Minutes from January 2025 (draft)- abridged

Chair’s Report
Stewards of Brust Park: Stewards of Brust Park has announced that they are no longer in operation. They have been caring for Brust Park since 2008 when they first started mowing the lower park. If you are interested in organizing cleanups in this park, particularly in the fall when leaves are on the ground, please contact the board office or visit the Partnership for Parks website to learn about volunteer opportunities and training.

Reports of Asbestos in Van Cortlandt Park Handball Courts: We had several members of the community reach out to us because of concerns about suspected asbestos at the handball courts. We contacted the Bronx Parks Commissioner’s office and Commissioner Aponte has assured us that there is no publicly accessible area in the Van Cortlandt Park stadium facility with asbestos.

Jerome Park Reservoir Sedgwick Avenue Trees: The board office and Parks Committee chair had a site visit December 3rd with Gregory Haber, the Deputy Director of Bronx Forestry regarding the health and ongoing tree replacement of the pin oaks around the Jerome Park Reservoir on Sedgwick Avenue. The Forestry Unit recently removed seven dying trees in order to reduce the risk of large branches falling or full tree failure. Many of the pin oaks along Sedgwick Avenue have a fungus which has shortened their lifespan. Forestry intends to replace the trees which were removed soon. We have reached out to the unit responsible for replacement to get a timeline. Forestry plans to remove a similar number of mature trees along Sedgwick Avenue each year for the foreseeable future until they feel confident that all remaining trees are healthy.

Seton Park Adult Fitness Area and Skate Park: the January 21st ribbon cutting for this new facility was cancelled due to ice. It is now open to the public to enjoy

 

Vital Parks For All Funding: At our last meeting, the Parks Department made a presentation on the new Vital Parks for All initiative which stated that $169.5m is being allocated to the Bronx in new capital spending. We asked if any was allocated to Bronx District 8. Alberto Milan, at Parks got back to us and stated that our district did not receive any of this money as it was allocated to communities that are part of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. In our district, Parks considers the following allocations to be part of this program:

• Growing Greenways: $133m to the Tibbetts Brook Daylighting

• Growing Greenspace: $11.2m for the West 236th Street Access Easement to Tibbett’s-

• Putnam Greenway

• Let’s Swim: $19.95m to Van Cortlandt Pool

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Fort Four Missing Trees: In October the committee inquired as to why there were boulders instead of trees in the tree pits in Fort Four Playground. We subsequently learned that three trees were scheduled to be planted as part of the restroom capital project. Instead of planting new trees, Parks attempted to move three existing trees and killed them. The boulders were placed on the tree pits where the three trees were removed. Parks has since planted the replacement trees near the restroom and all of the other trees in Fort Four have been re-planted. Fort Four looks great and we look forward to seeing the new trees in the spring.
 

Wave Hill Internship Opportunity for Students and Educators: Wave Hill has paid internships for high school students and a paid mentorship for a science researcher to guide them on a project as part of their Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship. The deadline to apply is February 28th. Please visit wavehill.org to learn more.

DISCUSSION - Harlem River-Putnam Greenway (Tibbetts Brook Daylighting Project) Final Design Presentation
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) presented an update on their plan for the Harlem River-Putnam Greenway (Tibbetts Brook Daylighting Project) which connects Van Cortlandt Park to West 230th Street. They have finalized the plan and will be submitting it to the Public Design Commission in late January. There will be two phases to the work:
Phase 1: Lake restoration. They began work on phase 1 in early fall 2024. DEP and Parks will be returning in early spring 2025 for the removal of invasives along the Van Cortlandt Lake shoreline and building a living shoreline
Phase 2: Building the greenway: Final design coordination with DOT and the MTA is underway. MTA track replacement work is at 60% because of design changes requested by MTA. DEP is negotiating with the MTA on the easement acquisition for the pipe to direct the water south of West 230th Street to the Harlem River. DEP is still planning to proceed with with all greenway work as one package to be submitted this week. They do not believe they will need to separate the track replacement work into a separate project. The track will need to be replaced in order to adjust to the height of the pipe.
Upcoming Milestones:
Final Design including design for MTA track replacement complete – Spring 2025
2025 – Procurement; Early 2026 – Start construction There have only been a handful of changes to the design since the preliminary plan was presented:
Entry points for the Greenway have been finalized: Two entrances near golf course Van Cortlandt Park South, West 239th Street, Verveelen Place, West 233rd Street, West 230th Street

• Details of the water element which connects the mill pond with the stream in Van Cortlandt Park have been finalized including the decision to use a Corinthian stone facing

• Riverside luminaires have been chosen as the lamp style throughout the whole greenway, including the elevated portions. Originally, they were only going to be used within Van Cortlandt Park.

