When demolition of East River Park starts in 2020, the city should have alternate spaces for park users–called “mitigation.” There is no mitigation planned for these park users.
Will there be a greenway so the disabled can roll along and stop to enjoy a view? No. The elderly, parents who want to let their kids run around, dog walkers–none of us are provided for in the mitigation plans. Where will the runners run? Sections of the promenade will remain open for three of the five planned years of construction, so fishermen should still find a spot. Will the fuel that brings and runs construction equipment foul the waters? That hasn’t been assessed. There might be a protected bike lane along a street–the city has promised to look into it–which doesn’t leave a space for these fishermen to stop and gossip in the rain–much less fish.
Are there places for kids to play and cool off in the summer, to enjoy nature, to have a picnic? No no no and no.
The mitigation that has been promised is pitiful, and what is planned is not likely to be ready when the bulldozers tear apart East River Park.
That is one reason we are suing. We are asking New York State to provide conditions and oversight before our park can be demolished. To find out more about the lawsuit, visit https://eastriverparkaction.org/lawsuit/
Thank you for the photos. We are heartbroken not only for ourselves but for everyone who uses our beautiful park! Thank you for your faithful work to mitigate this horror story which never should have happened.
Mending our broken hearts is very important to strengthening ourselves for the struggle to save our park. Try visiting the East River Reflections Labyrinth where many have found comfort as well as the inner peace necessary to discover and form new solutions to problems.
It can be found just north of the tennis courts and is closest to the Park entrance at Houston St. crossing over the FDR drive.
Thank you for the photos. We are heartbroken not only for ourselves but for everyone who uses our beautiful park! Thank you for your faithful work to mitigate this horror story which never should have happened.
Mending our broken hearts is very important to strengthening ourselves for the struggle to save our park. Try visiting the East River Reflections Labyrinth where many have found comfort as well as the inner peace necessary to discover and form new solutions to problems.
It can be found just north of the tennis courts and is closest to the Park entrance at Houston St. crossing over the FDR drive.