Governor George E. Pataki was joined by Deputy Mayor Daniel L. Doctoroff, U.S. Representative Jerold Nadler, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the Hudson River Park Trust, members of the community and various other dignitaries to celebrate the groundbreaking of Hudson River Park’s Tribeca segment today in Lower Manhattan. Today’s groundbreaking brings the 550-acre Hudson River Park and the revitalization of New York City’s downtown another step closer to completion.
“A key part of the revitalization of Lower Manhattan has been the creation of new open and green spaces that provide residents and visitors with improved recreational, cultural and educational amenities," Governor Pataki said. "The completion of this project is yet another milestone achieved in the rebuilding process and reaffirms the State and City's commitment to reclaiming New York's waterfront for all New Yorkers to enjoy. When completed, this tremendous project will offer new beautifully landscaped grounds, new fields, athletic courts, and playgrounds, and unparalleled access to the scenic beauty of the Hudson River which can be enjoyed by downtown’s families, neighboring schools and the entire city.”
“Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “This ground breaking is another step toward providing more much-needed green space for the city’s residents, commuters and tourists to enjoy. With the summer season upon us, when the full splendor of the Hudson River Park’s refreshment, attraction and beauty is in full bloom, it’s easy to see how critical this project is to enhancing the quality of life for all who look forward to enjoying this beautiful area of our city.”
“Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding, and Hudson River Park Trust Vice-Chair Daniel L. Doctoroff said, “Today marks another significant step forward in our efforts to reclaim New York City’s shoreline and revitalize our waterfront properties. Along with our partners at the State and the Hudson River Park Trust, we're transforming miles of Hudson River waterfront into parks and open space, and opening it up to greater public use and enjoyment with esplanades, bikeways, and other attractive recreational opportunities. This newest section of the park will certainly be a spectacular addition to what is already proving to be one of the world's greatest waterfront amenities."
“The Tribeca segment encompasses the waterfront from Chambers Street up to just below Houston Street along the Hudson River. When completed in 2009, it will feature two spectacular new piers and an extraordinary upland park area along the new Route 9A bikeway. Pier 25 just north of Harrison Street will stretch 1,000 feet out into the Hudson River and have numerous community amenities including an exciting new playground, practice recreation field, state-of-the-art mini-golf, sand volleyball courts, mooring field and a snack bar. Just north of North Moore Street, Pier 26 will include a community boathouse for kayaking, waterside restaurant and a future estuarium devoted to the ecology of the Hudson River. The upland area of this section will include two basketball courts, a skate park, dog run, tennis courts (already completed), public art, waterside platforms and beautiful landscaping with natural grasses, lawns and gardens.
“Charles “Trip” Dorkey, III, Chairman of the Hudson River Park Trust Board said, “Segment 3 will provide a great new amenity for the residents of Lower Manhattan and to the visitors to Hudson River Park at large. With the help of Governor Pataki, the Mayor, LMDC and Representative Nadler, we were able to create yet one more way for New Yorkers to reconnect with the spectacular Hudson River and aid in the very important revitalization efforts downtown.”
“LMDC Chairman Kevin M. Rampe said, “Under Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg’s leadership, the LMDC has funded the creation and revitalization of over 140 acres of parks and open spaces in Lower Manhattan--representing the largest investment since the days of Robert Moses. From the Lower East Side to Chinatown and the Battery, these critical projects are improving the quality of life for the people who live and work in Lower Manhattan and making the waterfront even more accessible. The Tribeca segment of the Hudson River Park will bring even more recreational and educational amenities downtown, further transforming Lower Manhattan into a 24-7 community.”
“Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “Hudson River Park is one of the crown jewels of New York, and I was very pleased to be able to secure funding for the Tribeca segment. The $5.6 million allotted in the TEA-LU bill will be used for construction of pedestrian walkways, further integrating the park into the street life of the neighborhood.”
“Segment 3 is being built with $70 million in federal funding from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Congressman Jerrold Nadler also secured an additional $5.6 million in federal transportation funds for the construction of the waterside pedestrian walkway through the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (also known as TEA-LU). Nationally, this federal act will provide $284 billion in guaranteed funding for highways, transit and safety programs over the six years from 2004 to 2009.
“The Tribeca segment was designed by landscape architects Sasaki Associates and Mathews Nielsen, Architects Weisz and Yoes, and marine engineers DMJM+Harris and HPA Associates. Construction will be managed by Turner Construction under the supervision of the Hudson River Park Trust’s Design and Construction Department.
“Hudson River Park, designed to be self-sustaining, will stretch five miles – from Battery Park to 59th Street – along the Hudson River, and will include a continuous waterside esplanade and bikeway, 13 new public piers for passive and active recreation, a marine sanctuary and a variety of boating facilities, sports fields, gardens, and green lawns. Portions of the project already completed include the Greenwich Village Section (from Clarkson Street to Horatio Street), 3.5 acres of Athletic Fields at Pier 40, the Clinton Cove Section (from 54th to 57th Streets) and a continuous 5-mile, two-way bike, skate and jogging path that runs the length of the Park.