• Every path has at least 11 feet of clear space on the pathway. The path will be constructed of concrete and will have a “track-like” pattern on it to improve the overall aesthetics. They will be limiting the public space in the underpasses at West 233rd and West 234th Street by reducing the amount of pavement and fencing off some areas in order to reduce the risk of encampments. There will still be potential art installation areas and efforts will be made using planting material and other design elements to make it difficult for graffiti artists to tag private walls.

 

Questions:
How is the connection to be made between the Tibbetts Brook Project and the Harlem River Greenway? That is not part of this project and DOT is still determining this.
What is the JPR Blowoff Connection into the Broadway sewer that is noted on the plan? As part of this plan, a connection will be made between the Jerome Park Reservoir to the Tibbetts Brook daylit stream in case DEP needs to draw off water in the reservoir to lower the level of water they are storing. This would not be done during a rain storm and would only be used during the dry season when the daylit stream has excess capacity. The reservoir currently overflows into the public sewer system where all water is treated before being released into the rivers. Since the reservoir contains drinking water, it makes more sense to release it directly into the daylit stream and preserve water treatment capacity.
Will the public be able to access the greenway below West 230th Street? The ramp at 230th will have a 6ft high steel picket fence to prevent access to MTA areas
How will Parks access the trashcans to service them? – All plaza entrances have trash cans – the plaza areas are Verveelan Place, West 239th Street and the parking lot in Van Cortlandt Park. Parks is still discussing if the greenway will be maintained by Van Cortlandt Park staff or district staff.
Will the greenway have restrooms? No, but they will consider adding signage to direct users to the restrooms at the Van Cortlandt Golf House and Bailey Playground.
How long will construction take? DEP estimates that construction will take three years. Substantial completion will be in 2029 and punch list items will be wrapped up in 2030. Assuming that there are no punch list items that present a safety risk, the greenway should be open to the public in 2029.
When will the final package be submitted to the Public Design Commission? Friday, January 24th.Will e-bikes be allowed on the greenway? Parks rules do not allow e-bikes on greenways, however, there is an active pilot which has been extended to May 2025 which DOES allow e-bikes on greenways. The greenway is not being designed with e- bikes as a use case.

FY27 Budget Priority Preliminary Discussion
In order to create a priority ranked list of capital and expense budget priorities for FY27 to be integrated into the District 8 Needs Statement, the committee reviewed funded capital budget priorities which have not begun, suggestions the committee received during the 2023-2024 board year for FY26 budget priorities and solicited new requests.

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FY27 – Continued Support - Funded Capital Budget Priorities Which Have Not Begun Design Phase
Update Play Equipment at Fort Independence Playground Replace 20 year-old playground equipment and safety mats at Fort Independence Playground
Engineering Study of Van Cortlandt Park Stadium Funding for engineering study to assess and to develop a restoration plan for Van Cortlandt Park Stadium – Study results expected spring 2025
Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park Restoration Green Infrastructure to divert, absorb, and clean storm water runoff from catch basins, streets, and the Henry Hudson Bridge outfalls that drain into the Park and create erosion. Rehabilitation and restoration of natural areas, trails, wetlands and aquatic features.
Van Cortlandt Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project - $23.5 million has been allocated to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Major Deegan Expressway. In 2023 it was determined that this project was not feasible and that alternatives that achieved the same goal would be reviewed. An existing overpass at East 233rd Street has been determined to be part of the future improvements and work has begun on this project. DOT is also making improvements to the intersection at East 233rd and Jerome Avenue and reviewing the intersections of West Gun Hill Road at Moshulu Parkway and West Gun Hil Road at Mosholu Parkway North. Construction in progress. Chair to contact Parks to determine what $ has been allocated to approved projects of the total $23.5m which was allocated to the Pedestrian Bridge
Van Cortlandt Park Pool Reconstruction - This project will reconstruct the entire pool complex at Van Cortlandt Park, including the pool tubs and decks for the main and wading pools, filtration system, and will also add new security lighting, locker rooms and offices, while making the facility fully ADA accessible. This marks the first substantial renovation of the facility since it was originally built in 1968.
 

