Jennifer Ratner has waited years for this news: her beloved Pier 107 and much of the boardwalk, located in the East Harlem sector, will receive millionaire funding from the city government for their complete repair.
10 years ago, Ratner founded the organization Friends of the East River Esplanade to fight for this very restoration.
“We have waited so long for this news. Now with this support, the El Barrio community can receive, can achieve what the community deserves,” says Ratner.
This pier and much of the walkway facing the East River in the East Harlem area have been in a state of disrepair for decades.
The port has been closed to the public since 2018 due to its unstable infrastructure and there are long sections of the walkway that are partially or totally blocked.
Ratmer herself explains: “This is not safe for people. Look, we can fall into the river. It’s very sad. Now the safety of the community is important.”
The Mayor’s office announced that almost $ 300 million will be allocated for the necessary repairs: from 94th to 124th streets, including a complete restoration of Pier 107.
Assemblyman Robert J. Rodríguez, who represents this sector, has been advocating and allocating state funds for renovation.
“Asking, suggesting, shouting that they invest in the communities that need it and that also deserve it,” Rodríguez describes.
The new amount announced by de Blasio is in addition to more than $ 327 million that his administration has already invested in the East River esplanade.
But Rodríguez indicates that it was time for these arrangements to come true: “Our dream is that we have a working dock. And where we have different concessions: that we can buy food, watch movies, have different children’s programs and have an area that be connected and vibrant with the cultural programs that we have in El Barrio. “
It is not yet known when the arrangements would begin or how long it would take to complete.
For now, Jennifer affirms that the city can count on the support of her group to maintain the new port and that she cannot wait to enjoy this space again.
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