Queensboro Bridge To Be Fenced In, and Some Fear Spread of Chain Links: Proponents Argue Safety Risk Is Being Addressed; Others Fear Brooklyn Bridge Fence
The New York Sun
By Christopher Ovzar

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The city Landmarks Preservation Commission voted yesterday to install a seven-foot-high chain-link fence along pedestrian walkways on the Queensboro Bridge — triggering fear from transportation groups that it would lead to fences on the Brooklyn Bridge and other historic crossings.

The Department of Transportation proposed the fence, which will run along the outside of the existing 4 1/2-foot guardrail. It will consist of metal beams painted “Queensboro brown” supporting the fence vertically and horizontally lining its top.

The new segments will connect older portions of the bridge already fenced off — without the permission of the Landmarks Commission — that stretch over land in Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, and Queens.

Proponents argued that, according to the Coast Guard, the exposed stretch of bridge presents a “clear and present danger” to waterway security. Some said the addition would not provide a noticeable difference when viewing the bridge from afar.

“The simple design that we have will, in fact, blend in quite harmoniously with the larger view of the bridge,” Commissioner Meredith Kane said.

But other commissioners, and some opponents, said that not only will this decision alter the character of the Queensboro Bridge, it might affect the character of others.

“There is no stopping this barreling train of unfortunate design,” Commissioner Roberta Brandes Gratz said. “Everything that we’ve been doing in recent years to make ourselves feel safe and secure hasn’t been doing it.”

Opposition groups include Civitas, the Preservation League of New York State, and the Historic Districts Council. One organization, Transportation Alternatives, which advocates bike and pedestrian travel in the city, argues that for personal safety, the existing barriers are enough.

“The existing railing meets all of the city and state statutes for bike and pedestrian safety,” said Transit Authority spokesman Noah Budnick. “By putting up a seven-foot chain-link fence, it’s not encouraging people to bike or walk.”

The ruling passed with only two abstentions, and commissioners made it clear that this decision should have no bearing on future debates regarding fences on different bridges. The DOT currently claims to have no such plans, which contradicts what a spokesman said in June of 2002. At that time, spokesman Tom Cocola said that when the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway was renovated, a fence would appear.

“We are not currently planning on installing fencing on the Brooklyn Bridge,” DOT spokesman Keith Kalb said yesterday. But Mr. Kalb also indicated that when renovations do occur,a fence might appear on the famous wooden walkway.

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