East River Esplanade Closure: Manhattan Residents Frustrated by Construction Delays

Ongoing East River Esplanade Closure

• 🚧 For the fourth consecutive summer, a section of the East River Esplanade between 70th and 78th Streets remains inaccessible to the public.
• 📌 This closure is due to construction delays at the Hospital for Special Surgeries (HSS) Kellen Tower, which began in March 2022.

Impact on Residents and Recreation

• 🚶‍♀️ Runners, walkers, and cyclists are forced to detour onto city streets or turn back at the locked gate, disrupting their access to the waterfront.
• 🏞️ Residents like George De Hoyos express frustration, as the closure prevents them from enjoying the esplanade's scenic views and recreational opportunities.

Reopening Timeline and Challenges

• 🗓️ The original reopening date was set for summer 2024, but this has been repeatedly pushed back.
• 🏗️ HSS stated that the timeline reflects the complexity of restoring public waterfront infrastructure and challenges like sinkholes.
• 🚧 The esplanade section between 70th and 76th Streets is anticipated to be completed by March 2026, with the 76th to 78th Street section dependent on Parks Department progress.

Community Efforts and Alternatives

• 📢 Friends of East River Esplanade, represented by Jennifer Ratner, are advocating for a safe and permanent alternative, such as a pontoon bridge.
• ✍️ The group has started a petition to protest extended closures, gathering hundreds of signatures.
• 💬 HSS has committed to further community board meetings, with one planned for October.
• ❓ The Parks Department's response regarding the status of the 76th to 78th Street section is still pending.