City Island

Part I

 

I have noticed that you have more close- tight family like community when the you have a small radius. It is hard to encompass everyone if the community is large and filled with different cultures. In a big community the similar cultures tend to flock to each other and become clusters. City Island is not like this, instead they are a close tight community and it is largely due to the small radius of the island. Everyone knows each other, went to school together.

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This summer, city island own John Doyle ran for councilman. Unfortunately, he did not win the race however his dedication to bring a change to our residents will not stop. He was the voice of City Island and as he took his agenda to make a change, the community was entirely supporting him. His picture was on every window on the main ave of city island. He lost to a politician with more money who took the votes of other communities in the Bronx.

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Speaking with the residents, about ten years ago there was a proposal to tear down the city island bridge. This bridge was dear to the residents and was considered a landmark to them. The bridge was over 100 years old and brought history and fame to the island. For ten years, the community came together to march and put a stop to the demolition of the bridge. For ten years the city had to negotiate with the residents and finally came to a resolution how to bring a new bridge onto city island. This is what true engaged citizens looks like! The community comes together as one and face battles or unify their voices in matters.

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City Island also has a local newspaper and engages in monthly resident town halls. In these town halls all issues of the island are brought up and addressed. I learned a few years ago, Mayer Bloomberg wanted to eliminate the only fire station on the island because of budget cuts. The entire community came together and protest- and won! The local fire department is still on City Island and Strong!

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Part II

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During these 8 weeks, I was able to meet some new members and even make some new friends. I know a few acquaintances that have families that live on City Island. This shows you how small this island is! 

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During these 8 weeks, I also followed the election of John Doyle. Unfortunately he did not win the election. To me it seemed it all came down to campaign money. The opposing candidate was from Pelham Parkway, a bigger community radius and population. City Island after all is very tiny and even though John Doyle had the entire island's support, regardless of political party- it all came down that John's opposing candidate was from a bigger community and had bigger donations. However John promised to keep his community in focus and keep trying to do what is best for the community and run in future campaigns. It is refreshing to meet people like John. 

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Additionally, during these eight weeks, I was able to witness the opening of the new bridge! Wow what an event it was and I am sure it was emotional for many residents. Change is never easy and is never welcoming. The new bridge is beautifully designed and I can now understand why it took 10 years to approve a design. I am glad the community kept fighting for a design that matched the culture of the island. 

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However, one of the original proposals was to make this more than a 3 lane bridge and the city proposed to make additional lanes on the main avenue. However that was not approved and the bridge remains as a three lane bridge. One new addition was a bike lane. I am happy to see the island is keeping up with the times and offering additional lanes for other modes of transportation.

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