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ton islands, Capasso says, “I’m not sure merges the island, the city and state do
how wet or dry these islands are, but not consider it a place. But the eye and
they are both pretty thin (maybe 200 and foot tell a different story.
500 feet wide). Whatever it is or called, it is a mile and
Any development would certainly a half from the southern tip of Blaugard
be restricted given (the islands are) Island. Since the tide was moving hard
assumed wetlands buffers (typically to the south and would add considerable
ranging from 50 to 300 feet); lack of time and effort to reach it from the north,
grandfathered uses (any such rights I decided to re-start this portion of the
from historic uses would be long expired trip from a small public launch area close AUGUST 2017 PERFORMANCES!
in terms of zoning); possible threat- to the Calhoun Street Bridge on the Mor-
ened/endangered species habitat (more risville side of the river. This time I went 3 Allen Krantz
buffers, at minimum); and other permit solo. 8 pm Classical Guitar
requirements for waterfront develop- Again in a matter of minutes I was Nate Philips Quartet 4
ment. From the city’s end, we would also island-bound and moving south under 5 Jim Arkus Jazz 8 pm
need to consider typical safety, policing, the car rumbling bridge. Heeding the
and park maintenance issues.” “Paddler’s Guide” about the swift cur- 8 pm Guitar and Blues
Cappasso adds, “We have spent time rents coursing through the wing dam Stephen Yee Quartet 11
on planning for developing the Delaware between the island and the city, I pad- Jazz 8 pm
River waterfront for open space over dled in from midstream. 12 Rrage
the years (past design competitions and I also used a helmet, in case I tumbled 8 pm Jazz Fusion
conceptual planning with the state are in this generally shallow and rocky sec-
notable). tion of the river. Within 15 minutes my Richie Cole and Friends 17
Perhaps if those plans come to frui- kayak reached the island with no or two Jazz 8 pm
tion, we could start looking at the islands. names, and I was standing on a bed of 18 The Whispering Tree
I don’t think the islands were included in rock surrounded by fast-moving waters. 8 pm Franco/American Folk/Roots
any of that design work, possibly because As I moved into a small section with
they are located farther upriver. Past shin-high flowers, I looked over to the Jayplayers/Justin Trawick 19
park planning has been limited to the Capitol Complex with its gleaming state- Contemporary 8 pm
area downriver from the Calhoun Street house dome and the New Jersey Depart- 25 Open Mic Night!
Bridge. To my knowledge, no discus- ment of State and State Museum build- 7 pm
sions from the state that I’m aware of.” ings where I had worked years ago and Vin Downes and Aaron Lefebvre 26
The third island is the smallest — per- would often gaze out at this small island
haps an acre or so. Yet with its proximity and fantasize about it. Solo Acoustic Guitar 8 pm
to the N.J. State House Complex, Route Now here I was, standing on it and 31 New Jersey Jazz Quartet
29, and the Calhoun Street Bridge, it is staring up at the other side of that win- 8 pm Jazz
the most visible. While city records have dow. In the fresh breeze and amidst the
no name for it, the “Paddler’s Guide” bright sound of running water, I enjoyed 101 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ | www.1867sanctuary.org | 609.392.6409
calls it both Yards and Fishing Island. the sensation of finally escaping to Preservation NJ, PO Box 7815, West Trenton, NJ 08628
And since flooding frequently sub- these forgotten islands in the stream—

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August 2017 | Ewing Observer13