It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in Tappan, NY, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
We Work With
What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in Tappan, NY could be the solution.
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
GUILDERLAND CENTER – George Gaine provided Sean Berrigan and Jack Maloney a proper salute in the final minute of play, subbing for the accomplished seniors and greeting each on the sideline with a heartfelt embrace.“No tears,” the longtime Tappan Zee coach urged. "All smiles."The finality of the moment did eventually catch up with the Dutchmen, knowing this group will never share a bus ride or locker room again. A magical season came to an end Saturday with a 59-55 loss to Albany Acade...
GUILDERLAND CENTER – George Gaine provided Sean Berrigan and Jack Maloney a proper salute in the final minute of play, subbing for the accomplished seniors and greeting each on the sideline with a heartfelt embrace.
“No tears,” the longtime Tappan Zee coach urged. "All smiles."
The finality of the moment did eventually catch up with the Dutchmen, knowing this group will never share a bus ride or locker room again. A magical season came to an end Saturday with a 59-55 loss to Albany Academy in a New York State Federation Tournament Class A semifinal at Guilderland High School.
NYSPHSAA champions:Tappan Zee puts the whammy on Irondequoit, locks up a state title
Last week:Tappan Zee hounds New Hartford, advances to state Class A championship
Tappan Zee won a NYSPHSAA title a week ago, leaning heavily on the starting five who played the entire postseason with minimal rest. The legs were noticeably heavier, but the Dutchmen were as competitive as ever. It was a two-possession game until the final minutes, but timely shots were not falling.
Just one 3 fell in the first three quarters of play.
“I’m going to remember how far we went,” senior point guard Sean Berrigan said. “That was the best part, having five or six months together with these guys. Winning a state title will stay with us forever. This is something that doesn’t happen to a lot of people, so I’ll remember this.”
Tappan Zee hadn’t faced a team this athletic, this big or this deep all season. Albany Academy was up 18-10 with 6:31 to go in the half, but the Dutchmen proved again they had the gumption to compete with any team in the state. Tommy Linehan gave Tappan Zee its first lead of the game, 30-28, hitting three free throws with 5:33 to go in the third quarter. A quick 6-0 run by the Cadets in the closing minutes provided a 53-43 cushion with 1:29 to go.
“We saw them for two days this week,” Gaine said. “I felt it was the right thing to do. They watched some film, got some shots up and we came up here. No excuses. That is an unbelievable team and congrats to Albany Academy, but our guys definitely left a piece of themselves in Glens Falls.”
Robert Chandler was able to exploit his length and explosive ability around the rim, finishing with 15 points.
Albany Academy (15-6): Gianni DiCerbo collected nine of his 11 points in the fourth quarter. … Cyrus Matia also scored 11. … Arthur Foster had nine points.
Tappan Zee (26-3): Linehan closed out the season with 22 points. … Berrigan had 13 points. … Maloney finished with six points. … Jack Piccione scored five in the second quarter to help Linehan get the Dutchmen back in the game.
“They were definitely a really good team, athletic, tall,” Berrigan said. “And they made a lot of tough shots. That was a difficult game for us.”
“When we started, we were fighting to win a league championship and one thing led to another,” Gaine said. “The defense got better and better. They started to believe. The rebounding got better and better, and these kids are so gritty.”
Mike Dougherty covers basketball for The Journal News and lohud.com. He can be reached at [email protected] or via Twitter @lohudhoopsmbd.
Nerves are something every athlete has dealt with. The great athletes figure out a way to keep them in check.It's something that Tappan Zee senior Carly Sardo has always had to deal with at a meet and it was no different at Saturday's NYSPHSAA Championships."It's so hard to keep them in check because it is such a long meet," Sardo said. "There's a lot of down time in between events. I didn't lose focus. I was able to deliver solid performance and I'm really proud of myself."The current ...
Nerves are something every athlete has dealt with. The great athletes figure out a way to keep them in check.
