Bronx BP Gibson, Assemblymember Séptimo, State DOT Reps to Paddle Bronx River

Following NYSDOT's announcement that it's canceling plans to build an unnecessary roadway along the Cross Bronx Expressway, Assemblymember Amanda Séptimo, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, community organizations will identify forward-thinking improvements for the corridor and paddle down the Bronx River

BRONX, NY (10/10/2025) (readMedia)-- Today, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and the Bronx River Alliance will paddle down the Bronx River for a waterfront tour of the expressway's proposed Cross Bronx expansion site.

Yesterday, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation announced its decision to scrap plans to build a new traffic diversion structure for the Cross Bronx Expressway, in response to widespread community opposition to the project. The traffic diversion structure would have increased toxic emissions and pollution for nearly 64,000 residents living along the sited project area, including Black and Brown neighborhoods already living with some of the highest childhood asthma rates due to heavy traffic emissions and pollution. In 2022, NYSDOT illegally dumped roadway debris directly into the Bronx River after demolishing a Cross Bronx entrance ramp during a similar rehabilitation project.

Advocates will share background on the community's history of volunteer-led environmental remediation along the Bronx River, and recommend sustainable solutions to mitigate the Cross Bronx Expressway's continuing legacy of environmental injustice.

WHO:

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

Assemblymember Amanda Séptimo

Bronx River Alliance

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WHAT:

A Bronx River paddle-along with Bronx BP Gibson, Assemblymember Torres, community organizations, and agency representatives to identify safe, forward-thinking solutions for the Cross Bronx corridor, and tour key landmarks along the Bronx River set to be negatively impacted by New York State’s planned expansion.
WHEN: Friday October 10, 2025 at 12:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Bronx River House
1490 Sheridan Blvd
Bronx, New York 10459
NOTES:

Media interested in attending the paddle-along should RSVP to Bronx River Alliance Outreach Manager Victoria Toro at victoria.toro@bronxriver.org. 

NOON - 2:00PM: Paddle the Bronx River and view the project area from the water