FY27 – Continued Support - Funded Expense Budget Priorities In FY25 Budget
Funding to Support Free Swimming Lessons Within the Bronx to All Youth Under 16 Gray Foundation pilot will provide $1.5 million for swim lessons for 2,000 second graders starting this summer or through the school year. City Council passed a bill to provide free swim lessons to all second-grade children, but it is not funded yet. Hochul announced in January New York SWIMS which will improve access to pools and provided funding for Van Cortlandt Pool
Repair Bruckner Box Connection in Upper Henry Hudson Park Borough Operations for the Parks Department has identified the issue which must be repaired. They will be able to complete the repair once the water is turned back on in April. Then NYC DEP can restore.
The committee created the list below of possible priorities to consider for FY27. The chair will follow-up on open items and the committee will discuss at the February meeting what their top 5-7 items are for Capital and Expense Priorities with the intention of voting on their ranked priorities at the March committee meeting. Capital Priorities To Be Considered for FY27
 

Local Parks
Redesign and reconstruction of Bailey Playground
Reconstruction of play equipment, safety surfacing and fencing along the Major Deegan. Incorporate adjacent Tibbett's Tail area into an expanded Bailey Playground.

• Reduce asphalt and add green space.

• Reconstruction of Old Fort Four Park: Reconstruction of Old Fort Four Park including replacing existing playground equipment, spray area, benches and fencing, repairing the stone walls, updating the greenspace and improving lighting for the basketball courts (current capital improvement include construction of restroom and resurfacing basketball courts).

• This neighborhood does not have a dog run within a 10 minute walk and so this park should be

considered for this amenity.

• Marble Hill Playground Lighting : Install park lighting to light the pathways and activity areas within the interior of Marble Hill Playground

• Restoration of Lower Brust Park Staircase

• Restoration of flagstone, pavers, steps and handrails

• Reconstruct Riverdale Playground Basketball Courts: Reconstruct the basketball courts at Riverdale Playground to replace the nets, rims, backboards and re-surface the court

• Reconstruct Hackett Park Dog Run

Jerome Park Reservoir Pedestrian Safety Lighting

• Install park-style lighting along the walkway within the parkland surrounding JeromePark Reservoir to improve safety, encourage usage after dusk and discourage encampments and dumping

• Reconstruct Washington's Walk: Reconstruct Washington's Walk to make the pathway ADA accessible, update and add benches and replace temporary chain link fencing with a wrought-iron fence

Van Cortlandt Park

• Replacement of Transformer in Van Cortlandt Park

• Replacement of transformer to restore power to Van Cortlandt Administrative Offices, Van Cortlandt House Museum and Van Cortlandt Golf House. NEW. This may have received recent funding. Chair to confirm with Commissioner Aponte’s office.

• Convert Mosholu Temporary Golf House to Permanent Parks Administration Building

• Complete sewer connection, update building layout and provide furnishings/equipment to convert temporary structure for use by Mosholu Golf House during Filtration Plant construction to permanent Parks Administration Building and PEP Command. Connect sewer line with adjacent comfort station. Chairto confirm with Commissioner Aponte’s office the status of this request

• Reconstruct Van Cortlandt Park Fencing and Entrances Along Yonkers Border

• Replace chain link fences and open edges with wrought iron fence along the Yonkers border of Van Cortlandt Park from Broadway to Kimball Avenue. Establish entrancesthat prevent motorized vehicle access to trails but allow for pedestrian and greenway usage

• Establish a Parks Enforcement Patrol Command in Van Cortlandt Park

• Vehicles and other equipment needed to support a new PEP command in Van Cortlandt Park

• Conversion of the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center to Restrooms: Requesting an update from Commissioner Aponte on this item

• Updating the Van Cortlandt Park Dog Run “Canine Court”: Stephanie Ehrlich will confirm when this was last updated. Note: dog run improvement require th support of a local volunteer group. If anyone is interested, they should reach out to the board office

Equipment

• Equipment for Litter Collection Within the District: One large garbage truck to be assigned to the district. Confirming with Parks Districtoperations if this is still needed.

