The Rockefeller University formally broke ground last week on a project that will repair, and ultimately refurbish, a crumbling seawall and dilapidated stretch of public parkland along the East River.
Initial work on the project will rehabilitate the seawall that supports the esplanade, spanning from midway between 63rd and 64th Street to 68th Street.
The scope of the work includes repairing eroded joints between the blocks, replacing damaged, displaced and missing blocks, and repairing eroded concrete.
Throughout the planning phases of the project, Rockefeller has worked in conjunction with its neighbors and local government officials, including Kallos, Brewer, Community Board 8, and representatives from the Parks Department in a collaborative process designed to ensure the public enhancements meet the needs of the community.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the East River Esplanade near 63rd Street, was attended by New York Chief of Staff Minna Elias on behalf of CongresswomanCarolyn B. Maloney, New York City Council Member Benjamin Kallos, Manhattan Parks Commissioner Bill Castro representing NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Deputy Borough President Matthew Washington on behalf of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Rockefeller University president Marc Tessier-Lavigne.
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