SUBJECT:  

Riverbank State Park Greenhouse & “Greening” our Neighborhood                                                  (CommunityDistrict 9, New York, New York)

BACKGROUND (preamble):

Riverbank State Park opened in 1993 and sits atop the North River Waste Treatment Plant located in Upper Manhattan between 138th and 145th Street and The Hudson River. The park was built as an appeasement to the community in exchange for the hazards of the waste treatment plant. The park greenhouse, one of several amenities, was never fully operational and became defunct soon after the park opened. The neighborhood has been substantially underserved as a result.

The re-opening of the Riverbank greenhouse and promotion of other environmental initiatives such as composting, recycling and encouraging the establishment of community and roof gardens, will help “green” our neighborhood and counter the negative health impacts of the waste treatment plant. As such, we request Riverbank State Park and our local residents and businesses to embrace the green programs as detailed in Community Board 9’s 197-a Plan including the implementation of a Zero Waste Zone.  We believe our goals are consistent with the environmental recommendations promoted in the 197-a Plan and in the New York City Vision 2020 Plan. 

PETITION:

We, the undersigned, urge New York Riverbank State Park to immediately discontinue the use of the Riverbank State Park Greenhouse as a storage unit and to re-establish the facility as a greenhouse in order to make good on the long-term commitment to our residents’ health, help local gardens flourish, provide space for year round horticultural activities, and create opportunities for environmental and nutritional education for the young and not so young. In this manner, a functioning Riverbank greenhouse will raise awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability, contribute to a healthier community, improve our air quality, and beautify our park.

Furthermore, we respectfully request our local and state officials and environmental partners facilitate the re-opening of the greenhouse, provide funding for any necessary upgrades, and help motivate the Hamilton Heights and West Harlem community to adopt a greener living standard.

Respectfully submitted by:

[Do not sign electronic petition if you have already signed a hard copy or if you do not live in NY State]