Jonathan Rabinowitz and I went to a Parks dept volunteers gathering and
had opportunity to chat with a number of politicos and advanced our
thinking on some issues.  If I forget details, Jonathan can fill
in.
I brought 2 copies of our Dyckman Greenway Connector proposal with me
(with the drawing, rationales, descriptions) and first talked to Bill
Castro, Manhattan Parks Commissioner.  He remembered I'd talked to
him about it before and agreed to meet.  We need to call his
assistant, and I've forgotten the name again...  Not Steve
Simon.  Jonathan and I thought we could also talk with him about the
connector from Henry Hudson greenway to the GW Bridge and maybe other
parks greenway projects.   Can we think about / explore
specific routes from the shore up to the south walkway and talk about
this at our next meeting?
We talked to Councilmember Gail Brewer about the 2 projects (GWB and
Dyckman).  She suggested we talk to Manhattan Boro Prez Scot
Stringer re getting capital funds for the Dyckman Greenway. 
Probably good advice, but we will have to figure how to reach him. 
We also realize it would be a good idea to try to figure out how much
this would cost in advance of trying to get the funds.  When the
RING Garden was starting to get money for its major capital renovation in
the late 1990s, we first had to get a written estimate from Parks dept.
architects, and then used that to shop for backing.  It was the
Manhattan Borough President, Ruth Messinger, who helped us out to the
tune of almost a quarter million dollars.
New priority idea:  We'd discussed the idea of having agency
officials / political folk come to our meetings.  Another idea - Go
to them.  It worked pretty well tonight, albeit brief and rushed
with 2 of us presenting the idea.  Two is a good number. 

At our last meeting we decided that we need to get letters of support for
the Dyckman Greenway from businesses on Dyckman St and nearby.  I
realize this needs to be done THIS WEEKEND in time for handing over to
CB12's transportation meeting for the Monday meeting.  Remember,
they only do this budget ranking once a year and that's Monday.
I'm supposed to lead a bike ride for the 5 Boro Bike club on Sunday and
if it's a good weather day on Saturday, we have the RING garden's flea
market and plant sale.  The weather doesn't look too good at this
point, so if we cancel it I could go with someone else to try to secure
some letters on Saturday.  If anyone is interested to go out meet me
at the RING garden at 2 pm (if there is no flea market), with umbrella,
if necessary, to hit a few of the businesses.  


Recommended viewing for the 21st century: 

www.storyofstuff.com 

Maggie Clarke, Ph.D.



www.MaggieClarkeEnvironmental.com
Environmental Scientist,
Educator

mclarke@...
New York City