News + Views

Lots new going on at the ever-changing Brooklyn Bridge Park. Monday, the Brooklyn Bridge Park quasi-governmental non-profit authorized two construction contracts: one for the recreational fields and picnic tables at Pier 5, and the other for the Squibb Park pedestrian bridge, which will span from Brooklyn Heights’ Columbia Heights area (between the dog park and the promenade), down to Pier 1.

Construction is set to start in January and be completed by fall 2012.

The $6.2 million contract for Squibb Park bridge was immediately controversial, as the park originally put the cost around $4 million. Activists including Roy Sloane, president of the Cobble Hill Association, were quoted as saying the big bill is yet another luxury amenity intended to benefit the hotel and condo developments slated for the park. The city says the hotel and condos are needed to help pay for the hefty $16 million-a-year park maintenance.

Pier 5 when completed will include three multi-use recreational fields and a picnic peninsula (barbeque pits, play equipment, umbrellas).

“We are very excited about these major construction projects that will bring new recreational and access amenities to our visitors and underscore the continuing momentum of the park,” said Ellen Ryan, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, the agency that manages the park.

To read more about the controversy, check out The Brooklyn Paper: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/49/dtg_squibbparkbridge_2011_12_09_bk.html

Last week, the big news was that seven developers have proposed concepts for a controversial luxury hotel and condo development at the park. The public can weigh in on which is their favorite, but ultimately the city will decide which it likes best. The city at first kept secret the names of the committee that would decide which design to go with, but gave in and released the names after a public outcry. Read more and see the designs here: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/34/48/all_parkhotelslideshow_2011_12_02_bk.html