A new 16-story residential building called, The Parker, is set to be built on the border of Yonkers and the Bronx. But, the location, size, and style of this building may create harm to migrating birds.
The proposed plans contain 160 rental units with amenities like a fitness center and laundry facility. Defined as “all-affordable” housing, rents range from $1,140 for studios to almost $3,000 for three-bedroom apartments. This building has already caused a stir in the neighborhood over variances it has received for reduced parking and altered bus access.
A barrier for bids
The New York City Audubon reports that over 240 bird species breed in New York State. Moreover, 450 bird species spend at least part of the year here. During migration, millions of birds pass through New York City. Their journey leads them to breeding grounds all throughout the globe. Unfortunately, glass windows and artificial nighttime lighting pose threats to these birds. Estimates are that between 90,000 and 120,000 birds die annually to these hazards.
In 2020, New York City implemented Local Law 15 to address this concern. The law requires all new buildings to have bird-safe glass installed. But Yonkers does not have such requirements. And the large glass windows of The Parker pose the strongest driver of collisions.
At a recent meeting of the Yonkers Planning Board, engineer Franz Laki asserted that “it is not anticipated that the development would impact the natural fauna, including the surrounding avian populations.” This conclusion is based on a report that the proposed building height of 166.5 feet is not tall enough to interfere with migratory patterns of the local birds. However, other reports state that these deadly collisions can happen as low as 75 feet.
The developer of the project, MacQuesten Development, LLC, expressed willingness to work with the local government on any issues they find problematic. This also includes addressing any potential environment impact new shadows this building may have on neighboring Van Cortlandt Park. Its The Parker‘s proximity to this vibrant park that is at the crux of the concern over local wildlife and flora.
Regardless of the developer’s assurances, many in the community are still skeptical. Dustin Partridge, the director of conservation and science at New York City Audubon, offered two solutions. Turning off artificial lights when the sun goes down and covering windows with a small film barely noticeable to the human eye are ways to prevent unnecessary deaths. So, while The Parker can help alleviate the housing crisis in the city, the dangers it may pose to the migrating bird population adds to the list of worries some have on this development.
