Greenburgh Town Supervisor Calls on County to Clear Bronx River Debris

Written by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner

At the Greenburgh Town Board meeting Wednesday night Tom Bock, a resident of Fulton Park, inquired about efforts to clear debris from the Bronx River. Debris and obstructions contribute to flooding problems on some Greenburgh streets. The Bronx River is not within the town jurisdiction but the county is responsible for clearing the river of debris. The river does have blockages between Fisher Lane and Main Street in White Plains. There is also blockages along the bike path near Walworth Crossing and other bridges towards Hartsdale/Scarsdale.

I sent an email to the County Executive after the meeting suggesting that the county coordinate an effort to clear debris from the Bronx River to reduce flooding in the future. Commissioner of Public Works Victor Carosi sent another email to the county DPW offering Greenburgh DPW assistance if the county chooses to remove debris from the river. It's possible that White Plains would also want to participate.

It makes sense for the county and other localities along the Bronx River to work together to clear debris from the river--let's be proactive and take action before the next storm, to reduce flooding.

In 2011 the town and village of Elmsford cleared debris along the Saw Mill River. The debris removal helped reduce some flooding. Greenburgh's initiative was praised by United States Sen. Charles Schumer and other public officials at that time.