SI Live
After more than a year of community opposition to a commercial development planned for a site next to a wetland area in Mariners Harbor, the biggest obstacle the developers now face may be in the form of a reptile.
It’s believed that the eastern mud turtle,
which is on the New York State list of endangered species, may reside
in the area behind United Cerebral Palsy at 2324 Forest Ave. -- where
there are plans to build 226,000 square feet of commercial space, which
would house a BJ’s Wholesale Club, a gas station, a supermarket and
other retail, and would include 838 parking spaces.
After a database revealed historical
evidence of the prior presence of the eastern mud turtle at the site,
the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has requested that
the developer, Manhattan-based Josifa LLC, conduct a survey for the
species.
“DEC requested the survey
because the Natural Heritage Program database showed historical evidence
of the prior presence of an endangered species, the eastern mud turtle,
at the site, which still contains suitable habitat for the possible
existence of the eastern mud turtle,” said Erica Ringewald, a
spokeswoman for the DEC.
If the eastern
mud turtle is found on-site, the project, which was originally on track
to be completed in fall 2019, may experience additional delays.
While the City Council approved the plan in October 2017, conservationists
have expressed various concerns, saying the project will result in the
destruction of 18 acres of woodlands that play a pivotal role in
maintaining the wetland ecosystem.
“During
Hurricane Sandy, the community to the east of the wetland was not
flooded," said Staten Island Coalition of Wetlands and Forests (SICWF)
leader Gabriella Velardi-Ward. "But the mobile home park to the west of
the wetland was flooded. Wetlands act like a sponge and absorb more
water than most people can imagine. We were not flooded because of this
wetland. If we lose it, we will be vulnerable to the high tide flooding,
storm surge flooding and torrential rain flooding of climate change.”
7 comments:
With so many stores seen shuttered, why do we need another shopping mall?
Yep, what SI needs is a BJ's
so beautiful.
The turtle eggs don't hatch because plants grow roots into the eggs. If anything, they would be likelier to hatch on asphalt
There's no SI Crap analogue to cover this? That's fine, it's good to remember we are all one City (now)...even though I often wonder whether Queens should've been left alone to sort its own affairs (but who knows if that would be better or worse).
We are losing species and natural semi-wildernesses so frequently we've become numb to it. Good on whomever is fighting for the turtles. Even if you don't care about plants or animals beyond their direct benefit to you, supporting these causes indirectly maintains the livability of the City - more green space means a higher quality of life for residents. Bulldoze it all, concrete it up - not good for new residents, existing residents, or anyone else but greedy developers and corporate capitalists - the fat ones up top. We have more than enough space already that can be built up...I doubt local residents are clamoring for another strip mall of big-box retailers.
The same people that worry about the turtles are ok with aborting babies to the due date, and killing them later if they survive the abortion. Truly a sick and twisted culture.
I expect local news to cover this.
SI advance is actually a good newssite.
Thank you for covering this.
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