A long-closed piece of land under the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened to the public for the first time in 15 years, bringing back new green space to one of the city's most congested neighborhoods.
The 15,000-square-foot site in Lower Manhattan is part of a larger area known as “The Arches,” and was renovated and restored by the city's Department of Transportation after it was previously earmarked as a yard for Brooklyn Bridge cleanup crews. is in progress.
“Manhattan's public space is precious. Every acre is valuable to the people who live, work, and visit this bustling metropolis,” said Meera Joshi, deputy mayor for city operations. said in a statement on Monday.
“While we still have miles to go to complete our entire vision for the region, we are also grateful to celebrate our victory and welcome New York to a region that has been under lockdown for too long, a new haven for fun and relaxation. ”
Another section of the space that connects the bridge to nearby Chinatown was opened last year to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the legendary bridge.th Anniversary.
The newest parcel, located on about a third of an acre between Park Row and Rose Street, has long been used as a temporary construction site, giving local residents access to the shade of oaks, elms, and ash trees. The city said that.
There will also be 16 park benches, many with views of the bridge.
On Monday, barricades still blocked off about half the area, but those who remained said they were elated by the plan.
“I remember when this place was open before, before it was shut down, before 9/11, and now it's a huge barrier for people to cross this part of town.” said Roman Vinoly, 53, who lives in Tribeca and works at a restaurant. Architectural office next door.
“For it to be reopened and reinjected with vibrancy, for it to have the kind of vibrancy that this district had historically, for it to be restored, it's a great tonic for Chinatown, for the financial district, for the city. It will be 'center' towards South Street Seaport.
“It means a lot to the community.”
Another resident who lives four blocks away echoed Vinoly's words.
“It would be great for the community,” she said. “It will bring unity. There are so many different cultures. It will bring unity.”
Rosa Chan, president and co-founder of Gotham Park, the nonprofit that manages the area, said the new location will bring much-needed greenery to the cement-filled area.
“We've been advocating for this space to be open, and it's been really hard,” Chan said as she and other volunteers planted daffodils in the soil. “And the city agreed and moved incredibly quickly.
“The city, after we were able to get in touch with them, acknowledged that there is a complete lack of open space here, so we are really grateful,” she continued. Ta. “And they worked really, really fast.”
“Now we can get through it instead of going around in circles.” [the park]” she said.
“What's important is to bring back our communities that have been divided for so long.”
