The East Side Coastal Resiliency Project that will close and demolish our parks is undergoing environmental review. Due to federal requirements, city agencies must ask the community what we think. (I love Big Government!)
The deadline has been extended until March 22.
We can—and must!—send in our objections to the current plan (if you haven’t already done so). Please send a copy to community@eastriveralliance.org.
Let us know if we can share it. And/or share it on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram, and with your mom, who should also write in.
Here is the notice of the public review and request for comments, if you want to wade through the bureaucratic language. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/cdbgdr/documents/public-notices/escr_Early_Floodplain_3_13_19.pd
But here are the relevant and comprehensible bits:
“First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and / or wetlands, and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment, should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas.
“Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternate methods to serve the same project purpose and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas.
“Third, as a matter of fairness, when the federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
“All interested persons, groups, and agencies are invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed use of federal funds to support the construction of the proposed project in a floodplain and / or wetland. The City is interested in alternatives and public perceptions of possible adverse impacts that could result from the project as well as potential mitigation measures.”
Write to Calvin Johnson, Assistant Director CDBG-DR New York City Office of Management and Budget
255 Greenwich Street-8th Floor
New York, New York 10007
Telephone: 212-788-6024
Fax: 212-788-6222
Email: CDBGDR-enviro@omb.nyc.gov
Get it in before March 22.
