bronx

Beavers in the Bronx

A beaver was recently discovered the Bronx River in New York City:

Beavers have returned to New York City for the first time since colonial days when the animals were hunted to extinction for their pelts.

Bronx Zoo-based Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) discovered a beaver in the Bronx River. The animal was photographed and filmed.

WCS says the appearance of the animal, which have swam downstream from Westchester County, is a symbol of New York city's improving urban environment.

The beaver has been named José in honor of Bronx Congressman José E. Serrano, who has championed the restoration efforts for the Bronx River.

Clearly, the beaver is taking advantage of the opporunities in the revitalized sections of the south and east Bronx. His habitat is only a little bit upstream from the Bruckner Interchange (just east of the Bronx River parkway).




Bruckner Interchange

Traveling between my family's home in Westchester and the major airports in Queens often requires passing through the massive Bruckner Interchange. This rather impressive interchange in the Bronx connects the Hutchinson River Parkway (aka “the Hutch”), the infamous Cross-Bronx Expressway (I-95 and I-295), the Bruckner Expressway (I-278 and I-95) and I-678 (The Van Wyck Expressway) to JFK Airport.

One does not usually associate New York with massive freeways like those here in California – but remember that New York is the largest city in the U.S. and the traffic has to go somewhere. Much if it is carried on large aging freeways in the outer boroughs, such as the Bronx.

There isn't really much of a “statement” here – I just think large highway interchanges are cool. However, I do recommend for those interested reading up on the rather harsh history of highways in New York, most notably the Cross-Bronx Expressway and the never built Lower Manhattan Expressway.