East River Esplanade: A Gaping Hole in NYC's Waterfront

By Sharon E. Pope

Prepared for the CIVITAS Spring 2011 Newsletter

Photo by Anton Brookes, www.mockturtlemoon.com

New York City’s waterfront is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, heightened by new public and private investment and interest to enhance, repair and improve its vast waterfront. The NYC Department of City Planning has recently released its Comprehensive Waterfront Plan and several waterfront advocacy groups and water-dependent businesses have undertaken renewed efforts to bring attention to the city’s waterfront. With over 500 miles of shoreline, these initiatives comprise a massive effort to redesign the waterfront to accommodate a wide range of recreational and commercial activities; to reconnect it with adjoining upland areas; and to provide direct access to New York’s “Sixth Borough” (i.e., the waters of our bays, inlets, rivers and ocean).

The East River Esplanade on the Upper East Side and in East Harlem stretches from 60th to 125th Street. For these communities it is the portal to the river and their “living room” on the water, providing serene and stunning views of the East River, Roosevelt Island and the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) and Hell Gate Bridges. Residents visit the Esplanade to pause and reflect as well as to fish. It also serves as a significant recreational resource used by strollers, joggers, and bicyclists.New York City’s waterfront is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, heightened by new public and private investment and interest to enhance, repair and improve its vast waterfront. The NYC Department of City Planning has recently released its Comprehensive Waterfront Plan and several waterfront advocacy groups and water-dependent businesses have undertaken renewed efforts to bring attention to the city’s waterfront. With over 500 miles of shoreline, these initiatives comprise a massive effort to redesign the waterfront to accommodate a wide range of recreational and commercial activities; to reconnect it with adjoining upland areas; and to provide direct access to New York’s “Sixth Borough” (i.e., the waters of our bays, inlets, rivers and ocean).

The East River Esplanade on the Upper East Side and in East Harlem stretches from 60th to 125th Street. For these communities it is the portal to the river and their “living room” on the water, providing serene and stunning views of the East River, Roosevelt Island and the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) and Hell Gate Bridges. Residents visit the Esplanade to pause and reflect as well as to fish. It also serves as a significant recreational resource used by strollers, joggers, and bicyclists.

CIVITAS has had a long history of advocacy for an improved East River Esplanade. In February and March 2011, members of CIVITAS walked the length of the Esplanade to assess and document its existing condition; to identify areas of infrastructure distress; to note areas of limited or impeded access; and to highlight related critical needs.

They documented a shockingly deteriorated Esplanade that included breaches of the bulkhead, crumbling infrastructure, unsupported rails and sidewalk sink holes, buckling or bulging sidewalks, and piers and platforms in need of such dire repair as to necessitate fencing to protect the public.

The worst sections were found north of East 110th Street. To rescue the East River Esplanade much has to be done. As a start:

• Document, evaluate and repair the Esplanade’s pedestrian walkways.
• Repair sinkholes at 110th and 111th Streets, 114th and 115th, and at 124th Street. These are not the only sinkholes; however, they are the ones that could impact public safety. They require immediate repair.
• Increase signage at pedestrian entrances. Many entrances do not have any signage indicating access to the Esplanade.
• Enhance the 60th and 96th Street Esplanade entrances. These entrances serve as major access points and should be welcoming, safe and easily accessible.
• Install noise attenuation barriers to reduce automobile traffic sounds and exhaust pollution.
• Add sufficient quantity and variety of seating along barren stretches of the Esplanade.
• Replace trees in existing empty tree pits.

Despite its degraded condition, the Esplanade is still actively used by the public. Accordingly, its rescue and restoration are of critical importance. To restore the Esplanade will require the combined resources and efforts of Community Boards 8 and 11, community-based organizations, local businesses, adjoining institutions and elected officials. Funding will have to come from city, state and federal agencies, and possibly from the private sector. Only then will the Esplanade be able to fulfill its promise of park space for the communities of the Upper East Side and East Harlem, as well as a destination for visitors and tourists.

Since its founding as a Dutch trading post, New York City’s shoreline contributed substantially to the growth of the city with significant maritime trade. Although New York remains a premier port city, its traditional shoreline uses have been declining due, in part, to changes in shipping operations and an overall decline in the city’s manufacturing and industrial base. With waning traditional waterfront use (abandoned piers) its infrastructure fell into disrepair and subsequent physical decay. In 1992, the Manhattan Borough President unveiled a grand vision for Manhattan’s waterfront: a near continuous, publicly accessible esplanade around the entire island. It is this grand vision that many have today for Manhattan’s shoreline.

The East River Esplanade as a public open space has the promise of a vibrant gathering point for residents and visitors alike. With the renewed focus on the city’s waterfront and its adjoining “Sixth Borough,” we have an opportunity now to ensure that this promise is fulfilled.