The Rockaways
Much of it would be beneath the Gateway National Recreation Area - including Floyd Bennett Field, Dead Horse and Horse Shoe Bays and Fort Tilden (home to Frank's Beach Farm), the latter on the barrier island of the Rockaways, and the entrance to Jamaica Bay (and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge). A hugely important and highly threatened ecosystem.
Image: Sheepshead Bites
The plan to build the gas pipeline is outlined succinctly in an article written by Angelina Tala, on Sheepshead Bites, a local news blog edited by Ned Berke.
It was first brought to my attention in an email from the blogger who writes Outside Now. She gardens at the well known community garden at Floyd Bennett Field. Apart from the website above and local bloggers, mainstream media have not yet touched this topic, possibly because it has been smuggled in under their radar. That will change. But for now...
WTF?
Horse Shoe Bay
The point is not a knee jerk reaction to the plan, whose details remain obscure, buried in paperwork. In principle it may be good - gas is cleaner than oil. The point is that no one was told of the plan, nor was the public canvassed about or informed of the potential impact it would have on the very sensitive and fragile area through which the pipeline will tunnel. It has been kept very quiet, the public in the dark.
*Representative: "One that represents another."
Really? Sure did not represent me.
Right on Marie. Gateway does have recent history of asking for public input regarding future management of the park. I see no reason why similar outreach for public opinion and comment shouldn't be utilized before going any further with this project. So many people have a connection to this area (birders, fishermen, beachgoers, etc). The entire area is after all ours in the form of a National Park. http://www.nps.gov/gate/parkmgmt/gmp.htm
ReplyDeleteNow that I see the map, I feel pretty sure that rig on the water near the bridge was connected to this. No wonder no markings or signs. I've seen its 4 post towering above the inlet on the west side of flatbush the other day. I do not know what it does.
ReplyDeleteI see the route terminates not far from our place at home. I'm sorry to say I have been too busy with this and that to dig into this much and I am appreciative of your work and Karen's on this pipeline.
But, Marie, it's so much easier to dig under pristine wildlife management areas than those pesky old developed neighborhoods, and besides the flora and fauna don't often vote. Hope you and others can shine some light on this and have a positive affect.
ReplyDeleteSounds familiar - Chapman's Peak Hout Bay, Cape town - Toll Road plaza to be built on Table Mountain National Park land - a war ongoing as we speak! UNESCO said to be involved now...
ReplyDeleteLyn - Initially I was also outraged by the toll plaza plan. I thought Helen Zille had betrayed us.
ReplyDeleteThen I had a look at the proposed site for the toll. Although I was expecting to, I don't have a problem with the site itself for a two floor building. It is a long-standing gash/former quarry in the mountain. Hardly fynbos. Planted with huge eucalyptus. And I don't have an issue with paying a toll, either, though I feel local residents of Noordhoek/Hout Bay residents should get a discount.
What is problematic is whether the expensive improvements to the road were effective or not. If they were not, the story changes. That IS the real story.
And yes, the precedent of giving part of the Park - no matter how disturbed it may be - to developement, is troubling.
I am open to persuasion.
Has the hunger striker given up? She is off her head.
I love that you have given this the tag of Evangelism....
ReplyDelete