News & Events

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the following Battery Park City Authority, NY (BPCA) revenue bonds:

--Outstanding senior lien revenue bonds series 2023A, B&C and series 2019A, B&C at 'AAA';

--Outstanding junior lien revenue bonds series 2019D-1 and series 2019D-2 (and associated bank bonds) at 'AA+'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

The 'AAA' and 'AA+' ratings on the senior and junior lien bonds, respectively, reflect solid growth prospects for pledged revenues and expected strong resilience to revenue declines, which offset concerns about concentration risk of commercial office properties and the financial services sector. The potential for higher leverage leads to slightly weaker resilience for the junior lien bonds and warrants the one-notch distinction.

Fitch's dedicated tax analysis considers full leveraging up to the authority's general resolution additional bonds test (ABT) for both the senior and junior liens, despite the potentially lower issuance resulting from New York City's role in oversight and the approval of BPCA's debt issuance. The tests essentially allow bonds if current pledged revenues cover pro forma debt service by 2x for senior lien bonds and 1.55x for junior and senior lien bonds.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the groundbreaking of Battery Coastal Resilience, a critical, $200-million component of the overall Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency strategy. Led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), and the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), Battery Coastal Resilience — a key initiative announced in Mayor Adams’ State of the City address earlier this year — will rebuild and elevate the wharf promenade in The Battery, staying true to the character and uses of the park while protecting against projected sea level rise in the year 2100. The project is expected to be complete in 2026 and will protect the 100,000 residents, 300,000 jobs, and 12,000 businesses that call lower Manhattan home. Additionally, the project will create 400 construction jobs.

Mayor Adams today also called on the federal government to create a regular, recurring source of federal funding for coastal infrastructure that would enable New York City to complete critical resiliency projects. For every $1 invested in coastal infrastructure projects, $6 is saved in recovery costs. A regular, recurring funding program would help New York City more reliably access federal funding for crucial projects to protect more New Yorkers from climate change hazards.

“We’re building a more resilient, more sustainable city for today’s New Yorkers and for generations to come, and our coastal resiliency projects are key pieces of that work,” said Mayor Adams. “The Battery Coastal Resilience project will help protect Lower Manhattan from the stronger storms that climate change is bringing while ensuring that New Yorkers can still enjoy the beautiful green space and cultural icons that The Battery has come to be known for. We’re investing billions in green and grey infrastructure across the city to ensure that New York City is ready for whatever Mother Nature can throw at us. And because the need for these projects isn’t going away any time soon, we need the federal government to establish reliable sources of funding for key coastal resiliency work across the country.”

“Climate change is the defining fight of our generation; the Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency strategy is a bold effort to protect this jewel of a city. It is also just one tool in a huge and growing toolkit that we are using to protect not just Manhattan but all five boroughs against heat, stronger storms, increased rain, and even smoke," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "From barrier walls to protect us from storm surges to bluebelts to capture rain, we need to commit to every component of our broad-based fight against this crisis. And we need every tool — with better, faster, cheaper capital delivery — to ensure we win."
  
“As we made clear in the recently-published Green Economy Action Plan, the City of New York is the world's leader on climate-forward policies, which includes upgrading our built environment to be more resilient in the face of more frequent and more powerful storms,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I'd like to thank my colleagues across city government for their collaboration on this project, with special thanks to EDC. With this groundbreaking, we are mitigating the threat of sea-level rise to lower Manhattan for decades to come and advancing the city's position as a global pioneer in the fight against climate change.”

According to the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC), coastal New York City is experiencing higher rates of sea level rise than the global average. NPCC projects, at the higher end, 23 inches of sea level rise by the 2050s and 65 inches of sea level rise by 2100. The project will protect New Yorkers from that sea level rise and will include the reconstruction of the deteriorating wharf; preservation and enhancement of the park’s character, gardens, and community amenities; memorials and historic monuments; adaptability to future passenger ferry needs, universally accessible design principles; and more.

Battery Coastal Resilience has received a Platinum award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Envision program, which promotes industry-wide sustainability metrics and fosters cost-effective, energy-efficient, and adaptable long-term infrastructure investments. Battery Coastal Resilience is the first major project in the city to meet the commitments of the NYC Clean Construction Accelerator of reducing embodied emissions by over 50 percent. Battery Coastal Resilience will use low-carbon and recycled materials, and it will reduce truck traffic through using barge transportation. This equates to the removal of more than 2,000 trucks from the roadways in Lower Manhattan, avoiding approximately 400 metric tons of carbon emissions. Battery Coastal Resilience exemplifies the way that mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change can be complementary in major capital projects. This strategy will be critical as more coastal resiliency projects continue throughout the city and raises the bar to achieve for future climate solutions.  Battery Coastal Resilience exemplifies the way that mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change can be complementary in major capital projects.

Also highlighted today was the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project (SBPCR), a Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency initiative led by the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) and currently under construction adjacent to the Battery Coastal Resilience site. Creating a physical tie-in with Battery Coastal Resilience, SBPCR will create an integrated coastal flood risk management system extending along the northern border of Battery Park, across Pier A Plaza, through a rebuilt Wagner Park, and to the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Under the Adams administration, the city is embarking on historic, multibillion-dollar work to fight climate hazards and advance environmental justice. The projects in The Battery are part of over $1.7 billion in Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency climate adaptation capital investments. These investments include the $350 million Brooklyn Bridge-Montgomery Coastal Resilience, which began construction in fall of 2022. Construction is also advancing on the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project, with the first two public areas opening in 2022 and 2023, and other coastal projects are in progress in all five boroughs. For example, as part of the city’s citywide efforts to reduce coastal risk, the administration recently completed construction on the Old Howard Beach Street project, which will protect New Yorkers from what would have been routine tidal flooding in 2050.

“Climate change presents a real, ongoing threat to New York City, and Lower Manhattan in particular,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “These coastal resiliency projects are important steps toward protecting the area against rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events that continue to happen more frequently. DEP is proud to be a part of New York City’s efforts to improve The Battery’s resilience against climate change and ensure that Lower Manhattan remains a vibrant neighborhood for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”

“The Battery first became a critical part of Lower Manhattan's coastal defenses 400 years ago. Today, we are building on that history to respond to the new threat of rising seas, while also restoring its magnificent gardens and enhancing its iconic views,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Parks is proud of our work with our partners on this urgent project to replace the deteriorated wharf and esplanade with a new, higher structure, providing uninterrupted ferry access to the Statue of Liberty for many decades to come and increasing accessibility to the waterfront, using sustainable construction methods and protecting the park's character.”

“"Battery Coastal Resilience is a key part of our strategy to protect our ever-evolving shorelines from the intensifying impacts of climate change,” said MOCEJ Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. “New York City is executing complex coastal resilience projects in our dense urban environment and this project is a window into the future of sustainable and clean construction practices where we use our waterways and marine highway instead of trucks, and where we use low-carbon and recycled materials for construction in a cost-effective way that reduces construction impacts to our neighbors.” 

“The Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency project sets the standard for future projects of this kind, marrying coastal protection with an ambitious sustainability agenda,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Breaking ground on the Battery Coastal Resiliency portion of Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency marks a huge win in advancing the work to protect our city from future sea-level rising and flooding due to climate change. NYCEDC is thrilled to work on this with MOCEJ and NYC Parks to deliver a sustainable and resilient future for all New Yorkers.”

“DDC installed the city’s first flood gate on Manhattan’s east side in 2022, and we are cumulatively building 3.2 miles of shoreline protection from the Brooklyn Bridge up to East 25th Street,” said New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Soon we will start similar work in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These projects are protecting New Yorkers in NYCHA and other housing, as well as important public buildings such as firehouse and clinics, from the effects of future storms and anticipated tidal flooding. They also are an opportunity to enhance public recreation spaces and expand access to the river, which our Lower Manhattan resiliency projects are doing. We opened the improved Stuyvesant Cove Park last summer and this fall we anticipate opening the first parts of the new East River Park.”

“Superstorm Sandy pushed nearly 10 feet of damaging salt water over The Battery that submerged much of Lower Manhattan, including our subways and vehicular tunnels. With shovels in the ground on these coastal protection projects, we are one step closer to safeguarding this critical part of New York City,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner for Coastal Resilience Laurian Farrell. “Similarly, after years of planning and working with our federal partners and local communities, we anticipate several additional coastal protection projects to get under way soon, including in Brooklyn and on Staten Island.”

“I thank Mayor Adams and all of those in city government who have been working hard for years to envision and put forth comprehensive initiatives to create and protect resilient communities in Lower Manhattan and across the city, including this Battery Coastal Resilience initiative, which is critical piece of the puzzle,” said New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh. “I am especially pleased that this project includes rebuilding and elevating the wharf promenade in The Battery. While plans like this one will no doubt need to be reviewed and augmented as the years go by, the city has been engaging with the local community for some time now and is taking decisive action today toward preserving this area in the face of the growing threat of climate change.”

