The NYS Department of Transportation has abandoned previously announced plans to “take” six houses in South Nyack and demolish the South Nyack bridge as part of the Tappan Zee Bridge construction project. ‘€œI am pleased that the state listened to our concerns and was able to help preserve our historic community,’€ said South Nyack Mayor Patricia DuBow.
In addition to saving the homes — some of which had historic value — the village is no longer faced with reduced revenues which would have occurred if the homes had been taken by eminent domain. South Nyack estimated these properties to be worth about $1.2 million in rateables.
A press release from the Village of South Nyack says the NYS Thruway and the DOT altered the initial design to limit construction East side of the South Broadway overpass. This was possible because project engineers were able to reduce the depth of the new bridge structure and align the new bridge landing more easily with the existing highway.
It’s not clear why this option wasn’t initially considered, however concerns raised by South Nyack officials in their Draft Environmental Impact Statement response about the South Nyack bridge as well as the opportunity to hold down construction costs may have been factors in the state’s decision. Officials believe that work which would have impacted historic properties and two parks adjacent to the construction site would have delayed their DOT plans to build a new bridge.
What seems like good news for some is a disappointment for others. Some of the six were looking forward to being bought out by NYS rather than live through new TZB construction so close to their homes.
See also:
- Bridge Project No Longer Affects Village Properties, 5/25/2012
- South Nyack DEIS Comments, 3/26/2012
