EDC struggles to make deal for Randall’s Island Connector project

The viability of a long-term plan by the Economic Development Corporation to build a $6 million bridge to link the South Bronx to a greenway network that stretches from Randall’s Island to Astoria, Queens and East Harlem, has been called into question, the New York Daily News reported, thanks to the agency’s inability to make an easement deal with a local landowner.

The city is ready to begin construction on the Randall’s Island Connector, a bridge for pedestrians and bicycles, but first requires an easement from private company, Harlem River Yards Ventures, to build a path from the bridge to East 132nd Street. No deal has yet been struck with Harlem River Yards.

Anthony Riccio, senior vice president of Harlem River Yards, said talks are going in the right direction.

“There is no problem,” he said. “We are confident we will reach a satisfactory resolution soon.”

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Kyle Sklerov, a spokesperson for EDC, said he hoped the deal would happen sooner rather than later.

“We are hopeful that the negotiations with can be resolved quickly,” he said, “so the city can move forward with this important project.” [NYDN]