Bumps, Ruts & Bouquets
By Bob Nesoff
New York is by far the most exciting city in the world... despite its warts and blemishes. Folks coming down the West Side Highway and passing the unique Riverbank State Park are greeted by a bouquet drifting in from the site that really isn’t all that pleasant.
The park sits atop a Sanitation Department facility most likely the cause. The park is an urban gem that juts into the Hudson River. It has spectacular view across to New Jersey and the Palisades. It’s an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of daily city living.
The park offers basketball, a 2,500 seat athletic complex, a 150-seat restaurant, picnic areas, an eight lane, 400-meter running track and a carousel for the kiddies... and those who want to be.
The park looms some 69 feet over the river and has ample docking space for boats. There are tennis courts, an Olympic-size pool and a lap pool.
In short, Riverbank State Park is a fantastic oasis in a crowded city. It is easily reached by a walkway over the always jammed West Side Highway and seems to have a steady stream of visitors looking for a respite from hectic city life. There is the opportunity to decompress, much the same as the High Line that is always crowded. To say that it has become a popular spot is to understate.
But there seems to be one underlying problem that, fortunately, has not stopped the flow of people. Perhaps they become accustomed to it, but it is unpleasant, nevertheless.
Passersby, especially drivers on the West Side Highway, have noticed an ever-present and unpleasant odor that emanates from the site. It possibly originates from the Sanitation Department operations.
Whatever, the reason, it is something that should be addressed by the proper authorities. Why offer such a beautiful park and wonderful amenities, but overlook one downside that may be easily corrected. Whoever is in charge, please take a look.
And while we are at it, perhaps we can point to one other thing that should be taken care of. Admittedly fixing the city and its streets is a Herculean task, one that no mayor in history has ever been able to fully address. And, again admittedly, this is not meant to point a finger at the current Administration, but it is something that needs to be looked at.
Driving cross-town on such streets as West 56th Street is a dentist’s delight. Too many streets have been milled in preparation for paving and then, seemingly forgotten. The ruts are jarring.
This is not only a problem for drivers. Pedestrians crossing these streets risk turning an ankle and falling. Most are busy streets but many are commercial and doing the work at night would be least disruptive to the most. Even if it must be done during the day, it must be done.
Let’s keep New York both friendly and inviting.