The Paths to ‘Pier 42’ Are Rife with Delays, but Shed will Be Demolished this Fall
Pier 42, September 2015
It’s a textbook example of hurry up and wait. Despite landing $12 million back in March 2016 (on top of the initial $16 million earmarked), no amount of politicking seems to speed up the stalled Pier 42 project. If you recall, it was first announced in 2012, and the initial timeline provided by landscape architect Mathews Nielsen was completion in 2016.
Well, that may change soon enough. State Senator Daniel Squadron just announced that the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will officially lead the build-out of the project, and that both asbestos abatement and demo of the Pier 42 shed is happening this Fall.
Community leaders at Pier 42, September 2012
“Pier 42 is the rare case where we’re actually looking forward to construction. It’s great news we’ll continue interim use for these last few weeks before construction finally begins,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “Pier 42 will be a world class addition to New York’s Harbor Park — a Central Park for the center of our city.”
While we hold our collective breath for the groundbreak, the Paths to Pier 42 summertime program marches on. The “interim” programming has been operational since 2013. This year, it kicks off with a City of Water Day event on July 15, with activities to celebrate the waterfront. Also, back by popular demand, an evening of Salsa music and dancing is scheduled for later this summer.
As previously noted, funds for the transformation of Pier 42 are slated for:
- Dismantling most of the warehouse structure, which was originally constructed in 1964. Its skeleton will remain.
- Removal of toxic soil.
- Remove asbestos and lead paint.
- Planting trees and vegetation.
- Grinding the current asphalt bed into fill for a knoll on the north end. It’s seven feet above the 100 year flood line with views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Repair bulkhead stone.
- Provide interim park lighting.
Only time will tell. At this point, they should rename the project “Rabbit Holes to Pier 42.”
Pier 42, July 2014. Photo courtesy of Scott Frances
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