he 2006 Great River Sweep set a new standard for citizen activism in the valley. Our prior record of 115 cleanups was blown away, despite harrowing weather on the first weekend.
A total of 223 Sweeps took place from Manhattan to the Adirondack foothills, rallying some 7,000 volunteers -- including thousands of kids -- in removing 100 tons of riverside trash.
We salute our coordinators, volunteers and generous corporate sponsors (see www.greatriversweep.org) for making it happen! If you participated in the cleanup but did not take advantage of a FREE Scenic Hudson membership, visit www.scenichudson.org
WHO'S IN CONTROL OF YOUR WATERFRONT?
This example of residents taking control of their waterfront is precisely what we believe must happen all along the river to safeguard the beauty, character and future prosperity of our National Heritage Area.
But right now developers are often calling the shots.
Some 1,200 houses are proposed for Sleepy Hollow and 2,500 for the Kingston waterfront. In Yonkers a 30-story waterfront tower is proposed, just the first of many on the boards in this city.
The vision of a public and natural waterfront for all valley citizens is about to be lost in a sea of sprawling riverfront development that could turn the "landscape that defined America" into "Anywhere USA."
Some communities are making progress.
Hudson, Red Hook, Pine Plains and other towns are working to adopt master plans and zoning that will protect farmland and waterfront areas. In Tarrytown we've spearheaded an effort with the mayor, planning board, county, a developer and residents to design a waterfront park that will replace a relocated asphalt plant.
OUR SECRET WEAPON IS YOU -- SO HIT THE RED BUTTON
Eager to swing into action? First, make sure you're an official Scenic Hudson member, and then get your family and friends to join. Free membership keeps you on the pulse of river issues through "you-heard-it-first" updates. Come to fun events, share your views with public officials without leaving your computer, or be a volunteer.
It's all waiting for you at www.scenichudson.org -- Look for the red button.
Sincerely,
NED SULLIVAN, PRESIDENT |
 |
|
|
| Photo credit: M. Nelson |
|
|
 |
|
| Board Chair Fred Rich (left) and President Ned Sullivan (right) discuss the success of the Great River Sweep with Pete Seeger at a celebration for Sweep volunteers. |
|
 |
|
