BRONX ELECTED OFFICIALS WRITE LETTER TO MAYOR REQUESTING MORE INFORMATION ON PLANNED RECONSTRUCTION OF RODMAN’S NECK

BRONX ELECTED OFFICIALS WRITE LETTER TO MAYOR REQUESTING MORE INFORMATION ON PLANNED RECONSTRUCTION OF RODMAN’S NECK

Bronx, NY— Following the city’s formal announcement to include $275 million in their preliminary budget for the reconstruction of the NYPD Rodman’s Neck training facility, Bronx elected officials wrote a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio requesting the city prioritize and provide more information on the proposed new gun ranges, which in their current state have been the source of negative environmental impacts that have plagued the surrounding community for decades.

Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj asked that the city construct the six new outdoor gun ranges equipped with sound baffles early on in the reconstruction phase, release any findings to the public that back the city’s claim that these sound mitigation structures will reduce noise to an ambient level and provide additional information regarding future controlled bomb detonations at the site.

While the lawmakers are thrilled that the city dedicated funds for the much anticipated improvements — especially the $73 million dollars designated for the new gun ranges — their constituents in coastal communities surrounding Rodman’s Neck deserve more answers.

“I applaud the city for dedicating $275 million for the much needed reconstruction of Rodman’s Neck NYPD training facility. That investment, along with a commitment to have the project completed within 5-7 years, is an ambitious goal that previous administrations have been unable to fulfill. However, the coastal communities surrounding this facility have endured years upon years of noise and environmental pollution. I believe it’s only fair that these long-suffering residents receive some data to back the promised noise reduction, and the assurance that these new gun ranges will be prioritized early on in the construction process,” said Senator Klein.

“The city’s allocation of $275 million to reconstruct the Rodman’s Neck NYPD training facility is a step in the right direction towards enhancing the quality of life for City Island residents. For years they have voiced concerns over the noise and environmental pollution stemming from the outdated facility. While this investment is a welcomed one, I look forward to reviewing the data collected by the administration that will assure me and my colleagues that these concerns will be minimized,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj.

“The $275 million appropriation is a giant step in what needs to be done in Rodman’s Neck, and I applaud our Mayor for finally listening to the pleas of the City Island community. However, there is still a lot more to do, such as cleaning up the contamination of our soil and water way and finding another home for the bomb detonation unit,” said Assemblyman Benedetto.

In addition to noise concerns, the current gun ranges at Rodman’s Neck have generated heavy metal contamination from the high volume of spent shells. Besides the $73 million for the new gun ranges, the city plans to allocate $51 million dollars for a new tactical village, which will offer officers active shooter exercises. The city has also set aside $54 million dollars for a facility that provides gun services and ammunition storage. Lastly, $97 million dollars has been appropriated for the installation of utilities at the site, such as gas and water.