Latest Complete Column
( Condensed for Bronx Times Reporter)
The Ferry Point Community
Advocates UPDATE
3/23/2012 The Ferry Point
Community Advocates is not only a Civic
Group. We represent our residential
neighbors and members while we also try our best to protect the entire mixed use area of Ferry Point. We are proud to have Dorothea (Dotti) Poggi-Profita as our Founder/President
and congratulate her on her recent nomination as one of the 25 Influential Women of the Bronx for 2012 (by the Bronx Times
Reporter). Dotti was also sworn in
by Gov. Crowley as the Vice Pres of The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality on March 14 2012. This day celebrated the
40th Anniversary of BCEQ at their Annual Waterfront Conference. On April 20th Dotti will also represent “Friends of Ferry
Point Park” as she leads a group of 125 volunteers at Ferry Point Park West. 50 of these Community Service “Earth
Day” students will add compost to the 900 plus daffodils at the Ferry Point 9/11 Memorial Hilltop Grove garden. 50 will
be removing this season’s ongoing Hindu worship debris from the waterfront 25 will be collecting hundreds of bottles
and cans for recycling and 25 will be dragging debris from the wooded area. You are welcome to stop by that day to watch or
participate. The only requirements that we request you bring is a positive attitude and maybe a hat!. We consider our street boundaries of
Ferry Point from where the Park starts along Balcolm Avenue and Emerson Ave. on the East, to Brush Avenue on the West. We
include the connecting Waterways of Pugsley Creek, Westchester Creek, a portion of the East River, Eastchester Bay and Hutchinson
River. Of course we cannot achieve as much as we would like, so we continue to lead and help others in their quests to protect
these common areas and causes. We communicate with the surrounding businesses and bridges and try to keep an open network
of information flowing.Some of the
issues we are working on: Feral Cats are a
problem all over. Our TNR Cat Colony is doing well, Although the economy has reduced the amount of people willing to adopt,
we have been able to maintain the existing neutered and released cats in a safe, healthy environment. I
would like to note that we are some of the diversified heroic people who donate much of their valuable time, caring and funds
to practice the proven method of TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release). Any development of vacant lots causes displaced critters
to roam our streets and yards. Our various registered cat colonies of the Bronx are suffering from the cumulative impact of
the slipping economy, budget cuts and reduced donations. The fact that people have less money to spend on pets has increased
the number of un neutered cats released and abandoned into our streets. The Bronx is on an uncomfortable precipice of reversing
all our success at humane feral cat population reduction and instead becoming the only Borough that has not yet addressed
the situation with a brick and mortar Animal Rescue building. Why? Why don’t our elected officials follow our lead and
supply the animals of the Bronx with the care we have been showing for many years now? Why hasn’t a building been designated
as a place to tend to the much needed care of the animals of the Bronx? The mostly overwhelmed Cat Rescuers will be meeting
soon to brainstorm as to how we can step our Advocacy up a few notches. So far we feel together as the “Bronx TNR Task
Force” we may be able to pull more weight for the Cats of our Bronx neighborhoods then we are able to do separately. Community Board 10 has continued to support our request for
a needed drainage study of the Brush Avenue area. This is an item in this year’s annual Capital Expense Budget Requests.
As some of you may know from various meetings, Brush Avenue has an advanced double line sewer running through it from at least
Lafayette to Schley Avenue. This is an expensive and rare situation in the Bronx. It was constructed around 1957 (under Robert
Moses). The residents had to each pay for their connection to this new sewer at the cost of a reported $900.00 and more for
each home. Yet as the streets were raised 4 feet and economic development brought asphalt and concrete encapsulating our small
3 block square community the catch basins were never placed and the drainage of Rain Water into the second line away from
our homes was never addressed. As water finds its own level, and the level of everything except our homes
has risen 4 feet, our washers, dryers, hot water heaters and oil burners are in danger. Dear neighbors, please continue to
add sump pumps to your homes to decrease any flooding which will cause mold and mildew and affect your family’s health. Mixed use zoning is a bit confusing. Many of our members
still question the zoning uses of this mixed use area. A few of us will be researching this. An example would be the office
space rented by an Ambulette company that uses both sides of Brush Avenue to run their vehicles from all day and up to 9pm.
