Local politicians call for increased public input on Cross Bronx Expressway redesign plans.
A coalition of thirteen local politicians is urging Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration to enhance community engagement regarding the proposed revitalization of the Cross Bronx Expressway. In a letter dispatched to both Governor Hochul and Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, the elected officials emphasize the necessity of public involvement in the strategic repair of five bridges along this heavily trafficked corridor.
The letter underscores the significance of the proposed project, which represents a substantial investment of 0 million in public funds. The coalition firmly asserts that transparency throughout the process is vital, as well as sufficient time for stakeholder feedback, robust discussions about the project’s environmental ramifications, and thoughtful consideration of community impacts. This outreach initiative is being championed by the Bronx River Alliance, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and the well-being of Bronx neighborhoods.
Signatories of the letter include State Assembly members Emérita Torres, Yudelka Tapia, Landon Dais, and Amanda Septimo, alongside State Senators Luis Sepúlveda, Gustavo Rivera, Jose Serrano, and Nathalia Fernandez. The list extends to Bronx City Council members Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Amanda Farías, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres, reflecting a unified front among Bronx leadership.
The state’s plan for the Cross Bronx Expressway comprises two main strategies. One initiative, which has garnered positive attention, aims to cap certain segments of the roadway to create parks and green spaces—a collaborative project between state and city transportation authorities. The other proposal, however, has sparked controversy; it entails repairing several elevated sections of the expressway, which may lead to temporary road closures.
In an effort to maintain traffic flow during these repairs, state DOT officials are exploring a plan to construct a connecting road across the Bronx River. However, this proposal has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, local organizations, and public transit supporters who argue that it could effectively widen the existing expressway and exacerbate traffic congestion and pollution in surrounding neighborhoods.
This recent communication from local leaders urges the state to explore alternatives that would eliminate the need for the connector road, advocating instead for solutions that prioritize environmental health and community well-being.
In response, state DOT spokesperson Rolando Infante stated that no definitive decision regarding the connector road has been reached and clarified that the project’s aim is not to expand the expressway. Furthermore, he emphasized the department’s commitment to engaging with the community throughout the planning process. An environmental assessment evaluating all proposed options is scheduled for public comment later this year, promising to involve community input at every stage of the initiative.
