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History
- Referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to the financing of the design, acquisition, construction, improvement and installation of East River Esplanade
In Senate Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Robert J. Rodriguez
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S5985
Title of bill
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to financing the design, acquisition, construction, improvement and installation of East River Esplanade
Purpose or general idea of bill
To ensure that the funding needs for the East River Esplanade are identified.
Summary of specific provisions
This bill would amend § 13-0328 (1)(c)(iv) of the Environmental Conservation Law.
Justification
In the current era of waterfront revitalization, the section of the East River Esplanade which abuts East Harlem has been consistently ignored. The walking and biking path is in disrepair, with sections of the thin patch crumbling into the river below. Holes in the path have been boarded over with plywood, fencing has decayed, and many of the benches have been rendered unusable. The other assets of the waterfront have suffered from a similar fate. The pier at 107th Street has been fenced off after the roof collapsed, and has been declared structurally unsafe. Pilings are all that remain of a former pier at 117th Street. In addition, accessibility to the East River Esplanade is very limited, which is largely due to its proximity to the FDR Drive. There are only three points between 96th Street and 125th Street that allow for pedestrian traffic to cross the FDR Drive. There are three pedestrian bridges that pass over the FDR drive and connect to the Esplanade. These access points are not well-marked, and without previously knowing they exist or looking at an overhead map, it is difficult to identify entrances, which likely discourages many people from using the Esplanade. Despite being in such close proximity to a major roadway, and an important river, the East River Esplanade is isolated from all other forms of transportation and paths. There is no point at which a person could quickly and relatively directly access the park from a car or a boat. Additionally the existing pedestrian bridges are in poor condition, and the entrances are tucked away out of site. This bill is intended to highlight the need for funding for the East River Esplanade, especially in light of the siting of the East 91st Street Marine Transfer Station, and would authorize the Environmental Facilities Corporation to provide funding.
Prior legislative history
This is new legislation.
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.