New York State Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Robert L. Megna today announced that the state has decided to relocate the bike/pedestrian path for the New NY Bridge project in Rockland County in order to reduce the impact on local residents and the neighborhood. As a result, the path will no longer end at the corner of Cornelison Avenue and South Broadway in the Village of South Nyack.
“We believe this decision is a good example of how the state can rebuild critical infrastructure in a timely, cost-effective manner while still being sensitive to community concerns,” Megna said. “We will continue to do everything possible to make the New NY Bridge the most open, inclusive and transparent infrastructure project in New York history.”
At Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s direction, Megna, Deputy Director for State Operations Joe Rabito and the entire New NY Bridge project team have been working closely with South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian and the village’s Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force to find an alternate solution that will benefit the community and future users of the path.
They will continue to work with the village and task force on other options for the path, including ones that include extending the path into interchange 10 on I-87/287 and away from the residential neighborhood nearby.
“This decision is a victory for the residents of South Nyack who voiced their concerns about the impact of the shared-use path on their quality of life and we couldn’t be happier,” said Mayor Bonnie Christian. “I’d like to personally thank Governor Cuomo and his entire team for listening to our concerns and taking action on our behalf.”
A recent parking demand study estimated that 151 parking spaces – 54 in Rockland and 97 in Westchester – are needed to accommodate visitors to the path when it opens in 2018. In Westchester, the Thruway Authority has ample space for parking and amenities at 333 South Broadway in Tarrytown, the site of the old New York State Police Troop T facility that is being relocated as part of the bridge replacement project. Today’s decision clears the way for the 54 spaces and amenities in Rockland to potentially be created on existing Thruway Authority property at interchange 10 in South Nyack.
The New NY Bridge Community Benefits Program has approved a $250,000 grant for the Village of South Nyack to study the feasibility of redesigning and redeveloping interchange 10 on I-87/287. The village is now considering several proposals from consulting firms on the best design and economically feasible concepts.
“The new Tappan Zee Bridge will attract many new visitors to enjoy the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey. “I’m pleased Governor Cuomo and Mayor Christian’s solution for the shared use path capitalizes on this enormous economic opportunity for Rockland County while preserving quality of life for the residents of South Nyack. As a major supporter of this project in Washington, I will continue to ensure all parties work in close collaboration to make this bridge a success.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day stated, “My administration is extremely supportive of this agreement. I am proud of the county’s role in stimulating positive discussions between state and local officials that resulted in a unified solution for a shared use path that will provide an exciting amenity for Rockland residents and visitors alike. I will continue to work collaboratively with Governor Andrew Cuomo and South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian to make the New NY Bridge an extraordinary Hudson River gateway to our county.”
Senator David Carlucci said, “The bike/pedestrian path has the potential to become a major attraction and economic engine for Rockland County. Putting the parking at interchange 10 makes sense for the village and the state. I applaud Governor Cuomo and the Village of South Nyack for working together with the residents of our community to make this happen.”
Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee said, “We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of Mayor Christian, the South Nyack Tappan Zee Task Force and the Governor’s team. The cooperation and determination of all the parties involved to come together is a testament to the leadership on both the state and local levels.”
Rockland County Legislator Nancy Low-Hogan said, “I want to thank the Governor and his team for listening to the people of this community, and also thank Mayor Christian, the South Nyack Task Force and Village Board. I commend the citizens of South Nyack for their willingness to articulate their concerns and work together to solve this problem in a constructive way.”
Town of Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart added, “Ending the shared use path at Interchange 10 makes sense, especially as it begins the redevelopment of this interchange to better serve South Nyack and its visitors. This is a good thing and the Governor, the Mayor and the local taskforce members are to be congratulated for their collaboration.”
The Thruway Authority and Federal Highway Administration are undertaking an Environmental Assessment to study various parking options for the path. Formal public hearings will be held as part of the process once a draft Environmental Assessment is complete.
For more information on the New NY Bridge project go to www.NewNYBridge.com