It's something that Tappan Zee senior Carly Sardo has always had to deal with at a meet and it was no different at Saturday's NYSPHSAA Championships.
"It's so hard to keep them in check because it is such a long meet," Sardo said. "There's a lot of down time in between events. I didn't lose focus. I was able to deliver solid performance and I'm really proud of myself."
The current Section 1 all-around champion kept her nerves in check and was able to defend her NYSPHSAA title on the floor exercise. The last time a Section 1 gymnast defended the state floor exercise title was 2009 when former Mahopac standout Kylie Shields did it.
"I am thrilled," Sardo said. "I felt a ton of pressure because I won last year. I felt like I would let Section One, Tappan Zee and myself down, if I didn't deliver another title. I tried to not let that get to me but it was hard. I could not be happier with the outcome."
Not only did she defend her title, Sardo finished fourth in the all-around (37.4), fourth on the balance beam (9.450), and fifth on the vault (9.450).
Gymnastics: Tappan Zee's Carly Sardo wins three more titles at Section 1 championships
Gymnastics: Tappan Zee's Carly Sardo wins a floor exercise at state
Section 11's Hannah Hughes won the all-around scored a 38.2.
"I was so happy about my floor, beam and vault scores," Sardo said. "Floor is my favorite event to compete but I think I grew as a competitor on bean and vault this year. I'm thrilled I placed fourth in the all around and improved when compared to placing fifth last year."
"Iron sharpens Iron"
As an athlete, you always try to measure yourself against the best and Section 1 had the opportunity to do so Saturday at Kenmore West High School.
At the meet, Section 1 had the opportunity to travel around the four different apparatus in the sport with Section 3, the defending NYSPHSAA team champions.
"Travelling with Section 3 was very nice," Hen Hud freshman Maggie Johannsen said. "They had very strong performances which were nice to watch. They were supportive to not only their team but ours too."
Section 1 had a solid performance finishing fourth overall scoring 181.3 points.
Section 3 won the meet scoring a 184.45 points. Section 6 took second and Section 11 took third.
"Section 1 did very well overall," Johannsen said. "We had a very high team score and all the performances were very strong."
Johannsen finished seventh overall in the all around scoring 36.425 points. She became the first gymnast from Hen Hud to place in the top eight in the all-around.
Mahopac senior Lia Graap tied for third on the uneven bars with Section 6's Ava Shiff scoring a 9.4. She's the first Mahopac gymnast since Shields to place in the top three individually,.
Lakeland's Olivia Marricco tied for fifth on the uneven bars with Section 6's Charlotte Moyer scoring a 9.35. She also tied for sixth on the floor exercise with Section 11's Alexandra Melchiona scoring a 9.325.
Valley Central's Reilly Benson finished 14th overall in the all-around soring a 35.050 leading Section 9 to a 7th place finish (164.325).
Wallkill's Marlee McCullough was 16th in the All-Around scoring a 33.775.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Julia Meyer finished tied for 20th in the All-Around scoring a 32.4.
Former Garden Center Acreage In Chestnut Ridge Sells For $3.5 MillionThe properties at 755 and 759 Chestnut Ridge Road, the former home of Sgobbo’s Rockland Gardens, has sold to 757 Acquisitions LLC of Montvale, NJ. The two parcels comprising 8.88 acres sold for $3.5 million (about $400,000 per acre). The former garden center building remains. The rest of the property is undeveloped land.Both parcels have access onto Chestnut Ridge Road. The front parcel (former garden center) is shy of three acres. The rear parcel is 6...
The properties at 755 and 759 Chestnut Ridge Road, the former home of Sgobbo’s Rockland Gardens, has sold to 757 Acquisitions LLC of Montvale, NJ. The two parcels comprising 8.88 acres sold for $3.5 million (about $400,000 per acre). The former garden center building remains. The rest of the property is undeveloped land.
Both parcels have access onto Chestnut Ridge Road. The front parcel (former garden center) is shy of three acres. The rear parcel is 6 acres and contains a pond and wetlands. The parcels are zoned R-40, which allows for residential and other uses with additional density by either the Planning Board or special permit by the Town Board.
