Sandy damage repairs begin on Riverside Park boat basin

More than two and a half years after Hurricane Sandy blew through New York City, damage done to the most heavily used pier at the 79th Street Boat Basin in Riverside Park is being repaired.

The New York City Parks Department, along with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Congressman Jerrold Nadler, broke ground to officially start the repairs on Wednesday morning.

“The A-Dock at the 79th Street Boat Basin has been one of New York City’s most treasured outdoor spaces,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver in a statement. “Historically, it has provided visitors with everything from active water recreation to ‘floating classroom’ vessels, and water safety events. As we continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy, we are reminded how important places like the A-Dock can be to our community.”

The boat basin is a docking point for private boats and Pier A was also used for public programs including water safety events.

“The reconstruction of the A-Dock at the 79th Street Boat Basin will allow the reopening of one of the jewels of the Hudson River Waterfront,” Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer said. “It’s part of what makes our city unique, and it’s an attraction on the West Side that we’ve missed since Sandy struck.”

Repairs on the dock will cost around $7.8 million, with funding coming from FEMA and the Mayor’s Office.

Renovations are expected to wrap up by early 2016, when the pier will reopen to the public.