Nancy Brous and Rob Buchanan of the NYC Water Trail Association and Harry Bubbins of Friends of Brook Park went to Randall's Island yesterday to hear Con Ed's plans for removing the conduit that obstructs the east end of the waterway (here's a video taken a few minutes before the meeting).
We were apprehensive that the company might continue to insist on 'outside funding'--in other words, on someone else paying for the removal. But their spokesman, David Gmach, said that in fact they were in the final stages of the 'procurement process'--in other words, they had selected a contractor and accepted the bid--and would move ahead with the removal whether or not outside funding was available.
There are a few hurdles left to clear: the Fire Department has a fiber optics cable in the conduit that will need to be moved and they want to build some new 'splice boxes' in preparation for doing that--that will require an easement from the nearby rail yard. And Con Ed will need to amend their work permit, or get a new permit, from the DEC. But everyone at the table seemed reasonably confident that the work could be completed by the end of the year, or at the latest by the beginning of next season. Since the EDC, which was also represented at the meeting, said that the greenway connector they're building wouldn't open before next season, it seems like we'll be able to avoid the conflict that everyone was dreading--boaters vs. greenway users.
So, while it may be premature to declare victory, it was at least a very good piece of news. Many thanks to the Steve Ridler and Fred Landa at the Department of State for bringing all the involved agencies to the table, to Harry Bubbins for keeping the fire burning, to Al Butzel for his genteel legalizing, and to Big Bad Con Ed for promising to do the right thing.
great news! awesome, succvessful advocacy! always want to go through there, but go around instead. can't wait!
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