While you might not be allowed to take a swim in the East River, a shady beach might be just the thing to help you cool down on a steamy day in lower Manhattan. Thankfully, the Brooklyn Bridge Beach is one step closer to becoming a reality, as Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and members of the city council announced more funding for the proposed beach, bringing up to $8 million in public funds to reclaim the land next to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan and turn it into a beach.
The beach, part of the East River Blueway Plan, will include new salt marsh planters and wetlands, which will help Lower Manhattan protect itself against future storm flooding.
“East River Blueway is truly a plan developed by the community and for the community, and I am thrilled that the transformation of this forgotten waterfront is now on the horizon,” Stringer said at a press conference this morning.
The plan for the beach will include an esplanade with terraced seating, and tree-lined, lit walkways. And of course, a beach. Which looks awesome! In addition to the beach, a kayak and canoe launch will be built in Stuyvesant Cove, between East 18th and East 23rd street.
Public money being used for projects beneficial to all. We must be moving towards a post-Bloomberg New York.
