Trees in East River Park Get the Axe Ahead of Resiliency Project
Photo: Allie Ryan
Timber!
Monday was the first day of a new reality inside East River Park. From here on out, it won’t be the same; razed and rebuilt based on a controversial $1.45 billion resiliency plan.
With much of the park sealed during the phased construction period – the whole capital project carries an estimated five-year completion date – work just commenced on chopping down roughly one thousand trees in the park. Chainsaws are now an addition to the soundtrack here.
One Boogie reader spotted workers in a cherry picker cutting down a tree near the FDR.
“Park goers are shocked. Trying to pass through, not aware of park closure nor deconstruction,” the tipster tells us.
The park is sealed from Houston to Corlears Hook; additional phased park closures will happen from now into 2022 to “accommodate an aggressive work schedule to ensure timely completion,” per the city.
A neighbor explains that this tree is healthy & if allowed, can live for 100s of years. #ESCRisEcocide #SaveEastRiverPark come witness @PIX11News @TheVillageSun @nypost @nytimes @NBCNewYork @CBSNewYork @ABC7NY @WSJ @boweryboogie @evgrieve pic.twitter.com/5HjiIw2rfG
— Thank You Voters Who Chose Me! (@AllieRyanNYC) December 7, 2021
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