Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the 27th proposal of his 2020 State of the State agenda effectuating the long deferred transfer of Pier 76 from its use as a tow pound for the NYPD to the control of the Hudson River Park Trust to integrate into the park complex. The nearly 250,000 square foot tow pound is located along the waterfront in Manhattan, across from the new Javits Center, Hudson Yards, and the High Line ~ and is now open!
The Pier was scheduled to be transferred from the NYPD’s use over 20 years ago but that transfer was never completed. The pier is the last significant opportunity for west side waterfront access. As part of the Governor’s proposal, Pier 76 will be vacated at the end of this year, and the Hudson River Park Trust, in consultation with the City of New York, the relevant community boards and representatives, the local elected officials and Assembly and Senate members, and other stakeholders, will develop a reuse plan.
“There is only a precious limited amount of green space left for community use, and we have to make sure we are protecting and preserving it on Pier 40 and Pier 76 and are carefully balancing the park’s financial needs with protection of green space,” Governor Cuomo said. “The redevelopment of this valuable land will maximize underutilized green space and recreational and market potential with the possibility of connecting regional landmarks like Javits and the High Line.”
In 1998, the Hudson River Park Act stated that New York City “shall use best efforts to relocate the tow pound on Pier 76.” After more than 20 years of stalled plans, this proposal will finally turn that vision into a reality. The Hudson River Park must also develop an improvement plan for Pier 40. In developing the plans for Pier 40 and Pier 76, the Hudson River Park Trust should develop a comprehensive park-wide financial and use strategy and if HRPT believes a plan would require any additional legislative authorization, they should present such requests by May 1 to be considered prior to the end of the legislative session.
Pier 76 is located at West 38th Street and 12th Avenue, and will be incorporated into Hudson River Park. Did you know that its neighbor, the Javits Center, has the largest green roof in New York? While you’re there, walk over to Hudson Yards, The Shed and The Vessel, and the beautiful #7 subway station. Walk along The High Line to the new Little Island, with an anticipated opening in the Fall, 2021.