Tramway Plaza

The Daily Plant : Monday, August 6, 2007

Tramway Plaza Reopens

Photo by Daniel Avila

On July 19, Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined State Assembly Member Jonathan Bing, City Council Member Jessica Lappin, Community Board 8 Parks Committee Co-Chair Peggy Price, East 60s Neighborhood Association President Barry Schneider, and East Midtown Association President Rob Byrnes to cut the ribbon on the $846,000 reconstruction of Tramway Plaza.

The site sits at the foot of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which carries commuters across the East River between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island each day.

“The reconstruction of Tramway Plaza has created an attractive and welcoming plaza for both daily commuters and the surrounding community to enjoy,” said Commissioner Benepe. “The plaza’s new plantings, fencing, pavement, and lighting are surely a welcome addition to the east Midtown neighborhood. Today’s ribbon cutting not only spruces up this transportation hub, but also contributes to our mission of making New York City a ‘greener’ place to live.”

The plaza was renovated with $768,000 in private sponsorship from Solow Development and $11,000 in Mayoral funds. The reconstruction includes shrubs and trees, fencing and new pavement. The project also installed water supply, reconstructed the drainage system and added new security lighting. Planting beds throughout the plaza include hydrangeas, cherry laurels, dogwoods, roses, and azaleas. The center of the plaza features a focal point of polished black granite pavement.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway began operation in 1976. Tramway Plaza Park was created in 1980 when the Board of Estimate changed the City Map to eliminate a portion of Second Avenue, including the lines of a side walk arcade. The Department of General Services assigned the parcel, which sits at the Roosevelt Island Tramway entrance, to Parks in 1984. In addition to serving as a transit hub for commuters, the plaza has previously been a site for public art. In 2004, Dennis Oppenheim debuted a sculpture exhibition there.

GROW AT PARKS

Did you know that Job Opportunities for Parks employees can be accessed by phone? Dial 1-888-292-5653 to hear current vacancies, application deadlines and how to apply. The Job Hotline is updated weekly. Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

More opportunities to Grow at Parks are now posted on the intranet, internet and job hotline.

 Fresh Kills Park Project and Grants Manager (Community Coordinator)/TBD – 11755
 Director of Urban Park Rangers (Admin. Comm.. Relations Specialist)/Arsenal North - 11756
 Center Manager (Recreation Supervisor)/TBD – 11757
 Office Manager/Office of Public Services (Community Associate)/Brooklyn – 11758
 Deputy Director for Programs (Admin. Comm.. Relations Specialist)/Bronx – 11759
 Administrator for North Manhattan Parks (Dir. Of Regional Joint Interest Park)/Manhattan – 11760
 Community Associate (Community Associate)/Manhattan – EL159
 Playground Associate (Playground Associate)/Manhattan – EL161

...and take another look at the following postings:
 Landscape Architect (Landscape Architect)/Olmsted Center – 11543
 Forester (Forester)/TBD – 11658
 Capital Projects Coordinator (Assoc. Project Manager)/Olmsted Center – 11674
 Landscape Architect (Landscape Architect)/Olmsted Center – 11734
 Driver Trainer (Assoc. Park Service Worker)/TBD – 11739
 Gardener (Gardener)/TBD – 11741
 Urban Park Ranger/Parks Enforcement Patrol (Urban Park Ranger)/TBD – EL128
 City Planning Technician (City Planning Technician)/Olmsted Center – EL143

Remember to send cover letter and resume with the Vacancy Number to grow@parks.nyc.gov

To see what these jobs entail and for other opportunities to Grow at Parks, please visit the Parks Intranet. You can access the postings two ways: 1) from the top of the screen go to Divisions to Personnel to Job Postings or 2) scroll down on the left side to quick links to the red icon.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“If suffer we must, let’s suffer on the heights.”

Victor Hugo
(1802 – 1855)