HARLEM RIVER STUDY - ANALYSIS 1. City and water bodies The City of New York is one of the greatest cities in the world; its population is as high as 8 million. It is known for its glamorous times square and its highly regarded commercial hub. With so much to deal with, for certain period of time, the city had forgotten that it needs nature’s support to continue its smooth functioning. Rivers all over the city were neglected while trying to build an elaborate infrastructure which could facilitate easy travel to the city. Highways and multi-lane roads were built parallel to the river, thus disconnecting water bodies from the social life of the city. This had negative implications, rivers that previously were an asset to the city, became backyard of the city. It even became increasingly difficult to maintain water standards established by EPA in “Clean water act.” Every single water body in the city is facing issues due to these infrastructure developments. Harlem is no different to this situation. But, the awareness regarding retaining the natural ecosystem in cities is increasing and more and more no. of people are realizing the importance of the rivers (Nathan kensinger). Many steward groups have started their work towards the revival of these rivers and reclamation of the river edge. Once a neglected entity is now experiencing a rebirth. This report talks about the current status of the Harlem River and set a group of goals which will look after or measure the sustainable development of this area (Nathan kensinger). 2. Road Infrastructure Analysis A. History of the road infrastructure around Harlem River Harlem River is a part of greater estuary system called as the greater Hudson estuary system (Manhattan Wetlands and Wildlife association).These waters contain a valuable mix of fresh and salt water and are susceptible to tidal forces and fluctuations, sedimentation, rare biological cycling, and nutrient mixing. Harlem River is an 8-mile-long river that is located between Hudson and East river. This river divides Manhattan and Bronx. There are many bridges that span on the 8 mile long river which connect Manhattan borough and Bronx borough (Manhattan Association of rivers and wetlands).They are as follows : Wards Island Bridge, Willis Avenue bridge, Third Avenue Bridge, Madison Avenue Bridge, 145th street bridge, Macombs Dam Bridge, West 207th Street/University Heights Bridge and Broadway bridge (New York City).The only pedestrian bridge in this area is the High bridge. Harlem River drive runs parallel to the river on Manhattan side, whereas Major Deccan Expressway runs parallel to Harlem River in the Bronx. There is a thick network of road infrastructure which consists of expressways that runs parallel to the rivers, the bridges that connect Manhattan and Bronx and interior connectors which connect streets to the Harlem River drive. Harlem River drive and Major Deccan expressway both were envisioned by Robert Moses. (Museum of The City of New York ). It is an exclusionary bridge, which means that no one can walk or use bicycle on that road. Historically this road was exclusively built for the rich class, who could enjoy the view of the river while traveling in their carriage. This trend is continued even now in new context, only people who can afford a car can access this road. There are very less or no public transport facilities on these expressways. There is only one public bus service that functions in a particular section of the Harlem River Drive (Streets blog NYC). The surprise factor of the river is lost which prevents the river to be a part of day to day activities of the community. This dense automobile infrastructure will always be a Weakness to the development and equity of this area.
Figure 1: Harlem River drive in year 1940 (Museum of The City of New York )
Figure 2 : Bridges around Harlem River (New York City)
B. Residual Space This network of bridges increases dead spaces around the river, because of the triangular spaces bridges create (spaces beneath the bridges that has low height).These areas by default are used as parking spaces, thus making the space more dead (NYC maps.gov)It is observed that these areas are more prone to crime because of the space conditions there. Parking lots beneath the bridges can be one of the weaknesses of this site. Currently, this residual space is a threat due to the prevailing physical conditions. But, can be converted into a good opportunity to reduce parking and device for an alternative function/activity that can trigger social and cultural exchange in these residual spaces.
Figure 3: crime map NYC (NYC maps.gov)
Figure 4: The triangular space formed because of the residual space under the bridges
Figure 5: Parking lots near the bridge.
C. Pedestrian and cycling tracks a. Narrow pedestrian and cycling path All bridges that span from Manhattan to Bronx have a narrow path which accommodates pedestrian as well as cyclists. These paths are covered with high fence towards the river side. This prevents the users of the path from having visual connect with the water body. Because of the automobile traffic on the bridges, people on this path have to go through air pollution by default. These narrow paths are one of the weaknesses. But, they also have an opportunity to be converted into wide pathways and protected cycle tracks. The fencing can be designed such that it facilitates visual connect to the river.
