Water – and trash – under the Verrazano Bridge

There is a nasty little problem brewing in Bay Ridge.

Trash, such as food, empty plastic bags and various types ofpaper, has been collecting under the Verrazano Bridge along thepopular bike and footpath that skirts the Narrows, and residentshave begun to complain about it.

Frank Barnao, a resident of Bay Ridge, said that he wasappalled by the litter and garbage. There was not a litter basketin sight. There should be litter baskets all along the path andthere should be regular clean-ups of the area.

The walkway and bike path are part of a route that curves formiles around the Brooklyn waterside. Many residents use the routefor exercise, through running and biking, and family get-togetherslike fishing and enjoying the scenic vistas.

From under the bridge heading south towards Bensonhurst, thereis a sizable stretch of the path without a garbage can-it alsohappens to be the only area where trash has gathered along theroute.

To local bike lane activist Bob Cassara, it’s obvious thatlocals are causing the trash build-up, and he knows what needs tobe done.

There should be some trash cans there, but people are slobs,said Cassara. People have to show some responsibility too, theycan’t leave their dirt behind. It’s just like when people drivealong in their car and they toss something out the window, or theythrow cigarette butts on the ground, they shouldn’t be doingit.

Cassara adds that the city’s Department of Parks and Recreationis also to blame because they should arrange cleanups as well, butthey shouldn’t take sole responsibility. People have to do more;that’s all, he contended.

I think it’s something that needs to be brought to theattention of Parks, said Josephine Beckmann, the district managerof Community Board 10-which includes the area of the bike path inquestion.

Beckmann said that the board had not received complaints fromresidents about the trash as yet, but is confident that the ParksDepartment will solve the issue when informed. Once it’s broughtto Parks’ attention, I’m sure it will be addressed, she said,adding that sometimes Parks staffers don’t do clean-ups over theweekend.

Park crews are scarce, Beckmann noted. We are starting to seethe effect of budget cuts.

Contacted for comment, a representative of the Parks Departmentsaid that the agency would look into the trash problem, but had notresponded with an official statement by press time.