7. the Vision CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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7. The Vision CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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80 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Site Specific Visions Through research, analysis, outreach, and as bold, playful gestures, potentially discussions with city and state agency whimsical in nature and designed to representatives, it became apparent that spark conversation about the community’s a phased, incremental approach to the desires for future design. Other short-term reconstruction of the Esplanade would be interventions simply involve removing the most feasible for this project. The technical, physical and visual “clutter” of derelict financial, and regulatory challenges suggest furnishing and dead vegetation, serving to that some long narrow segments will make circulation easier and prepare for remain as such, even if the more ambitious longer-term projects. In some locations, designs of a long-term master plan are the desired condition requires a longer implemented. However, there are clearly timeframe within which to plan, construct, opportunities to broaden the Esplanade in and secure funding. It is important to note certain locations. This would create larger that the concepts presented in this report nodes that will better serve the needs of the are a vision describing only some of the community and reconnect people to their many possible outcomes. They should waterfront. serve as an aspirational template, but not be overly prescriptive or inflexible. Based CIVITASIn this report, CIVITAS opportunities areCIVITAS delineated CIVITASon feedback at community CIVITAS meetings, CIVITAS there CIVITAS CIVITAS as short (0-5 years), medium (5-10 years), is a high level of confidence regarding and long-term (10+ years). In many cases, the location of proposed nodes. However, the short-term opportunities are temporary additional community input would be in nature, and can be implemented to solicited as specific long-term plans are energize the community and activate areas developed for each of the segments and as longer-term and more comprehensive nodes. construction is ongoing. Short-term, temporary opportunities are envisioned

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS E Existing

S 1-5 Years

M 5-10 Years

L 10+ Years CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 81 Andrew Haswell Green Park | 60th – 63rd Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS S

Andrew Haswell Green Park is the improve this landscape. The adaptive reuse southernmost node in the project study of area within the former heliport building area, and should be considered a primary and reconstruction of the southern portion gateway to the Esplanade from both the of the site, along with connection to the ODR adjacent neighborhoods and the Ed Koch Esplanade, will create a more complete Queensboro Bridge. Upon completion of the gateway experience. Currently, construction CIVITASEast Midtown CIVITAS Waterfront Esplanade, CIVITAS this of thisCIVITAS plan is projected CIVITAS to begin in 3 years. CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS site will also serve as a vital connector to E all points south on Manhattan’s East River Waterfront. In the short-term, there are opportunities to open up a large riverside area that is currently inaccessible to the public. An intervention might involve creating an urban beach with sand and lawn chairs or another temporary installation that would beautify and enliven the Esplanade until funds and plans are in place for medium and long-term redevelopment. In the long-term, the implementation of NYCDPR’s plan for Andrew Haswell Green Park will signiﬁcantly

82 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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Source: NYCDPR Short-term Long-term • Clean up and open the existing gravel • Connect to East Midtown Waterfront parking lot to the public (ODR) Esplanade • Temporary beach, seating, food carts • Fully redesign 60th Street entrance as a • Temporary landscape installations major park gateway CIVITAS(container CIVITAS plants and seating), CIVITAS art CIVITAS• Integrate ﬂood CIVITAS protection and sea CIVITAS level CIVITAS CIVITAS • Summer movies projected on the walls rise considerations into design • Reuse old heliport building as a public Medium-term amenity • Implement NYCDPR plans for area with new park design • Improve 60th Street entrance, make ADA accessible 60-63

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 83 Esplanade Segment | 63rd to 81st Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS E