“Resiliency infrastructure is key to New York City’s very survival: sea levels may rise as much as 5.4 feet by the end of the century, threatening the 20 percent of our city lying in a floodplain,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “The $200 million Battery Coastal Resilience project, part of the greater Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency, is a cornerstone of our plan to withstand and recover from increasingly intense storms. This project will utilize an enhanced drainage system, salt-tolerant trees and plantings, and permeable pavers to safeguard 100,000 of our fellow New Yorkers from the devastation of climate change. We will also use this project as an opportunity to rebuild the wharf, beautify the park, and make it inviting and accessible for all. This plan is advancing our goal of making New York City.”

“My district knows all too well the need for increased resiliency to protect against future weather events,” said New York City Councilmember Joann Ariola. “This project will go a long way towards protecting the people of Manhattan, and I hope that it expands to safeguard other portions of the city as well.”

“New York City and State partners are at work across Lower Manhattan to adapt our coastline to our changing climate and, in the process, reinvent incredible new public spaces along the waterfront we all cherish,” said BPCA president and CEO Raju Mann. “Lower Manhattanites have a front-row seat to the threats presented by more frequent and intense storms, and with the leadership of Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, we’re addressing these challenges head-on.” 

“As the climate crisis bears down and the impacts of extreme weather become greater and more frequent, it is absolutely essential that New York City takes steps now to build up its coastal resilience before it’s too late,” said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters. “NYLCV applauds Mayor Adams for launching the Battery Coastal Resilience project, which is a key component of ensuring Lower Manhattan is protected from rising sea levels and remains a robust center of commerce for generations to come.

“The Waterfront Alliance is pleased to see yet more progress in New York City’s initiatives to work against the acceleration of climate change,” said Cortney Koenig Worrall, president and CEO, Waterfront Alliance. “The Battery Coastal Resilience Project is a vital step forward in the coastal protection portfolio for lower Manhattan. With each new project the city gains the resources, skills, and experience that must bring similar projects faster to neighborhoods across all five boroughs.  Projects that combine resilient infrastructure with waterfront access for boats, ferries, and recreation are essential for a city surrounded by water. We are motivated to continuing to partner and work with the city’s climate teams as the agenda continues to be defined and as tools are developed to deliver infrastructure more quickly.”

“The Battery Coastal Resilience will help protect the residents and businesses that call Lower Manhattan home from rising sea levels while ensuring the park retains its character and its historical significance,” said Jessica Lappin, president, Downtown Alliance. “Lower Manhattan's unparalleled access to the waterfront helps set us apart, and we're encouraged to see tangible progress on this crucially important project.”

“The city's investment in fortifying the Battery's coastal defenses is vital to safeguarding this historic neighborhood and iconic public spaces from the increasing threat of storm surge and sea level rise,” said Alice Blank, vice chair, Manhattan Community Board 1. “New York is leading the way in climate resiliency by undertaking critical infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable areas like the Battery to protect residents, businesses, and treasured landmarks for generations to come.”

The Waterfront Alliance has announced that the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project has become the 13th project nationally to achieve Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines (WEDG) verification. This distinction places the project, which is located at 20 Battery Place in Lower Manhattan, at the forefront of resilient, ecological, and accessible waterfront design.

The South Battery Park City Resiliency Project is designed to protect a significant segment of Lower Manhattan, including landmarks like the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Wagner Park, and Pier A Plaza. This area has been planned to counteract events related to sea level rise, such as coastal flooding and storm surges.

Developed in collaboration between the Battery Park City Authority and AECOM’s design team, the project introduces a range of resilience features integrated into the site. Wagner Park will undergo a transformation that that will conceal its seawall and resilience infrastructure. The park’s elevation will increase by 10 feet as a result of the project, offering protection against storms and providing expansive views of the New York Harbor. Additionally, the existing stone riprap along Pier A Inlet will be replaced with new terraced plantings to attract marine life, coupled with an overlook for educational purposes.

Throughout the design process, emphasis was placed on stakeholder engagement, leading to design alterations such as lawn scaling, safety enhancements, and a realigned bikeway. The project also prioritizes universal access, ensuring that all park users can navigate the site.

“In Battery Park City, with the urgency and care the moment demands, we’re adapting our waterfront to address climate change and simultaneously creating an even more beautiful and accessible park space for our residents and visitors,” said Battery Park City Authority president and CEO, Raju Mann. “We are honored to attain WEDG Verification from the Waterfront Alliance, an organization that has helped shape the New York City’s waterfront. The South Battery Park City Resiliency Project, including the redesigned and revitalized Wagner Park, will set the new standard for waterfront design excellence, flood protection, and functionality for the next generation of New Yorkers.”

U.S. cities and states are experiencing severe and increasing financial impacts as a result of climate change and extreme weather events. From 2010-2019, the U.S. experienced 131 climate-related disasters that generated losses of more than $1 billion each; this is a stark comparison to 33 such incidents in the 1980s.1

To both mitigate and respond to future events, U.S. municipalities are exploring ways to fortify infrastructure and provide energy-efficient affordable housing. Sustainability bonds, which fund projects with both environmental and social benefits, are one key way that cities and states are raising capital for these efforts. Here’s what institutional and retail investors should know about the market for sustainability bonds and some of the ways they are making a difference.

Construction is moving along on the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project (SBPCR), an integrated coastal flood risk management system at the southern tip of Battery Park City. Led by architect and engineer AECOM, the $221 million project involves the creation of an elevated landscaped waterfront esplanade spanning from the Museum of Jewish Heritage to Pier A Plaza, as well as the reconstruction of the Wagner Park Pavilion with a new design by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The SBPCR is one component of the 3.5-mile-long Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) master plan, which is engineered to reduce the risk of flood damage from storm events like Hurricane Sandy. Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is the owner and EW Howell Co. is the general contractor for the property, which is addressed on permits as 20 Battery Place.

Recent photographs show the site fully cleared, with dirt raising its elevation higher than the street level of Battery Place. Some steel plates and columns have also begun to be placed for the new two-story Wagner Park Pavilion’s foundations. The 19,204-square-foot structure will sit 11 to 12 feet higher than its predecessor and contain a community room, a restaurant and public restrooms at ground level, storage space for staff, and an ADA-compliant roof deck. The building is being engineered to achieve ILFI Net-Zero Carbon Certification with geothermal heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, high-performance glazing, a highly insulated envelope, low-flow fixtures, and recycled building materials.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Public Authorities Control Board’s approval of a major, mixed-use development at 5 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan that will include approximately 1,200 units of housing — one-third of which will be permanently affordable and a portion of which will be offered for New Yorkers impacted by 9/11. When completed, the development will be one of the largest affordable housing developments in Lower Manhattan and the only residential site at the World Trade Center. It will also include approximately 10,000 square-feet of non-profit community space to be occupied by the Educational Alliance, more than 190,000 square-feet of commercial retail and office space, and a connection to the nearby Liberty Park. Governor Hochul made the announcement alongside elected officials, including New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and New York City Councilmember Chris Marte.

“The resurgence of lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks is an only-in-America comeback story,” Governor Hochul said. “With this project, we’re about to transform an old parking lot into new homes for thousands of New Yorkers — bringing new affordable housing and community spaces to this iconic neighborhood. It wasn’t easy to get to this point, but I’m committed to doing everything in my power to build more housing across New York.”

One-third of the development’s approximately 1,200 housing units will be made permanently affordable with affordability levels ranging from 40 percent of the area median income to 120 percent of the area median income. In addition, 20 percent of the affordable housing units will be offered to individuals living and working in Lower Manhattan during the 9/11 attacks and the immediate aftermath.

This project is made possible through a variety of local and state funding sources. Through an agreement between the Executive, Senate and Assembly, the State will contribute $60 million while an additional $5 million will be provided from the Battery Park City Authority’s Joint Purpose Fund. In addition, the Port Authority is seeking approval from the Board of Commissioners on a short-term rent deferral to enable the transaction to proceed.

5 World Trade Center is the location of the former Deutsche Bank building, 130 Liberty Street, which was severely damaged on 9/11. In 2019, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation issued a request for proposals to redevelop 5 World Trade Center. In February 2021, a contract was awarded to a development team comprised of Silverstein Properties, Omni NY, Dabar Development and Brookfield Properties.

Governor’s Housing Agenda

Governor Hochul is committed to increasing the supply of housing, including affordable housing, to make New York State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. Earlier this month, the Governor announced a package of executive actions to promote housing growth across the state. In addition, the Governor spearheaded the enactment of a 5-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to build 100,000 affordable homes as part of the FY 2023 Budget.

With this project, we’re about to transform an old parking lot into new homes for thousands of New Yorkers — bringing new affordable housing and community spaces to this iconic neighborhood."

