We shared a video back in June outlying an updated game plan for the Lower East Side's upcoming Lowline. It seems the international green spaces community is pumped and the buzz has especially diffused throughout New York City itself. 

Everyone's excited, and similar projects have been proposed all over the place. The latest comes from Bronx borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Until recently there had been a homeless encampment at the abandoned tracks underneath St. Anne's Avenue at East 150th Street. 

Diaz noted the encampment's negative effect on the surrounding area, calling it "a considerable nuisance to the local community," as it's known to be a space regularly used for sales and consumption of illegal drugs.

So it's great that the day after Mayor De Blasio visited the area, city workers cleared and cleaned the trench. Now, Diaz is calling for development in the area.

In a letter to the mayor, Diaz wrote, "My office and all Bronxites are appreciative that this site...has been cleaned up and its former occupants have been offered assistance. The best way forward on this site is not a temporary cleanup, but the development of permanent use." 

via Anthony Delmundo/New York Daily News

The idea for "permanent use" would be a Lowline-ish park space spanning 30 blocks between Mott Haven to Melrose as well as mixed-income housing for the neighboring lots. Already existing projects in the vicinity like Via Verde and Melrose Commons would serve as inspiration.

This is most likely a good thing. It's tough to disagree with more parks; everyone loves parks and they're healthy for the city in a number of ways. Though, who is to say that the homeless encampment wouldn't return to the space if it gets transformed? Only time will tell, but let's hope for the best!

Check out 5 Underrated NYC Landmarks You've Never Actually Been To. 

[via NY Daily News]

[Feature Image Courtesy of Curbed]