Greenway study gets $250k in funding

A new study to examine possible routes for a greenway along Riverdale’s Hudson River shore is on the way.

Bronx state Sen. Jeff Klein allocated $250,000 toward the project. His campaign committee announced the news in a mailing to constituents earlier this month.

“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 statement said in part.

The study, expected to start next year, comes after the New York Metropolitan Transit Council proposed a multi-stage approach to building a greenway from the tip of Spuyten Duyvil to the Yonkers border last year. The idea of building a temporary route winding through northwest Bronx roads and only later creating a greenway directly along the shore drew widespread criticism from advocates of the path, who demanded immediate access to the waterfront.

Train tracks along the shore have long been cited as a major impediment to building the greenway. But Mr. Klein said his study will find a way to build “a trail path in harmony with the site’s existing Metro-North and Amtrak tracks.”

Bob Bender, the chairman of Community Board 8’s Parks and Recreation Committee, suggested it will be a challenge to get the MTA on board with the greenway.

“The MTA is not in the business of building a greenway,” he said. “They’re concerned that whatever happens with the greenway, it will not interfere with the railroad, and that’s understandable. They said they will cooperate with the greenway. They understand the community has come together.”

Mr. Klein did not answer an interview request for this item. 

But his statement said, “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.”