Could the Hamptons have a new rival for New Yorkers seeking a little fun in the sun? With $7 million allocated, plans to transform Lower Manhattan's desolate, trash-strewn waterfront into a 'premier staycation destination' are moving forward.
Brooklyn Bridge Beach, a key piece of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer's “Blueway Plan” to create a continuous greenway along the East River Waterfront, is on its way to becoming a reality. “The area — 11,000 square feet at low tide — will feature sand, terraced seating, a kayak launch, a spot for fishing, tree-lined walkways and concession stands,” Erin Durkin reports, “all just minutes from Wall Street in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge.”
The proposed beach site not only provides much-needed public access to the waterfront, but also storm mitigation measures through the creation of offshore salt marshes. “We’re bringing New Yorkers closer to the water, and we’re also protecting our city against future storms,” said Stringer.
“While the city will transform the land, there is not much that can be done with the polluted East River, and so the beach will lack one crucial ingredient — the ability to jump in and swim,” says Durkin. Officials hope to address this in the project's coming phases, which will require additional funding.
Brooklyn Bridge Beach is expected to be complete in three years.
FULL STORY: Brooklyn Bridge Beach plan brings sand and surf to lower Manhattan
Manhattan Plans to Expand its Waterfront Renaissance
Not to be outdone by its neighboring boroughs across the East River, Manhattan is hoping to embark on an upgrade to its eastern waterfront. Tyler Silvestro has the details.
East River Floodgates Rising in NYC
A tour of new infrastructure designed to protect the city’s East Side from catastrophic flooding.
Philly Waterfront Park Breaks Ground
Penn’s Landing is an ambitious redesign of 11.5 waterfront acres.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service