Figure 6: Potential for cycle tracks and pedestrian paths (Streets blog NYC)
b. Walkway parallel to the Harlem River There is a narrow jogging strip around Harlem River on Manhattan edge. One side of the track is defined by the water edge whereas the other is defined by the Harlem River drive. One can reach this track by crossing over the narrow pedestrian bridges that are built over Harlem River drive. The jogging track has a visual connect to the river. But, these jogging tracks are desolate and dysfunctional because of its isolated spot. The factor that is preventing use of this track is its narrow width. Since, both the edges are strongly defined; broadening of these tracks is not possible. This narrow space can be listed under the weaknesses of Harlem River waterfront development. 3. Rail Yard 207th street train yard facility is located in the In-wood area of Manhattan, along the edge of the river (New York City). Rail-yard (a facility with highly mechanized tools, maintenance area, etc.) on the edge of the river is yet another weakness of the Harlem River study area. This yard is used for the maintenance of the eighth avenue line and is maintained by MTA (Metropolitan Transportation authority). The location of the facility is not only detrimental to the social fabric of this area but also possess threat to the facility itself. Strom surge or rise in sea levels can cause this facility, which contains highly electricity oriented machinery and tools to be under threat. This can cause huge amount of economic loss. There are various studies which predict that in near future, due to climate change, the area under floodplains is going to increase. We should work out policies and techniques that continue smooth functioning of these important facilities.
Figure 7:rail yard (Museum of The City of New York )
4. Land Use A. Parks and Open Spaces One of the biggest strength of this project is the availability of parks and open spaces.35 % of the Harlem River study area is under parks and open spaces. In spite of their availability, most these parks are not used by the residents. ONE NYC plan talks about accessibility to the parks to every citizen. But only physical presence of the parks will not be of any use to the community. Factors such as entry points, location, boundaries etc. are as important as the presence of Physical Park. In Harlem River study area, there were many such factors that prevented optimum utilization of these spaces. During site visit, Harlem River Park was extremely difficult to locate. Starting of every connector bridge had a sign that directed towards the Harlem River Bridge. But, it was difficult to figure out any pedestrian bridge or walkway that could lead to the park. Accessibility and way of access are drawbacks of open space and parks.
Figure 8 : Tall fencing around the parks
Parks have high fencing and limited entry gates. Moreover, parks need to be well maintained for its proper functioning. The strength of parks and open spaces can be further explored if the drawbacks mentioned are taken care of. Sherman Creek Park has started an awareness project, where school students are taught gardening skills. This will make not only make future generations ecologically sensitive but also get parents and the family members to understand more about ecology. This is an indirect way of imparting education to the masses. They also conduct workshops for youth that informs them about the benefits of healthy eating. Such, similar awareness projects should be undertaken more in all the parks in this area. Community programs and workshops add value to the asset of parks. 5. Industrial and commercial The area adjoining the river is under DOT (Department of Transportation) and is used to store or as a warehouse for unused and rusted parts of the facilities. This prevents even the person in auto mobiles to have a visual connect to the river. This area has a huge potential for developing as a public space that can have physical and visual connect to the river. The areas adjoining river on both the sides is mostly parking lots or industrial areas, which do not use the water front. There were many self-storage facilities in that areas which, again, do not have any connect to the water body. Facilities that do not interact with the water front is one of the weaknesses of the site. 6. Housing Even the residential buildings that are constructed in this area do not have balconies or windows that open to the view of river. There are few new buildings that are built within the 100 year floodplain area. These areas can face issue during storm surge and flooding. Mayor has launched a ten year affordable housing plan, which has one of its sections in Harlem (The City of New York). In a public meeting held by NYC DEP (Department of environmental protection) residents expressed concerns regarding the new constructions. They were worried that these new buildings will put additional stress on the existing aging infrastructure and will hamper its smooth functioning. 7. Community facilities If compared to New York City there are very few public facilities that are available in this area. Out of the 21,767 facilities available in this area only 69 facilities are available in these areas, which include open spaces, recreation centers, schools, group day care, disabled housing and senior center. 8. Flood plain With climate change the area under floodplain is going to increase. This increase in floodplain can cause destruction of various services that operate in this area. Climate change is a major threat to the industrial and important commercial facilities in this area.To avoid these mishaps facilities that accommodate water should be provided. The comparisons show that the area under floodplain is mostly under parks and utilities However, few new buildings build with elevators do fall under the current 100 year flood plain line and care should be taken that no more residential units are built in the 100 year flood plain. 9. Demographics People living in this area are majorly renters with low income as compared to the City of New York. The mean income of people living in this area is $ 26000, whereas the median income of New York City is $ 53,000.The number of renters living around the area of bridges is high, which indicates that the economic value and the social value of this area has gone down because of the presence of the
bridges. Under such conditions it is ironical to have multiple parking spots in this area. Availability of Citi bikes and public transport can prove beneficial to the renters. There is an opportunity for extending the Citi bike initiative in this area. 10. Combined Sewer Outfall Waste water and surface run off gets combined and flows to the treatment plants. During periods of rainfall when flow exceeds two times dry weather capacity, the combined volume of sewage and storm water can exceed the capacity of the wastewater treatment plants. The system is designed to discharge a mix of storm water and wastewater, called combined sewer overflow (CSO) into nearby waterways to drain the city quickly (The city of New York 2015). This untreated water poses danger to the ecosystem (fishes and plants present in water bodies) and causes “urban stream syndrome” (which means the negative effects of urbanization on the health and function of the water bodies) (Grant S. B. 2012). There are many CSO overfill spots in this river. Harlem river study area receives 11.23% of the New York City’s total combined sewer outfall. City agencies like NYC DEP are implementing various strategies to reduce negative impacts of CSO outfall. They will be working on an additional infrastructure where water from streets is discharged directly into local waterways. This system is called as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and can reduce the volume of combined sewer outfall. Green infrastructure such as bioswales, roof top gardening is encouraged. City agencies have proposed green infrastructure strategies that complement the traditional sewer system infrastructure to mitigate the flow of combined sewer outfall. They are looking for opportunities where existing parks can be retrofitted into green infrastructure (The City of New York 2013).These strategies has shortcomings, due to the limited depth (8”) of green infrastructure, it requires huge amount of land areas, which is a major issue in a dense city like New York (The City of New York 2016). Agencies are also encouraging green infrastructure projects on private lands. Incentives will be provided to the private property owner for building and maintaining these projects. With climate change the challenges are going to be more difficult to deal. As the water system is designed on gravity, treatment plants and pumping stations are located on the lowest elevation. In next 20 years most of the treatment plants and pumping stations will fall under 100 year flood plain (The City of New York 2013).High no. of CSOs is one of the weaknesses of this area.
