‘Normalized behavior,’ cry neighbors as cars turn greenway into parking lot with crater-like puddles covered in trash | 2JS504Y | 2024-04-30 12:08:01
'Normalized behavior,' cry neighbors as cars turn greenway into parking lot with crater-like puddles covered in trash | 2JS504Y | 2024-04-30 12:08:01
A GREEN space the led to a peaceful waterfront was found covered in cars, worrying residents that a greenway would be destroyed.
A mobility researcher worries about the behavior being normalized, putting the green space under "direct threat."
The Queensbridge "Baby" Park Greenway in Queens, New York City was found trampled by cars – effectively turning it into a parking lot.
The bike path, leading to the waterfront was torn by tires of heavy vehicles that left space to collect rainwater.
Mobility researcher John Surico said one of his favorite green spaces is under direct threat of being destroyed.
"To see it like this now is so dramatically different," he told CBS News.
He noted that it only took one driver to park on the grass and leave without penalty for other drivers to catch on.
"Once it happened with one person, it became accepted, normalized behavior," he said.
"This landscape was not built for two-ton vehicles."
The land that holds the Greenway is nestled between the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the Parks Department, and the Department of Transportation.
CBS reached out to the agencies and only got a response from the NYCHA.
"NYCHA is working in close coordination with our partners at NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation, as well as with Queensbridge resident leadership, to address concerns related to illegal and unauthorized parking along the greenway," their statement read.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> According to the outlet, signs prohibiting parking were taped on trees but were promptly removed.
The Parks Department places barriers at both ends of the bike path, but drivers found a way to wiggle through a side entrance.
Residents who live close to the greenway are concerned about the future presented by those who park illegally.
"We got a lot of people from other places coming to park here, and they go to the subway," said Michael Butler, a resident close to the action.
"That's the big issue."
<!--googleoff: all--> <blockquote class="article__quote"> </blockquote> <!--googleon: all--> The Parks Department responded with a statement that promised progress.
"Our greenways connect New Yorkers to our city's greater park system so park goers can walk, jog, bike, and take in the great outdoors, safe from the distraction of car traffic," read the agency's statement.
"With safety being our top priority, we have increased preventative measures to prevent cars from parking along this stretch of the greenway."
Some, like Council Member Julie Won, say that barricades would limit residential access to the parking lots close by, but protecting the green space takes priority.
"The safety is going to be first, and illegal activity of illegal parking on the greenway has to stop," she said.
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston hopes the community's desire to preserve the green space will inspire city lawmakers to invest in the area.
</div> </div> He originally pitched the idea of transforming the area into a garden, but the city rejected his idea due to a lack of funds.
"We talk about environmental sustainability, we talk about green space, parks, open space, it's a whole thing," he said.
"But we got space back here that is flooding. It's a slap in the face, blatant disrespect."
He said the recent actions taken by the city to prevent parking should serve as a wake-up call.
"If there's not enough parking spaces, I don't know, figure it out. Fix the parking lots," he continued.
"But you can't do this. This is not okay."
The greenway was important to residents and visitors to enjoy a green space away from the bustling city[/caption]
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