The Very Sad State of Randall's Island

We have been writing about Randall's Island deterioration since the illegal immigration crisis started. Here is a testimony from a NYC mother who prefers to stay anonymous…

I traversed the 103rd St. pedestrian bridge from East Harlem to Randall’s Island this past weekend for an annual event. I was dismayed by the conditions on the pedestrian bridge and horrified by what awaited pedestrians upon immediate arrival on Randall’s Island.

Let’s start with the bridge. What should have been a lovely walk across the bridge (as it was one year ago), was instead a game of hopscotch to avoid stepping in trash and getting run over by the constant stream of motorized vehicles. The bridge was completely lined with tossed paper cups, food containers, and other garbage. There was also a heavy flow of street legal (and illegal) motorized scooters and mopeds, which are never allowed in pedestrian walkways. Crossing the 103rd Street pedestrian bridge on foot felt unsanitary and flat out dangerous.

Unfortunately, crossing the bridge was not the worst part of the trip from East Harlem to Randall’s Island. What awaited pedestrians on the island upon exiting the bridge was even more disturbing. Displaced people were mulling about, with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Everyone looked unhappy, undernourished, and unkept. This was not only the exit from the bridge but also the entrance to the migrant shelter.

After turning left from the bridge exit and heading towards Wards Island, I noticed multiple encampments outside the migrant shelter. These were just tents set up in the park, where people seemed to be living.

Not only did this appear to be extremely unsafe living conditions for human beings in the extraordinary heat, but it also defeated the purpose of a designated migrant shelter (with governing regulations and paid for by NY taxpayers) when anyone could just set up camp outside and do as they please.

Given the large number of event attendees walking alongside me to the festival, I felt relatively safe during the walk. However, this is no longer a walk I would take alone or with children. I’m so sad to see the disarray that has taken hold of a once-lovely community space. I hope that cleanliness, order, and civility will be restored in the near future, as public green spaces are such a cherished resource for those of us who remain in the city.