Grassroots group continues fight to revitalize South Bronx waterfront

The environmental justice group wants to revitalize the area by transforming seven underused areas: 134th Street Gantries Park, East 132nd Street Pier, Stony Point Trail, Bronx Kill Waterfront, Alexander Avenue Extension, Lincoln Avenue Waterfront and the Park Avenue Boat Launch.

Much of the new vision for the waterfront came from the community itself. If successful, Bronx residents could one day be gardening, fishing - even kayaking along the Harlem River right in the Boogie Down.

Decades of research shows not only could more green space improve health outcomes for neighborhoods historically polluted with poor air quality by nearby factories and plants, but it could also create valuable social gathering space for around 60,000 residents.

South Bronx Unite recently applied for a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and is awaiting approval. However, in the meantime, the grassroots organization continues to raise funding through other means as well as engage the community on the work being done.

In June, a public park on the waterfront was created by Brookfield Properties, the developers behind the luxury apartment high-rise, Lincoln at Bankside Lincoln Avenue.