Today Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and
State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) were joined by Bronx
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a host of community activists near
the Jerome Park Reservoir to introduce new legislation intent on
designating Jerome Park as parkland of the city of New York. The bills,
A.9681 and S.7467, would set in motion a public process by which most or
all of what is known as Jerome Park can either become designated as
park lands or lands that can be readily accessible to the general public
for recreational use. The space could also be used as an urban wildlife
or nature sanctuary.
The
perimeter of the Jerome Park Reservoir, which is the area that would be
turned into New York City Parkland as a result of this legislation, is
currently owned by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Access to the land around the reservoir, which is enclosed inside fence,
is currently off-limits to the general public.
"The
New York City DEP has for years denied our community access to one of
our most precious resources-the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir,” Assemblyman Dinowitz said.
“Even after the community defeated DEP's plan to build a giant water
filtration plant in the Jerome Park Reservoir, The DEP refused to allow
residents to get closer to the reservoir. It was only after the strong
community opposition to DEP's subsequent plan to construct its
monstrosity in Van Cortlandt Park that they decided, suddenly, there was
a security risk in allowing people closer to the reservoir. (They
didn't believe there was a security risk after 9/11, only after the
community stood up to them.)
“This
legislation would set in motion a plan that would hopefully designate
the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir as parkland. Having grown up
across the street from the reservoir, I know firsthand the amazing
resource we have and its great potential."
Senator Klein said: "In
a city as large and rich with culture as New York City, open space is
an invaluable asset for any community. That's why, partnering with
Assemblyman Dinowitz, I am proud to introduce legislation that will help
to do just that in Jerome Park in the Bedford Park area of the Bronx.
By designating all of all of the green space surrounding the Reservoir
park land, in conjunction with launching a community group dedicated to
boosting recreational opportunities, we can ensure more local residents
and New Yorkers from all neighborhoods experience all that Jerome Park
has to offer."
“The
Jerome Park Reservoir is an incredible resource that should be enjoyed
by our residents. This community treasure has been left unused for far
too long. Northwest Bronx families have a right to enjoy the area around
the Jerome Park Reservoir and I am glad that this new legislation will
help make this area available for public recreational use. This has been
a priority of mine since I became borough president, and I am proud to
stand with my colleagues in calling for greater access to the area
around the Jerome Park Reservoir as well as greater community
involvement in determining the future of one of our Borough’s crown
jewels,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Editor's Note -
There were no photos taken by me, because I was one of the community activists, and now a Community Board 8 member that were recognized for their hard work in stopping the DEP from building the water filtration plant in the reservoir in the late 1990's. I have stayed vigilant advocating for the JPR area and continued as a member of the Environment and Sanitation Committee of Community Board 8, which I hope to Chair after the Community Board 8 elections Tuesday night June 10th.