757 Acquisitions is managed by Joseph Brachfeld, who manages LLCs that own or are affiliated with The Monsey Marketplace, the Arcadian Group, and other companies.
Brachfeld’s companies are privately held real estate investment, operating, and development companies that include ownership, development, and management of industrial, retail, multifamily and office properties throughout the USA, with a focus on the NY tri-state area.
Benbrooke Tappan LLC of Haddonfield, NJ last week sold another parcel from the Tappan Plaza Shopping Center on Route 303, this time to Tran Holdings, LLC, managed by Kiet Tran of Old Tappan, NJ.
The 1.12 acre property at 47-51 Route 303 is home to Retro Fitness, Leader Carpet, and other commercial tenants. The structure is approximately 22,700 square feet. It sold for $2,475,000 (about $110 per square foot) and was acquired with mortgage financing of $1,856,250 from Wilmington Savings Fund Society, of Wilmington, DE.
Benbrooke had acquired the properties on Route 303 and Oak Tree Road in April of 2019 for $7.25 million and embarked on a subdivision plan of the 11.75-acre site. It sold a 2.5-acre parcel at the center to LUS, LIDL’s American arm, for $4.5 million.
It also recently sold the Wendy’s site at 3 Route 303 (2,872 square feet), which sits on .76 acres for $1,980,000.
Tifa Radonic of Tiffany Management has purchased two properties this month. Radonic purchased 171 South Broadway in the hamlet of South Nyack in Orangetown, a multi-family historic building on .95 acres. The purchase price was $2,450,000, with a gap mortgage from M&T Bank in the amount of $565,000. A gap mortgage is a loan that enables a buyer to close while the consolidation of a existing loan is still being processed.
The property, once known as the Van Buren House, was built in 1899. It was designed by local architects Marshall and Henry Emery.
Radonic’s Tiffany Management also acquired the property at 259-265 River Road in Grandview. The property is a 6,648 square foot multi-family home on a 2.8 acre lot. The property was acquired for $5,100,000, with a $2,600,000 mortgage in favor of M& T Bank.
The property known as the Acharyan Apartments is comprised of four buildings, two of which are historic (263 and 265) and two of which are modern (259 and 261). The complex was named after Pundit Acharya, founder of the Yoga Research Institute in New York in 1939.
In its next life, the old Tappan Zee Bridge is going to the fishes. Really.Chunks of concrete and steel that held the three-mile span aloft over the Hudson River for decades will now be scattered among a half-dozen artificial reefs off Long Island. The first bargeload of the Tappan Zee’s remains will be carried to its watery grave this week, with about 29 bargeloads to follow through the summer and early fall.By recycling the Tappan Zee, New York State has not only found an affordable and practical way to dispose of some ...
In its next life, the old Tappan Zee Bridge is going to the fishes. Really.
Chunks of concrete and steel that held the three-mile span aloft over the Hudson River for decades will now be scattered among a half-dozen artificial reefs off Long Island. The first bargeload of the Tappan Zee’s remains will be carried to its watery grave this week, with about 29 bargeloads to follow through the summer and early fall.
By recycling the Tappan Zee, New York State has not only found an affordable and practical way to dispose of some of its massive parts, but is also significantly expanding a state-managed artificial reef program that aims to provide new habitats to increase the diversity of marine life, promote recreational fishing and diving and bolster economic development.
The state program maintains 12 artificial reefs — two in Long Island Sound, two in the Great South Bay, and eight in the Atlantic Ocean — though only six of them will receive a piece of the Tappan Zee; state officials plan to build up the remaining reefs next year with materials from somewhere else. The old bridge parts will be sunk, along with 30 decommissioned barges, tugboats and tenders from the Erie Canal and upstate waterways as well as steel pipes and scrap materials from state transportation projects.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said a few parting words for the bridge at a news conference recently. “It’s coming down, as you know, and it’s a large structure so it begs the philosophical question: What does a bridge do in life after it is finished its life as a bridge? What is the afterlife? Is there a bridge heaven?”
