Three and a half years after the city demolished all of East River Park below Houston, a good-sized section reopened on Memorial Day. People streamed over the Delancey Street footbridge to play basketball and tennis in the new courts. By lunchtime, picnickers grilled corn and sausages on the stationary barbecues. More people lounged on the…
Author: Pat
Support Howard Brandstein
This community Icon has been a real friend to our work trying to save East River Park. He needs our help. –Pat Arnow, co-founder, East River Park Action As you may have heard, last week the Board of Directors at the Sixth Street Community Center fired its long-time director Howard Brandstein. The board had the…
Despite Community Warnings, City Officials Neglected Rainfall Flooding in the $2 Billion East River Park Project.
In spite of persistent concerns raised by community members and experts, the East Side Coastal Resiliency project has omitted crucial measures to address rainfall-induced flooding. The repercussions are now painfully evident. City officials brushed aside community members by asserting that residents lacked the expertise to comprehend the project’s intricacies. However, the absence of a comprehensive plan to…
Our Health and Environment
Make it Better July 26 was our first general meeting of East River Park Action in almost two years. The last time was in October 2021 at the still-existing amphitheater. The unrevised East Side Coastal Resiliency project is now under construction. Do not despair! There is much we can do to improve our health and…
Read the Toxicity Report Here
East River Park Soil Sampling Toxicity Report Executive Summary Full Report
Big March to Save the Park
A crowd of some 500 marched from Tompkins Square Park to East River Park Amphitheater Sunday, April 18. For more photos, including all the candidates/advocates, see the photo album: https://patarnow.zenfolio.com/p551069889 Speakers Eileen Myles, MCDaniel Strongwalker Thomas, The Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape Statement from Kiara Williams, co-founder Warriors in the GardenEmily Johnson; LES land protector Rev….
Posters and Promises
An open letter to City Council Member Carlina Rivera I read in City & State that you said I was behind the “Chinzilla” poster* and another with an image of you and the mayor. I am not behind either poster nor is East River Park Action. I apologized and withdrew the social media post I…
Art Destruction
Toilets Overflow but Erasing Art Comes First The city was in a big hurry to demolish protest art in East River Park this morning. They’re in a big hurry to demolish East River Park itself. Why? A woman approached a Parks Department employee on the promenade by the amphitheater where six official vehicles parked. “The…
Unanswered
I asked questions in July. It’s September. We need action. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” –Shirley Chisholm City Council Member Carlina Rivera and I (along with Rivera’s staffer Ivy Rosado) Zoomed on July 21. We went over many vital questions about the East Side Coastal Resiliency…
Deference to Racist Rezoning
Corey Johnson is running for Mayor. Carlina Rivera is running for a second term. Keep an eye on where they get their campaign contributions. This city does not have to continue to be owned and operated by real estate and construction. Does it?