The drivers double park and open their vehicle doors for conversations which causes a lane of traffic to cross the line onto
oncoming traffic and slows down the northbound lane of Brush Ave. Their many drivers also park on street which contributes
to the congested area which is also used for the turning tractor trailers in a non truck route street. When we read the stipulations
for M-1 zoning, all activity related to the business site is supposed to be contained on site and enclosed. The use of Brush
Avenue all day by Truck Parking/Heavy Equipment delivery-repair-storage/UPS pedestrians-cabs-sidewalks-congestion-garbage/Hot
Dog/Fruit vendor-shakes and future Target store. Some of our members are questioning the amount of representation that we have
on Community Board 10. We understand that we are a small population of residents but we are a unique community of a 2 Bridges,
a 410 acre Park (with no paid Administrator or Parks enforcement patrol), 2 waterways with only Grass roots
Advocacy , industry, manufacturing, warehouses, equipment rental and repair, Contractors, Parking, future retail. The Number
of Representatives on CB10 Board for such a uniquely burdened area of this district should be more than one. We recommend
that our President who has applied many times, be considered for a seat on the board. Many stakeholders of Brush
Avenue ask “What’s up with the Whitestone Bridge?”The construction is part of the nearly $200 million, four-year
project to rehabilitate 1, 785-feet of roadway at the bridge’s Bronx approach. The project began in December 2008 and
has included the construction of new foundations and 15 double-arch concrete piers beneath the bridge. When work is completed
later this year the Bronx approach to the bridge will have wider 12-foot lanes, new safety shoulders and new roadway lighting.
We had suggested an entrance from the Hutch. South service road to carry many trucks and vehicles directly onto the bridge
instead of using “Ring Road” through FP Park to be included in this project but there was no funding. The Target/Simone Dev. Has posted their
demolition permits and has started removal of the existing building which once served as a Bronx Bulk Mail Facility along
Lafayette. Building permits have been denied for some time now. BJ’s did not get the “go ahead” for retail
in this congested area unless it was all underground....we understand that the Target site has a ratio of below ground FAR
that can be used as retail. We have assumed that much parking will be on the roof. We can only imagine from the information
that (CB10 chairperson) John Marano has been able to share, that CB10 has requested that the developers consider an added
entranceway to the Bruckner Expressway past St. Josephs that may eliminate some Truck traffic that would normally pass through
E.Tremont along Country Club to enter 95 North. Ferry Point Community Advocates again states that we request that any consideration
of dollars spent as an amenity from this development be spent immediately in the area affected. Each time a 6 acre piece of
our once residential area is developed we get nothing in return except the privilege of living with more noise, pollution,
beat up roads, knocked down signs, knocked over lampposts, less parking, more traffic etc. We can’t even get a bathroom
in our 110 acre west side of ferry point. Shame on the “Powers that be” for being so limited in their designs
for the future of Ferry Point as it fits into the larger Throggs Neck community. You are crippling the arteries that run through
your area by not considering our neighborhood. You need to improve our roads, drainage, widen, name and redesign “Ring
Road. You have to take seriously the immediate impact that Target will have on the existing businesses and residents of Ferry
Point. We also request to see the documents that address the future Target’s traffic study. We are mostly interested
in 3 intersections. We ask to see the future designs for the intersection of Brush and Bruckner and the intersection of Brush
and Lafayette Ave. and the one on the Hutch South and Lafayette where there are ongoing severe accidents.
