Newssletter: Winter 2003

Annual Meeting (continued)
Charlie Cohn presented the status of the new park on the Hudson River at the Riverdale Metro-North station. The park is being created as part of extensive renovations at the station and is a cooperative effort of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the MTA. Due in part to the efforts of the Preservancy, an 80-foot fishing pier was removed from an early park design and a promenade along the River's shore was added. The overpass and platforms, including an elevator for the disabled, are due to be completed in Autumn 2003, and the park in late 2004.

The Preservancy promotes passive enjoyment of the River and will help ensure that the various authorities define their respective responsibilities for safety, security and maintenance.
Hilary Kitasei described the Preservancy's Henry Hudson Parkway Scenic Byway effort, covered more fully elsewhere in this newsletter. The audience raised questions concerning signage, median design, sound barriers, rock stability, and the feasibility of replanting flowers and trees along the Parkway. Dr. Paul Mankiewicz of the Gaia Institute spoke about the costs and benefits of restoring the soils
and planting along the highway
and the potential to save millions

of dollars in stormwater management costs.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz expressed particular interest in the Hudson River park, especially in light of his efforts with former State Senator Franz Leichter to have NYC included in the Hudson River Valley Greenway. Councilman Oliver Koppell, who is on the City Council's Land Use Committee, noted that the Community Board's 197-a Plan must be followed by a rezoning action, and that it is not too early to begin that process.
After the public session, board members held a short business meeting to elect officers and directors. The full slate was reelected unanimously.