Water main break shuts down New York Botanical Garden

Multiple city agencies have been working to clean up the mess and restore power and water to impacted areas in Bedford Park and surrounding areas.

Heather Fordham

Dec 17, 2024, 11:11 PM

Updated 4 days ago

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The impacts of a water main break on Webster Avenue in the Bronx are being felt at the New York Botanical Garden.
The NYBG posted on its website and social media on Tuesday, informing visitors that the grounds were closed as a result of residual impacts effecting their water service.
A banner on the garden website said, "Due to a water main break, NYBG is closed today, December 17. Ticketholders will be contacted via email."
Despite the notice, some visitors were shocked when they were turned away at the main entrance on Tuesday afternoon.
"It took me an hour and a half commute to get here, I had to go to Grand Central, the Metro-North, I was so excited to see the train show and I had not clue it was shut down, it was disappointing," said Ayatt Aziz, who traveled from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Multiple city agencies have been working to clean up the mess and restore power and water to impacted areas in Bedford Park and surrounding areas. The Department of Environmental Protection says water distribution teams are working to assess the infrastructure and get water restored as quickly as possible.
"I was upstate today shopping I came down here to see the train show with some friends, but I bumped into this I was not expecting this," said William Caban, who was looking to see the holiday train show with friends.
The NYBG says it is currently unknown if it will be able to reopen on Wednesday. It is asking ticket holders to check their email and website for updates.