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| Message from the Chairman
We will be issuing Newsletters from
time to time to keep you informed of what we are doing
and items of general interest. In this time of City
and State budget problems, it is up to private citizens
and private groups to redouble their efforts to preserve
and enhance our environment and natural resources. Let
us hear from you. How do you like the Newsletter? What
issues are important to you? Working together, we can
make a difference!
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| Don Cohn |
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Riverdale's Roots
This is the first of a multi-part look at the history of preservation
efforts in Riverdale, as told by Gil Kerlin. Mr. Kerlin is a long-time
resident of
Riverdale. He was a founding member of the Riverdale Community Planning
Association and Wave Hill, he reactivated the Riverdale Nature Preservancy,
and is chairman of the Riverdale Sanitation Corporation. Mr. Kerlin's
tale reaches back to the early 1900's, and the need for preservation
of the character of Riverdale was recognized even before his story
begins.
(continued on
page 2)
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The RNP at Work
Today
As the prime protector of the Riverdale Special Natural Area District,
the Riverdale Nature Preservancy studies, creates, and lobbies for
( or against), various plans, projects, and decisions which affect
our area's environment and its unique neighborhood qualities.
There are a number of important issues facing our community this year,
addressing land use, zoning, parks and recreation, beautification,
and environmental conservation.
The Chapel Farm property, located at the northern edge of Fieldston,
is the last privately-owned forest in New York City. A major residential
development is being considered for this site. We have galvanized
the interest of major environmental and preservation organizations
in preserving the property as permanent open space and are taking
the lead in working toward that goal.
We are directly involved in the design and implementation of a new
waterfront park at the Riverdale Metro-North Station. The objective
of the park is to provide access to and encourage the passive enjoyment
of the Hudson River. Construction is to be concurrent with a significant
renovation of the station, slated for completion in October 2004.
The RNP is working with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
on the extension of the Hudson River
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Valley Greenway trail through
the northwest Bronx. We support the development of the Old Putnam
Rail Line, from the Harlem River to Westchester, as the broadest-based
and most accessible recreational corridor within the Greenway. Conversely,
we oppose the creation of a semi-paved bike trail through Riverdale
Park as contrary to its wild and natural qualities. The text of our
recent statement to the Department is included in this newsletter.
We are taking the lead in opposing modifications to the Henry Hudson
Parkway that are incompatible with the original design and intent
of the Parkway, and in restoring its parkland verge as a natural buffer.
We continue to fund research for and work with Community Board 8 on
a 197-a Plan. The Plan will be a blueprint for future land use and
zoning in Bronx Community District 8.
We worked with the Parks Department and New York Tree Trust to create
14 new Greenstreets and plant numerous street trees in Riverdale last
year. We scrutinize development proposals to minimize the loss of
tree cover and the additon of impervious surfaces.
These are only some of the issues facing Riverdale, the Bronx, and
the City as a whole. The Riverdale Nature Preservancy was founded
to protect the special nature of our community, and we continue that
work today.
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On March 14, 2002, Community
Board 8 held a public hearing on a proposal by the NYC Department
of Parks and Recreation to create a bicycle path through a portion
of Riverdale Park. The proposal is part of a continuing effort
by the Parks Department to identify a route for the Bronx portion
of the Hudson River Valley Greenway trail.
 The
Hudson River Valley Greenway is a state-sponsored project to
make accessible and provide information about the natural, cultural,
historic, and scenic resources of the Valley, from Troy, NY
to Manhattan's Battery Park. The project includes creation of
a trail connecting these resources. In New York City, the Department
of Parks and Recreation and other city agencies are responsible
for designing and building the trail. However, under the program,
they are to be guided by the recommendations of a citizen's
committee. In 1998, the Bronx Advisory Committee to the Hudson
River Valley Greenway submitted its study and recommendations
to the state greenway office and the
Parks Department. The Riverdale Nature Preservancy was represented
on that committee by Paul Elston, then chairman. The resolution
included in the 135-page report stated, in part, that "the
Committee does not support designating a bicycle route through
any portion of Riverdale Park". The Riverdale Nature Preservancy
strongly supports the development of the Old Putnam Rail Line
as an alternative bikeway and nature trail. |
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