NYCkayaker Harlem river Letter to nytimes

[Harry J. Bubbins]

Dear Editor:

Re: Man¹s Vision to Carve Prime Real Estate From Hudson River Proves a Tough
Sell, October 16, 2007, which ends with the shocking quote by Mr. Urstadt
who stated ³How about filling in the Harlem River? It doesn¹t do any good.
The only thing it¹s used for is the Circle Line.²

There are numerous environmental and recreational efforts that make use of
the unique habitat and aquaculture of the Harlem River, which is really a
tidal estuary.

The shore of this 8 mile long strait find many New Yorkers fishing, host the
Swindler's Cove park and boathouse of New York Restoration Project, the
Urban Divers Eco Center, and serve as a magnificent stretch for rowing teams
from Columbia University and elsewhere, in addition to paddling programs by
Inwood Canoe Club and Friends of Brook Park, under the soon to be restored
historic High Bridge.

Rather than casually suggest that it be filled in, we need to invest more
resources to provide access and amenities to the diverse populations of the
Bronx and the Upper Manhattan along it's existing shores.


Signed 

Drew Becher
Executive Director
New York Restoration Project
And

Harry J. Bubbins
Director
Friends of Brook Park