The state has reneged on a promise to open up waterfront piers for recreation this summer — and, in the process, cost the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy $500,000.
“The money was allocated for recreation on the piers, but now it’s just too late to do anything,” said Marianna Koval, co-executive director of the Conservancy.
Three months ago, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, the state agency in charge of developing the waterfront, solicited ideas for summertime recreational uses for the fenced-off piers between Atlantic Avenue and the Manhattan Bridge.
The Conservancy proposed a moveable greenway for biking and a sandy beach, complete with a temporary hot-dog shack.
“We were so excited to finally get people out there,” said Koval.
Koval’s organization had $500,000 from the City Council to make it happen — but then the state development corporation changed its mind.
“[The recreation] could interfere with early construction of the park,” explained BBPDC spokeswoman Deborah Wetzel.
Wetzel said that now the agency’s goal is to begin constuction of the 1.3-mile-long commercial and recreational development — which will include an area for kayaking, soccer fields, handball courts, bicycle paths and a private marina.
The state’s change of mind was particularly frustrating for park advocates, especially Conservancy members, who have backed the plan in the face of objections that it will include luxury condos within its footprint (see sidebar).
The lack of recreation is “definitely disappointing,” said Judy Stanton, Brooklyn Heights Association executive director. “I would be surprised if public use could interfere with construction.”
With no recreation on the piers, residents will have to be satisfied with walking tours of the construction site being led by the development corporation. Wetzel did not give further details.
Koval said there would also be a full slate of movie screenings and concerts in the DUMBO portion of the park that was completed by the city last year.
The state expects to complete the entire park by 2010.
