Community voices raise at final meeting on Cross Bronx Expressway plan
The meeting marked the final public information session for the state’s nearly $900 million Five Bridges Project, a plan aimed at repairing and redesigning a 1-mile stretch of the expressway near Boston Road.
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Dozens of Bronx residents gathered in West Farms Tuesday night to make their voices heard about the future of the Cross Bronx Expressway.
The meeting marked the final public information session for the state’s nearly $900 million Five Bridges Project, a plan aimed at repairing and redesigning a 1-mile stretch of the expressway near Boston Road.
Among those in attendance was Rey Allen, who said concerns about air pollution and quality-of-life are driving him to speak up.
“I’ve been interested in what’s being done in terms of air pollution,” Allen said.
State Department of Transportation officials outlined three proposed options for the project. One plan would focus solely on repairing existing bridges and ramps. Another would include those repairs while adding a shared-use path for biking, jogging and walking. The most expansive option would also connect the greenway to nearby Starlight Park.
DOT spokesperson Rolando Infante said the agency is trying to balance infrastructure needs with community input.
“We’re trying to rebuild our roadways to include the Bronxites that live within the confines of the expressway,” Infante said.
But advocates with the Bronx River Alliance argue the outreach process hasn’t gone far enough. The group is calling for a 90-day public comment period, saying a project of this size should not be rushed.
“You’re talking about a $900 million project, and you’re talking about people who may not have heard about it before,” said Daniel Rannells, deputy director of the Bronx River Alliance.
The DOT says it has already extended the comment period beyond the standard 30 days in response to community concerns.
The extended public comment period ends Friday. State officials say they plan to finalize a proposal and present it in the spring.
