Trouble on the Waterfront
The deteriorating East Side esplanade has become a top concern for many residents of the community.
The big story in this week’s Our Town (pick up a copy in the neighborhood!) is all about the East Side Esplanade – what’s wrong with it and how it can be fixed: Esplanade Emergency.
While fixing the esplanade is part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s “Vision 2020: The New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan,” a proposal released last year to revitalize the city’s waterfront, many residents and community groups feel it is too far off.
“I don’t know what they are waiting for,” said Steadford Virgil, who rides his bike along the esplanade daily. “Some of these potholes have been here since last winter.”
We also report on the safety of the concrete used in the Second Avenue subway construction, a landlord with a shady history who politicians say is harassing his tenants, and what art handlers on strike at famous auction house Sotheby’s really do behind the scenes. Read more
Tour the East River
Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts will host an exclusive East River boat tour on Tuesday, June 14th. Led by architectural historian Francis Morrone aboard the luxurious Lexington, the tour offers passengers unique sunset views of the river’s landmarks, such as the United Nations, Gracie Mansion, and the Queensboro Bridge. The yacht boards at 5:30 PM at the New York Skyport Marina, departs at 6 p.m., and returns at 9 p.m.. Tickets are $150 for members and $175 for non-members, and include open bar service, hors d’œuvres, and a buffet dinner. To purchase tickets, call 212-535-2526 or visit www.friends-ues.org/events.
Coming in 2012: Andrew Haswell Green Park
The design for a new park along the East River was unveiled Feb. 11 to the oohs and aahs of Community Board 8 members.
Right now, the spot is an abandoned, industrial stretch of land above the FDR Drive, between East 60th and 63rd streets. In the past, it has been used as a heliport and sanitation garage. The plan is to transform this space into a park with greenery, a lawn, benches, chairs and a pavilion. This project was born out of the community board, which started crafting a plan for the space in 2002 and received City Council approval for the project in 2006. Read more
