Gothamist: Water Park for Randall's Island

DMB Fan

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 18:36:11 -0500

The one thing missing from all the press on this park is the immediate future on the island. Will there be concerts on Randall's Island in 2006? Dave Matthews Band is rumored to be returning there in August, and I want to find out if its true or not.

Harry Bubbins

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:56:55 -0500

Here is another example of an unfortunate project in the wrong place without it seems sufficient community empowerment to significantly ameliorate the horrendous ramifications of yet another example of alienated Park land. The slippery slope of supposedly beneficial projects that require forsaking open space and parkland continues to grow, if the proposed Yankee Stadium plan wasn’t enough. In this csae there isn’t a neighborhood of residents on the site to organize. This has been a predictable outcome of isolating Randall’s Island. There are agreements in which the NYSDOT which leases the Harlem River Rail Yards in the South, South Bronx, are to ensure that the leasee, the Galesi Group, are supposed to implement the NYC Greenway Plan and construct a brduge to Randall’s Island. Needless to say, it hasn’t happened, yet. In addition, the East Harlem Pedestrian/Bike Bridge is closed much of the year, further isolating the increasingly privated Randall’s Island from a local constituency, notwithstanding the periodically bused in students that are often touted as evidence of community involvement. These and other factors have spurred the South Bronx Greenway initiative of a wide variety of stakehilders to access randall’s Island by way of the exisitng Amtrak Viaduct, a project that could be easily implemented if the Mayor’s team would make it a priority. We would much rather see a committment to greater accessibility to this precious greenspace for people of color and poor communites adjacent to Randall’s Island, and all New Yorkers, than the Icahn Stadium, the parkinglot for Cirque d’ Soleil, the closed off tip of Ward’s Island in the summer and the other privitatzation schemes that prohibit community access and are continuing to degrade the natural environment of a still beautiful natural retreat. , PLEASE HELP STOP THE PRIVITATZATION OF RANDALL’S ISLAND!!! and let me add that there are numerous local priorities for waterfront access and green space on the Harlem and east Rivers that would allow NYers to really ply the rivers and experience the shore and the natural life with minimal investment. We welcome communications to identify and partner with appropriate city agencies like NYCEDC and others to achieve equity in the South Bronx and reap a great return on our taxpayer investments in imporved education, reduced crime and greater sustainable economic development.

Harry Bubbins

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:55:58 -0500

Toby

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:52:55 -0500

This gem from the Daily News article "1,800 new parking spots" which when translated means, "public transit riders need not come, unless you have a car." Is the added traffic worth it? Is the loss of park space worth it? No. It is one of the more stupid proposals out there. If they do build it, have a clause in the contract saying that public school children on trips can get in free.

Joe

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:04:01 -0500

Will access to the island be improved? Buses to the island are really inadequate and the pedestrian bridge is often raised, so the only convenient way of getting there is via car. Given the access issues and high entrance fees this seems like a park for wealthy suburbanites not city residents.

Flaming City

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 13:38:55 -0500

This thing should have one of the best surf parks in the world. Have been following it for a while and while it will be pricey, it certainly will put in NYC on the world surf map.

Tim N.

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 13:18:14 -0500

"Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer (he's no Marty)" Lucky Manhattan. Marty's a clown. An indoor beach... how positively metallic...

mike c

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 12:57:15 -0500

In related news, New York City to open 26-acre public toilet on Randall's Island.