| Even though the BPC approved the alignment at Scarsdale, Delano presented yet another plan for the road and bridges in March 1920. The BPC deferred discussion pending another site inspection. During an April meeting, commissioners agreed they wanted to "thoroughly discuss" the various suggestions to avoid the "undue mutilation of natural features." They were also attempting to avoid grade crossings in the tightly spaced and congested area. The BPC ordered Downer to stake the bridge site, indicating the grade and the height of the parapet walls. Downer was also instructed to consult with Delano on his new design.(242) Commissioners "carefully examined" the parkway drive locations at Scarsdale in early May. Stakes were set to delineate the drive along the pipeline west of the river as well as the alternative drive east of the river. The commissioners decided that the proposed arrangement would be very expensive and cause unwarranted destruction of the area’s natural features. As an alternative, they proposed to carry the parkway drive on the east side of the river and widen the existing roads through the train station grounds and Garth Road to 40'. The BPC formally approved Downer’s alternative plan at its next meeting. Two months later, the BPC reversed its decision again, reverting to the original alignment when the Scarsdale Planning Commission apparently objected to placing the drive on the east side of the river.(243) The BPC continued to discuss the Scarsdale location problems over the next few years. The issue resurfaced in early 1922. At a January meeting, Downer presented a report with cost estimates for the alternative routes. Route "A" was estimated to cost $220,000.00. Route "B" would cost $275,000 if granite and rubble facing was used on the bridges. The BPC considered the revised plans and estimates and approved Route "B". Under this plan, the drives would merge at a point south of Ardsley Road, follow the pipeline along the west side of the Bronx River to a diagonal crossing at the upper end of the lake and railroad tracks and connect with the section of parkway drive that was already built at Crane Road. The commission voted to hire Delano & Aldrich architects to prepare preliminary studies for the bridge that would be required to carry the parkway drive of the lake, river, and railroad.(244) |
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| (242)Bronx
Parkway Commission, Minutes, March 2, 1920, 26-29; April 10, 1920, 51-53. |
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