Sweltering Heat and a Festive Time at the River

It seemed as if everyone else was oblivious to the oppressive heat and humidity tonight. A concert in Pierson Park filled the air with music while families picnicked on the grass. Students from the EF International Language Campus in Tarrytown climbed on the rocks and the wall around the viewing area, laughing and speaking their native languages as they took photos of each other with the slowly-turning-pink bridge as their backdrop.

One couple brought their dinner to a table at the viewing area; they, like others walking along the path and kids running around, seemed immune to the sweltering air. It was a perfect night to be near water.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2019

Low Turnout at Toll Advisory Panel Meetings

Thinking I’d be unable to drive due to the ace bandage on my right wrist and hand I emailed my comments to the Toll Advisory Panel instead of going to the meeting in Tarrytown last night.

The hand surgery didn’t happen by quirk and by fate so I spent the past week meeting staff and getting to know residents at the nursing home where mom is temporarily staying. Things worked out well in that respect.

Surgery was rescheduled. About the toll meetings . . .

Why did the panel hear comments only one night in each county? Why wasn’t there a public comment period open for one month or three months or six months? It’s mid-July and sweltering outside; that plus a horrific rainstorm may have contributed to the low turnout last night and (although it didn’t rain as heavily) tonight.

Less than 100 people addressed the panel; how many others submitted written comments? Will those comments be made public? The governor’s task force and his comments nearly five years ago never came to fruition; let’s see what happens next.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2019

Advisory Panel to hear Residents’ Input and Suggestions for Toll Relief on New Bridge

A new, four-person panel will take the first step toward toll relief solutions for Westchester and Rockland residents who cross the new Cuomo Bridge via two public sessions next week from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, will be at the Westchester Marriott, 670 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, and Thursday, July 18, will be at The Time Nyack Hotel, 400 High Ave.

Listening without responding to each person, who has two minutes to speak, will be Robert Megna – Co-Chair, Joan McDonald, Heather Briccetti and Mario Cilento. Those who want to speak must sign up for a two-minute chance to address the panel, which will only listen and will not take questions.

The public can also submit comments to TollAdvisoryPanel@thruway.ny.gov.

Let’s hope the group of four does more than the mass transit task force, which said we need bus rapid transit and left it to others to implement the decision.

“Who will take the initiative to make sure the recommendations will move forward?” State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (88th District) asked at the final transit meeting in February 2014. Then-state DOT Commissioner Joan McDonald replied, “Our charge was to make recommendations. It’s up to the governor and the Thruway Authority to see what are the next steps.”

Tolls on the Cuomo Bridge are $5 through the end of December 2020.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2019

July 4th Reminiscing: Broadway Shows and 1776

Annual fireworks over NYC’s East Village, sponsored by Macy’s/Credit: David Shankbone

Dad loved Broadway shows and took mom to the The Great White Way at least twice a month. When my little brother and I were old enough, they took us to see Annie, Pippin, Chicago, Cabaret, Camelot, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, Gemini, among others.

1 of 3 covers – May 1971/ Playbill Vault

One show I found very entertaining, and remember to this day, was 1776, which opened on March 16, 1969. And my favorite song from that show, one that always makes me smile because of its catchy tune, is this:

If you plan being on the river, then be aware of the new boater safety rules.

Detailed information — including the Coast Guard’s weekly Local Notice to Mariners, excerpted and in its entirety — is also listed on the project website. A LNM primer is here.

Happy 4^th of July. Stay safe and have fun!

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2019

Throwback Thursday: Deck Panel Installation

This time last year:

Crews continue to set precast concrete deck panels atop the steel girders, install rebar, pour concrete and ready the driving surface of the eastbound span. This is what the westbound span looked like before its final driving surface was applied. Deck panels were interlocked via their hairpin reinforcing steel bars; the spaces between them were closed with reinforcing concrete.

They’re doing other work, too, including removing sections of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Their order is the section south of the center, a cantilever truss weighing 4,560 tons; strand jacks will then help lower the main span section closest to Westchester, an anchor span weighing 5,350 tons, onto barges. Then comes the section south of the center, followed by the section closest to Rockland.

I’d like to know what you think.

Copyright © Janie Rosman and Kaleidoscope Eyes 2018