| This is far more that just a $16 million project. Today's ribbon cutting marked the final step in giving the waterfront back to the people. The Hudson River was once inaccessible and this final stage is the effort of many public servants over a few decades.
The reason it was saved for last was probably because yesterday you could have still made the ride with a detour uphill to the Riverside Park Promenade. The park always had a riverfront walk but back when Robert Moses built the park this half mile section was too narrow for both a walkway and a highway beside the railroad tracks that is now hidden under the promenade.
Now it is just more convenient and another incentive for Morningside Height, Inwood and even western Bronx residents to go to work by bicycle.
In the center section the path is more like a bridge and you can see the original riverbank.
At the today's celebration complete with brass band Manhattan Councilwoman Gale Brewer said "For New Yorkers and visitors, everyone who bicycles, jogs, walks, looks at the Hudson, this is incredibly exciting and it has been done beautifully."
This new path is a really beautiful addition to the city. Looking north all the way up to the George Washington Bridge;
And south you can see down to the boat basin;
The best view will be at night where the lighted uprights stand out beside the highway allowing both north and southbound motorist to enjoy the new addition. Like bikers, joggers, walkers and roller skaters, drivers will see their tax dollars at work.
Not that everything is wine and roses here. Riverfront State Park just to the north had the pool season canceled because of state budget cuts but this is good stuff for a struggling city and a symbol of good government. |
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