East River Waterfront

The East River Waterfront Esplanade & Piers Project

The East River Waterfront Esplanade and Piers Project is a plan to improve a two-mile section of the east side waterfront in Lower Manhattan. The Project involves the design, renovation and expansion of the East River Esplanade from Peter Minuit Plaza in the south to East River Park in the north. The Project includes the creation of new City-owned public open space that enhances connections between neighborhoods, improves the function and appearance of the waterfront, and provides amenities to facilitate access to the waterfront.

LMDC conducted a comprehensive environmental review under state and federal law. On November 8, 2007, LMDC’s Board approved the Record of Decision and Lead Agency Findings Statement for the East River Waterfront Esplanade and Piers Project after consideration of all public comments received on the Final Environmental Impact Statement earlier this year. This approval marks the conclusion of the environmental review process.

With the environmental review process now complete, LMDC will seek formal release of up to $137 million in federal grant funds to support and implement the Project. In 2008, LMDC and The City of New York will work closely to complete the schematic designs and begin construction of this newly-envisioned stretch of waterfront.

Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park is a 550-acre park in Manhattan created by New York State Legislation (the "Hudson River Park Act," Chapter 592 of the Laws of 1998). The park includes the area generally bounded by Battery Place at the south and 59th Street at the north. The western boundary is the U.S. Pierhead Line and the eastern boundary is generally the westernmost point of Route 9A. In total, the park includes approximately 150 acres of upland and pier area, and 400 water acres, all of which are further designated as part of the Hudson River Park Estuarine Sanctuary, which was also created by the Hudson River Park Act.

The $70 million in funding approved by the LMDC Board on September 8, 2005 will be used to build "Segment 3." Segment 3 encompasses Lower Manhattan and Tribeca, and its boundaries extend from Chambers Street to Houston Street. Within this area will be two public recreational piers (Piers 25 and 26), an ecological pier, and the adjacent upland park. Hudson River Park is being constructed by the Trust, the joint City-State public benefit corporation charged with the park's planning, design, construction and operation.

• Public Notices for the ROD
• Record of Decision and Lead Agency Findings Statement
• View Earlier Documents from the Environmental Review