The Manhattan Times

Columbia should fix fence, shut off lights before CB12 supports park

To the Editor,

Columbia University's plans for a new athletic complex on W. 218th Street and Broadway in Upper Inwood is a good one if, as outlined, the upgrade provides additional access to the river's edge and more park land for Inwood residents. Who wouldn't want that? However, Community Board 12 needs to insist on two concessions by the university before supporting the project.

First, the university must be forced to curtail the football field lighting that stains our community sky nightly, most often until 11 p.m., an extreme waste of electrical energy and an obnoxious and irritating environmental pollutant. Second, the chain link fence currently surrounding the complex, with its razor wire top that would not look out of place on Riker's Island, must be replaced by one that contributes to the aesthetic value of our charming neighborhood. An even better idea would be to eliminate the fence completely.

Inwood residents must be treated fairly and respectfully by Columbia University, or this proposed upgrade should receive a thumbs-down from CB12.

Pietro Allar