Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
“The mission to clean Jamaica Bay is ongoing,” Councilwoman Ariola said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Last month, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of a bill sponsored by Councilwomen Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) and Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Far Rockaway) aimed at removing marine debris from City shores and bodies of water.
The cleanup is already underway in Jamaica Bay.
Ariola on Friday tweeted a series of photos depicting crews clearing waste and discarded boats from the beloved body of water.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Crews this week removed debris and abandoned boats from Jamaica Bay.
“The mission to clean Jamaica Bay is ongoing. Crews successfully removed more abandoned vessels and marine debris from our waters this week. I promised to clean up our bay when I was elected, and that is a promise I intend to keep!” Ariola said. “Thank you to our partners at the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers and NYC Parks for helping to identify and remove these blights.”
The bill, Intro. 210-A, would help keep City waterways clean and clear by amending the New York City Charter to create a marine debris disposal and vessel surrendering office. This will make it easier to clear City shores of vessels, often abandoned in the outer boroughs, and environmental justice communities like Jamaica Bay, Coney Island, the Arthur Kill, and the Kill Van Kull.
“Int. 210 is vital towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of New York City’s waterways,” Ariola said last month. “By creating an office specifically for marine debris disposal and vessel surrendering, we can better streamline the services necessary for beautifying our waters while offering boat-owners viable alternatives to abandonment for their old or unwanted vessels.”
