Group opposed to building in the water (imagine that!)

From the Huffington Post:

Citing Hurricane Sandy, environmental advocates are urging New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to veto a bill that could expand development along the New York City riverfront. But supporters say those criticisms are nothing more than reheated opposition to the original Hudson River Park.

At issue is the park and a series of piers along the west side of Manhattan. Plans to develop the piers jutting into the Hudson River into sports facilities or additional park space have stalled for lack of funds.

A bill that passed out of New York's legislature with scant opposition in either chamber promises to change things, by allowing the park to sell "air rights" -- the ability to build tall buildings taller -- to developers that own land across from the park. The money earned could then be used by the Hudson River Park Trust to repair and further develop the piers.

The bill, which is strongly supported by the Hudson River Park Trust, also includes provisions on new development for the waterfront -- allowing for a helicopter landing pad, "entertainment barges," and a few other new uses of the piers.

But there's a hitch: Hurricane Sandy, and the threat of rising tides from climate change. After Sandy, environmentalists pointed out that they had warned for years about the dangers of development along the waterfront, only to be ignored.

The new Hudson River Park bill was sent to Cuomo on Friday, and he has 10 days excluding Sundays to veto or sign it. If he does nothing, it will go into law.