Joggers, cyclists, train watchers and dog walkers visit the park to enjoy the view of tall, billowing trees and the vast sky overhead. But this view is one step closer to being obscured, due to a city zoning board ruling that would allow four double-sided billboards to be erected on property directly adjacent to the park.
Opponents vow to appeal the decision.
The zoning variance just granted will permit industrial use of the land. The ZBA voted 3 to 2 to grant the variance June 23. Board members are not required to provide a basis for their vote. The exact site of the Conrail-owned property is south of FDR Park, west of South Broad Street and just north of the Naval Yard. Three train tracks run through it, and it is adjacent to a skateboard park beneath the I-95 overpass.