NYCkayaker Planyc 2030 and recreation in/on our waterways--report?

[Richard Muller]

Rob - The focus of the hearing was on water quality, and Commissioner Lloyd
of NYC DEP was the principal witness.  She outlined DEP's efforts with
regard to CSOs and other initiatives.  She was accompanied by a
representative of the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and
Sustainability. Quite a few organizations testified regarding: BMPs -
best-management practices, urging the City to focus more on ways to reduce
runoff (permeable pavements, green roofs, etc.)in addition to all the
efforts to control / treat / contain it once to occurs; programs to enhance
water quality in specific areas such as Jamaica Bay; and the 'modesty' of
the City's goal - 90% accessibility for level 2 activities - fishing and
boating - as opposed to more targeted efforts to bring selected areas and
eventually all waters to swimmable quality.  Regarding enhanced access
itself, I testified on behalf of Downtown Boathouse (I will forward our
testimony to anyone interested) for the support and creation of communally
owned and operated public-access facilities in order to make access a
reality for all New Yorkers.  Tim Gamble did the same for Red Hook Boaters,
and Chairman Gennaro advised Tim to make an inventory of sites that should
be added to the seven or so NYC-approved canoe / kayak launch sites and then
lobby the council member in whose district each site is located.  Since
council members support the Department of Parks and Recreation with member
budget items for parks in their district, Parks tends to listen to their
requests.


Did anyone on either of these lists go to this hearing last week? I'm
curious to know if anything interesting got said and/or resolved.

--Rob Buchanan



City Council Hearing: PLANYC 2030 and Recreation in/on Our Waterways
Date: Wednesday, February 14
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: 14th Floor Hearing Room, 250 Broadway
Transit: Subway 6 to City Hall

The Committee on Environmental Protection will hold a hearing on "The City's
PLANYC 2030 sustainability goal to 'open 90% of our waterways for recreation
by reducing water pollution and preserving our natural areas' and how best
to achieve it."