Governor Hochul

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “New York City has a severe housing shortage, and every new home is a step in the right direction. Our administration was happy to support Governor Hochul in advancing this project and advocating for affordable housing, and we look forward to continuing this close partnership with the governor as we work to create the housing New Yorkers so desperately need.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Addressing New York State's housing crisis has been a top priority of Governor Hochul's administration, and today's vote by PACB demonstrates a firm, collective commitment to create affordable housing and further support the long-term future of Lower Manhattan. 5WTC represents the positive progress that can occur when government, the community, and the private sector collaborate to reach a common goal. This project would not have moved forward without the leadership of Governor Hochul, the hard work of our partners in State and local government - especially the team at Empire State Development - and the site developers, community members and advocates who all came together to support what this project, at this site, has come to represent."

Executive Director of the Port Authority Rick Cotton said, “The development of 5 World Trade Center will be a major contributor to Lower Manhattan in many ways and a critical element of the final work to complete the entire World Trade Center campus. We are grateful to all involved, particularly Governor Hochul, for finding such a positive way to move the project forward.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said, “Today’s approval of Tower 5’s development plan by the Public Authorities Control Board moves the reconstruction of the World Trade Center closer to completion, and it does so in a way that meets the changing needs of the Lower Manhattan community. With hundreds of permanently affordable units, Tower 5 will make an important contribution to the future of an increasingly diverse downtown community.”

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This innovative mixed-income development will round out the World Trade Center site, serving as a fitting tribute to our diversity and strength as a city and a nation. Importantly, 5 WTC will provide hundreds of permanently affordable apartments for middle- and lower-income residents and provide homes for families whose lives were turned upside down by the horror of 9/11. As we strive to meet the ambitious goals of the State’s $25 billion Housing Plan, 5 WTC will undoubtedly stand as a shining example of the Governor’s commitment to making New York City and the entire state a better, more affordable place to live.”

Representative Dan Goldman said, “I am excited to see that the development at 5 World Trade Center will be moving forward with significantly more affordable housing than initially proposed thanks to the hard work of a coalition of elected officials, advocates, community leaders, and the project’s developers,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “We have time and again joined with advocates to elevate this site’s importance to lower Manhattan and highlight the necessity of greater affordability since the draft agreement was originally proposed. Today, I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul, 9/11 survivors, advocates, and my elected colleagues in support of this deal that will greatly benefit the community, including survivors of 9/11. But our work is not done, and I remain committed to continuing to fight for greater federal funding for affordable housing at this site and around our city.”

State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “This site was always a great opportunity to bring large-scale affordable housing to Lower Manhattan, a community that has lost affordability at a particularly high rate for decades. By providing $65 million in public funding, we are ensuring that at least a third of this huge building will be affordable, while maintaining the deep affordability that will enable more very low-income families to live in our community, and reserving 80 of the new affordable homes for 9/11 survivors. I thank Governor Hochul, her team, and the State agencies for their collaboration in this effort and their commitment to the goal of increasing the supply of high-quality, affordable housing both here and throughout New York; Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie whose leadership and support were also essential; all my local elected colleagues, especially Congressman Goldman and Assemblyman Fall; Silverstein Properties and their development partners; Community Board 1 and the community leaders and advocates who made this a defining priority over the past two years. Today’s announcement should serve as an example of the progress we can make when all levels of government, the private sector, and communities work together and deliver real solutions.”

Assemblymember Charles D. Fall said, “I am proud to support the approval of the Public Authorities Control Board (PACB) mixed-use development at 5 World Trade Center. As the only residential tower in the area, it delivers on the unique opportunity to give back to 9/11 responders, survivors and their families who have sacrificed so much. I want to express deep gratitude to Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, all the city & state agencies involved as well as the community advocates who remained committed in the fight for more affordable units. 5WTC will have a profound impact on our Lower Manhattan residents because we know that affordable housing provides foundation and better opportunities for households to invest in the future.”

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, “This project is the result of the tireless efforts of elected officials at the City, State and Federal levels and New Yorkers who consistently fought for increasing affordability at this site. Thanks to this collaboration, 1,200 new units of housing in the high-opportunity neighborhood of Lower Manhattan will be available to New Yorkers at a broad range of income levels, with a significant portion of the affordable stock being offered to those who lived or worked in this neighborhood during the 9/11 attacks. I would especially like to thank Governor Hochul and State Senator Kavanagh, who advocated and secured funding to make this significant contribution to our housing stock possible during a time of great need.”

Councilmember Christopher Marte said, “I am incredibly excited to support a project that can provide 400 new affordable apartments in the heart of New York City, and I am proud to represent a community that advocates for affordable housing the way the 100 percent Affordable 5WTC Coalition has for the last three years. They have relentlessly fought for each and every apartment at rents that are truly affordable. They organized their elected officials behind them through countless meetings, rallies, and late nights to get the affordable housing the people of this city and state deserve. Without them, we would just have another luxury tower in Lower Manhattan. Through the work of this coalition, and with the help of our State electeds in Governor Hochul, Senator Kavanagh, and Assemblymember Fall, we are confronting the affordable housing crisis head on.”

B.J. Jones, President and CEO of Battery Park City Authority said, “In keeping with our long record of funding affordable housing across the city, including nearly a half-billion dollars in recent contributions, the Battery Park City Authority is honored to provide support for a permanently-affordable housing solution right here in Lower Manhattan – particularly for those who have lived, worked, and helped to rebuild downtown. This is a historic housing win, thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, the Adams administration, our local elected officials, and community advocates who have been focused, together, on creating a more inclusive and affordable New York.”

Melva M. Miller, CEO at the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) said, “New York City's housing crisis casts a shadow over the livelihoods of countless residents, especially those with low- and moderate incomes. However, amidst these challenges, the emergence of 5 World Trade Center stands as a pivotal stride towards addressing this pressing issue and bringing much-needed relief to New Yorkers. This project exemplifies the power of progress, as it offers permanently affordable units for those New Yorkers who need it the most. The Association for a Better New York (ABNY) stands firmly and enthusiastically behind the creation of 5 World Trade Center, recognizing its significance in transforming lives, invigorating lower Manhattan, and ultimately shaping the brighter future we envision for all.”

Jessica Lappin, President of the Downtown Alliance said, “The Downtown Alliance welcomes the news that an agreement has been reached to devote a larger percentage of units at Site 5 to affordable housing and that those units will also reflect a steeper mix of subsidies to serve more New Yorkers who are in greater need. This project for WTC Site 5 is a great accomplishment. It will help complete the Trade Center redevelopment and significantly contribute to Lower Manhattan's long term success and prosperity. Bringing new residents into the area is more important now than ever to support our local retailers and restaurants. A completed Site 5 will make an estimable contribution to the dynamic mix of commercial and residential life that makes this neighborhood uniquely resilient.”

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said, “If we are to properly address housing issues throughout the city and enable more economic growth in our communities, we must approve and complete more projects that not only provide accessible housing, but create good paying, family-sustaining careers for hard working New Yorkers. The approval of this project by the Public Authorities Control Board is a win-win for our city and its workers, as it will provide much-needed affordable housing in Lower Manhattan and provide hundreds of opportunities for our union tradesmen and tradeswomen. We applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership in driving this initiative forward and are eager to work with her and the city to get this project started.”

Carlo A. Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress said, “We are thrilled to see that the governor and key legislators are in agreement on the mixed-use development at 5 World Trade Center. Approval on this critical project by the NYS Public Authorities Control Board will bring over 1,200 units of much-needed housing to lower Manhattan. We laud our partners in government for identifying additional subsidies, allowing the project to fund even more affordable housing units, bringing the total to 400, and with deepened affordability. We have been proud to support this critical project, which will deliver five times the number of affordable homes produced across all of Lower Manhattan in a typical year and further demonstrates this administration’s commitment to increasing our housing supply amid a growing housing crisis.”

Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU said, “For the second time in a week, the Governor has delivered housing and good jobs for New Yorkers. By linking public subsidies and funding to the creation of good jobs, this project defends vital labor standards at a time when working class New Yorkers are struggling to keep up. There is no greater expense that impacts the lives of 32BJ members than the skyrocketing cost of housing. We are grateful that 5 World Trade Center will be part of the solution by creating hundreds of affordable housing units.”

Jolie Milstein, President and CEO of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing said, “Today’s vote to advance this project with a greater depth of affordability at 5 World Trade Center is exactly the kind of creative and nimble solution New York needs to boost housing supply in a significant way. We commend Gov. Hochul and her administration for working with all parties to supplement the State’s existing housing capital investment. Furthermore, this commitment will help create a diverse community at one of the most prestigious addresses in the world and access to the opportunities, education, and services that go along with it.”

Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association said, “RPA is pleased to see the approval of the Public Authorities Control Board for the 5 World Trade Center project that adds homes and deepens their affordability," said Tom Wright, President & CEO, Regional Plan Association. "We have long been advocates for a thriving and diverse downtown, and we believe this project completes the vision for a new World Trade Center well by adding additional residents and improving housing affordability. Congratulations to Governor Hochul for securing the passage of the single largest addition of affordable housing to downtown since the 1970s.”

Rich Baum, President & CEO of Educational Alliance said, “Educational Alliance is excited to launch our newest community center at 5 World Trade Center and to expand our services in lower Manhattan. We have been supporting our neighbors in Manhattan for more than 130 years and today, our network of community-based programs, including the Manny Cantor Center and the 14th Street Y, serve tens of thousands of New Yorkers annually. 5 World Trade Center offers a unique opportunity to bring people together in a brand-new, world-class facility and we are thrilled at the opportunity to offer high-quality, transformative programming that this diverse community wants and needs.”

Marty Burger, CEO of Silverstein Properties said, “Today’s vote is an important milestone in the development of 5 World Trade Center. We would like to thank Governor Hochul and her colleagues in the State Senate and Assembly for their hard work and commitment to this important project. We would also like to thank our public partners – the Port Authority and Empire State Development – and look forward to working with them to build this special part of the new World Trade Center.”

The Coalition for 100 Percent Affordable 5 WTC said, “The Coalition for 100 Percent Affordable 5WTC appreciates the efforts of our state, federal and local representatives to create greater affordability at 5WTC. This agreement adds an additional 100 affordable housing units at 5 WTC without sacrificing availability for very low-income tenants. Importantly, it leaves the door opened for the Coalition and elected officials to obtain additional funding to further increase the number of affordable units. This agreement reflects the community’s advocacy to increase the diversity in the areas surrounding the site and recognizes a preference for the 9/11 survivors and first responders, who paid a high price to rebuild Lower Manhattan. The state-owned 5WTC site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create desperately needed affordable, diverse housing in a high-opportunity neighborhood.”

Authority Reviews Updated Plans for Resiliency Measures

More than 200 Lower Manhattan residents turned out on June 26, when the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) hosted a public meeting about its North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project. The session reviewed the most recent design developments for protective measures along the Esplanade (and extending into Tribeca) to address risks associated with storm surge and sea level rise. These plans are now approximately 30 percent complete.

With early budget estimates pegging construction costs at approximately $630 million, the ­Authority’s plans for resiliency divide the scope of the project into seven “reaches”—discrete stretches of waterfront and adjacent upland acreage.

Reach One falls entirely outside Battery Park City, enveloping part of Tribeca, along with the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and the Hudson River Park south of North Moore Street. Here, the flood barrier system will be comprised of both passive and deployable structures that “tie‐back” to higher ground at Greenwich Street. In this area, the BPCA’s design team has settled on a flood wall that aligns with buildings on the southern edge of North Moore Street, before hooking to the left and hugging the facade of BMCC as far as Harrison Street. At the intersection of Harrison and West Streets, the flood barrier will cross into Hudson River Park and run between the bike and pedestrian paths toward Stuyvesant High School.

Reach Two encompasses the North Esplanade behind Stuyvesant High School. In this section, a passive flood protection structure will be concealed within a terraced garden landscape, with a new­ platform built three feet higher than the current elevation and extending further into the water in an undulating “wave” shape.

Reach Three aims to protect Rockefeller Park and its adjacent stretch of the Esplanade to Vesey Street. “We focused on what we think is the most efficient option, which is basically to work with the elevation that River Terrace currently has, and see if we can integrate the flood wall into that retaining wall, so that what we’re building is less changed,” explained Peter Glus of the design and engineering firm Arcadis, and leader of the BPCA’s design team.

In this zone, no new wall is needed between Chambers and Warren Streets, as flood protection is gained by the existing wall along the River Terrace sidewalk. Additions to the existing wall south of Warren Street will increase to a height of 4.75 feet at the Rockefeller Park playground. This design envisions minimal impacts on the Rockefeller Park lawns (although they will have to be closed temporarily to add new drainage equipment under the grass), but will add deployable gates at the ends of the streets intersecting with River Terrace. The basketball courts will be resurfaced and realigned. Concerns voiced by residents about earlier versions of the Reach Three plan have been addressed by a new design that keeps the existing lily pond intact at its current location. Behind the lily pond, the flood wall tapers to a height of three feet. The playground adjacent to the lily pond will be partially rebuilt.

Belvedere Plaza is encircled by Reach Four, between Vesey Street and the uptown side of North Cove Marina. In this catchment, another point of controversy has been addressed by a new design that calls for the ferry terminal to remain in its current location. “We heard a lot of feedback about the terminal,” Mr. Glus acknowledged, “about whether to move it south, whether to move it north. What the design team has tried to do is work with the ferry terminal in place without moving it, because we recognize that movement would exacerbate some of the issues that some of the community is experiencing.”

Reach Five envisions ways to harden North Cove Marina against catastrophic flooding with a four-foot flood barrier that will be integrated into new features, such as benches and planters. At the edge of Pump House Park (see rendering above), this wall will reach a height of seven feet. Within Kowsky Plaza, it will scale back to 6.5 feet, while hewing to the wall of Gateway Plaza.

In Reach Six, upgrades to the South Esplanade between Liberty Street and Third Place consist of a passive structure following the existing masonry privacy wall near the residential buildings. This wall will top out at 7.5 feet, and will be supplemented with deployable structures at Albany Street, Rector Place, and West Thames Street, anchored to walls on either side of each street that narrow pedestrian access to the Esplanade.

And Reach Seven covers South Cove, where a wall six feet high will be installed along the southern edge of the Regatta condominium, scaling back to 4.5 feet as it traces the western edges of the Riverwatch and South Cove buildings. Deployable barriers will be installed where the Esplanade meets Third, Second, and First Places.

The BPCA and its design team expect to refine these plans further, reaching a threshold of 60 percent design completion by the spring of 2024, with final designs circulated late next year or early in 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and continue through 2028.

After the June 26 meeting, BPCA executive Gwen Dawson said the session “provided essential community feedback. We invite everyone to keep the conversation going by using our online tool to review the design materials and submit your thoughts over the coming weeks. We also look forward to scheduling a range of additional public sessions this fall.”

The public is invited to contribute reactions and questions about the design process for the North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project online at dotstorming.com/b/6495d64c2fb42805abf9ece3. Comments will be accepted through the end of September.

" The state budget approved last month gave the Battery Park City Authority the ability to raise an additional $1 billion in funding for resiliency projects … "

Click the link below for additional information.

The Battery Park City Authority has continued to implement the BPC Sustainability Plan and elevate sustainability in the neighborhood since the plan’s launch in 2020. Developed in consultation with a broad range of residential, local, and governmental stakeholders, the BPC Sustainability Plan provides the framework for developing and implementing a carbon neutral Battery Park City by the middle of the century through achievement of progressive sustainability targets through 2030, and lays the groundwork for continued sustainability action thereafter.

As BPCA celebrates Earth Day 2023 with a weeklong lineup of free public programming, we also mark our progress across the Plan’s four topic areas: Energy, Water, Materials & Waste, and Site.

ENERGY

– Climate Action Plan: Released in April 2022, Battery Park City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) focuses on the climate mitigation potential of BPC sustainability actions, quantifying and mapping greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions between now and 2050. CAP provides a high-level roadmap for Battery Park City to successfully achieve a carbon neutral neighborhood, where GHG emissions are net-zero over the course of a year with deep reductions and carbon offsets, as needed. GHG emissions reduction strategies in the energy, transportation, and waste sectors were modeled through 2050.

– Measure It To Manage It: The City of New York is targeting an 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050. In Battery Park City our goal is even more ambitious – carbon neutrality by the middle of the century. The Authority tracks and monitors its progress against this goal, and its 2020 and 2021 GHG inventory – for both its own operations and Battery Park City overall – can be found here.

– Energy Audits: The Authority set energy reduction goals for its own spaces in the BPC Sustainability Plan. In pursuit of those goals, BPCA completed ASHRAE Level II energy audits of its 75 Battery Place facility and 200 Liberty Street office space in 2022. The purpose of these audits was to determine potential energy conservation measures (ECMs) that can be implemented to reduce annual energy consumption and energy costs. The audits also included a lifecycle cost analysis to inform future decision making about the total cost and savings of the ECMs.

– Replacing Gas-Powered Equipment: As tools and equipment near the end of their useful life, BPCA’s Parks Operations team has transitioned to electric equipment options when possible. In 2022, a selection of gas powered equipment was replaced by electric snow blowers, an electric weed trimmer, electric leaf blowers, and an electric powered water pump. Moving forward, electric and/or zero-emissions equipment will always be assessed and reviewed for future equipment needs.

