BACKGROUND
The Esposito Nature Trail:
The Raymond G. Esposito Trail is a 1-mile-long, gravel trail through several neighborhoods on the Hudson River that occupies the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad's Nyack and Piermont Branch. It is a treasure to the local community. NY State "Alternative F" (Aka Concept F) calls for the urbanization and development of this beloved Nature Trail, to connect to the New Tappan Zee Bridge's Shared Use Path. We are seeking to protect this trail and ensure it remains untouched.
The Raymond G. Esposito Trail is a 1-mile-long, gravel trail through several neighborhoods on the Hudson River that occupies the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad's Nyack and Piermont Branch. It is a treasure to the local community. NY State "Alternative F" (Aka Concept F) calls for the urbanization and development of this beloved Nature Trail, to connect to the New Tappan Zee Bridge's Shared Use Path. We are seeking to protect this trail and ensure it remains untouched.
Concept F
What is Concept 'F'?
Concept 'F' is NY State's plan to develop the Exit 10 Interchange in South Nyack to accommodate parking, comfort stations and the primary access to the New NY Bridge's Shared Use Path. It also calls for the development of the Esposito Nature Trail as a spur path which will change the face of this trail forever.
How?
By creating a paved side (Spur) path that would run alongside the Esposito Trail from the South Nyack Village Hall to Clinton Avenue. The Spur Path will be separated from the Esposito by an 18” domed granite median and will crossover the Esposito to connect to the SUP for bicycle traffic at South Nyack Village Hall. There are also plans for major “trailhead” development and construction at the southeast corner of Clinton Avenue and South Franklin Street.
Concept 'F' is NY State's plan to develop the Exit 10 Interchange in South Nyack to accommodate parking, comfort stations and the primary access to the New NY Bridge's Shared Use Path. It also calls for the development of the Esposito Nature Trail as a spur path which will change the face of this trail forever.
How?
By creating a paved side (Spur) path that would run alongside the Esposito Trail from the South Nyack Village Hall to Clinton Avenue. The Spur Path will be separated from the Esposito by an 18” domed granite median and will crossover the Esposito to connect to the SUP for bicycle traffic at South Nyack Village Hall. There are also plans for major “trailhead” development and construction at the southeast corner of Clinton Avenue and South Franklin Street.
Renderings of proposed Esposito Trail development presented to public in November 2016.
Reaction
South Nyack residents and concerned citizens rejected the development and connection of the trail to the SUP.
Concerns with Concept F
Revised renderings revealed in January 2017.
In response to the concerns of South Nyack residents over the proposed renderings of the paved side path and the new trailhead, the New NY Bridge team scaled back the design by reducing the paved portion, removal of the stone wall and signage, and increased landscape including more trees.
South Nyack residents and concerned citizens rejected the development and connection of the trail to the SUP.
Concerns with Concept F
- A loss of greenspace.
- A loss of the natural sound barrier that the trees provide between the Thruway, Bridge and residential areas.
- An increase in drainage issues as a result of the loss of greenspace.
- The face of the trail will change from a nature trail to an urban style path with lighting, fencing, and benches.
- The trail hours will change to be open as late as 11pm and the seating/lighting will invite visitors to "hang out" at this late hour and beyond.
- Concerns grow that trail could be paved beyond the current plan to connect to the Spur to the Village of Nyack to the north and Piermont, Grandview and beyond to the south in the future.
- Raises safety, security and maintenance concerns.
Revised renderings revealed in January 2017.
In response to the concerns of South Nyack residents over the proposed renderings of the paved side path and the new trailhead, the New NY Bridge team scaled back the design by reducing the paved portion, removal of the stone wall and signage, and increased landscape including more trees.
Reaction
While we appreciate the effort and response to our concerns, we still feel that the best solution is to leave the Esposito Trail untouched with no connection to the SUP. Preserve South Nyack supports Concept F Refined as a viable alternative to the development of the Esposito Trail.
While we appreciate the effort and response to our concerns, we still feel that the best solution is to leave the Esposito Trail untouched with no connection to the SUP. Preserve South Nyack supports Concept F Refined as a viable alternative to the development of the Esposito Trail.