Community Green, a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.”

New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said: “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and someone I was fortunate to know and work with. As a woman who broke barriers throughout her career, she helped open doors for generations of women who followed her into public service. I am grateful to see her memory honored here in Westchester, and I hope the Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green serves as a lasting reminder of her leadership, her love for this community, and the importance of ensuring every voice is represented at the table of governance.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “Nita Lowey was an extraordinary public servant who genuinely connected with the people and communities she served. I was fortunate to know Nita for many years and deeply appreciated her encouragement and support. No matter how busy she was or who approached her, Nita was warm, down-to-earth and accessible. It is especially fitting that her name will now grace a beautiful public space that is open and welcoming to everyone, just as she was.”

New York State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg said: “Nancy Pelosi once said of Nita Lowey that she sought to find common ground where she could and stood her ground when she could not. The dedication of these grounds – shared space where local residents can relax and reconnect – is in keeping with her legacy. Nita Lowey spent decades pursuing legislation to improve the health and quality of life of all Americans, but especially those of us who were lucky enough to be represented by her. This community green will also help promote the health and well-being of our community, in her honor.”

New York State Assemblyman Steve Otis said: “For those of us Nita represented, she served with determination and dedication, fighting for critical funding for New York State and successfully bringing in resources regardless of who held the majority in the House. To the nation, Nita will always be remembered as a trailblazing leader whose skill and effective service brought breakthrough after breakthrough to benefit the environment, women’s rights, education, childcare, and public health. We honor Nita and recognize her special place in American history with this dedication today.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey’s District Director Patricia Keegan said: “Thank you to Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for dedicating this beautiful site as the Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green. Throughout her 32 years in the House of Representatives, Nita set a high standard for public service.  She listened to her constituents’ concerns, helped solved their problems and partnered with them to make our communities even better places to live, work and play. May the Community Green – a free, accessible park for celebrations of our country’s democracy and our residents’ cultures as well as quiet walks at every season of the year – inspire all of us to carry on her work of helping our neighbors and protecting our democracy.”

New York State Assemblymember Chris Burdick said: “Our sincere tributes to Nita Lowey can only pale in comparison to her monumental accomplishments. Decades ahead of her time, she successfully advanced women’s rights and healthcare, medical research, education, and environmental protection—and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. Her extraordinary legacy is an inspiration to us all.”

Lowey represented parts of Westchester County in Congress from 1989 through her retirement in 2021. During her 32 years in the House of Representatives, she rose to become Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, becoming the first woman in congressional history to hold the position. She died March 15, 2025.

Throughout her career, Lowey fought to bring federal resources home to Westchester and the region while championing issues of national and international significance. Her leadership helped strengthen local communities, protect the environment, support public transportation, expand access to health care and education, and improve the lives of children and families.

The newly dedicated United States Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green created a permanent tribute at one of Westchester County’s most recognizable and beloved public spaces. The Community Green will ensure that Lowey’s contributions to Westchester, and the example she set through a lifetime devoted to public service, will be remembered for generations to come.

BCW President Marsha Gordon was very pleased to attend. “Congresswoman Lowey was one of Westchester’s distinguished public servants, an incredibly influential national leader and an ardent supporter of business, community, education and was a champion for our communities, especially women, children and families. On behalf of the members of the Business Council of Westchester, we are so pleased to see this lasting tribute to her at our beloved Kensico Dam. It was thrilling to hear President Clinton’s inspirational tribute to her great work and skillful leadership.” Congresswoman Lowey was a devoted public servant whose selfless, effective leadership and commitment to Westchester County and the Nation touched countless lives. May her legacy of service continue to inspire future generations.