• Parks District Equipment: Crew Cab Pickup to transport staff & equipment within the district. Confirming withParks District operations if this is still needed. Equipment for Litter Collection Additional mini-packer vehicle to reach remote areasfor litter collection in Van Cortlandt Park in District 13 and one packer vehicle to be assigned in District 8 Natural Areas

• Upstream Stormwater Management of Alder Brook Stream Bed in Riverdale Park: Remove sedimentation and invasives and restore native plantings along Alder Brook stream in Riverdale Park

Greenways

• Harlem River-Putnam Greenway Harlem River Connection: Construction of pedestrian and bicycle connection between West 230th Street public access terminus of Harlem River-Putnam Greenway and the Harlem River Greenway

Cultural Institutions

• Reconstruct Wave Hill Swale: Reconstruct the cobblestone swale adjacent to Wave Hill along Independence Avenue between West 249th Street and Spaulding Lane

Expense Priorities To Be Considered for FY27

• Parks Enforcement Patrol Command Within Van Cortlandt Park: PEP Personnel, stationed in Van Cortlandt Park, including additional PEP officers, sufficient to properly enforce Parks rules and regulations in Van Cortlandt Park andother CD08 district parks

• Repair Bruckner Box Connection in Upper Henry Hudson Park: This work may be completed this spring as part of maintenance. Chair to follow up with district manager

• Crushed Stone and Boulders for Maintenance: Crushed stone and boulders to enable repairs of tracks, walways and dog runs within District 8 and Van Cortlandt Park

• Replacement Gator-Type Utility Vehicles for Landscape Management, Maintenance and Operations Staff Within Van Cortlandt Park due to age and maintenance issues. Replace three existing utility gator-type vehicles

 

New Business, Part 1
NYC Council Member Eric Dinowitz Discussion on Funding Mural Projects in the Community
Council Member Eric Dinowitz has allocated $30k to be spent on three murals in his district in order to beautify areas with frequent graffiti. He is partnering with Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Company (KRVC) who is organizing the painting event itself. KRVC has previously arranged for a mural project at West 236th and Riverdale Avenue and have experience with engaging the community with such an event. They have identified the footbridge over the Henry Hudson Parkway at West 235th Street as their first mural site. The muralist for this site will be a Bronx based artist Antonio. The second site will be the Jerome Avenue underpass at Mosholu Parkway. They are seeking suggestions for a third location. The location needs to be publicly owned and in need of resources to avoid graffiti. They are considering Bailey Avenue between West 238th Street and West 234th Street. All three murals will be completed in spring 2025. The following locations were recommended as part of the discussion: 5900 Riverdale Avenue, 231st Street between Broadway and Bailey near the Deegan overpass and Knolls Crescent business corridor or step street. Please contact Council Member Dinowitz’s office if you have a suggestion for a location.
 

Old Business
Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan – confirmed that Katerine Borrome, the Bronx Director of Capital Projects and Stephanie Ehrlich, the Executive Director of Can Cortlandt Park Alliance will present a midpoint update on the progress of the Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan. The plan is available online at the Bronx Community Board 8 website and the Van Cortlandt Parks website.
Bronx Parks Speakup – the Bronx Parks Speakup is going to be on the third Saturday in February at Lehman College. All are welcome to attend this free event.
Vandalism in Henry Hudson Park and Shorefront Park – Jodie Colon with the Friends of Henry Hudson Park has identified a woman with a pattern of cutting trees, weed-wacking shrubs and identifying herself as a Parks employee. Jodie Colon met with Sgt Torres and Frazier Mariano from the Parks Enforcement Patrol, and Gregory Haber from Forestry to discuss what can be done. In order for an unauthorized person to be issued a summons, PEP has to photograph her in progress, have her produce ID and have Forestry respond to identify the plants. Jodie followed the steps she was given and called 311 and it took 5 hours for PEP to respond. She emphasized that a PEP station at Van Cortlandt Park would benefit our district greatly to address issues like this because it would substantially reduce the response time.
Backyard Bird Count Event - February 15 Annual Backyard Bird Count in Shorefront Park and February 16th in Henry Hudson Park.
 

New Business, Part 2
Half Moon Overlook Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park Tree Pruning – After receiving some limited complaints about the view to the river being blocked by overgrown trees, the office received an estimate from Central Forestry of $1,122.56 to prune the trees near the Half Moon Overlook to clear the view. After consultation with the stewards group which maintains Shorefront Park, the consensus was that removing the large invasives in Shorefront Park would be a better use of the money. The office will inquire about the cost for this and if a limited number of invasives could be removed for approximately this price.

Priscilla’s Law
Ed Green and Laura Spalter Chair and Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, made a brief presentation on the importance of the proposed Local Law 606, “Pricilla’s Law” which seeks to require all e-bikes to be registered and have a visible license plate. This program would be administered by the City of New York. The language of the law does not indicate how this program would be funded or administered. They believe the law will reduce illegal behavior, such as riding on the sidewalk or speeding, if e-bikes are more easily identifiable and could potentially be ticketed remotely by red light and speeding cameras and Argus police cameras. There was general consensus that enforcement of existing rules has been lacking including for mopeds which are already licensed by the state.