File #: Res 0427-2006    Version: * Name: Inclusion of a Greenway Director within the proposed Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Environmental Protection
On agenda: 7/19/2006
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling for the inclusion of a Greenway Director within the proposed Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to coordinate and oversee the planning, implementation, operations and development of the City’s greenway network.
Sponsors: Helen D. Foster, Sara M. Gonzalez, Letitia James, G. Oliver Koppell, Larry B. Seabrook, Melissa Mark-Viverito
Council Member Sponsors: 6

Res. No. 427

 

Resolution calling for the inclusion of a Greenway Director within the proposed Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to coordinate and oversee the planning, implementation, operations and development of the City’s greenway network.

 

By Council Members Foster, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Seabrook, and  Mark-Viverito

 

                     Whereas,  The New York City Office of Environmental Coordination provides details on several sustainability initiatives currently underway in New York City; and

                     Whereas,  In May of 2006, Mayor Bloomberg announced that he will create a New York City Office of Sustainability which will be charged with exploring ways to further reduce carbon emissions; and

                     Whereas,  An important element of carbon emissions reduction is reducing motor vehicle traffic; and

Whereas,  In 1993, the Department of City Planning published a Greenway Plan for New York City, the City’s vision for a comprehensive system of transportation and recreation paths. The plan outlined 350 miles of connective Greenways that would form a city wide network; and

Whereas,  There is a need for the proposed Office of Sustainability to include a Greenway Director who would coordinate and oversee the planning, implementation, operations and development of the City’s greenway network; and

                     Whereas,  A greenway is a car-free path designed and reserved exclusively for human-powered transportation and recreation including such activities as walking, biking, jogging, rollerblading; and

Whereas,  There are many types of greenways, such as waterfront paths, park paths, converted railroad right-of-way and physically separated on-street facilities; and

                     Whereas,  There is a need for coordination among the city, state and federal agencies and public authorities, as well as with private organizations, community groups, local businesses and greenway advocates, that seek to develop the City’s greenways and there is a need to develop a uniform set of guidelines, user rules and enforcement and education practices to govern the use greenways; and

                     Whereas,  Greenways are important to the City’s well-being in that they encourage an important shift from driving motor vehicles to more city-friendly alternatives, that reduce traffic congestion, pollution, noise, and instead, beautify communities, inspire community pride and promote healthy lifestyles; now, therefore, be it

Resolved,  That the Council of the City of New York calls for the inclusion of a Greenway Director within the proposed Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to coordinate and oversee the planning, implementation, operations and development of the City’s greenway network.

LS# 1212

PM 7-14-06

12:00 P.M.