The segment between East 63rd and 81st stretch (approximately 40 feet deep and Streets is a relatively narrow section of greater). A number of buildings with air the Esplanade, often less than 15 feet in rights extend over the FDR, and additional width. At East 72nd Street, an emergency decking over the FDR is planned as breakdown lane for the FDR creates a part of the Rockefeller University’s new pinch point in the Esplanade, and the width laboratory facility construction project. CIVITASis barely wide CIVITAS enough for two peopleCIVITAS to This CIVITAS project extends fromCIVITAS 64th to 68th CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS walk side-by-side. A Con Edison building Street and includes noise mitigation at 74th Street also narrows the pathway, measures, an intervention that, if limiting access to the river’s edge for extended, would greatly beneﬁt additional roughly two city blocks. If the building portions of this linear landscape. A large is removed this would allow for pathway and narrow set of stairs at 81st Street expansion and the addition of planting limits pedestrian and bicycle accessibility. along the FDR. Noise levels are high along Plans exist to replace these stairs with this entire segment. Space is needed to an ADA accessible ramp designed as mitigate the negative impact of the FDR, part of a new pedestrian bridge at 81st but increasing the width of the Esplanade to the Esplanade. A plan generated by by driving piles and decking over the river the DDC for that bridge in 2012 is being in this location would be a costly measure, controversially resuscitated. as the East River is deep and the sides of the channel are steep along this entire

84 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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Source: Rafael Viñoly Architects Short-term Long-term • Implement critical repairs • Relocate/remove Con Edison facility • Simplify design and eliminate elements from Esplanade that constrict clear path width • Integrate ﬂood protection and consider sea level rise in design CIVITASMedium-term CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS• Provide vehicular CIVITAS (maintenance CIVITASand CIVITAS CIVITAS emergency) accessible route along • Implement noise barriers while entire length ensuring visibility and safety • Widen Esplanade to 40’ minimum width • Provide ADA accessible connection to • Deck over additional segments (71st to Carl Schurz Park at 81st Street 81st Streets) where appropriate based • Implement improvements planned with on elevation and condition of inland Rockefeller construction project neighborhoods. Additional study is 63-81 needed to determine the compatibility of this option with adjacent residential buildings

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 85 John Jay Park | 76th to 78th Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

John Jay Park is a wonderful community approximately 54,880 sf (1.26 acres), and CIVITASpark along the CIVITAS west side of CIVITAS the FDR provide CIVITAS open space for CIVITAS community events CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS between East 76th and 78th Street. The and passive recreation. It would also serve park is primarily comprised of active to reconnect the park to the river and recreation facilities, including a swimming mitigate noise from the FDR. This solution pool and playground. There is a small requires an in-depth study to determine area for passive recreation with a grove how the elevated park can transition to of London Plane Trees and benches that the existing Esplanade below. overlook the river along the southeastern edge. The view is largely obscured by a chain link fence, and noise from the FDR Long-term deters use. John Jay Park is elevated above • Deck over the FDR and create the FDR and the Esplanade. Extending the additional parkland park to the East River, in much the same way that Carl Schurz Park seamlessly transitions from neighborhood park to Esplanade, presents a major opportunity at this location. A decked expansion over the FDR would increase parkland by

86 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Multi-Use Path

Planted Berms

Lounge CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITASArea CIVITAS CIVITAS

Sculpture

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Lawn

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

76-78

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 87 Carl Schurz Park + Gracie Promenade | 81st to 90th Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS E

The Esplanade at Carl Schurz Park is one The Gracie Promenade is a broad section of of the most active and well-used sections the Esplanade from 81st to 84th Street that between 60th and 125th Streets. The park is devoid of any planting or seating, and is brings hundreds of users to the Esplanade detailed with roadway style lighting. While each day. Many facets of Carl Schurz Park consideration of the adjacent residents CIVITASmake it an appealingCIVITAS destination. CIVITAS The should CIVITAS be integrated CIVITAS into plans for CIVITAS this CIVITAS CIVITAS connection to the adjacent neighborhood space, it is clear that it is a community offers one of the few at-grade, accessible resource that should be put to better use. In entrances to the Esplanade. The Esplanade its current form, the community is deprived in this location is elevated over the FDR and of nearly 29,700 square feet (0.68 acres) of adequately buffered from vehicular noise. potentially improved parkland. It is also sufficiently wide (over 30 feet) and can accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and seating. For the most part, this section of the Esplanade is well designed and does not need significant modification. A new handrail design that does not obscure views of the river while seated would significantly improve the experience.

