East 91st Marine Waste Transfer Station

Ramp to MTS bisecting the Asphalt Green athletic facility. (Note: We received a note from Google Maps that they accepted our addition of the missing ramp.)

We have been keeping an eye on the developments around the proposed East 91st Street Marine Waste Transfer Station (MTS). While funding for the ten-story facility has been set aside by the New York City Council, there is considerable opposition to the new facility because of its potential to adversely affect the surrounding residential community.

Besides the idling trucks, congestion, smells, and vermin that the MTS will bring to the area, we feel the most glaring issue is how it will affect the Asphalt Green, a recreational facility used by thousands of youngters year round. How placing this processing station in the middle of such a vibrant athletic facility doesn't give city planners pause is confounding. And when we say "middle of", we should be emphasize that the ramp to the MTS bisects the Asphalt Green, as shown in the image accompanying this article. 





According to a recent release by Liz Krueger, NYS Senator for the 26th District, census data shows that 13,500 people live within a quarter-mile of the proposed site, over 25% of them children and senior citizens. Equally important is the NYC's Independent Budget Office findings that the new site would more than double the costs of handling trash over current methods.*

This is certainly an issue worth keeping an eye on. Here are some useful links for anyone wanting to learn more about the East 91st Marine Waste Transfer Station (MTS): 

• Study on the MTS for Prof. Micha Tomkiewicz Course
• "In Fight Against Trash Station, Upper East Side Cites Injustice" by Mireya Navarro (NY Times, June 30, 2011)
• Gracie Point Community Council

* Source: Neighboorhood Update Fall 2012, Liz Krueger, New York State Senator.

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