For an update on tracking down the Value Engineering Study, please see this link: https://eastriverparkaction.org/2021/02/28/value-engineering-redacted/
The report doesn’t exist, but it is cited as the reason for the demolition of East River Park. Here is a copy of the letter replying to our Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request, Jan. 8, 2021:
From: NYC Department of Design and Construction
Attn.: Pat Arnow
Pat Arnow
Re: Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”) Request No. 2020-0288
2018 value engineering study & review of the project by a panel of experts
Dear Ms. / Mr. Arnow:
The Department of Design and Construction (“DDC”) has processed your above- mentioned FOIL information request. However, DDC’s search of agency records revealed no responsive documents for your request.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact the agency’s FOIL office at (718) 391-1701.
Sincerely,
FOIL Records Access Officer
1/8/2021
Here is the original FOIL requesting these documents:
Dear Amina Wilson,
Please send the “2018 value engineering study performed in early 2018 that evaluated the project concept and design” for the East Side Coastal Resiliency project.”
Please send also the “review of the project by a panel of experts with experience from around the nation on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project.”
These documents are referenced in the September 28, 2018, press release from the Mayor’s office announcing the change in design for 70% of the project. Here is a link to that press release: https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/493-18/fact-sheet-de-blasio-administration-faster-updated-plan-east-side-coastal
If after searching, you cannot find the value engineering study or the review of the project, please do let me know. Also let me know if I need to put this in two separate requests.
Thank you for your attention.
Pat Arnow
Read what this means at;
English