88 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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Short-term • Temporary landscape installations between 81st and 84th Streets • Handicap accessible entrances at the ends of 81st Street, Gracie Terrace, and CIVITAS82nd Street CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS • Remove unnecessary gated segments across Esplanade at Gracie Square and East 83rd Streets

Medium-term • New handrail design at Esplanade with 81-90 improved visibility • Design permanent landscape installations between 81st and 84th Streets

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 89 Esplanade Segment | 90th to 96th Street The Esplanade is a largely nondescript Short-term landscape between Carl Schurz Park and • Implement critical repairs 96th Street, but the views out across the bay • Simplify design and eliminate elements are some of the most spectacular along this that constrict clear path width (empty stretch of waterfront. In this area, vehicular tree pits, redundant benches and light noise is particularly obtrusive as the road is poles, etc.) immediately adjacent to the walking path. • Test pilot projects for noise mitigation The Marine Transfer Station is currently • Improve planting – shift to more salt and under construction at 91st Street, and it drought tolerant species palette remains to be seen whether the noise and • Advocate for and include in the activity it generates will negatively add to the construction of the marine transfer experience along this segment. Currently, station measures that allow for future there are preliminary efforts underway to improvements to the Esplanade and engage DSNY and the city in an effort to adjacent recreation mitigate the presence of this infrastructure by improving the Esplanade in the area. Medium-term Additionally, trees are in poor health and the CIVITASgrass strip between CIVITAS the Esplanade CIVITAS and FDR • CIVITASImplement noise/flood CIVITAS barriers CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS is both visually uninteresting and typically • Increase ferry service at 90th Street or too narrow for any practical use. Moreover, open ferry terminal deck for public use the long-term viability of planting in this • Implement design options to more fully section of the Esplanade is likely to be integrate the Marine Transfer Station compromised as sea level rise and storms with the Esplanade and Asphalt Green increase the frequency of salt spray and saltwater intrusion into the root zone. Long-term North of 90th Street, neighborhoods inland • Integrate flood protection and sea level from the Esplanade have low topographical rise considerations into design – elevate CIVITASelevations. In fact,CIVITAS they were flooded CIVITAS during CIVITASEsplanade CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS Hurricane Sandy and are at risk for future • Provide vehicular (maintenance) flooding. One of the most important goals accessible route along entire length for this section of the Esplanade is to design • Widen Esplanade to 50’ minimum width and build integrated measures that protect thousands of residential properties, the newly constructed Second Avenue Subway, the FDR, and the viability of the Esplanade itself from future flooding events. Raising the Esplanade to a new elevation will be part of achieving this objective, as well as CIVITAScreating conditions CIVITAS where vegetation CIVITAS can CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS thrive and noise from the FDR is mitigated.

90 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS E Existing Esplanade - Looking North

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Existing Esplanade - Looking South 90-96

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 91 96th Street Gateway + Boathouse

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITASThe elevated portionCIVITAS of the FDR CIVITAS at 96th them CIVITAS and for most CIVITAS boating organizations CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS Street and accompanying ramps create in New York City. The 96th Street overpass an automobile dominated landscape, presents an opportunity to solve that but this area also serves as a vital, at problem and thereby improve boating grade gateway for pedestrians that use programs on the East River. The covered the Esplanade. When viewed from First and underused space under the overhead E Avenue, the structure of the FDR acts as structure of the FDR is an ideal location a frame and creates a visual focus of the for storing boats, staging paddles, and East River, Mill Rock, Hell Gate, and a quiet initiating citizen science and environmental bay where the Harlem and East River meet. education activities. Existing groups and The slow current and consequent calm other boating organizations could, over water make this area an ideal location for time, offer kayaking and paddleboarding launching human-powered recreation boats to the community, and could immediately for travel up the Harlem River and nearby make use of this valuable but neglected waterways. There is currently an active space. boating community (East River C.R.E.W.) that utilizes a small hoist at 96th Street to The concept for 96th Street is to transform a launch large row boats into the river, but generic overpass into a world class gateway storage of boats is a huge challenge for to the park, deﬁning this location as a 92 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITASlandmark along CIVITAS the Esplanade CIVITAS by integrating CIVITASMedium-term CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS art, light, flood protection, and boat storage. • Create an Esplanade gateway and boat Steel perforated panels depicting themes house that integrates art, lighting, and from the marine environment or community boat storage history, would make the gateway walls artistic elements that enliven the area Long-term with a unique identity. Safe passage and a dramatic visual experience could be created • Integrate flood protection and sea level 96 by backlighting these panels at night. rise considerations into design Additionally, flood walls could be integrated • Improve pedestrian experience. into the design of these structures as part of • Integrate design with Stanley Isaacs larger flood control measures. Playground

