Parks and Gjonaj to remove abandoned
boats from Pelham Bay Shoreline
BY JASON COHEN
Abandoned vessels are
among the biggest problems
in New York City’s waterways,
presenting multiple
ecological, transportation
and safety hazards.
Recognizing this, Councilman
Mark Gjonaj stepped
up to the plate and allocated
$20,000 for the removal of
three boats from Pelham Bay
Park and another $10,000 for
an additional City Island
event in the coming weeks.
On Feb. 10, NYC Parks
Chief of Waterfront and Marine
Operations Nate Grove
and Gjonaj teamed-up as the
fi rst of three vessels were
taken from the shoreline.
“As the stewards of 160
miles of shoreline, more than
30% of the city’s total shoreline,
we are acutely aware of
the environmental and public
safety hazards derelict
abandoned vessels and other
marine debris pose,” Grove
said. “We are pleased to play
a lead role in addressing
these issues and appreciate
the support of Council Member
Gjonaj in this effort here
today.”
Grove told the Bronx
Times that fi nding abandoned
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boats on waterways is
quite common. In fact, during
the past fi ve years the
Parks Department has done
350 vessel removals.
According to Grove, the
boats have been in Pelham
Bay for six months, but unlike
cars, it is much more diffi
cult and costly to haul them
away. He noted the city will
go after people for fi nes, but
typically the person that left
the boat cannot afford it.
“We’re 520 miles of shoreline,
these issues are citywide,”
he stressed. “Don’t do
this. Call 311 if you’re struggling
with your boat.”
Gjonaj explained that he
had known about the issue
with the boats for a while and
felt it was important to allocate
the funds.
In an effort to prevent this
from happening in the future,
the lawmaker wants to
require a surcharge to boat
registrations and mandate
forced insurance coverage on
boats, so that companies can
pay the expense of the boat
removal.
“We come out and we try
to enjoy the natural beauty
here at Pelham Bay Park and
to see a boat that has been
derelict for years is not something
you want to see,” Gjonaj
said. “The health of our parks
and shoreline are inextricably
linked to the health of our
community at large.”
On Feb. 10, NYC Parks Chief of Waterfront and Marine Operations Nate Grove and Gjonaj teamed-up as the fi rst
of three vessels were taken from the Pelham Bay Park shoreline. Photos courtesy of NYC Parks
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