Press Releases

Project will establish seven acres of new waterfront parkland in East Harlem and complete a critical seven-block link in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, connecting miles of greenway to the north and south

NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball, NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Antonia Pereira (NYS DEC), Council Member Diana Ayala, Council Member, Yusef Salaam, and Community Board 11 Chair Xavier Santiago today announced the groundbreaking of the Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project. This $310M City initiative, paired with $43M grant from the New York State Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, will deliver new open space and improved waterfront access for the East River community, along with a reconstructed bulkhead.

“For decades, the East Harlem community has dreamed of reconnecting to its waterfront, and today we’re breaking ground on a vibrant, accessible greenway that delivers just that,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “This project represents so much more than new parkland — it’s a fulfilled promise. Thanks to Mayor Adams, NYCEDC, and our state partners, this new stretch of the Harlem River Greenway will not only provide beautiful open space and new recreation opportunities, but also strengthen our city’s resiliency for generations to come.”

“Today’s groundbreaking is a huge step forward toward the creation of this incredible seven-acre waterfront park in East Harlem that will provide important community amenities, including adult fitness equipment and a basketball court, open lawns with amazing views, public art, playground equipment, a BBQ and picnic area, and a public restroom at the park entrance,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “This project closes a key gap in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a crucial step towards delivering a 32.5-mile loop running continuously around Manhattan. With this link made, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to enjoy continuous waterfront greenway access from northern Harlem to East Midtown."

“New Yorkers love their parks and waterfront – and greenways are the way they increasingly reach and enjoy these wonderful spaces,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Unfortunately, for too long, cyclists and pedestrians have mostly found greenways adjacent to the city’s wealthier neighborhoods, but under Mayor Adams this has begun to change. NYC DOT is proud to work alongside our city and state partners to bring connected, resilient, green space to East Harlem and neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs through the Greenways initiative."

“The Harlem River Greenway project helps connect East Harlem residents to expanded waterfront access, while reducing risks to the shoreline from climate change-driven sea level rise and intense storms. New York State’s $43 million Environmental Bond Act investment in the Manhattan Greenway exemplifies Governor Kathy Hochul’s focus on advancing equity and climate resilience as well as other specific community needs like public access in disadvantaged communities here in New York City and across the state,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said,

"We're thrilled that construction of the Harlem River Greenway is finally underway. All New Yorkers deserve access to a high-quality protected bike lane network," said Transportations Alternatives Deputy Director for Public Affairs Elizabeth Adams. "Greenways are the glue that holds that network together, allowing people on bikes to safely get where they're going, and enabling them to enjoy the natural environment of our beautiful city."

The project, located in East Harlem between 125th and 132nd Streets, will feature new pedestrian and bike pathways, and a brand-new seven-block waterfront park that celebrates and reflects the neighborhood’s rich culture and heritage.

As part of this broader vision, the Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project will include a public restroom building at the 127th Street at grade entrance of the park. Public restrooms have been a community priority and will be a valuable amenity for park users.

In addition to enhancing local access and recreational space, it will also create a critical 7-block greenway connection that advances in the completion of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, envisioned to be a 32.5-mile greenway loop around the entire island of Manhattan.

The waterfront park project, managed by NYCEDC on behalf of NYC Parks, designed by consultants Langan and Starr Whitehouse, with construction managed by Hunter Roberts Construction Group, will feature separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, along with open lawns, native plantings, and public art. Visitors will enjoy excellent views of Randall’s Island and the Bronx, as well as a playground, picnic areas, and barbecue spaces for community gatherings.

The Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project will address climate vulnerability in a historically disadvantaged community by elevating the shoreline to reduce risks from sea level rise and intense storms, while also expanding waterfront access for East Harlem. The site will be raised approximately two feet to an elevation of 10 to 11 feet, helping provide protection from sea level rise to 2080 projections. The new park will add hundreds of trees, thousands of shrubs, and two acres of lawns, absorbing and retaining stormwater and helping to reduce urban heat island impacts in East Harlem.

This Harlem River project is one of the latest Bond Act investments from New York State to enhance shoreline resiliency, create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and bolster recreational opportunities. To learn more about Bond Act-supported projects, sign up for updates, and find other resources available for resilient initiatives, visit environmentalbondact.ny.gov.