We”™re glad to see that Arthur Collins of Collins Enterprises reached an agreement with Scenic Hudson in providing more public space along the Yonkers riverfront as the second phase of his condo project takes shape.
We applaud developers with a conscience who don”™t just buy up land and do as they please ”“ even though they can, within reason, of course. We don”™t need to list the lovely and innumerable characteristics of the Hudson River, but we don”™t ever want anyone to take it for granted as it was in the past when manufacturers dumped everything from PCBs to heavy metals into it, damaging the ecological balance for untold years.
For Yonkers, as well as other river towns, the development of its riverfront after decades of perhaps not outright neglect, but being ignored and overlooked, is a refreshing and necessary catalyst for other projects that will eventually turn the city around back to a vital, thriving and energetic community.
As for Hudson Park, Scenic Hudson stepped in when the developer requested additional height to the project.
Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson, acknowledges that he initially considered taking Collins to court over the issue. “We discussed that with Collins and the city, and all parties agreed it was better to solve this problem through a discussion and negotiation of greater public open space on the waterfront. Scenic Hudson always tries to work things out amicably and identify a win-win approach.”
Collins said he wasn”™t opposed to the request, but were limited by the tight quarters of the property between the train tracks and the river.
“We”™re more than happy to accommodate what we can and what”™s feasible. There are all these different constraints, but the bottom line is you want to give the waterfront back. We”™re happy to work with them to get the best solution for everyone.”
Yonkers Mayor Philip Amicone was also elated by the agreement.
“There”™s very little land available for the people of Yonkers ”“ it”™s all industrial, it”™s all privately owned. We”™re taking that land back as part of every project and giving it back to the public.”
We”™re hopeful other developers will also take into consideration their new neighbors when they create a development not just on the river, but anywhere in a municipality.
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