Check out this great Greenway News!
For years, local elected officials, advocates and community members have both dreamt of a pedestrian path that runs along the Hudson River shoreline in the northwest Bronx. Now, thanks to the help of funding secured by Senator Klein in this year’s state budget, that vision is one step closer to a reality.
The recent injection of funding, totaling $250,000, will go toward a new study to determine the feasibility of expanding the current path along the Hudson River and closing the nearly three mile-long gap between the Bronx and Westchester that has left many local residents up in arms.
The new study will examine the stabilization of the Hudson River’s embankment in Riverdale and include the development of several design alternatives as well as the selection of the final trail design.
“Riverdale residents have waited too long for a permanent greenway in their community,” said Klein.
“Once again, The Bronx is getting left behind. Construction on multiple waterfront parks in Manhattan has been undertaken in recent years. Residents of the northwest Bronx deserve the opportunity to take full advantage of all the Hudson River has to offer and the chance to enjoy the sweeping vistas of the Palisades,” he continued.
Last year, the New York Metropolitan Transit Council submitted a greenway plan to Community Board #8 which detailed their vision for a trail path that ran through the streets of Riverdale – creating ample pedestrian traffic – and giving users a view of the Hudson, but leaving them far removed from the actual shoreline.
Senator Klein’s study is markedly different. The funding will be used to determine a workable trail design that provides users with direct access to the river.
What’s more, the new funding will provide MTA officials with a formal plan for construction of a trail path in harmony with the site’s existing Metro-North and Amtrak tracks.
The Hudson River Greenway Study is slated to begin in 2016 – with many advocates and community groups excitedly awaiting its completion.
“Community Board #8 appreciates Senator Klein’s work in getting the funding to complete this study. It’s an important step in moving forward with the Greenway along the Hudson River,” said Board #8 Chairman Dan Padernacht.