Short-term • Repave and repair sidewalks • Provide temporary storage enclosures

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 93 Ecological Edge and Esplanade | 96th to 120th Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

The Esplanade from 96th to 125th littoral zones into thriving tidal marsh CIVITASStreet offers CIVITAS some of the most CIVITAS exciting by CIVITAS recontouring the CIVITAS shallow areas, CIVITAS this CIVITAS CIVITAS opportunities in the project study area. The stretch of the Esplanade will be radically water depth at the edge of this portion of the transformed. The failing portions of the Harlem River is shallow, often less than 6 bulkhead will be rebuilt using different feet deep (from MLLW), and precludes the materials - riprap and adapted riparian E need for accommodating a deep commercial vegetation - to prevent erosion and shipping channel like the one maintained in make the water more accessible to the the East River to the south. Reestablishing community. These structures require coastal ecosystems that existed prior to the less long-term maintenance and provide industrialization of the waterfront would both a vegetated buffer and smoother be a viable option based on preliminary transition from marine to upland habitats. CIVITASinvestigation. AsCIVITAS noted earlier in CIVITAS the report, Furthermore, CIVITAS the CIVITAS Esplanade will CIVITAS be CIVITAS CIVITAS much of this portion of the Esplanade was elevated to account for sea level rise and constructed on fill material that was placed thereby provide critical flood protection to on top of riparian forests, brackish streams, vulnerable adjacent communities. Floating tidal marsh and shallow littoral areas wetland systems, structures for nesting once teeming with productive vegetation birds, public access boardwalks, and and wildlife. Former industrial waterfront outdoor classrooms will also be designed activities, increased wave energy, combined as part of this living shoreline. In short, sewer overflows, vertical bulkheads and a this ecological restoration will reintroduce highway exacerbated the ecological damage steadily disappearing habitat for marine wrought by filling and dredging. and avian wildlife, improve the recreational experience, and strengthen East Harlem’s Today an opportunity exists to reverse some resiliency. Over a mile in length, a of this damage, restore ecosystem function, continuous, multi-functional corridor of improve water quality and provide flood restored ecological habitat at the edge of protection to adjacent communities. By Manhattan has the potential to become a installing living breakwater systems that model for waterfront development in cities provide adequate substrate for shellfish around the world. recruitment, and converting degraded

94 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Short-term • Widen Esplanade to 50’ minimum • Implement critical repairs • Construct an Ecological Edge from • Simplify design and eliminate elements approximately 96th Street to 120th that constrict clear path width (empty Street tree pits, redundant benches and light poles, etc.) Long-term • Test pilot projects for noise mitigation, • Improve or replace pedestrian bridges solar lighting at 103rd and 120th Streets • Shellﬁsh suitability and ﬂoating wetland • Deck over FDR from 98th to 125th pilot study • Improve planting • Install temporary art/sculpture

Medium-term • Implement noise barriers • Elevate Esplanade above sea level rise CIVITASand storm CIVITAS levels CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Littoral Zone <6 ft below MLLW

Shallow Open Water <18 ft below MLLW

Deep Open Water CIVITAS>18 ftCIVITAS below MLLW CIVITAS108th st CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

96th st

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITASRiver CIVITASProﬁles CIVITAS CIVITAS

108th st

69th st 96th st 96-120

69th st

Vertical Exaggeration: 2x

Ecological Edge Bathymetric Suitability CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 95 Ecological Edge and Esplanade | 96th to 120th Street

