BILL NUMBER:  S6151

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law,
in relation to establishing the Heights Heritage Area; and to repeal
provisions of such law relating thereto


 PURPOSE :

Establishes the Heights Heritage Area, sets its boundaries and
provides for its historic development features.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section one amends the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
by adding the Heights Heritage area to those historic settings of the
state that have been identified for their statewide significance in
the plan for a statewide system of urban cultural parks; and sets the
boundaries for the Heights Heritage area.

Section two is the enacting clause.

 JUSTIFICATION :

              

For Northern Manhattan, the most important benefit of a state
designated heritage area is the ability to safeguard a way of life and
preserve history and neighborhood character.

Historic Harlem Heights was once a lush, natural region with flying
hawks and wild turkeys. The Hudson River, with its picturesque banks
forming gentle grassy slopes, was full of young salmon, large oysters
and sturgeon. Deer, wolves and bears roamed the land freely. Native
American groups like the Reckgawawanc and Weckquaesgeeks lived in
numerous settlements throughout Northern Manhattan. Over the last 340
years, this area of Manhattan has gone through numerous
transformations, from sprawling farms, to villages with ferries
dotting the Hudson, to clusters of urban neighborhoods with subways,
wide boulevards and bridges.

For too long the contributions of Northern Manhattan to the history of
New York City and State have been neglected. The community is
endeavoring to keep this history alive through State parks
designation, which will allow the region to attract needed funds to
improve the public landscape, market and promote local businesses and
institutions, and spur economic growth to attract new businesses and
increase tourism.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

Bill A8724. Signed Chapter 688 on 11/03/2004

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.