BP Diaz Weighs In On City Island Bridge, Harshly Criticizes Bloomberg Era Plan

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. issued a negative recommendation on the proposed construction of a new City Island Bridge. The recommendations come as part of the borough president’s charter mandated responsibilities in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).  The complete ULURP recommendation can be read at: http://on.nyc.gov/1ixUD51.  He sided with residents who have organized against a huge 165ft bridge proposal:

“Given that the proposed cable stayed City Island bridge will rise nearly 165 feet, I believe those on the Island are entirely correct when they object to this proposed new span. I, therefore believe it is imperative that the DOT modify the bridge. To do otherwise will severely impact the historical character of City Island.”

“The entire process surrounding the planning and construction of this bridge has been flawed from the very start,” said Borough President Diaz. “The previous administration simply ignored the valid criticisms of the residents of City Island regarding this project, and I cannot support its construction at this time.”

Borough President Diaz noted that he was pleased that Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg was reevaluating the current project, specifically looking to see if the current plan can be swapped for a more muted, scaled-down design that is more in line with community suggestions.

“Without question I believe this entire matter could have been better addressed by the previous administration.  The ushering in of a new administration, however, provides an opportunity to address the current bridge design.   I am committed in pursuing an alternative vision for the City Island Bridge, which has for so long been sought by the City Island community,” stated Borough President Diaz in his ULURP recommendation.

“My office will continue to work with Commissioner Trottenberg and the Department of Transportation, local elected officials and the City Island community to develop a reasonable solution to this issue,” said Borough President Diaz.