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Brooklyn's Progress
February 2001 Governor George E. Pataki announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will provide $85 million to convert a 71-acre waterfront tract in downtown Brooklyn that now consists of warehouses and abandoned piers into Brooklyn Bridge Park. In addition, the Governor announced that the State has acquired a crucial 1.16-acre parcel from Con Edison that completes the 1.3-mile footprint along the waterfront for the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The parcel was the only remaining privately-owned waterfront parcel within the park. The Governor also announced an additional $2 million for projects to restore and improve Empire Fulton Ferry State Park, which will ultimately be folded into Brooklyn Bridge Park. “The transformation of the downtown Brooklyn waterfront from an obsolete maritime area into vibrant community asset begins today,” Governor Pataki said. “All New Yorkers deserve world-class waterfronts parks, and New York State has succeeded in opening access to Manhattan’s Hudson River with Hudson River Park, Eastern District Terminal and Gantry Plaza State Park at Queens West. Today, we embark on the revival of the Brooklyn waterfront for the 21st Century.” “This funding will provide the foundation for the additional private sector development that will make Brooklyn Bridge Park into a premier waterfront destination,” the Governor said. “I applaud Senator Martin Conner, Borough President Howard Golden, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation and the communities of Brooklyn for helping to develop a balanced vision that allows for an ideal blend of recreation and cultural uses with the economic development opportunities along this spectacular waterfront.” The $85 million is from the Port Authority is included in its five-year capital plan and is expected to spur substantial private sector investment to develop mixed-use commercial and cultural facilities. Work on the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park will begin in the next few weeks and be completed by the end of the year. Senator Martin Conner said, “When we created Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, it was my hope that it would transform the community’s dream of creating a park into a blueprint for action. The Governor has taken the next crucial step in making the park a reality. I thank the Governor and applaud his efforts in helping to create a vibrant park that all New Yorkers will be able to enjoy.” “I am pleased Governor Pataki is announcing the State’s implementation plan for Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden. “I take great pride in being one of the founding members of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, which has created an outstanding master plan with an historic level of public participation. This is great news for Brooklyn and I thank Governor Pataki.” Assemblywoman Joan Millman said: “After many years of dreaming and two years of community-based planning, we finally reached the day when Brooklyn Bridge Park is a reality. I want to thank Governor Pataki for working with the local elected officials and the diverse Brooklyn Communities to achieve this goal. I join all New Yorkers in looking forward to a world-class park on Brooklyn’s world-class waterfront.” “This is a great New Year’s gift for New Yorkers. It is ringing endorsement by Governor Pataki of the community’s vision for Brooklyn Bridge Park, and an historic day in the decade-and-a-half- long effort to create Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Joanne Witty, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation. |
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