Public in Public Spaces

Dear Editor:

We need to put the public back in public spaces. The bay wall area from Beach 117th Street through Beach 123rd Street leaves a lot to be desired in terms of public use. The narrow walkway along the wall is a mod podge of asphalt and broken concrete, which, when travelled by bicycle, rivals the Cyclone at Coney Island. And although the Parks Dept does cut the grass and pick up litter on a regular basis, the area along the wall is still unsightly with tuffs of weeds and clumps of grass sticking out here and there. Worn and rusted fire hydrants dot the area as well.

This area along the bay wall, as well as the area from Beach 125th through Beach 129th Streets needs a facelift and revamp. Just as Tribute Park has an extended sidewalk and small grass area, this should be the template going westward to accommodate fishmen, walkers and bicyclists. Did you know that you can travel east to the Cross Bay Bridge from Beach 123rd Street without crossing a street? This is ideal for walkers and bicyclists.

The views and sunsets along the bay are beautiful. But what good is it to be surrounded by beauty if no one can enjoy it?

Maureen Walsh