A plan to transform the South Bronx waterfront into a green space is finally moving forward with a $2 million infusion of funds from the New York City Council, Welcome2TheBronx reported last week. The first phase of construction involves the redevelopment of the pier at 132nd Street. What was once a yatch club, will now be transformed to provide better access to the Randall’s Island Connector, which in turn provides pedestrian and bike access to the Island, according to Brick Underground.
The pier at 132nd street was damaged a Con Ed explosion in 1989, and then further destroyed when Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012. This first phase of the project will also see the creation of a park and the area south of 149th Street along the waterfront transformed at a cost of anywhere between $5 to $10 million.
They’re part of the overall Haven Project[PDF], put together by the Bette Middler-created non-profit group, New York Restoration Project. The plan envisions the revitalization of Mott Haven and Port Morris through increased waterfront access, the planting of more trees, more bike lines and pedestrian walkways, and public art installations along the route.