The FAA has been changing the flight patterns above our communities. Although they state they have not, a friend of
mine witnessed the change as he traveled into NYC by plane recently. At this time the height of our buildings are limited
by the flight pattern. We must be vigilant that the height of construction along Brush Ave. does not change. Our small neighborhood
should not be allowed to be overshadowed by huge buildings. The coming Golf Course entrance will be on the notorious “Ring
Road” by 2013?. We will try to input into the design as it will definitely affect our community (hopefully for the better).
Friends of Ferry Point have shared their Phase 2 proposed Master Plan illustration (by the NYC Parks Department). We wonder
if this will be the future design. We hope that an exit onto the Bx Whitestone Bridge will be included in the design to help
reduce the use of this Park road by many trucks that need to access the Bronx/Whitestone Bridge. This would include the heavy
laden trailers from Pepsi that we were promised would not ever pass in front of our homes on the non reinforced Brush Ave.
How soon will we see the naming of “Ring Road” and a “Cross Street” with the 311 and-911 operator
availability that we have been requesting for years now. The safety of all travelers and park visitors that get stranded there
should be a priority. Brush Ave. from Wenner Place to Jay Place has no
cement or rebar foundation, yet the largest heaviest construction equipment and loaded tractor trailers use it every day.
(HOPenn and TOMCon, UPS, Pepsi and more) Since Pepsi we now have a dangerous situation of gas line, electric line and
water & sewer lines all on the East side of Brush Avenue in from of our wood framed homes. Once just another ribbon cutting that
we participated....now an impressive Park. “Ferry Point Community Park at Balcolm Avenue” is completed. Not only
is it visually attractive, but as part of the ongoing Future Golf Course Design it will serve as a dry basin type area that
will be able to hold water runoff from rushing from the 20 or more foot high hills of the Golf Course into our sewers during
hurricanes etc. This non specific run off will have time to slowly absorb into the ground therefore reducing the amount of
methane pushed up from beneath the covered landfill at any given time. The designs for the East FP Park Waterfront Crescent shaped
Park are really impressive. The exciting use of this beautiful waterfront for various recreational uses in our community is
amazing. The designers have incorporated three basic pathways varying from a road to a nature walk, small bridges over wetlands,
concrete canoe / kayak launch site, and urban sandy beach, sitting areas, etc. Dotti expresses her wishes to be alive to enjoy
this area and is advocating for a Water Taxi Type Ferry at this location that would open the area to many visitors. There
is no set timeline on this project.
As we continue our Advocacy for a cleaner Pugsley & Westchester Creek the NYC Environmental Protection Long Term
Combined Sewer Overflow Control Planning Project brings good news. The sewer enhancements at two locations along Eastchester
Road and a new parallel sewer along Lacombe and White Plains with added Green Infrastructure will be expected to bring benefits
of reduced combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges into Westchester and Pugsley Creeks. This will improve water quality,
enhance fish breeding and health, and reduce flooding. This $203.9 Million project is a welcome change to the water system
in our area and we look forward to its success.For more info contact us at 917-741-2768 or visit www.ferrypointcommunity.org
DESCRIPTION OF THE FERRY POINT COMMUNITY AND PARK
Basic History:
Ferry Point Community:
A "Mixed use" area of Industry and Residential Homes.
Originally the 35 lots were given as a wedding present from Mr. Wenner to his daughter and son inlaw
(1905?)
Parcels were purchased and re-purchased and developed by various people.
Location:
Located between Bruckner Blvd. and Schley
Ave. along Brush Avenue.
This community is bordered on the East by
the Hutchinson River Parkway
and West by Westchester Creek.
Brush
Avenue is the main road through the Industry and the residential area of Ferry Point.
Brush
Avenue runs (not quite a mile) from the Whitestone Cinema Entrance on the North Side of Bruckner Blvd. to Schley Avenue which
runs along the North Terminus of the West Side of Ferry Point Park.
16 addresses on Brush Ave. and the 4 (1 tenth of a mile) residential streets that branch off
to the East from Brush Ave. are zoned R4A-1 with limited Growth. Wenner Place, Rohr Place, Senger Place, Jay Place.