– Energy & Sustainability Resources: BPCA enhanced its role as a valuable facilitator of sustainability information in 2022. A “Sustainability Resources” section was added to the monthly BPC newsletter in 2022, which since launch has included information on service providers, educational, and financing opportunities items like New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grant opportunities, webinar sessions on LL97 and energy benchmarking hosted by the City, and rebate programs from Con Ed. In addition, the Authority collects and curates energy efficiency, building operations, energy retrofit, and technical and financial support opportunities, and shares this information with building management firms across Battery Park City.

Read more about the BPCA’s past work in this topic area: Energy.

WATER

– BPC Ball Fields Resiliency: Resiliency measures at the BPC Ball Fields and Community Center were completed in 2022. The project entailed construction of an approximately 800-linear foot flood protection system along the fields’ perimeter to protecting the 80,000 square foot playing surface – used by some 50,000 local youth annually – and adjacent community center from the risks associated with storm surge and sea level rise. See more about this work here.

– Permeable Paver Pilot: In line with the actions and goals laid out in the BPC Sustainability Plan, the Authority’s permeable paver pilot project aims to make the neighborhood’s stormwater infrastructure and management more resilient. The project will replace existing impermeable pavement with permeable ones in selected areas in BPC. Permeable pavers allow stormwater to infiltrate into the park’s soil profile and help mitigate run-off. The pilot will assess the permeable pavement’s efficacy in reducing stormwater runoff, mitigate water accumulation, and decrease existing pooling of water after storms have passed. The initiative will also assess the ease of procurement and installation, purchase price, and ongoing maintenance costs of each of the permeable paver options. As of April 2023, installation at two of the four pilot locations is complete – one at the top of South Cove (look for the light colored pavers by the cul-de-sac at South End Avenue), and on the South Esplanade, near The Upper Room.

– Snow/Ice Removal: Parks Operations uses Magic Salt Ice Melt for sidewalks and pathways in BPC in the winter months. Magic Salt is a blend of salt and leftover mash from alcohol distilleries and is more environmentally friendly than traditional salt, having a low corrosion value and releasing fewer chlorides into the landscape and stormwater. Learn more about the Authority’s leading snow and ice removal practices here.

Read more about the BPCA’s past work in this topic area: Water.

MATERIALS & WASTE

– Recycling Expansion: In 2022, the Authority executed on a key waste diversion action from the BPC Sustainability Plan – “Expanding recycling and composting activities through additional infrastructure, education, and training.” More than 100 blue recycling cans were added to Battery Park City’s park space in 2022, expanding recycling into the open space for the first time. This new recycling infrastructure, combined with recycling education for BPCA staff and the neighborhood, sets the stage for Battery Park City to significantly reduce its landfill numbers.

– Zero-Waste Open Space and Operations Certification Year: Building on the momentum of BPCA’s Zero Waste Gold certification for our 75 Battery Place facility, the Authority set a new goal of zero waste open spaces and operations in 2021. While 2021 served as the baseline year, Fiscal Year 2022 served as the certification year for this goal. Throughout 2022, multiple waste audits were performed of park and street trash. In addition to the waste audits, daily weighing and the review of historical waste data has informed the baseline and future measures for achieving zero waste park space. Moving forward, the results of these audits and insights from BPCA’s Zero Waste Advisory Committee will inform the strategy for educating Authority staff and the broader BPC community so that all can play a role in achieving this goal.

– Resource Reduction & Salvage: Parks Operations continues to identify creative opportunities to salvage and reuse materials in its daily operations; these opportunities can often then inform the Authority’s future purchasing decisions. For example, the set design for the Giuletta e Romeo opera last summer reused more than 40 park bench slats. Plexiglas salvaged from BPCA’s 200 Liberty Street offices has been used for windshields of electric carts. As part of the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project, our Horticulture division facilitated plant salvage opportunity for other State and City parks. BPCA regularly reaches out to vendors to create or utilize opportunities for “take-back” programs, repurposes items often sent to landfill, and works with vendors that can help recycle items that are considered “hard to recycle.” Taken together, these are the strategies that BPCA will use to reduce the amount sent to the landfill and change the mindset about waste in Battery Park City.

– BPCA Procurement Guidelines: The purchasing and procurement of materials by BPCA is a key place to include sustainability in decision-making and reduce waste. Sustainability guidance was added to the Procurement Guidelines in 2021, and it has become a regular practice to annually review the language included in the Authority’s Procurement Guidelines to ensure best practices are included for greener procurement.

– Organics Collection & Composting: BPCA continues its robust composting program, composting more than 75,247 lbs. in 2022. As just one example, composting was provided at BPCA’s Swedish Midsummer Festival in June 2022, one of the largest annual events. Over 92 lbs. of food waste was composted and diverted from the landfill as a result.

– Dog waste composting expansion: Battery Park City’s dog waste compost program, first launched in September 2019, the Authority has collected more than 5,700 lbs. of dog waste – creating nearly 7,000 lbs. of compost – with the first two fully-tested and cured dog waste compost applied along the West Street / Route 9A median in January 2022. Later that year, BPCA installed a new drop-off location on the BPC Esplanade, just south of Esplanade Plaza, to make participating in this program easier than ever. The Authority is now collecting between 15-25 lbs. of dog waste daily from our three dog runs and new collection bins along the BPC Esplanade.

Read more about the BPCA’s past work in this topic area: Materials & Waste.

SITE

– Biodiversity & Habitats: Expanding and enhancing existing ecological habitats is a goal outlined in both our Resilience Action Plan (the Authority’s first-ever strategic plan) and the BPC Sustainability Plan. By increasing biodiversity where appropriate across Battery Park City, the Authority will improve habitat resilience to different climatic conditions, improve their ecological health, and provide and support broader ecosystem services. BPCA uses the iNaturalist platform for documenting biodiversity in the neighborhood along with citizen scientists from across the city. With iNaturalist and stand-alone wildlife inventories, the Authority can better monitor and track birds, insects/pollinators, and other wildlife in BPC. A Kestrel box was installed in Rockefeller Park this summer, providing a place to build a nest and/or rest during migration, and recent creation of 10 “bee hotels” tucked away across our parks allows these buzzing buddies to safely nest and lay eggs.

– New York State Birding Trail: With more than 100 species of bird identified as living in or passing through Battery Park City, the neighborhood is a biodiversity haven across its 36 acres of parks and public space. Last October, Battery Park City was officially welcomed as part of the New York State Birding Trail, which highlights world-class birding opportunities across the state. The trail provides information on places anyone can go to find birds amid beautiful settings.

– Tree Power Program: During the autumn 2022 planting season, BPCA participated in the New York Power Authority’s Tree Power Program for the second consecutive year. The Authority planted 18 trees, which will store 491 lbs. of CO2 equivalents annually. All the trees selected are native to New York State, and provide particular value to birds, butterflies and moths, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.

Read more about the BPCA’s past work in this topic area: Site.

The Battery Park City Resiliency Project promises to protect some of the most valuable real estate in the US. Can it be a model for urban flood protection?

New York City was hit with an estimated $19 billion in damages and lost economic activity after Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012. The historic storm displaced thousands of residents from flooded homes, inundated subway tunnels, and left much of Manhattan in darkness. But when B.J. Jones talks about that disaster, he often focuses on a less dramatic storm impact — the storm surge that left the baseball and soccer fields at Battery Park underwater.

Jones, the president and chief executive officer of the Battery Park City Authority, brings up the ballfields to show that, amid the high-rises, there’s a real neighborhood here in this low-lying area at the southern tip of Manhattan, with roughly 16,000 full-time residents and its own Little League. A decade after Sandy, Jones is the head of the state-chartered corporation overseeing the Battery Park City Resiliency Project, a massive effort to reshape the coastline to prevent future catastrophic flooding.

“If we don’t change it, Mother Nature will,” Jones said.

Like so many such projects in New York City and around the nation and the globe, the resilience projects around Battery City are billed as critical in an era of climate change. They’re also expensive: The first phase of this effort, the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project — which will run from the Museum of Jewish Heritage through Wagner Park, Pier A Plaza and the Battery to a topographic high point near Bowling Green Plaza — is expected to break ground in September, with an estimated price tag of at least $221 million; a second phase estimated to cost at least $630 million that will stretch along the neighborhood’s northern and western boundaries is predicted to finish in 2026.

With global design firm AECOM working as lead architect and engineer, the project amounts to a wholesale reconstruction of the already artificial Battery Park City — 92 acres created from soil and rock dug during the construction of the World Trade Center. An unnatural creation, this land didn’t even exist 50 years ago, yet it’s dense with infrastructure and underground tunnels managed by various city departments, each of which must be involved in every aspect of design and construction for the costly project. Advocates insist this investment is necessary to shield Lower Manhattan, a crucial node in the global economy and site of some of the most valuable real estate in the US. The overall objective: protection against so-called 100-year flood events, which are expected to be more frequent and intense.

