Riverdale revitalization on the way

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To the editor,

The North Riverdale Merchant and Business Association is indeed excited to help oversee a planning study to recommend improvements to (1) streets and traffic patterns; (2) safer and greener sidewalks; (3) safe pedestrians links to transportation and parks; and (4) re-use of vacant or underutilized properties. Studies have shown that these sorts of improvements create safer conditions for pedestrians, revitalized businesses and a higher quality of life for residents (“North Riverdale wins grant to beautify,” March 5, 2015).  We want to thank Councilman Andrew Cohen, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, state Sen. Jeff Klein, Rep. Eliot Engel, NYC DOT and the Department of City Planning for their support in winning the grant.

And we want to recognize Assemblyman Dinowitz’s contribution of funds to Riverdale Neighborhood House to serve as a partner to the Association in the work. (RNH is an IRS-certified 501(c)(3) and therefore a vital partner in the project.)  Once NYSERDA approves the release of funds (including $100,000 through its Cleaner, Greener Communities program), the association will invite the elected officials and other stakeholders to  be part of an informal “advisory committee” to provide input on the project.  The public will have the chance to hear monthly updates on the work at the Associations’ meetings.  And the draft plan will be subject to review by the DOT, City Planning, Community Board 8 and others. We are sure this collaborative process will produce great ideas for a revitalized downtown for Riverdale. Funding and implementing the recommendations will, however, take all our community’s support and effort.

Gary Wartels, Valerie Adelman, John Evans, Patricia Cassiere
Board of the Business 
Association

beautification, North Riverdale Merchants Association, Gary Wartels, Valerie Adelman, John Evans, Patricia Cassiere

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