Artistic Rendering of Pier 3. Image Credit: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.
City enters final stretch for the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. On October 19, 2016, the conversion of Pier 3 in Brooklyn Bridge Park began. Currently ninety percent of the park, which opened in 2010, is either under construction or completed. When opened, Pier 3 will offer a central lawn, a recreation and programming area, and a play “labyrinth” which will highlight historic elements salvaged from the reconstruction—namely salvaged rail ties and bollards.
Mayor Bill de Blasio called the park the “front lawn of Brooklyn,” adding that Pier 3 would “add more space for kids to play and for families to enjoy this incredible place.” The City has slated $26 million in capital funding in the Mayor’s FY17 budget for the project.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park is an incredible source of relaxation, recreation, and inspiration for our borough, and it is exciting to see the next chapter in its evolution be written on Pier 3,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “Hundreds of thousands of families from near and far alike will enjoy this welcome addition of open space that will further elevate the unparalleled experience that is Brooklyn’s waterfront.”
The groundbreaking also marked the final undertaking of outgoing park president Regina Myer, who was tapped last month to be the new president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. When Myer began a decade ago, the 85 acre park was “still a barren stretch of industrial wasteland.” Under Myer’s management, the Brooklyn Bridge Park has become a thriving waterfront destination for more than 330,000 visitors each year. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved here,” said Myer.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park, including Pier 3, was designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.
“De Blasio Administration and Brooklyn Bridge Park Break Ground on Pier 3, Final Pier to be Converted to Parkland,” Mayor’s Press Office (Oct. 19, 2016).
By: Jonathon Sizemore (Jonathon is the CityLaw Fellow and a New York Law School Graduate, Class of 2016).