The project is a rare exception, in many ways. The Battery Park City Authority can leverage bond funding and coordinate the endeavor in ways other local government entities can’t. It’s an example of an empowered local government entity in a wealthy neighborhood tackling rising water with immense financial resources.

“It’s a good model for climate change resilience, in that they have this more collective organization that can represent the neighborhood,” said Thad Pawlowski, a professor and managing director at Columbia University’s Center for Resilient Cities and Landscapes. “Frankly, most climate change adaptations are just cleaning up messes from disasters and waiting to tap into disaster recovery programs. In this case, the Battery Park City Authority is stepping up to do this. They recognize the urgency.”

Few waterfront areas have the resources of the Battery Park City Authority at their disposal, but there are broadly applicable lessons available to municipal and local groups embarking on climate change infrastructure, Pawlowski believes. The federal infrastructure law passed last year included $47 billion for spending, in part, to shore up coastal communities in the path of rising waters.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” Pawlowski said. “Spending billions here shouldn’t take away from high-priority projects elsewhere; it’s not zero-sum. If anything, people should look at this project and ask, ‘Where’s the government, where’s our tax dollars, where’s the public investment we need in my neighborhood? Wow, a billion dollars was spent on Lower Manhattan. We need a billion dollars here, too. We need a Green New Deal.’”

Battery Park City’s transformation is part of an even larger climate mobilization: the multibillion-dollar Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency plan, an effort that traces its evolution to a series of post-Hurricane Sandy efforts to protect the city from future flooding. The 2013 Rebuild by Design competition asked cities to focus on resilience and reworking coastal areas to right past design wrongs; Bjarke Ingels Group’s BIG U design, the winning Manhattan project, proposed a horseshoe-shaped series of landscape projects that would layer social infrastructure atop flood prevention.

It also starts in the shadow of the adaptation project around Manhattan’s East River Park, which broke ground last year. That process became fraught as the city and various community and advocacy groups sparred over the planning process. The city’s decision in 2018, under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, to ignore a previous plan developed via thousands of hours of public meetings — and essentially abandon the BIG U concept and go in a different direction that in effect buried a cherished public park — incensed many.

“It was just a failure in the public process,” Pawlowski said of the East River initiative. “There’s a lot of public conversation to have about how we adapt to climate change, because it’s not like there’s just a one-size-fits-all solution. It challenges our idea of what a public process is, because we need communities to be deeply involved in this work and to have a stake in it, or it just won’t happen.”

Betty Kay, a Battery Park City resident and community board member who has been involved in the planning and discussions around the project since 2016, said their resiliency project was more transparent and responsive. There has been extensive documentation and collaboration along the way, and videos of every meeting can be found online. While many residents and newcomers were surprised by the degree of change, including the razing of beloved green space, it has moved relatively fast for such a complex undertaking.

That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been some community pushback: Daniel Akkerman, president of the Battery Alliance, told The City that he wanted more direct outreach and felt surprised by plans for the park. Others have complained about parks being temporarily closed and beloved trees removed, as well as construction noise and disruption that, for older residents, recalls the rebuilding after Sept. 11. Using the hashtag #Pausethesaws, members of the Battery Park City Neighborhood Association have called for rethinking the current plans and adding more neighborhood representation in decision-making. In letters sent to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Jones and other leaders, they raise questions about the scale, scope and science behind the project, as well as what they see as misleading claims about the flooding risks faced by the neighborhood. Columnist Steve Cuozzo recently echoed those complaints in the New York Post, writing that the end results would be a “grotesquely warped” Wagner Park. 

But Kay says the Battery Park process did better outreach, and gained more community support, than its counterpart on the East River. The public campaign was focused on boltering those who supported resiliency, convincing those on the fence, she said, and being fair with the naysayers, who weren’t expected to ever back up the effort. In particular, she felt that the series of public tours with architects and engineers to explain the larger vision helped address concerns. Tour leaders held up poles showing the projected height of floodwater at different sites, helping to dramatize the need for specific flood infrastructure, and showcasing a hands-on methodology for other cities and neighborhoods.

“The in-person tours really mattered,” Kay said. “You could show that there isn’t a lot of land to work with, and when someone had an objection or asked a question, they would be faced with the question, ‘Well, how would you reimagine it? How would you like to maintain it?’”

While the project covers just a small cross section of Manhattan, Battery Park City’s varying topography means even among this relatively small stretch of waterfront, different approaches to resilience and mitigation will be used. Wagner Park will be elevated 10 feet and include a buried flood wall, which requires the demolition and replacement of an existing pavilion. Other sections will have elevated berms and pop-up walls.

Pier A Plaza, meanwhile, will be envisioned as a bi-level landscaped park, with tiered seating that acts as a water barrier during low-level flooding, and flip-up gates on the upper level to be deployed for more severe weather events. The entire project is built with flooding in mind; the wood used for seating can stand being submerged for days at a time, new trees will be resistant to saltwater, and formerly brick structures will be rebuilt with structural concrete to resist erosion.

This underscores one of the prime selling points of the current plan: the effort to create public amenities that double as flood protection, adding and enhancing shared space instead of merely erecting large bulkheads — social infrastructure as climate resilience. Gwen Dawson, Battery Park City Authority vice president of real property, described the approach as using a “scalpel, not a sledgehammer.”

“Climate change will redefine our waterfront in terms of ownership, access, and natural versus hard edges,” said Pawlowski, who believes much of the city’s coast may ultimately be turned back to marshland and beach. “It’s a real civic asset today, and people love to walk along the promenade, and I think it will continue to be a great place for people to enjoy New York City’s waterfront and understand how it's changing.”

Part of the reason Battery Park City can move forward like this is how it’s footing the bill. The public authority is leveraging its ability to issue its own bonds, using revenues from ground leases and property tax payments (known as “payment in lieu of taxes,” or PILOT) from Battery Park City. (Residents will see no increases in ground rent or PILOT, per the Authority.) It’s a good mechanism, according to Pawlowski, and speaks to the reality of resilience: Climate change adaptation is going to cost a lot of money, so it’s up to public agencies and government to structure such payments in ways that create jobs and become drivers for the economy.

That fundamental logic should hold even for local governments that lack the kind of economic means found in Lower Manhattan.

“There’s a lot of money that has to be found,” said Kay, about the dire need for increased resilience spending across the city. “No one knows where it’s coming from, and there’s a 20- to 25-year time frame to get it done.”

The urgency can’t be overstated. The rising sea level — a foot in the harbor already, potentially three to six feet by midcentury— means every tropical storm and nor’easter could have that much more impact. The reality of this changed landscape can be seen elsewhere in New York City: Residents of Staten Island and Jamaica Bay are raising homes — or taking post-storm buyouts to leave.

Pawlowski hopes this Battery Park City plan and development helps elevate the idea of what can be done for the public within resilience projects and proposals. Ideally, he sees this raising the standard, and helping other neighborhoods — such as Red Hook in Brooklyn or Hunt’s Point in the Bronx, which don’t have Battery Park City’s resources and face some of the highest risks from climate change — demand and receive more.

There’s a sense that there’s no time to waste, and the community seems to accept that. Kay recalls one resident who wanted to have a farewell party for the old Wagner Park before renovations and reconstruction begin.

“When you start putting concrete in the ground, you’re really admitting what’s happening,” she said. “You’re gearing up for war and about to fight, and that’s very scary.”

The Battery Park City Authority released its industry-leading Climate Action Plan, a detailed roadmap of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies in the energy, transportation, and waste sectors. The Battery Park City Climate Action Plan, developed by BPCA through its consultant Buro Happold, an international sustainability consultancy, was crafted by calculating current GHG emissions for the neighborhood, as well as projections of how those emissions would change year-by-year through 2050. It comes on the heels of the newest report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change outlining the dire need for swift action to avert the worst effects of climate change.

Climate Week NYC runs from September 21-27, 2020

Following the launch of its comprehensive, ten-year Sustainability Plan, the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today announced its lineup of free virtual and in-person programs and events in celebration of Climate Week NYC. Including remote panel discussions, a virtual film screening, and self-guided educational and arts programming in its world-class parks, the event lineup highlights BPCA’s green legacy and leading-edge sustainability efforts on the path to achieving a carbon neutral Battery Park City by 2050. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: www.climateweeknyc.org/events-program.

“We mark Climate Week NYC with an increased urgency and – with our BPC Sustainability Plan – a comprehensive strategy to achieve greener space, less energy and water use, multimodal shared streets, and better air quality throughout Battery Park City, ” said BPCA President and Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones. “We invite you to take part in this year’s range of free events in celebration of our commitment to a more sustainable future.”

“What we see unfolding on the West Coast and Gulf Coast is a clear signal – if we need another one – that the time to act is now,” said BPCA Board Member and Resiliency Working Group Chair Catherine McVay Hughes. “In concert with our community, and informed by the best science and engineering, BPCA is investing in the future of our homes and lives.”