“Well, there is a bridge heaven,” Mr. Cuomo continued. “Bridge heaven is you spend all your life above the water serving people and then you go to bridge heaven”— which he added — “is you go below the water.”
The Tappan Zee, which opened in 1955, was once a vital crossing just north of New York City, carrying nearly 140,000 vehicles a day at its peak. But eventually the bridge began showing its age, though efforts to replace it dragged on for decades. Finally, Mr. Cuomo stepped in with a nearly $4 billion project to build a pair of sleek modern spans, the first of which opened to traffic last August. The replacement bridge is named after the governor’s late father, Mario M. Cuomo, who was governor for three terms.
Today, sections of the Tappan Zee stand forlornly as it is picked apart. Though some parts are destined for recycling centers and scrap yards, others are being repurposed. The New York State Thruway Authority, which operated the Tappan Zee, sold 133 concrete-and-rebar panels from the deck of the bridge — at $1 apiece — to counties and the state Department of Transportation to use for infrastructure projects.
Now concrete and steel from the Tappan Zee’s supporting structure will be deposited among the six artificial reefs, which sit on sites ranging from three acres to 744 acres. An aide to the governor said that the bridge’s steel trusses may also be used to build up the reefs.
All the materials will be thoroughly cleaned before being submerged in the water, state officials said.
The cost of transporting the materials to the artificial reefs is about $5 million, according to state officials. That cost is being covered by Tappan Zee Constructors, the team of private contractors building the Tappan Zee replacement bridge, and the New York State Power Authority, which oversees the New York State Canal Corporation, the owner of the vessels that are to be scuttled.
Joe Paradiso, a charter boat captain on Long Island who is president of the New York Sportfishing Federation, said that his group has called for years for rebuilding and expanding the reefs. The underwater structures attract sea bass, fluke, porgies, blackfish and even juvenile lobsters and turtles.
“It’s an ongoing issue,” he said. “Some of these reefs are just depleted and in need of more materials.”
Mr. Paradiso, who used to drive over the Tappan Zee a couple times a year, said that using its parts to build up the reefs will not only benefit those who fish and dive, but also the local businesses that they support, from bait and tackle stores and fuel stations to hotels and restaurants. “Instead of going to a recycling plant or somewhere else, it’s a much better use,” he said.
Bill Ulfelder, the executive director of the Nature Conservancy in New York, said the expansion of the artificial reefs went hand in hand with his group’s efforts to improve the water quality around Long Island, which has long been polluted by runoff from home septic systems and sewage treatment plants, and bring back oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. “The more we can do to clean the water and improve the wildlife,” he said, “it brings back all the things people love about Long Island.”
Mr. Ulfelder, a scuba diver, recalled that when he first moved to New York City nearly a decade ago, he saw a holding yard for old subway cars that he was told were bound for artificial reefs.
“These iconic symbols of New York — subway cars and now the Tappan Zee — can keep on living,” he said. “Now they’re home for fishes, crustaceans and shellfish — other New Yorkers.”
In its next life, the old Tappan Zee Bridge is going to the fishes. Really.Chunks of concrete and steel that held the three-mile span aloft over the Hudson River for decades will now be scattered among a half-dozen artificial reefs off Long Island. The first bargeload of the Tappan Zee’s remains will be carried to its watery grave this week, with about 29 bargeloads to follow through the summer and early fall.By recycling the Tappan Zee, New York State has not only found an affordable and practical way to dispose of some ...
In its next life, the old Tappan Zee Bridge is going to the fishes. Really.
Chunks of concrete and steel that held the three-mile span aloft over the Hudson River for decades will now be scattered among a half-dozen artificial reefs off Long Island. The first bargeload of the Tappan Zee’s remains will be carried to its watery grave this week, with about 29 bargeloads to follow through the summer and early fall.