11. River stewards Stewards are group or organizations that take care of the area and help in the development of their area. The biggest strength of the Harlem River study area is that it has many steward groups working in these areas. Up till now they have taken up projects like Swindler Cove Park.Various steward groups have made and are currently making notable contributions for development of this area.
12. Summary and Strategies: It is observed that areas which can form a part of people’s everyday life turn out of be well maintained. Comparison between the two contrasting areas, such as Swindler Cove Park and area near Harlem River drive states this fact clearly.
13. Sustainability goals and indicators: In order to further develop the river front, it is important to set certain long term goals. These long term goals can be accomplished using the short term goals. The long term goal in this project is sustainable revitalization of the Harlem water river front, such that natural environment flourishes in an urban context which possess strength of communities. Short term goals can be check points for achieving this major goal. The study suggests following short term plans: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Increase the no. of pedestrian and biking paths and eventually reduce carbon emissions. provide protected cycle paths and pedestrian paths on the bridges that connect from Manhattan to Bronx Introduction of Citi bikes on both sides of the bridges (New York Department of Transport). Currently, the project of Citi bike ends at the start of FDR drive in Manhattan. This project can be extended to the Improve tourism opportunities. Many spots can be developed as a tourist spots, which can provide people with more tourist related occupations Convert waterfront parking lot to public parks and areas. Few parking lots along the river front can be converted into public parks and recreation spots and plazas. Improve access to the water front through railway yards. Walkways and viewpoints can be deigned over the railway yard. Implement strategies to improve fencing of the public parks. Currently, there are multiple layers of fencing in the parks. This can be substituted with other less imposing designs of fencing. Design fencing for the pedestrian areas of the project such that there is visual connect with the water body Strategies to facilitate maintenance of the existing parks. Create opportunities for community awareness/education programs ,which can be conducted in parks . With new fully electric cars in the market. Parks can have electric vehicle charging spots. Address security issues near the river front. Elevate the power generation and supply facilities to save it from the ill effects of floods. Improve the network of public transport on exclusionary roads.
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Nathan kensinger. New York's Once-Neglected Harlem River Experiences a Rebirth. 25 Sept 2014. 9 Dec 2016 <http://ny.curbed.com/2014/9/25/10042910/new-yorks-once-neglected-harlem-river-experiences-a-rebirth>. New York City. 207th street yard independent subway. 01 december 2012. <http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/nycta207.html>. —. New York City - DOT. 09 Dec 2016 <http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/bridges.shtml>. New York Department of Transport. Citibikenyc. 09 Dec 2016 <https://member.citibikenyc.com/map/print?latitude=40.81385738830294&longitude=73.91103100510252&zoom=12>. NYC maps.gov. NYC crime map. 09 Dec 2016 <https://maps.nyc.gov/crime/>. Streets blog NYC. Want Safer Biking and Walking Across the Harlem River? Tell DOT Your Ideas. 17 june 2015. 9 Dec 2016 <http://www.streetsblog.org/2015/06/17/want-to-improve-the-harlem-river-bridges-dotwants-your-ideas/>. The City of New York. Housing New York. five-borough ten year plan. The City of New York: The City of New York, 2015. PlaNYC (2013) A stronger, more resilient New York. The City of New York, New York. One NYC (2016) Progress Report. The City of New York, New York. NYC Environmental protection (2013) Green infrastructure in NewYorkCity.The City of New York, New York. NYC Environmental Protection (2016) Standard designs and guidelines for green infrastructure practices. The City of New York, New York.