Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

NYC DOT to Propose Route Options, Gather Feedback at Next Round of Harlem River Greenway Workshops

Seven-Mile Route Will Help Better Connect Bronxites to Their Waterfront and Connect Van Cortlandt Park to Randall’s Island Park With Public Open Space and Bike Path

NYC DOT Builds on Previous Outreach With Four More Workshops in March and April 2024 To Present Greenway Route Options and Gather Community Feedback

NEW YORK — New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced that the city will host a new round of public workshops this spring to gather community feedback on proposed routes for a new Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx. This developing initiative is one of six newly announced greenways NYC DOT has begun planning in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks), and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to dramatically expand the city's greenway network to support safe and environmentally-friendly active transportation links across the five boroughs. The Harlem River Greenway in the Bronx will better connect Bronxites to their waterfront and connect Van Cortlandt Park to Randall's Island Park with new open space and a bike path along a seven-mile route. This planning process will build toward a new north-south commuting and recreational corridor that increases safety and mobility for all residents within the planning area.

"Residents of the Bronx deserve safe cycling connections and pedestrian access to the Harlem River waterfront," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "All Bronxites and New Yorkers have a chance to have their voices heard about the future route of this greenway and we hope our neighbors will join us for these inclusive, bilingual workshops."

"This historic expansion will fill important gaps in our greenway network in the outer boroughs, ensuring Bronx residents can better connect with other parts of the city, commute to work, and get outdoor exercise away from vehicle traffic," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. "The Harlem River Greenway will make the Bronx greener and healthier, and we look forward to these upcoming workshops to hear what Bronx residents would like to see for the continued evolution of this vital greenspace."

Greenways are shared, linear spaces on public land, available for recreational and commuting uses like cycling, running, or walking. The planning process represents a major new front in the Adams administration's nation-leading effort to reconnect communities divided by highways, focusing on the Major Deegan Expressway, which has cut off Bronxites' access to the Harlem River waterfront since the 1930s.

Public Engagement Process

Beginning in April 2023, the city hosted public workshops to evaluate existing conditions, conducted extensive in-person community outreach and events throughout the summer, and used an online feedback map to gather additional input.

Upcoming Outreach Schedule

The workshops will provide an opportunity for public input, questions, and comments. Spanish language interpretation will be provided. Topics to be discussed include the tradeoffs and benefits of various greenway route proposals, ways to mitigate potential challenges, and steps the city can take in the near-term to realize the greenway.

North Stretch: Van Cortlandt Park to High Bridge

  • In-Person: Wednesday, March 13, 6-8 p.m., Bronx Community College
  • Virtual: Wednesday, April 3, 6-8 p.m.

South Stretch: High Bridge to Randall's Island Park

  • In-Person: Tuesday, March 19, 6-8 p.m., Bronx Brewery
  • Virtual: Monday, April 8, 6-8 p.m.

Visit nyc.gov/Greenways for more information.

"As the chair of the NYS Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I welcome the expansion of the city's greenway network to include the Harlem River waterfront. This greenway will provide Bronxites with improved access to the Harlem River waterfront and local green spaces such as Van Cortlandt Park and Randall's Island, as well as create an environmentally friendly transportation option that connects much of the 29th Senate District," said New York State Senator José M. Serrano. "Thank you to the NYC Department of Transportation, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation for their collaborative efforts to bring improved greenspace access to New York City."

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