Governor George E. Pataki today announced $2.2 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for 11 local waterfront revitalization projects to expand recreational areas, protect natural resources, and redevelop former commercial properties in New York City.
“Communities across the Empire State are recognizing the value and potential of their waterfront areas, and we are pleased to help them with projects that will improve the quality of life of their residents,” Governor Pataki said. “These EPF grants will help local communities improve their waterfronts and expand public access, while also boosting tourism and economic development opportunities.
“Our State’s waterfront areas have historically been the centerpieces of local communities, and we are working closely with government officials and civic and environmental organizations to protect and enhance these vibrant and valuable resources,” the Governor said. “The rebirth of New York’s waterfronts is well underway and these grants will help local communities fulfill their visions for these areas.”
Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels, who oversees the Department of State’s (DOS) Division of Coastal Resources, said, “Governor Pataki has created a strong partnership between the State and local communities to advance projects that will have long term economic, environmental and cultural benefits, and these grants illustrate the success of these efforts.”
The $2.2 million in EPF grants for New York City will fund a variety of projects, including:
Bronx County
Coastal Resources Interpretive Program for the Bronx River Forest
$20,000
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, in coordination with the Bronx River Alliance, will implement the New York State Coastal Resources Interpretive Program to interpret the resources and ecological restoration activities along the Bronx River in the Bronx River Forest Area. This will increase public understanding of the area’s resources and values, and will complement ongoing projects including flood control, environmental restoration, and Greenway and Blueway Trail development.
Design and Construction of Belden Point Plaza Improvements at City Island
$170,000
The New York City Department of Planning will enhance public and visual waterfront access at Belden Point, the terminus of City Island Avenue at the southern tip of City Island. The project will include development of conceptual plans, preparation of designs and specifications, construction of public amenities, and interpretation of City Island’s maritime heritage.
Bronx and Westchester counties
Intermunicipal Waterbody Management Planning for the Bronx River Watershed
$200,000
Under New York City sponsorship, and in coordination with Westchester County, the Bronx River Alliance will develop an intermunicipal waterbody management plan for the river to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to improving water quality.
Kings County
Planning for Land Use and Redevelopment at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
$85,000
Under New York City sponsorship, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation will prepare a land use and development plan for the 300 acre Brooklyn Navy Yard campus on the East River. The project will result in illustrative site plan based on feasibility and market studies for potential uses, recommendations for new development, infrastructure access and circulation, and options for increasing public use.
Master Planning and Design for the WNYC Transmitter Site
$200,000
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, in coordination with Community Board 1, will prepare schematic designs for redevelopment of the City owned former WNYC Transmitter site on the East River in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The project will examine site constraints and opportunities, esplanade and pier possibilities, and potential reuses of the former radio station building.
New York County
Design and Construction to Reuse the West 69th Street Transfer Bridge
$250,000
Under New York City Department of Parks and Recreation sponsorship, the Riverside South Planning Corporation will design and rehabilitate the West 69th Street transfer bridge as a public pier and ferry and water taxi landing. The transfer bridge will be conveyed by the Riverside South developer to the Department of Parks and Recreation as part of Riverside Park South Phase II.
New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx counties
Waterfront Parks Catalyst Project: Planning for Programming and Improvements in Underused Parks
$100,000
Under New York City Parks and Recreation sponsorship, the City Parks Foundation will undertake community visioning to develop improvements for three groups of underused waterfront parks: Highbridge Parks (Manhattan and the Bronx), Astoria and Long Island City Waterfront Parks (Queens), and Red Hook and Coffey Parks (Brooklyn). Work will include identification and visioning with key community stakeholders, planning small pilot events and projects, development of outreach materials, and the launch of targeted programming.
Richmond County
Landscape Restoration and Interpretation of Historic Resources at Conference House Park
$225,000
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will alleviate severe erosion at Ward’s Point in historic Conference House Park. The project will include removal of invasive species, bioengineering with native vegetation, and restoration of the park’s rare hackberry forest. Paths will be reconfigured to reduce foot traffic in sensitive areas and educational materials will be developed to increase stewardship of the park’s forests and archeological resources.
Construction of Amenities at Staten Island Pier One
$250,000
The New York City Economic Development Corporation will add public amenities to the recently reconstructed 845 foot, City owned Pier One in St. George, Staten Island, located directly south of the ferry terminal and adjacent to the former U.S. Lighthouse Services Depot. The project will include infrastructure supporting the historic Lighthship Nantucket, benches, and interpretive signage.
Monitoring Restoration and Public Access Improvements for the Northwest Staten Island/Harbor Herons Area
$350,000
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will restore 3.5 acres of salt marsh and upland habitat and construct a boardwalk and canoe launch site at Main Creek, a tributary of Fresh Kill in northwest Staten Island.
The project also will include additional monitoring throughout the northwest Staten Island Harbor Herons Area and comprehensive community participation and programming.
Master Planning and Environmental Awareness for Fresh Kills Landfill
$350,000
The New York City Department of City Planning will complete a draft master plan for the reuse of the 2,200 acre former landfill site as a Staten Island open space resource. Building on the results of the international design competition, the selected consultant team, Field Operations, will seek public and agency input into the master planning process, and will develop an Environmental Assessment Statement and Public Scoping Document for the GEIS.
The grants are being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Local Waterfront revitalization Program (LWRP). The Department of State’s Division of Coastal Resources administers EPF matching grants to local governments for the preparation and implementation of LWRPs and inter municipal water body management plans, development of coastal education programs, creation of blueway trails and urban waterfront redevelopment. Since 1995, more than $58 million has been awarded through 621 LWRP grants for waterfront projects.
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