Gotbaum Calls for Immediate Action on Bronx Swamp

Between the Bruckner Expressway and St. Mary's Park in the South Bronx, a stretch of abandoned railroad tracks has evolved into a swamp, filled with trash, vermin, and muddy water. According to a recent Daily News piece, the tracks were part of a mail line operated by a private company until 2004. Now, there is no clear ownership over the tracks, and the city has yet to take responsibility for maintaining them. 

With summer approaching and temperatures expected to rise, surrounding communities may become more affected by the swamp's smell and potential health risks. On a visit to the tracks, a representative from the Public Advocate's office spotted running rats, floating cats, and swarms of mosquitoes rising above the filthy muck.

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum called on the city to take immediate action. Gotbaum said, "In New York City, no one should have to live near something as filthy, and potentially dangerous, as this swamp. It is unacceptable that the city has yet to take responsibility for these tracks, and it is long past time to stop pretending someone else is going to fix it. I call on the city to immediately drain and clean the swamp, and address any lingering health risks resulting from it."