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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)