The East River Blueway Plan Final Report

Draft Plan

This Plan expands on the goals of the project and identifies and analyzes a number of opportunity sites to be further explored in the next phases of the project. The Draft Plan is a work in progress and will continue to evolve as the project develops in the coming months.

You can download the Draft Plan presentation below.

DRAFT PLAN OVERVIEW

Two Bridges Neighborhood Council
[Victor Papa - President/Director]

Victor Papa

President / Director – Two Bridges Neighborhood Council

Two Bridges Neighborhood Council is an independent community development organization that is devoted to the social and economic development of the Lower East Side community and to enhancing the physical, social, cultural and economic aspects of life for people of all age groups.

Survey: What are your priorities?

I would like to bike along the East River in order to:
Commute to work
To enjoy the scenery
For exercise
None of the above

I would like to be able to get on a boat in order to:
Commute to work
To enjoy the scenery
For exercise
None of the above

I would like to be able to get right down to the water to:
Swim
Study or learn about the water
Enjoy the scenery
None of the above

The following discourages me from going to the East River waterfront:
Not safe enough to cross the FDR
Not enough signage
Not enough pedestrian crossings
There is nothing I want to do there

Demographics

Click the images below for demographic comparisons of the neighborhoods along the East River.

Introduction of the East River Blueway
[Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer]

The River’s Water Quality + Natural Habitat

Eric Rothstein

Managing Partner – eDesign Dynamics

Environmental engineering and resource planning consultant for the East River Blueway Plan

eDesign Dynamics is an environmental engineering firm specializing in low-impact development, water resources planning, and habitat restoration. The firm has worked extensively throughout the five boroughs to design habitat restoration and stormwater management and combined sewer overflow (CSO) abatment systems.

Transportation + Access to the Water’s Edge

Philip Habib

Principal – Philip Habib and Associates

Transportation and engineering consultant for the East River Blueway Plan

Philip Habib and Associates is a consulting engineering firm, specializing in the planning and design of transportation facilities, environmental studies, civil and traffic engineering and construction support services and inspection.

Waterfront Activities + Permitting

Betsi Nemeth

Technical Director – AKRF

Waterfront permitting consultant for the East River Blueway Plan

AKRF is a full service environmental consulting firm that prepares environmental impact statement, environmental assessments, and waterfront permitting work. The firm has worked throughout NYC on several open space projects, such as the Hudson River Park, Bronx River Greenway, Sherman Creek Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Community Engagement with East River Residents

Robert Weber

Principal – RWeber consulting

Community engagement consultant for the East River Blueway Plan

RWeber consulting specializes in community based planning, with a particular concentration on stakeholder engagement and community outreach, ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard during the planning process. Mr. Weber has worked in the Lower East Side and Chinatown area for over a decade.