Cecilia Melo and Sonya Rodriguez

Prof. Mereces Bellino

Arch 2603*2- Ecology

December 18, 2023

The Project for East Side Coastal Resilience

East River Park, a beloved natural space beside the East River that has long offered

residents tranquility despite the hustle and bustle of the city, is located in the center of

Manhattan's Lower East Side. The Project for East Side Coastal Resilience, a ground-breaking

project aimed at redefining the landscape and promoting community well-being, is currently

centered around this peaceful green space. The meticulous restoration of East River Park, a bold

plan that combines contemporary urban design, community involvement, and environmental

sustainability, is at the heart of this revolutionary project.

An innovative project called the Project for East Side Coastal Resilience aims to protect the city's

waterfront against unpredictable natural forces. It surpasses traditional ideas of park restoration, aiming to

strengthen the park's resistance to climate change and sea level rise while enhancing its recreational and

aesthetic features. This comprehensive project creates a blueprint for climate-resilient green areas in

urban settings by fusing innovative engineering solutions with sustainable urban design.

Our proposal consists of rebuilding the Lower East Side Ecology Center, which includes the

famous Fire Boat House and the East River Park Compost Yard next door. This calculated action shows a
dedication to protecting and strengthening the natural and human qualities that characterize this green

refuge, rather than merely moving physical objects. The thoughtful deliberation around the Ecology

Center's relocation is representative of a progressive strategy that seeks to strike a balance between

development and the preservation of regional character.

Imagine a rejuvenated East River Park with the historic Fire Boat House and Compost Yard

seamlessly integrated into its fabric as the sun sets behind the city's skyline. This proposed development

places a strong emphasis on community interaction, soliciting feedback from local companies, neighbors,

and environmental groups. The community's opinions are included into the project's development through

town hall meetings, workshops, and cooperative forums. By taking an inclusive approach, the renovated

park will not only satisfy the needs of contemporary urban living but will also represent the goals and

ideals of the people who live on the Lower East Side.

Beyond the actual rebuilding of East River Park, the Project for East Side Coastal Resilience is a

story of environmental management, community involvement, and a dedication to a healthy future. The

concept seeks a harmonious balance that can survive the difficulties of the present and the future,

acknowledging the complex interactions that exist between the built environment and the community it

serves.

The Project for East Side Coastal Resilience is a tale of environmental management, community

involvement, and a commitment to a healthy future that goes beyond the physical reconstruction of East

River Park. Recognizing the intricate relationships that exist between the built environment and the

community it serves, the concept looks for a harmonious balance that can withstand the challenges of both

the present and the future.

“Mission & History.” LES Ecology Center, www.lesecologycenter.org/about/. Accessed 18 Dec.
2023.

“Bytes of the Big AppleTM.” BYTES of the BIG APPLE - DCP,

www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/open-data.page. Accessed 18 Dec. 2023.