The
rest of the area is zoned M1-1 and M1-2.
Ferry Point Park:
This public
Park offers stunning East River views of the Manhattan Skyline, Westchester Creek, Queens, and the East River.
We are lucky to have such a large park just a few minutes walk from our residential
section.
The West side of this park is located at the
South End of Brush Avenue. Our affiliated group "Friends of Ferry Point Park" has represented this park for over
6 years and Dorothea Poggi continues the Advocacy of Catherine Poggi for this Park as of 15 years ago.The main Park road "Ring
Road" extends under the Bronx/Whitestone Bridge to the Easterly
Section of the Park that includes the land fill/Future Golf Course, Community Park and Waterfront Promenade. This East
side of the Park extends to Balcolm and Emerson Avenues.
Fur
Fins & Feathersis an animal sanctuary and care group that evolved out of necessity. When the land
for the Pepsi Building was being plowed in and filled, all the mature trees were removed and the 70 year old Habitat for many
animals "Critters of many kinds" can out into the neighborhood for shelter and food. Once a sustainable habitat
with water, a complete food chain including berries/nuts/grasses/insects/lizards/and each other these animals lived for
years without invading the neighborhood garbage and or finding shelter in our yards. With the destruction of their habits,
a few of us realized they were multiplying at a fast rate. So we started collecting kittens, spay and neutering the cats finding
homes for the kits and with permission at the time from Parks Department (relocating many raccoons and opossums).
www.BrushAve.org
www.NEBCAbronx.org
www.FerryPointPark.org
www.PartnershipForParks.org
www.FerryPointCivic.org
www.FerryPointBronx.org
www.ferrypointcommunity.org
www.HutchinsonRiverRestorationProject.org
www.BCEQ.org
|
Memorial Day No Meeting· Monday May 30,
20112011 Survey of needs distribution Updated Newsletter & Email Blast to recorded Residents
and Businesses of Ferry Point (Brush Ave. and vicinity)
We are going door to door this year to get a better understanding of the "NEW" residents of Ferry Point with their "NEW" needs
....!!
The weather has been extremely hot and then
thunderstorms...not exactly perfect for this task.
Community Board takes a break from meetings until September, so we are not rushing this survey.
Our goal is to complete this by August 1st.
This survey also includes 4 petitions for various issues.
· Monday June 27 Let’s Talk: RE-MEET & GREETCoffee/Tea/ Beverages, Adults onlyIntroduce each other, share
contacts, list children in neighborhood, list interests and concerns. (add to contact list)
· Saturday July 23rd 1st Annual Catherine Poggi Memorial
BBQFounder of
the First Ferry Point Civic Group 1963 (in place of July 25 Meeting) By Invitation/RSVP (Separate yard Free Cat Adoption
to our Friends)
|
|
|
· Monday August 29th GASLAND THE MOVIEGet to watch a movie about the Hydraulic Fracturing beneath our Farmland
and Watershed of NYC Drinking Water. See for yourself Hydro Frackin’ should be banned !
|
|
|
· Saturday September 24, 2011 Historic–
Walk and photos FPCAC/NEBCA/HRRP St. Josephs School for the Deaf & Msgr. Scanlan HS from 1913 · Monday September 26, 2011 History-Bronx/Whitestone Bridge change from Ferris
Lane to Hutchinson River Pkwy.Building of the Bridge 1939 Slide show and Discussion
|
|
|
Happy Halloween
Today Monday October
31, 20115th Annual “Trick or Treat” Halloween Crafts for
the Children. Adults are Welcome to stay for Halloween Cake and coffee to discuss any concerns
|
|
|
Happy Thanksgiving
on the 24th· Monday November 28, 2011 Waterways of the East Bronx includes Westchester
Creek.2nd showing/
Updated Slide show and discussion
|
|
|
Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas Dec.