By recycling the Tappan Zee, New York State has not only found an affordable and practical way to dispose of some of its massive parts, but is also significantly expanding a state-managed artificial reef program that aims to provide new habitats to increase the diversity of marine life, promote recreational fishing and diving and bolster economic development.
The state program maintains 12 artificial reefs — two in Long Island Sound, two in the Great South Bay, and eight in the Atlantic Ocean — though only six of them will receive a piece of the Tappan Zee; state officials plan to build up the remaining reefs next year with materials from somewhere else. The old bridge parts will be sunk, along with 30 decommissioned barges, tugboats and tenders from the Erie Canal and upstate waterways as well as steel pipes and scrap materials from state transportation projects.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said a few parting words for the bridge at a news conference recently. “It’s coming down, as you know, and it’s a large structure so it begs the philosophical question: What does a bridge do in life after it is finished its life as a bridge? What is the afterlife? Is there a bridge heaven?”
“Well, there is a bridge heaven,” Mr. Cuomo continued. “Bridge heaven is you spend all your life above the water serving people and then you go to bridge heaven”— which he added — “is you go below the water.”
The Tappan Zee, which opened in 1955, was once a vital crossing just north of New York City, carrying nearly 140,000 vehicles a day at its peak. But eventually the bridge began showing its age, though efforts to replace it dragged on for decades. Finally, Mr. Cuomo stepped in with a nearly $4 billion project to build a pair of sleek modern spans, the first of which opened to traffic last August. The replacement bridge is named after the governor’s late father, Mario M. Cuomo, who was governor for three terms.
Today, sections of the Tappan Zee stand forlornly as it is picked apart. Though some parts are destined for recycling centers and scrap yards, others are being repurposed. The New York State Thruway Authority, which operated the Tappan Zee, sold 133 concrete-and-rebar panels from the deck of the bridge — at $1 apiece — to counties and the state Department of Transportation to use for infrastructure projects.
Now concrete and steel from the Tappan Zee’s supporting structure will be deposited among the six artificial reefs, which sit on sites ranging from three acres to 744 acres. An aide to the governor said that the bridge’s steel trusses may also be used to build up the reefs.
All the materials will be thoroughly cleaned before being submerged in the water, state officials said.
The cost of transporting the materials to the artificial reefs is about $5 million, according to state officials. That cost is being covered by Tappan Zee Constructors, the team of private contractors building the Tappan Zee replacement bridge, and the New York State Power Authority, which oversees the New York State Canal Corporation, the owner of the vessels that are to be scuttled.
Joe Paradiso, a charter boat captain on Long Island who is president of the New York Sportfishing Federation, said that his group has called for years for rebuilding and expanding the reefs. The underwater structures attract sea bass, fluke, porgies, blackfish and even juvenile lobsters and turtles.
“It’s an ongoing issue,” he said. “Some of these reefs are just depleted and in need of more materials.”
Mr. Paradiso, who used to drive over the Tappan Zee a couple times a year, said that using its parts to build up the reefs will not only benefit those who fish and dive, but also the local businesses that they support, from bait and tackle stores and fuel stations to hotels and restaurants. “Instead of going to a recycling plant or somewhere else, it’s a much better use,” he said.
Bill Ulfelder, the executive director of the Nature Conservancy in New York, said the expansion of the artificial reefs went hand in hand with his group’s efforts to improve the water quality around Long Island, which has long been polluted by runoff from home septic systems and sewage treatment plants, and bring back oysters, clams, mussels and scallops. “The more we can do to clean the water and improve the wildlife,” he said, “it brings back all the things people love about Long Island.”
Mr. Ulfelder, a scuba diver, recalled that when he first moved to New York City nearly a decade ago, he saw a holding yard for old subway cars that he was told were bound for artificial reefs.
“These iconic symbols of New York — subway cars and now the Tappan Zee — can keep on living,” he said. “Now they’re home for fishes, crustaceans and shellfish — other New Yorkers.”