NEW PARK SET TO LIVEN THE

BROOKLYN WATERFRONT

By Ernest Hernandez

In the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, abandoned storage sheds and eroded piers have

stood dormant for decades, while blocking magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. Bulldozers have arrived to clear this space for the construction of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the borough's first major park in 135 years.

This 85-acre site will stretch 1.3 miles along the Brooklyn waterfront bringing New Yorkers and tourists alike a haven of recreation long overdue.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is overseeing the development and maintenance of the site, to be fully completed in 2011.

"We want to see a world-class park on the Brooklyn waterfront that has something to offer people from all over the borough of Brooklyn, to New York City and the world," said Nancy Webster, a spokeswoman for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

The city and state have already contributed $150 million to cover the initial construction, according to the conservancy. However, the park will be financially self-sustaining to fund its projected yearly maintenance of $15.2 million by devoting eight acres of the proposed site to housing and commercial development. The taxes collected from these parcels will provide the necessary funding.

The conservancy expects approximately 1,240 units of luxury housing along with 225 hotel rooms, restaurants and shops. When completed, it will join Hudson River Park as the only self-funded parks in the city.

The creation of Brooklyn Bridge Park is the culmination of a 20-year effort by Brooklyn residents and community leaders for more park space. The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park exists today, which consists of 12 acres running between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The site will expand along piers one through six, located between the Brooklyn Bridge and Atlantic Avenue. Its proximity to downtown Brooklyn and highways brings accessibility to the park through public transportation and by car.

According to Kenneth Adams, former president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the new park will bring more tourism to Brooklyn. He projects that the hospitality, cultural and entertainment industries will grow in the coming decade.

"Every week thousands of tourists walk from Manhattan about halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge, look down at the abandoned piers and see no reason to take the trip down to that area," Adams said. He added, "For decades, there has been a lost opportunity because of the way Brooklyn appears to tourists when viewed from Lower Manhattan, the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge. The park will serve as a beautiful welcoming mat to the borough."

Sandro Cordoba, 59, a tourist from Argentina, walked halfway along the Brooklyn Bridge before turning back to Manhattan. When asked why he turned back, he said, "There's nothing to see over there. I came here to see the bridge. This is my first time here and I don't want to get lost." After pointing out the future site of the Brooklyn Bridge Park, he replied, "I'd probably walk down there to get a closer look."

"Looks like there's nothing else to see," said Bianca Rivera, 47, a tourist from Venezuela, as she gazed the waterfront from the Brooklyn Bridge. I feel safer staying on the bridge." When told of the new park, she said, "If there's something worth seeing, then I'd go down there. Sure, why not?"

The lead designer for the Brooklyn Bridge Park is Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Their current master plan aims to connect people to the water with floating walkways, fishing piers, coves, restored wetlands and paddling waters. An enclosed 12-acre section of the river will be devoted to small boats and kayaks.

"The park design is going to incorporate areas of natural shoreline, where people will actually be able to get down and touch the waters. That’s going to be something that sets Brooklyn Bridge Park apart," said Webster.

Designers for the Brooklyn Bridge Park have also proposed building two multi-use playing fields along with courts for basketball, handball, volleyball and tennis. In addition, the park will have abundant open space with lawns, rolling hills, open plazas, esplanades and playgrounds. Bike and in-line skating paths are also planned. During the winter, Brooklyn Bridge Park will be active with ice skating and cross-country skiing.

Bulldozers have already begun demolishing an old storage shed on Pier One. These remnants of Brooklyn's past remind us of the industrial heyday during the early to mid-twentieth century. The evolution of highways and air travel made these Brooklyn piers obsolete. They were left to corrode over the ensuing decades while blocking a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. The idea for a new Brooklyn Bridge Park along the waterfront was conceived on the notion that this land should not go to waste. Once the park opens, the public will be treated to another escape from the usually hectic life of the city.

Brooklyn's yearning for more park space will soon become a reality. In a few years, people will take off their shoes and relax on the expansive lawns while taking in the fresh breeze coming from New York Harbor. Naturally, its residents and New Yorkers alike are eager to see this project completed.

Vincent Gargiulo, 55, of Dyker Heights, gazed in curiosity at the bulldozers in the distance. "This place has been empty for years," he said. "I'm glad they're putting it to good use rather than keeping it abandoned."

Stephanie Sandler, 29, from Boerum Hill, will be expecting her second child in May. "I would love to bring my children here when the park is finished. They could also come here after school and during the summer. I can't wait to see it open!"

Webster agrees about the anticipation for the new Brooklyn Bridge Park. "Most of the community I would say is very excited about the park plans, excited about the opportunities to get down to the Brooklyn waterfront and very anxious to see the park built."