NYC Keep Your Promise.

In 1993, then-Mayor David Dinkins signed a memorandum of understanding with the New York State Legislature pledging that the shooting range at Rodman's Neck would have sound baffling installed on site within a year. Nearly twenty-five years later, the sound continues unabated; indeed it is even louder. Over the years, we have had new Mayors and new administrations, and promises have continued to be made -- including that of Mayor Michael Bloomberg to relocate the range-- but none of them have been kept.

Now in 2016 we are demanding the following from Mayor de Blasio, the New York City Council and all agencies of government-

• SOUND BAFFLING, first and foremost! The City has misled the residents of the East Bronx along Eastchester Bay for too long. As a starting point and good-faith effort, the City should install baffling immediately, even if it's only temporary until the range is reconstructed. It may be costly but 30 years of NYC inaction has been equally costly and taxing on our residents. 
• Creation of an open transparent process to oversee construction. There are a number of community-based organizations along Eastchester Bay, including many Civic Associations. All of these groups should have representatives on a planning committee and a seat at the table and have oversight onto the construction on the range. Regular, open public meetings are also essential so all residents can stay informed. 
• Consistent updates and hard deadlines should be given. This should include progress on outgoing request for proposals, budget updates, progress reports on environmental remediation. These notifications should also be provided each month to the 45th Precinct Council as soon as possible as was stipulated in the 1993 memorandum of understanding.