BPCA’s Climate Week NYC events include:

Nature in the Park

Tuesday, September 22, 3:30-4:30pm @ Rockefeller Park Children’s Garden

Celebrate the nature found in our beloved Battery Park City Parks. Pick up a self-guided worksheet to tour the gardens investigating plants and trees, as well as the pollinating insects and birds that visit the parks of BPC. Participants are expected to bring their own pencils and clipboards.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 children with accompanying adults
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance between households

Elements of Nature Drawing

Wednesday, September 23, 11AM-12:30PM @ Wagner Park

Located at Battery Park City’s southern end, Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, with its amazing gardens and views of the Hudson River and New York Bay, is the perfect setting to practice your art. Participants are expected to bring their own drawing and painting supplies, including drawing boards and containers of water if they are planning to paint. BPCA will supply drawing paper and watercolor paper only.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 participants
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Art-making is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance for the duration of the program

Zero Waste in an Urban Environment

Wednesday, September 23, 12-1PM

On Earth Day 2019, BPCA launched its Zero Waste Initiative, a waste-reduction program that includes education, regular reporting and review of vendor practices, and pledges from more than 100 Authority staff members to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Authority has now attained Gold-level TRUE certification (an assessor-based program that rates how well facilities minimize waste) at its 75 Battery Place facility in lower Manhattan by decreasing office waste going to landfill by 90% over the past year.

Hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council, BPCA Horticulturist and Zero Waste Advisory Committee Lead Jasmine Johnson will participate in a virtual panel discussion about BPCA’s experiences on its journey to zero waste as an organization in the urban environment. Register here.

Battery Park City: Building the “15-Minute City”

Thursday, September 24, 10-10:30AM

Join BPCA for a virtual presentation on its commitment to sustainability, as we discuss efforts to serve as a model for a “15-minute City” – a community which is vibrant, inclusive, and resilient. These efforts have become particularly critical in today’s environment where many are looking to reduce unnecessary travel, yet stay engaged with their local community.

In late 2019, BPCA launched its Resilience Action Plan to serve as a blueprint for achieving “urban resiliency,” ensuring Battery Park City remains a dynamic and safe community, and further establishing it as a global leader in sustainable development. Building on these efforts, the Authority launched the BPC Sustainability Plan earlier this month, setting Battery Park City on a path of carbon neutrality by the middle of the century. Speakers include representatives from BPCA and Buro Happold Engineering, followed by a Q&A session. Register here.

Thursday Afternoon Family Fun

Thursday. September 24, 3-4PM @ Rockefeller Park

Fall is a special time in BPC: Along with the changes in trees and gardens, Monarch Butterflies and many species of unique birds are migrating through. Celebrate this time with art and nature activities. Participants are expected to bring their own general supplies, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints (bring your own container of water), glue, and scissors. Pick up a “kit bag” with instructions for the project of the day.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 children with accompanying adults
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance between households

Drawing in the Park

Saturday, September 26, 10-11:30AM @ South Cove

Practice your art in scenic South Cove! Participants are expected to bring their own drawing and painting supplies, including drawing boards and containers of water if they are planning to paint. BPCA will supply drawing paper and watercolor paper only.

All programming is conducted in accordance with New York Forward guidance:

• Program is first come, first served for up to 20 participants
• Masks and contact information required upon arrival
• Activity is self-guided
• Participants must maintain six (6) feet of physical distance for the duration of the program

Microplastics Madness: Virtual Screening & Panel Discussion

Saturday, September 26, 3-5PM

Back by popular demand! This gripping, New York-based documentary shines a light on the root causes of harmful plastic pollution explored by a group of New York City fifth graders who prove to be budding environmental advocates amid the inaction inherent in today’s climate crisis. In proud partnership with Cafeteria Culture, BPCA will host an uninterrupted screening of Microplastics Madness film on September 26 (3:00-4:15PM), followed by a Q&A panel discussion (4:15-5:00PM) led by the film’s co-directors and producers Debby Lee Cohen and Atsuko Quirk.

Nearly 100 guests attended BPCA’s virtual screening of the film during Earth Week 2020. Join us for our second screening as we wrap up Climate Week NYC! Register here.

Go Car Free for Climate

Climate Week: September 21-27

In recognition of Climate Week NYC, BPCA is also participating in New York State’s Go Car Free for Climate campaign. The goal of the campaign is to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging New Yorkers to pledge to forego driving their vehicles at least one day during Climate Week and instead walking, riding a bike, or using mass transit. Car Free for Climate supports New York's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030, and 85 percent by 2050, from 1990 levels.

To participate, New Yorkers can click here to take the pledge, and then follow through with that commitment to be car free. Participants are also encouraged to let friends and neighbors know about going Car Free for Climate by posting about their experience on social media using the hashtag #NYSCarFree.

As a sustainability leader, BPCA has also made the following recent strides in green governance and programming:

• On September 3, 2020, the Authority launched the Battery Park City Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive pathway to achieve progressive sustainability targets over the next decade. Developed in consultation with a broad range of residential, local, and governmental stakeholders, the Plan provides the framework for developing and implementing a carbon neutral Battery Park City by 2050, in keeping with the mandate set forth in the New York State’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• In April 2020, the Authority launched the BPC Wildlife Census, through which Battery Park City’s residents, partners, and friends could help create better habitat for native insects and migratory birds that call Battery Park City home. To date, BPCA has tallied 56 diverse species through this survey. Complete the BPC Wildlife Census here.
• During Climate Week 2019, BPCA launched its Dog Waste Composting Program at each of the neighborhood’s three dog runs. Composting rather than disposing of this waste in its raw form helps minimize the amount of methane gas released, while also reducing the number of plastic bags typically used to pick up pet waste. As part of this program, more than 1,500 pounds of dog waste has been collected and is being composted to date.
• In July 2019, BPCA issued $76.3 million in Sustainability Bonds Phase 1 of its Capital Plan, which includes development of a comprehensive resiliency infrastructure – entailing perimeter storm barriers, flood protection systems, waterproofing, and landscaping to protect its residents and assets from climate change.  The Authority’s Sustainability Bond Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines (promulgated by the International Capital Markets Association), as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action). BPCA was selected as the Northeast Deal of the Year by Bond Buyer for its total $673 million offering, of which these Sustainability Bonds were a part.
• On Earth Day 2019, in partnership with Gateway Plaza – Battery Park City’s largest residential complex – BPCA launched the neighborhood’s first building-specific composting program, diverting nearly 20,000 lbs. of food waste to date.
• BPCA’s Investment Guidelines emphasize the consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the Authority’s investment strategy. BPCA encourages its investment managers to include ESG factors in their analytical processes and prohibits investment in companies that are heavily-reliant on fossil fuels.

Read more about BPCA’s sustainability initiatives here.

Run by The Climate Group, an international non-profit focused on accelerating climate action, Climate Week NYC serves as showcase for climate action worldwide. Businesses, governments, academic institutions, arts organizations, individuals and non-profit organizations are invited to participate in the week-long events program, including panel discussions, concerts, exhibitions, seminars and more. For more information visit: www.climateweeknyc.org.

About BPCA: Established in 1968, The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State Public Benefit Corporation charged with developing and maintaining a well-balanced community on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. Battery Park City’s 92- acre site has achieved worldwide acclaim as a model for community renewal in planning, creating, and maintaining a balance of commercial, residential, retail and park space. For more info visit: bpca.ny.gov.

Contact: Nick Sbordone

     (646) 531-2276

Comprehensive Study to Guide Authority’s Efforts in Achieving a Carbon Neutral Battery Park City by 2050 – with more green space, less energy and water use, multi-modal shared streets, and better air quality

Continues and Expands Upon Neighborhood’s Environmental Legacy

The Battery Park City Authority today launched the Battery Park City Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive pathway of strategies, goals, and specific actions to achieve progressive sustainability targets over the next decade, and laying the groundwork for continued sustainability action after 2030. Among the largest neighborhood-scale sustainability plans in the United States, the BPC Sustainability Plan was developed in partnership with international sustainability consultancy Buro Happold, and responds to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s charge to make New York State carbon neutral by 2050.

“We can’t take Battery Park City’s green legacy for granted. Even in the midst of present challenges, it’s imperative that we strengthen our commitment to greater environmental responsibility – the future depends on it,” said BPCA President and CEO B.J. Jones. “To that end, we’ve developed this neighborhood plan with energy, waste, water, and site management strategies to help advance our efforts and illustrate to others how Governor Cuomo’s ambitious vision for carbon neutrality can be achieved. This was a true team effort and my thanks goes to the Buro Happold team, our Board members, my colleagues, agency partners, and the Battery Park City community.”