25· Monday December 26, 2011
No Meeting...enjoy!!
Happy New Year Jan. 1· Monday January 30, 2012 Closed Meeting of the Board as per Bylaws Egg Nog and Hors D’oeuvres
· Monday February 27, 2012 Usually
cancelled due to weather CATCH UP! By now we will need a fill in catch up meeting for old business.Review all issues: Traffic, Noise, Air, Quality of Life and Safety
|
|
|
· Monday March 26, 2012 (2 hrs)Bronx Park Speak Up Table/Raffle/Planning with BPGSC (Show updated Park PowerPoint
)Review Park Schedule of Events1. Community Service Day2. Annual Spring Evaluation
Photo/Walk3. It’s
My Park Day Spring4. Annual Littoral Cleanup5. Tree Stewardship6. Waterfront Cleanup7. Annual Fall Evaluation Photo/Walk8. Fall It’s My Park Day
|
|
|
· Monday April 30, 20124/8 Easter 4/22 Earth Day Story of Anne Hutchinson (Namesake) Of River and Parkway · Pencil in Saturday
May 5th ”Bloomin’
Earth” Garden Club Plan
free plant trading eventPossible
plant sale fundraiser?Plant
Sale /or Trade (To be determined) Memorial Day 5/28· Monday May 25, 2012Annual Updated Schedule & newsletter update Email Blast to recorded Residents
and Businesses of Ferry Point (Brush Ave. and vicinity) History -Ferry Points Part in the Revolutionary War
Slide show and Discussion
|
|
|
· Monday June 25, 2012 Update on all construction in Ferry PointIncludes update on Park and Golf Course Sat. July 28th 2nd Annual 4th Sat. in July
Catherine Poggi Memorial BBQFounder of the First Ferry Point Civic Group 1963
(in place of July Meeting) By Invitation/RSVP Separate yard Free Cat Adoption to our Friends)
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
SPRING "It's My Park Day" Sat. May 15th
|
Call for time9:30AM-2PM Join Volunteers to plant, clean, paint etc.
|
|
|
Community Service day Earth Day Fri. April 30/raindate May 7
|
9:30am - 1:30 pm150 Volunteers help maintain
the park
|
|
Spring Survey Photo Session Holiday Egg Hunt
|
Walk, run, Dog walk, or Photo with Dotti 10:30am - whenever? Egg Hunt to be determined |
|
|
Summer Tree Stewardship
|
Working with or without
Green Apple "Parks" Group, our volunteers will weed and mulch around sections of the 3000 sapling trees donated
by the Prince of Monaco to create a 9/11 Living Memorial Forest at Ferry Point Park and hundreds
of the Million tree plantings of Mayor Bloomberg 2007/2009/2010
|
|
|
|
9:30am-2pm Join Volunteers to Clean, Plant etc. |
|
|
FALL "It's My Park Day" Oct.
9:30 - 1:30 Hot Dogs and Daffodils
|
Annual Fall plantings of Daffodils and other bulbs to bloom in the spring . Friends of Ferry Point Park along with Ferry
Point Community Advocates welcomes all who pre-register Free Hot Dogs /Beverage/snacks/Watermellon
|
|
JULY 23rd and or last Sat. of July each year Catherine Poggi Memorial BBQ In the back yards of 716, 722 ?, 720, 724 Brush Avenue |
Combined Membership invite to FoFPP FFFoFP FPcomAdvoc NEBCA
|
|
|
HALLOWEEN
a safe place
|
Annual Halloween Costume Contest/
Trick or Treat Awards, Candy, Snacks, Haunted Trail and more Cup cake decorating at 724 Brush Ave, Evening |
|
|
Adult
Annual Christmas Party
|
Holiday Party will be planned
|
|
|
AnnualNew Years Hot Co Co for the Children Party
|
|
|
|
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
|
Plan for December/ Hot Co Co and Tree Lighting
|
|
