Tramway Plaza

Parks & Recreation Cuts Ribbon On Reconstructed Tramway Plaza

Today Commissioner Adrian Benepe, along with State Assemblyman 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, 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.

- 30 -