Ecological Edge: Opportunities and Constraints

Existing Conditions

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITASExpand CIVITAS into River - StructureCIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Expand into River - Fill

Expand into River - Ecological Edge 96 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Edge Design, Function, and Impact to Open Water Habitats

Typical Existing Condition North of 90th Street Riprap Edge (Build Out)

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Expanded Esplanade + Riprap Edge Flood Protection + Expanded Esplanade + Riprap Edge CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS Compensating for Impact by Restoring Ecosystem Function

NAVD88 10 RRiprRipRi prpr apappP P P P 5 rroootote tete cctctettedte S eded S MHW CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS SShoSh CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS 0 reli ne Repurposed Dredge Material MLW -5 -10 -15

Existing Esplanade FDR Esplanade Riparian High Marsh Low Marsh Tidal Creeks, Living Breakwater Harlem River Buffer Mudflats and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Salt-tolerant native upland trees Trap, retain and cycle stormwater runoff and pollutants Protective stone sill Deep-rooted bank-stabilizing Substrate for shellfish shrubs and forbs Cordgrass-dominated marsh Cover for crabs and bait fish

Valuable for wading shorebirds Spawning/ rearing grounds for ﬁsh

Habitat for migratory songbirds and pollinators Ecological Beneﬁts for Adjacent Absorb wave energy, storm surge and ﬂoodwaters Flood protection and Estuary System enhanced user experience Adaptable to Sea Level Rise

Ecological Uplift + Flood Protection + Expanded Esplanade + Riprap Edge CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 97 Esplanade Segment | 96th – 111th Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

98 East River Esplanade Vision Plan The segment of Esplanade between the Short-term proposed 96th Street Boathouse and the • Implement critical repairs southern extent of Thomas Jefferson Park • Simplify design and eliminate elements offers expansive views and connection to that constrict clear path width (empty the Ward’s Island Bridge and Pier 107. In the tree pits, redundant benches and light long-term, the Ecological Edge will make poles, etc.) this section more exciting for park users. It • Improve planting is assumed that portions of this stretch of the Esplanade will remain relatively narrow even if a build out scenario adding width is feasible in the future. As a result, simplifying the Esplanade in this area is a primary goal. Currently struggling trees, waterside light poles, and empty tree pits occupy the already narrow pathway obstructing movement and in some cases posing a trip hazard. A reconﬁguration of this space could CIVITASalso include CIVITAS building pilot sound CIVITAS walls and CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS solar-powered lighting that would perform in an emergency situation. Planting drought and ﬂood tolerant vegetation that provides year-round visual interest and food for native pollinators would help to soften the hardscape and provide greater value than small patches of turf and mulch. Movement through this section of the Esplanade can be made more relaxing and enjoyable with CIVITASthese simple CIVITAS interventions. CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

96-111

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 99 Pier 107

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITASPier 107 is aCIVITAS much beloved CIVITAS community Piers CIVITAS on the East Side CIVITAS are a rarity and CIVITAS the CIVITAS CIVITAS space. On any given day, rain or shine, need to reconstruct the pier offers the fishermen line the edges of the pier opportunity to completely reimagine the searching the waters for elusive fish and pier in the context of present and future crabs. Some are successful, particularly needs. The current proportion of the pier during fish migration periods. However, the roof makes much of the pier feel dark and pier is in a state of decay and the repairs enclosed. It also limits the types of activities that were undertaken in the early 1990s that can be accommodated on the pier. are failing. The terrazzo paving has fared Certainly, the pier can be reconstructed poorly and the concrete roof has collapsed in rectangular form using the footprint E in areas. As a result, the pavilion is currently of Pier 107 as it exists today. However, CIVITASclosed to the CIVITAS public. The marine CIVITAS pilings there CIVITAS is also an opportunity CIVITAS to rethink CIVITAS the CIVITAS CIVITAS supporting the pier are in poor condition shape and create a form that lends itself and require replacement in 5-10 years. In to contemporary uses. In this scenario, short, a full reconstruction is necessary in it might more effectively accommodate the next 10 years. planned programming, including fishing, while also maximizing great views, In the short-term, there is an opportunity to improved circulation, and a more seamless remove portions of the failing roof and fully upland connection. For example, the pier reopen the pier for the community. Tables, could have multiple levels, with the roof chairs, and temporary shading elements level connecting the public to the East River could be reintroduced so that programming Playground on the west side of the FDR. for exercise classes, art, music, movies and This pier can become an iconic landmark other community events can be developed on the East River and, simultaneously, a for and take place on the pier. This interim recovered treasure for the community. condition and associated activities could be used to engage the community and initiate a dialogue specifically regarding the future redesign of the pier.

