First phase of storm protection on the east side completed; Popular playground reopens

NYC has completed a significant Part of a storm protection project Manhattan Lower East Side this week, at once when natural disasters are at the forefront Spirit after hurricanes devastated parts of the American South this month.

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday said The city completed the first half of the ongoing East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project two months ahead of schedule and $10 million under budget. The completed part of the project provides protection for more than 110,000 residents oppose it strong Storms and rising sea levels.

“Ais one of the World In large coastal cities, we know that stronger storms and rising sea levels play a role Danger, Because no one knows when the next Superstorm Sandy will arrive on our doorstep, but New York City plans to be ready.” Adams said.

The immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 damaged or destroyed 650,000 homes and resulted in more than 150 deaths And Accordingly, the company caused damage of almost $82 billion NYU School of Global Public Health.

The ESCR is a $1.45 billion project a 2.4 mile long Flood barrier on the Lower East Side from Montgomery Street high to Asser Levy Playground between East 23rd Street and East 25th Street. The first section, between East 15th Street and Asser Levy Playground were completed two months ahead of schedule.

City officials said construction on the other section is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. They added that this will also include a complete reconstruction of East River Park.

As part of the first phase of completion, which cost $163 million, the Murphy Brothers Playground opened avenue C reopened with flood protection, a new dog run And Ball fields.

Officials said the protections include elevated parkland, floodwalls, berms and 18 pivoting or sliding floodgates to provide ongoing protection against sea level rise and the “growing threat of stronger, more severe” coastal storms made worse by climate change.

Thomas Foley, commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction, said the barrier improves the situation Neighborhoods and not easy “Wall” them in.

“WWe are doing pioneering work in coastal protection and Climate change Management for large North American companies cities, and do it in a way that promotes recovery and reinforced Neighborhoods instead of just walling them in,” he said.

City Council member Keith Powers is pleased about the reopened playground and emphasizes Adams’ Views on the importance of the project.

“I Join my neighbors in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village in rejoicing that we have reached an important milestone in the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project.” Powers said. “I am We are proud that this seawall will protect our neighborhood from the threats of climate change and that we were able to build such amazing parks as part of the project as well as. The new Murphy Brothers Playground will do the trick be enjoyed from everyone, from little gamers to dog owners.”