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For Immediate Release: Monday, April 18th, 2005 Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w) 212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 ***PRESS
RELEASE*** State Senator Liz Krueger Hails Shift On Shaft As Victory
for Sutton Area Community Praises Community Activism
in Battle to Keep Area Safe New York, NY – State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) praised Sutton Place community activists for their successful battle to keep a water tunnel distribution shaft out of their densely populated community. “The water tunnel shaft simply did not belong in the midst of a narrow, well-trafficked through-street in a heavily populated neighborhood,” said Senator Krueger. “While completion of the water tunnel is essential for the safety of all New Yorkers, the site on 54th Street was clearly inappropriate and I am happy that DEP has taken into account the community’s concerns on the matter.” The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed last year to locate Shaft #33b of Water Tunnel #3 in 7,000 sq. ft. of the bed of the street on East 54th Street and 2nd Avenue. The proposed site would have jeopardized the safety of thousands of residents by restricting accessibility for emergency vehicles, exacerbated the area’s already severe traffic problems and the plan actually conflicted with DEP’s own stated criteria for site selection. Last week, the DEP released a revised Draft Scope Analysis that indicated that their new preferred site for a distribution shaft was located at the northwest corner of 59th Street and First Avenue. The site is owned by the city and presently acts as a Department of Transportation parking facility. According to the DEP document, the site is preferred for several reasons, including the fact that it has the best configuration for construction, the shaft center is over 75 feet away from the nearest residential building and the configuration allows for noise control. “DEP obviously took the community concerns about the shaft very seriously,” remarked Senator Krueger. “Their decision to pick a new site for the shaft is a huge triumph for the community.” Senator Krueger joined with local representatives and residents many times in protesting the proposed placement of the shaft. Construction of the crucial third water tunnel has been ongoing for over three decades and is expected to reach the East Side in about two years. -30- |
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