Transmitter Park Breaks Ground
Score one for the Greenpoint waterfront. The city started work yesterday on Transmitter Park, a $12 million project that includes the creation a new pier at the end of Kent Street, a riverfront esplanade and 1.6 acres of open space. According to The Post, the project, which is located on the site of the former…
Score one for the Greenpoint waterfront. The city started work yesterday on Transmitter Park, a $12 million project that includes the creation a new pier at the end of Kent Street, a riverfront esplanade and 1.6 acres of open space. According to The Post, the project, which is located on the site of the former WNYC radio transmission towers, should take about a year and a half to complete. “Increasing public access to our waterfronts is a key part of the city’s efforts to transform neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs,” said Seth Pinsky, president of the city’s Economic Development Corp., which is heading the project. “Turning this underutilized site into a new park, pier and esplanade will help to revitalize Greenpoint and help us realize our vision of creating continuous corridors of waterfront open space throughout the City.” In addition to the $9.6 million in city capital funds and $1.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration, project funding also includes $400,000 from Borough President Marty Markowitz and $500,000 from the City Council. Click on the rendering above to see a larger version.
City Begins Redevelopment of Transmitter Park [NY Post]
I think that the master plan for the waterfront (there actually is one) has kayak access at Bushwick Inlet Park and maybe at India Street Pier. Bushwick Inlet is a long way from realization, India Street may be closer, but still a couple of years away.
Despite the tidal currents (which are very strong), there are a lot of kayakers who use the East River. I know a lot who get down the water in quasi-legal places – I think the nearest legal get down is LIC.
they just need a tide timetable posted next to the entry slip.
tyburg- the East River is essentially a tidal strait, and the current is indeed quite strong. It runs 4-5 knots on average in either direction—to Long Island Sound or NY Bay. Of course there’s slack tides but yes, paddlers would be challenged here but it ain’t out of the question.
I heard the east river current is quite strong… not great for kayaks and such (at least or unskilled, casual recreation types). Is this true?
Tot-only water fun… little blighters.
The pier will act like a breakwater, so where are the moorings for small sail- and powerboats? Or, how about a spot to launch kayaks and canoes? Providing green space on the waterfront is a admirable endeavor—but the plans are falling short in regards to river use.
Really love that fact that the water front is becoming more and more part of life in Brooklyn for recreation at least.
Can’t wait till it is all connected.