100 East River Esplanade Vision Plan CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Existing Conditions Marine Habitat + Fishing Connector Sun Cove CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS Short-term Long-term • Remove concrete and/or steel roof • Integrate the pier with the Ecological segments of the pavilion and reopen the Edge center pier area • Integrate the pier into an elevated • Repair paving and rail Esplanade and FDR deck • Program with activities – workout 107 classes, art, music, games, etc.

Medium-term • Reconstruct or rebuild the entire pier • Elevate the future elevation of the pier above future sea level rise and storm levels

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 101 Thomas Jefferson Park + MCSM | 111th to 116th Street

Sculpture

Lawn

Gardens CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Multi-Use Path

Lawn

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

Living Dog Breakwater Run Ecological Edge L

Park over the FDR CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

E M L

Land Bridge Footprint Land Bridge Land Bridge Integrated into Park (Deck)

102 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Thomas Jefferson Park is one of the largest over the entire length of the FDR between parks in East Harlem (approximately 14 111th and 116th Street. This would bring acres), and spans the blocks between East park users to the river in much the same way 111th and 114th Streets. The Manhattan that users of Carl Schurz Park experience Center for Science and Mathematics is the water’s edge. Flood protection measures a high school with limited green space would be integrated into the design to sitting directly north of the park. Thomas protect the residences, businesses, and Jefferson Park is heavily used and offers schools threatened by flooding from storms the community recreation fields, courts, and future sea level rise. Certainly, there barbequing, and a swimming pool during are technical and financial challenges to summer months. However, few of the this approach, but it would also provide the visitors to the park traverse the bridge at tremendous benefit of reconnecting the East 111th Street to cross over to the Esplanade. Harlem community to the river, a resource The adjacent Esplanade is noisy and narrow, enjoyed by many other communities in and its trees are in poor condition with Manhattan. Additionally, this project would sections of paving collapsed and spanned create meaningful parkland at the river’s with temporary bridges. Large portions are edge and address the deficit of open space CIVITAScompletely paved,CIVITAS edge-to-edge, CIVITAS with hard- CIVITASby adding approximately CIVITAS 3 acres of parklandCIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS surfaced pavers and cobblestones. Seating to the East Harlem community. is plentiful, but the wonderful views of the river are not appealing enough to offset the noise and distraction of the fast moving Medium-term vehicles nearby. • Construct an Ecological Edge from approximately 99th Street to 120th In the medium-term there is the opportunity Street to construct an ecological edge on this portion of the waterfront, as described in the previous section. With added width Long-term CIVITASand substantial CIVITAS landscape improvements,CIVITAS CIVITAS• Construct a land CIVITAS bridge to replace CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS this would be a significant gain for the standard pedestrian bridges community over the current condition, • Create additional parkland by decking while also providing a place for hands-on over the FDR educational opportunities for the science- based high school across the FDR. However, there are also greater opportunities to connect the park to the Esplanade in a more comprehensive and effective way. A land bridge could create a seamless connection between park and Esplanade, and visitors CIVITASwould experience CIVITAS an interconnectedCIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS landscape instead of travelling through one space to get to another. A more dramatic, and complicated approach entails decking

111-116

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 103 Thomas Jefferson Park + MCSM | 111th to 116th Street

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

E Existing Condition CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

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Expanded Esplanade and Ecological Edge

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Park over FDR

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 105 Simpliﬁed Esplanade | 117th - 125th Street

