Business
Seal the deal on a Connecticut “Greenway” plan
By [unknown placeholder $article.art_field1$]
Feb 18, 2010 - 12:59 PM

The quiet and often unnoticed transit of the Pequonnock River through urban Bridgeport was highlighted recently by the appearance of a seal sunning on a pipe along the inland area of the waterway. A photograph of the seal was featured on the front page of the Connecticut Post on Friday, February 5, 2009.

The area of the waterway south of Beardsley Park which transects Boston Avenue, Noble Avenue, and flows along the East Bridgeport area parallel to Knowlton Street, although industrial, has great potential for restoration. The river bank, as well as, the river itself remains a natural feature of the urban landscape. The Pequonnock River is named after the indigenous Pequonnock Native Americans and is a geographic landmark in their culture and traditions.

In some areas, the banks of the waterway are littered and the vegetation is weedy and overgrown. There are some buildings along the river that are sufficiently old that they can be viewed as historic structures. With the recent donation of land by the Acme Corporation in December 2009 to the City of Bridgeport, the prospects of creating a "Greenway" along the urban waterway are enhanced. A Connecticut State "Greenway" plan would be a "plus" for businesses in the area and along the waterway.

Who would be interested in helping to initiate the idea by starting a citizen community group which could help clean-up the river and banks?

Personally, I would be glad to start the process, however, it takes more than one person. That’s why I am calling on citizens, business owners, local historians, civic groups, environmental supporters, canoe and kayaking fans to act to preserve and enhance our waterways. The visibility of the seal last week and other marine life using the river are a green light for habitat restoration and preservation.

Sincerely,

Elaine George
silktreegardens@msn.com

© Copyright by ConnecticutPlus.com