Following a push from Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, the National Parks Service recently removed a damaged and collapsed fence running along part of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge in Howard Beach. Photo courtesy NYS Assembly
A fence running along part of the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge that had been damaged and collapsed since Superstorm Sandy, prompting concerns from residents about safety, has been removed after Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) called on the federal government to take action at the site.
Goldfeder penned a letter earlier this month to the National Parks Service, urging officials to fix the fence on the northeast side of the bridge in Howard Beach. Following the damage the bridge sustained in Sandy, the structure continued to deteriorate and residents and civic leaders had said they were frightened the damaged fence could translate into tragedy – such as a child falling into the water. Additionally, residents noted how unsightly the spot had become, stressing that summer is coming soon and they wanted to be able to enjoy the outdoors without constantly facing the eyesore.
“This is a small victory for our families in Howard Beach,” Goldfeder said. “I commend the National Park Service for their response to my letter and for their quick action in removing the broken fence. However, there is still more work to be done until the fence is completely restored.”
Dorothy McCloskey, founder of Friends of Charles Park, also lauded the NPS for its action, though she too stressed the need for a new fence.
“I am happy that NPS took down the old fence, which was an eyesore and danger to our families,” McCloskey said. “But we must keep working together until NPS replaces the fence to ensure our families and our children are protected. Without any fence, the risk of a child falling in the water is greater.”
Sandy destroyed the fence nearly 17 months ago, leaving residents without the structure that once acted as a barricade for trespassers. During the time the fence has remained damaged, pedestrians and fishermen have been able to freely walk through the area, thereby polluting the grounds, residents said.
Additionally, area leaders noted that the eyesore was a strain on customers that frequent the restaurants and shops adjacent to the property.
“Summer is right around the corner, and residents can now enjoy the beautiful Jamaica Bay and inlets without being distracted by neighborhood eyesores,” Goldfeder said. “A small effort on behalf of NPS has gone a very long way in making Howard Beach an even more attractive place for our families.”
By Anna Gustafson
