New York Congressmembers Ritchie Torres and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Write to Governor Kathy Hochul Opposing Cross Bronx Expressway Connector Roads Plan

Congressmembers Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) wrote to New York Governor Kathy Hochul regarding the New York State Department of Transportation’s plans for a connector road in the South Bronx.

The letter reads as follows (PDF here):

“Recent reporting shows that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has planned on building a connector road in the South Bronx between Webster Avenue and Third Avenue (Connector Road 1) for at least two years. This ‘new’ connector road is separate from the proposed connector road between W Farms Road and Bronx River Avenue (Connector Road 2) that we have provided $150 million in federal funding for. In terms of Connector Road 1, this is the first we and local community leaders have heard of it. Regarding Connector Road 2, we are strongly opposed to the direction in which the project is trending. Large infrastructure projects, however massive, should have the buy-in of local leaders to benefit those living in the community. As such, we oppose both proposed connector roads as they represent a doubling down of Robert Moses’ policies and expect to see alternate proposals from NYSDOT.

“As you know, the ‘Reimagining the Cross Bronx’ project seeks to undo the generational economic and health impacts the Cross Bronx Expressway has had on the South Bronx. This new connector road – in its current proposed form – undermines the very goals of ‘Reimagining the Cross Bronx’ study.

“In the case of Connector Road 2, this is going to be a large expansion of the Cross Bronx that will construct a new bridge across the Bronx River and bring highway traffic much closer to the Bronx River Houses. Unlike Connector Road 1, we understand that there has been some level of communication with community leaders. However, we have been informed that they have been ignored and their thoughts disregarded when they have offered suggestions on improving the proposed road. Listening and representing those who elected us to office is the number one primary priority. Disregarding the wishes and suggestions of the local community is unacceptable.

“As you enter into the NEPA review for the proposed connector roads, we would appreciate a response to the following:

·       Connector Road 1 as currently proposed, would overlap NYPD’s 48th precinct and FDNY Engine 46 Ladder 27. Would you plan on asking both entities to relocate to accommodate Road 1?

·       If the project moves forward as suggested, what is the plan for the connector roads once the rehabilitation of the 5 bridges is complete? Will these roads remain as roadways? If they remain as roadways, will they be dedicated to buses and cyclists? Or will they accommodate private vehicular traffic as well?

·       What alternatives is NYSDOT exploring to reroute traffic while rehabilitation work is underway on the 5 bridges?

·       Is there an option to rehabilitate the 5 bridges without building new connector roads? If so, we would encourage NYSDOT to share this option widely.

“Our offices firmly believe that continuing to scar the South Bronx with more highways runs counter to the environmental and public health needs of our constituents. We thank you for your consideration of our concerns and look forward to your response.”