By Stephen Witt
Preliminary construction began last week on the long-delayed $150 million Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP), officials announced last week. “We are extremely excited to begin Phase I of construction, which brings us closer to achieving the community's dream of a world-class waterfront park,” said BBP President Regina Myer. “This $18 million phase represents the first real work on this 80-acre park and will take about six to nine months for completion,” she added. When completed, the waterfront park will extend from just north of the Manhattan Bridge to Atlantic Avenue. Phase I construction plans include the demolition of the Purchase Building, along with removal of sheds on several piers spanning the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. The Purchase Building, located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge at 11 Water Street, was built in 1936 with federal Work Projects Administration funds. The work will be done by the firm Skanska USA and also includes the demolition of five pier shed buildings from Pier 1-6, with the exception of those elements that will be incorporated in the park plan. Work will also see the demolition of three buildings adjacent to Piers 2, 3 and 6; and the removal of trees, vegetation, and miscellaneous site elements across the entire site. Safety fencing will be put up before the demolition begins in late February and the general public will not be allowed access. Main entrances will be equipped with a security camera to monitor all activities, and all staff members will be headquartered at the Skanska Trailer complex located at the Pier 2 entrance off Furman Street. The hours for construction will go from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Overtime is expected to be limited and only when required. Deliveries of materials will occur between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm., and in order to minimize construction traffic in the neighborhood, 90 percent of debris from construction operations will be removed via barge. No road closings are anticipated by the construction although temporary lane closures may be required at limited times to complete utility work. Additionally, all existing light poles will be removed, and lighting will be temporary and minimal, to illuminate each pier and adjoining upland area. Dust arising from the work will be controlled by watering down debris during the demolition of masonry buildings. The buildings earmarked for demolition contain lead paint and asbestos. Prior to demolition, these materials will be removed from the structures. The lead paint and asbestos material abatement will be performed by licensed contractors, and will be monitored by an independent environmental company to ensure compliance with local laws and best practice. For further information regarding this phase of construction, email brooklynbridgepark@empire.state.ny.us.