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The section of the Esplanade North of be achieved by removing the redundant row the Manhattan Center for Science and of seating where it exists, pulling up the 117-125 Mathematics is narrow, loud and often granite cobbles and replacing these areas devoid of trees and vegetation. In some with suitable vegetation and replacing old sections the ground plane is completely lights with efficient solar powered lights. If paved and the noise from the highway a full height sound wall is not tenable here, seems to be magnified as it reverberates a smaller solid wall will at least make park off of the imposing blank façade of the users feel less exposed while in such close superblock commercial development proximity to high speed traffic. between 116th and 119th Street. In the short-term, the goal for this segment is to simplify the existing design and provide an improved buffer to the highway. This could

106 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Public Art | 119th Street

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There are some small sections, such as of the highway. Vibrant and contrasting at 119th Street, where the Esplanade is planting could further accentuate the visual 119 slightly wider because the larger radius quality of these outdoor spaces. curve of the FDR provides additional space. These areas are well-suited for engaging public art installations that rotate regularly. Interactive sculptures for example could provide entertaining and educational resting points along sections of the Esplanade which are largely intended for movement. These elements would be important landmarks in otherwise featureless segments and serve as inspiring distractions from the noise

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 107 East 125th Street

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E Harlem River Park (Future Southern Phase) - 125th Street

The Esplanade at 125th Street is largely 127th Street. This much needed connection CIVITASdisconnected fromCIVITAS the adjacent CIVITAScommunity will CIVITAS also allow Esplanade CIVITAS users to continue CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS even though 125th Street is a major east- north into Harlem River Park instead west corridor in Harlem. At this location, of exiting the Esplanade from the 120th the Esplanade is sandwiched between Street pedestrian bridge. However, the ramps for the RFK Triborough Bridge and tremendous potential for active recreation the river channel. At 123rd Street, the park’s beneath the tangle of highway ramps and width increases while the RFK Triborough roads in this area must be recognized. Bridge ramps begin to rise and effectively Paved areas that are currently used as wall off the Esplanade from the community. parking lots and for storage by city agencies However, the feeling of separation from the could be transformed into court and game city starts to grow from as far back as 116th spaces needed by the adjacent community. Street and the East River Plaza retail center. This area is also an important cultural site, Its large, monotonous brick ediﬁce runs and any planning in this area should be from East 116th to 119th Streets and offers sensitive to its historic use as the African little visual relief to waterfront park users. Burial Ground.

The completion of the southernmost portion of Harlem River Park will create a broad, expansive node spanning from 124th to

108 East River Esplanade Vision Plan E

CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITASHarlem River Park CIVITAS (Phase II) - 139th CIVITASStreet CIVITAS CIVITAS

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E E Vehicle Parking Under Bridges Harlem River Park (Phase II) - 141st Street

Short-term Long-term CIVITAS• Implement CIVITAS critical repairs CIVITAS CIVITAS• Improve access CIVITAS to 125th Street BridgeCIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS • Simplify design and eliminate elements for pedestrians and cyclists that constrict clear path width (empty tree pits, redundant benches and light poles, etc.) • Interpretive signage for historic African Burial Ground 125 Medium-term • Elevate Esplanade above sea level rise and storm levels • Widen Esplanade to 50’ minimum • Connect to Harlem River Park southern phase (currently begins at 121st Street) • Increase active recreation under bridges and ramps

