City Close to Recommending Surface Road Replacement for Sheridan (New York: 2013, neighborhood)
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The city is close to recommending that the Sheridan Expressway, a short, sparsely-used interstate that community activists have targeted for removal for years, be transformed into a street-level roadway that opens land for new development and improves neighborhood access to parks along the Bronx River.
A blvd with lots of pedestrian crossings/lights and agressive traffic calming would be tremendous for that area. Major redevelopment imminent (major master planned development in the preparation stages).
This makes no sense to me. The area is filthy and lifeless, and they think putting sidewalks on a highway connector is going to change that? This will increase congestion on the Bruckner by a lot and do little for that permanently crappy neighborhood. At a cost of $120 million this has to be one of the dumbest proposals for the Bronx I've ever heard of, these people are desperate
This makes no sense to me. The area is filthy and lifeless, and they think putting sidewalks on a highway connector is going to change that? This will increase congestion on the Bruckner by a lot and do little for that permanently crappy neighborhood. At a cost of $120 million this has to be one of the dumbest proposals for the Bronx I've ever heard of, these people are desperate
Actually, it's far from dead, well at the waterfront. The new parks along the Bronx River have been packed this Spring, I often bike through that area to visit family (as recent this past Wednesday). Very nice parks. Concrete Plant Park needs some better tree cover though. Starlight Park was a good move. It's amazing how good the Bronx River looks nowadays.
There is also a MAJOR mixed use, primarily residential development (10 high-rises, a school, and street level retail. The largest since Melrose Commons I believe. That industrial pocket was rezoned a couple years ago.
The Blvd conversion is very likely. Definitely has the support of the residents and developers. It's estimated to cost < $120 million (Blvd conversation and ramps into Hunts Point). The current configuration also adds to congestion due to the interchange although the expressway is underutilized. I should add, this will limit the number of trucks entering the primarily residential side streets of Crotona Park East. Most importantly it reunites the community with the Bronx River (and adjacent Soundview/Bronx River communities).
Last edited by nykiddo718718; 05-23-2013 at 11:10 PM..
Spoken like someone who doesn't know anything about what is happening in the Bronx..well done BlakeJones..your sheer ignorance and misguided contempt is astonishing in its breath and scope. Thanks for educating him kiddo. The only ones complaining about this repurposing of a useless highway are the few commuters who think their commutes are all that matter in the world..and the Bronx is nothing more than a thruway.
People wonder why the Bronx can't shake it's outdated reputation? Because of ignorant fools who keep speaking of things they know nothing about, and puport to be an expert because they drive through the Bronx, or have a friend who knew someone who used to live there 25 years ago. Go away Blake.
There is very little resistance to this conversion. The vast majority of people would like to see a change. The big issue was feasibility and financing. Not many people actually use the Sheridan in comparison to nearby limited use routes and a Blvd would not dramatically lengthen any commute (it's only about a mile long). The benefits far outweigh the cons. I found a great article, much more in depth with interesting diagrams:
Three plans were presented: maintain, modify, conversion. The DOT highly suggest a conversation, and the people agree.
Basically, we could see the Sheridan transform into a blvd (narrowed and complete with traffic lights, pedestrian refuge and bike lanes) where it sits at grade (north of Westchester Ave, about half its length). The ramps to the elevated section Bruckner would remain, but new ramps would also be constructed to enable direct access into Hunts Point (most expensive part). There is a small section (about 1/5th a mile just south of Westchester Ave) below grade. Not sure if they will cap it.
Last edited by nykiddo718718; 05-24-2013 at 03:44 PM..
They should build another Hi Line / open area park. The area definitely needs some green space.
A ton of new parks have been built along the Bronx River. You should check them out if your in the areas. The Bronx has got to have the most parks/playgrounds per sq mi.
People wonder why the Bronx can't shake it's outdated reputation? Because of ignorant fools who keep speaking of things they know nothing about, and puport to be an expert because they drive through the Bronx, or have a friend who knew someone who used to live there 25 years ago. Go away Blake.
The Bronx's current reputation is pretty much well deserved. For the most part it's still a run down, trash infested black hole - even without the same number of drug dealers & hookers. The South Bronx is still the poorest district in the entire country (including the deep South). I am in the Bronx quite often (no, not just "driving through"). If you want to rehabilitate the Bronx River in the actual Bronx (pretty ironic that this is a beautiful tributary only mostly once you enter Westchester), then you're going to have to spend a heck of lot more than $120 Million. The area is gritty, dirty, and mostly industrial. This boulevard project is mostly a pipe dream, but I wouldn't stand in the way of it just because there's going to be more traffic on the Bruckner (which there will be). Go for it, just don't expect any miracles.
^Correction: The Bronx has the poorest congressional district in the country (the 16th) and that's mostly due to the district being one of the smallest in the country -since the area is so densely populated. The Bronx is poor because our laws and politicians keep it that way. The borough is in a very valuable location between two of the wealthiest counties in the country. And if you kick the poor out, where will they and our low-end service workers go?
Also.
The greenspace along the Bronx River is actually consistently nice north of Fordham Road. I'd recommend everyone to ride bikes or stroll up it.
The Sheridan is actually under-utilized as a highway. It's a waste as is. Overall it's hard to hate this. It's an improvement.
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