Press Release: New York State, October 22, 1998

West Side Waterfront Transformation Beginning in the Village

Governor George E. Pataki, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields today broke ground on Stage One of the Hudson River Park at Charles Street and the Hudson river. Stage One includes the portion of riverfront that stretches from Charles Street to West 11th Street in Greenwich Village.

Today also marks the completion of Segment Four of the construction of Route 9A, from Clarkson to Horatio Streets, which runs parallel to the Stage One segment. The Hudson River Park will eventually run from Battery Park to 59th Street, bringing a world-class waterfront park to neighborhoods on the West Side and millions of New Yorkers.

"Today, the Hudson River Park becomes a reality," Governor Pataki said. "New Yorkers deserve a world-class waterfront park, and now they will have it.

"This year the Hudson River was designated as an American Heritage River, a much-deserved recognition of the River's central place in American history and culture," the Governor said. "Today we begin a new chapter of that history. The Hudson River Park will allow New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the Hudson River, provide a big boost to tourism and the city's economy, all while continuing to protect the Rivers's aquatic environment."

Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani each have committed $100 million toward construction of the Park.

"Today we break ground to create one of the greatest river front parks in the country," Mayor Giuliani said. "The Hudson River Park for years was only a dream to New Yorkers, but today it's a reality. In the years to come families from across the City and tourists from around the world will visit this park to relax, play and enjoy its splendid views.

"Thanks to the leadership of the Governor this project will be seen as the turning point in the development of Manhattan's West Side waterfront," the Mayor said.

Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields said, "Today's celebration symbolizes the realization of a dream ... a dream of a developed Hudson River waterfront with parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities. This is a great day for the Borough of Manhattan, and I applaud all the parties involved for making this dream a reality."

The Park at Stage One will include lawns, trees, picnic areas, a walkway and open space. A bikeway will run along the eastern most edge of the Park. The design team of Able Bainnson, Butz, Landscape Architects will oversee construction.

Al Butzel, Chairman of the Hudson River Park Alliance, said, "The Hudson River Park Alliance applauds Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani, who have not only come together as partners to realize the vision of a Hudson River Park, but have made remarkable commitments of State and City land and resources. We are also grateful to Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Senator Franz Leichter and other State legislators who supported this effort, which will create one of the nation's great waterfronts on the West Side."

Senator Roy Goodman said, "After years of efforts by many citizens' groups, this project will now permit the transformation of the Hudson River Waterfront into beautiful parkland and a five mile esplanade, featuring great new recreational activities. This will be seen as one of the great accomplishments of the 1998 Legislative Session."

Assemblyman John Ravitz said, "The creation of the park is another example of Governor Pataki's strong commitment to our City and State."

Legislation signed into law by Governor Pataki last month provides for the creation of a public benefit corporation called the Hudson River Trust, which will have authority over planning, design, construction, operation and ongoing maintenance of the Park.

The board of the Trust will include five members appointed by the Governor, including the commissioners of the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP); five members appointed by the Mayor, including the Commissioner of City Department of Parks and Recreation; and three members appointed by the Manhattan Borough President in consultation with Community Boards One, Two and Four.

The Trust will develop the Park as a place for public recreation and will be subject to requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and all New York zoning and land use laws.

A Hudson River Park Advisory Council will be formed and will include representatives of the local community and park, environmental, civic, labor and business organizations, as well as elected officials representing communities neighboring the Park.

The legislation signed last month also creates the Hudson River Park Estuarine Sanctuary to protect the sensitive aquatic habitat along the Park's waterfront. A management plan will be developed for this area, subject to DEC approval.

Deputy Mayor Randy Levine said, "This is a great day for New York City as we finally break ground for the Hudson River Park. This once neglected section of our City will soon become the envy of the world and serve as an example of what city redevelopment can do for a community and city as a whole. Both the Mayor and the Governor should be congratulated for the efforts in creating this park, as it will soon be enjoyed by thousands of New Yorkers in the years to come."

Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development, the agency responsible for the planning, design and construction of Stage One of the Park said, "We are proud of what we've achieved to date on the design and initial work on the Park. Thanks to the leadership and vision of Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani, the people of New York City will soon have a spectacular West Side waterfront."

"Today, the Hudson River is healthier and its marine life more abundant than it's been in decades," DEC Commissioner John Cahill said. "This Park will give us the opportunity to continue our unprecedented commitment to restore the River's quality as we provide greater access to this majestic waterfront."

When completed, the reconstructed Route 9A, formerly the West Side Highway, will provide a landscaped urban boulevard, improving roadway safety, traffic flow and pedestrian access to the Hudson River waterfront from Battery Place to 59th Street.

State Transportation Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said, "The completion of this segment is a perfect example of the changes that Governor Pataki has initiated at State DOT. We are building better projects, we're doing it faster, and with more input from the surrounding communities than ever before. Segment four is not only beautiful, but it is complete four months ahead of schedule. We anticipate that the entire Route 9A reconstruction will be finished a full year ahead of schedule."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "This is the very beginning of what will be 4.5 miles of new park along the rejuvenated Hudson River thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki. This will be another wonderful addition to our matchless system of parks and historic sites."

New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern said, "New York City's waterfront is coming alive. This City-State park could set a world standard for urban waterfront parks in the 21st Century just as Central Park did for pastoral parks in the 19th Century."

Governor Pataki already has already committed $75 million from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the State Environmental Protection Fund for restoration and enhancement of the Hudson River and New York Harbor.