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8. Conclusions Conclusions and Next Steps The future of the East River Esplanade to function as much needed parkland can be viewed through many lenses, and while simultaneously operating as resilient differences in interpretation lead to a variety infrastructure that addresses sea level rise. of opinions about the scope of the project This goal will require additional technical and its potential timeline. Some participants analysis, design, planning, and eventually invested in the outreach process felt that the construction. It is important to keep in immediate beautification of the Esplanade mind that this undertaking will require time through planting and its activation through and patience, and the first step is to activate programming constituted priorities for the community support and political leadership. community. Others valued improved access to the river, Esplanade connections to the The opportunities for the East River north at 125th and south at 60th Streets, Esplanade are significant, and momentum and better connections to the adjacent and continued support will be needed to upland neighborhoods. There were also sustain the effort to realize goals. There participants who chose to consider the are very real regulatory, technical, planning, longer term implications of the Esplanade’s and funding challenges that must be potential to function both as parkland addressed, but the process should begin CIVITASand part of aCIVITAS larger system CIVITAS of resilient now CIVITAS given the current CIVITAS need for serious CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS infrastructure. The opinions expressed by structural remediation. A comprehensive all the groups of participants are important and proactive approach must be and there is the potential to integrate many undertaken. Efforts are already underway of the ideas into a final master plan. These in other parts of New York City and are ideas offer opportunities for improvement addressing the impacts of sea level rise in the short-term, as well as for the long- and future flooding on communities. These term. At this time, however, it is important projects are also looking at ways to combine to develop a long-term master plan for the resilient infrastructure with parkland. With Esplanade so that each incremental action perseverance, a comprehensive planning builds toward a comprehensive future effort can also transform the Esplanade CIVITASvision. CIVITAS CIVITASfor CIVITAS the Upper East CIVITAS Side and East Harlem CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS communities. The Esplanade’s interface A long-term vision for the Esplanade must with the city, the FDR, and the river will consider the impacts of climate change necessitate a collaborative approach at city, on both the Esplanade and the adjacent state, and federal levels, as well as within residential and commercial neighborhoods. the community, and among agencies and Clearly, the Esplanade is in need of immediate political leaders. A highly collaborative repair to maintain it as a safe, functional, process might yield a comprehensive plan and stable amenity. Structural repairs that ushers in meaningful change and a alone will require significant investment, new vision for the Esplanade for the Upper and can help to address short and medium East Side and East Harlem Communities. CIVITASterm stability untilCIVITAS longer-term plansCIVITAS can be CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS developed. Long-term planning is needed to consider how the Esplanade will continue

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Legend The Esplanade Existing Greenway Planned Greenway Proposed Greenway Source: Manhattan Waterfront Greenway Master Plan

CIVITAS | Mathews Nielsen 113 References AKRF. Memorandum: CMAQ – Pedestrian Volume Development. August 2014.

CIVITAS. Reimagining the Waterfront: Manhattan’s East River Esplanade. 2012.

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Mayor’s Ofﬁce of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability. New York City Wetlands Strategy. May 2012.

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New York City Department of City Planning. Vision 2020: The New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. March 2011.

New York City Department of City Planning. The New York City Waterfront Revitalization CIVITASProgram. October CIVITAS 2013. CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Capital Project Tracker. Web. November 2014.

New York City Economic Development Corporation. Southern Manhattan Coastal Protection Study: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Multi-Purpose Levee (MPL). May 2014. New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC). Climate Risk Information 2013. June 2013.

New York Public Library. Digital Collections. Web. 2014.

CIVITASNew Yorkers For CIVITAS Parks. East Harlem CIVITAS Open Space CIVITASIndex. 2012. CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

New Yorkers For Parks. Manhattan’s East Side Open Space Index. 2013.

Post-Sandy Initiative. Building Better, Building Smarter: Opportunities for Design and Development. May 2013. Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency (SIRR). A Stronger, More Resilient New York. June 2013.

United States Army Corps of Engineers and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. CIVITASHudson-Raritan CIVITAS Estuary Comprehensive CIVITAS Restoration CIVITAS Plan (HRECRP). CIVITAS April 2010. CIVITAS CIVITAS CIVITAS

114 East River Esplanade Vision Plan Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Sources Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA MOTF Hurricane Sandy Impact Analysis. Web. October 2014.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sea Level Rise Impacts Viewer. Web. October 2014.

New York City Department of City Planning. BYTES of the Big Apple. Web. October 2014.

New York City Open Data. New York City Open Data. Web. November 2014.

United States Geological Survey. Hurricane Sandy Storm Tide Mapper. Web. August 2014.

United States Geological Survey. The National Map. Web. July 2014.

Wildlife Conservation Society. Welikia: Beyond Mannahatta Geographic Data. Web. December 2014.

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