The BPC Sustainability Plan is intended as a guiding document for both BPCA and the greater Battery Park City community, and follows a comprehensive stakeholder outreach and engagement initiative, which gave shape to a collective Sustainability Vision for Battery Park City:

We envision a Battery Park City that will serve as an innovative model for urban climate action, where all of us who live, work, and spend time here mobilize to create a sustainable future.

Nearly 500 people participated in the development of this Sustainability Plan, with public roundtables, pop-ups at public events and in BPCA’s offices, and an online survey. This approach solicited ideas from the public and from BPCA staff for inclusion in this Plan – more than one-third of the Plan Sub-Actions came directly from these engagements – as well as helped BPCA identify where there is opportunity to increase awareness, seek collaborations, and facilitate programs to promote sustainability.

The BPC Sustainability Plan is also informed by robust interagency coordination. The Battery Park City Carbon Neutral Working Group, comprised of content experts in the sustainable energy field, includes representatives from the New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, Con Ed, Department of Environmental Conservation, and New York City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.

“Battery Park City is one of New York City’s newest and most future-forward communities, so it makes total sense that the Battery Park City Authority is out in front when it comes to sustainability,” said Gil C. Quiniones, New York Power Authority President and CEO. “Governor Cuomo has a bold plan for greenhouse gas emission reduction, carbon-free electricity, and use of renewable energy for the next decades. In order for us to meet these nation-leading climate targets, we must start at home, here in New York City in one of the most vibrant, dynamic neighborhoods along our coastline. NYPA is advising BPCA on energy efficiency, building electrification, low-carbon energy systems, renewable energy supply and storage options, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and reporting. We look forward to working with BPCA on its sustainability efforts that are sure to set the bar for other communities to follow.”

“As New York continues to lead national conversations on our changing climate, and forward thinking models to ensure our most vulnerable populations are included in solutions to address the need for resiliency, preserving natural resources, and delivering clean, renewable energy to all, NYSERDA has proudly partnered with Battery Park City as they embark on this sustainability plan,” said Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. “They are leading by example in their support of Governor Cuomo’s plan for economy wide carbon neutrality, helping us reduce our carbon footprint, and joining in our efforts to deliver meaningful and innovative clean energy and cost saving programs that result in healthier, greener communities and we congratulate them on this milestone.”

“Confronting the climate challenge before us requires everyone to identify, advocate for, and implement the best solutions for each of our neighborhoods and communities,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability for the City of New York. “We thank BPCA for their continued leadership and collaboration in advancing this urgent work.”

As a result of these engagements, the BPC Sustainability Plan puts forth a holistic vision of environmental sustainability, including health and wellness, environmental quality, and education, achievable through pursuit of three primary goals:

Resource Management & Reduction – Reduce the demand for energy and water, promote the creative reuse of resources, strengthen Battery Park City's resilience, enhance its ecosystems, and minimize waste to reduce its environmental footprint.

Innovation & Inspiration – Leverage Battery Park City initiatives as scalable models for sustainability to reduce the neighborhood's carbon footprint and inspire urban developments across the world to accelerate environmental action.

Education & Collaboration – Bolster engagement and education throughout Battery Park City on sustainability-related issues and actions while ensuring the benefits of those actions are shared, including improved environmental quality, reduced utility and operational costs, and higher quality of life.

The BPC Sustainability Plan is one of three documents produced by BPCA as part of its sustainability platform. It is centered around four “Topic Areas” (Energy, Water, Materials & Waste, and Site), which are further broken down into broad aspirations and discrete methods for achievement – strategies, targets, milestones, actions, and sub-actions – that chart a course toward making Battery Park City a sustainability model.

18 Strategies – are the primary methods for achieving Battery Park City’s sustainability vision and goals, and include:

in Energy—

o   Deep energy retrofits

o   Building electrification

o   Low-carbon district energy systems

o   Renewable energy supply and storage

o   Greenhouse gas emissions monitoring and reporting

in Water—

o   Water conservation

o   Water recycling systems

o   Resiliency and stormwater management

in Materials & Waste—

o   Sustainable consumption

o   Sustainable building materials

o   Waste diversion

o   Organics collection and composting

o   Construction and demolition activities

in Site—

o   Biodiversity and habitats

o   Quality of life

o   Environmental monitoring and data sharing

o   Active transportation

o   Electric vehicle infrastructure

25 Targets – are the objectives set to achieve each strategy by 2030. These targets are either Battery Park City Targets (those that will be achieved neighborhood-wide), or BPCA-specific Targets (those that will be achieved in BPCA-owned and leased spaces – both indoor and outdoor);

64 Supporting Milestones – are placed along a timeline over the next ten years, which BPCA will track to illustrate progress toward meeting the 2030 targets;

46 Actions – provide more detailed initiatives that will be implemented underneath each strategy for the purposes of achieving the targets. Actions will be either BPCA-led Actions (those to be primarily implemented and managed by BPCA) or BPC-wide Actions (those that will be implemented across Battery Park City and require collaboration with all buildings and major stakeholders); and

142 Sub-Actions – are the implementation steps to support each action. These sub-actions will be elaborated on in the Sustainability Implementation Plan.

Accompanying the BPC Sustainability Plan is a set of two enabling documents:

The Sustainability Implementation Plan outlines the policies, programs, partnerships, tools, and funding mechanisms that are available, or can be created, to assist in transforming the BPC Sustainability Plan into a reality

The new BPC Green Guidelines provides detailed technical guidance to BPCA and to Battery Park City building owners, managers, and tenants, including the steps necessary to achieve a more sustainable Battery Park City

New York State has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030, and 80% by 2050, from 1990 levels. The State’s latest sustainability effort, the Green New Deal, accelerates the state’s action by aiming to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. By aiming for net zero carbon by 2050, Battery Park City is aligning itself with global leaders and committing to prioritize climate action. Now, informed by this Sustainability Plan, BPCA will act to reduce GHG emissions and tackle sustainability issues while collaborating and sharing lessons learned with the wider New York City community and other communities around the world.

"The announcement of this ambitious green initiative for Battery Park City reflects the importance of addressing sustainability at a district-wide scale,” says Buro Happold principal Robert Okpala. “We’re excited to work with the Battery Park City Authority to deliver this far-reaching and influential plan to deliver integrated sustainable solutions to the residents and a wide range of stakeholders in Battery Park City. We believe it will inspire other neighborhoods across the United States and the world to accelerate their action against climate change."

"World leaders will soon meet to set new global targets to protect nature under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity,” said Angie Fyfe, Executive Director ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA. “Congratulations to Battery Park City, a near neighbor to the UN headquarters, for awakening us to the richness of the area's biodiversity and its contribution to our wellbeing.  The Battery Park City Sustainability Plans and Green Guidelines remind us that if we care for nature, it will care for us." 

Said Dr. Vatsal Bhatt, U.S. Green Building Council, Vice President for Communities: “I am very excited to see that Buro Happold has tackled energy issues comprehensively for moving Battery Park City closer to energy resilience and net zero emissions by 2050; with energy modeling, deep energy retrofits for buildings, transitioning buildings to all-electric systems, expanding the district energy system supporting higher efficiency and better economy of scale, transitioning to an electricity supply to all renewable sources, tackling embodied carbon and continuous monitoring and reporting.”

“I applaud the Battery Park City Authority for putting forth an ambitious sustainability plan that will help transform Lower Manhattan’s environmental impact for the next decade”, said Congressman Jerry Nadler. "The BPCA plan confronts the urgency of the climate crisis head-on and affirms New York’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the threat of climate change which affects us all".

“Our city must take proactive steps to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “Here in Lower Manhattan, Battery Park City has been a visionary leader in environmental sustainability for the rest of the city, and I commend its efforts to continue that track record in the years to come.”

Battery Park City has a long history of environmental leadership. Since its inception, the parks and open spaces in Battery Park City were designed with environmental quality as a priority. Starting in 2000, BPCA released environmental guidelines for residential buildings, leading to the development of buildings that were well ahead of city, and even global, standards at the time. Two years later, similar guidance was provided for commercial buildings, with the original residential guidelines updated thereafter. Decades of proactive leadership have resulted in Battery Park City being one of the most sustainable communities in New York City.

Building upon its environmental legacy, the Authority has made the following recent strides in green governance:

• In July 2019, BPCA issued $76.3 million in Sustainability Bonds Phase 1 of its Capital Plan, which includes development of a comprehensive resiliency infrastructure – entailing perimeter storm barriers, flood protection systems, waterproofing, and landscaping to protect its residents and assets from climate change.  The Authority’s Sustainability Bond Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Sustainability Bond Guidelines (promulgated by the International Capital Markets Association), as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action). BPCA was selected as the Northeast Deal of the Year by Bond Buyer for its total $673 million offering, of which these Sustainability Bonds were a part.
• On Earth Day 2019, BPCA launched its Zero Waste Initiative, a waste-reduction program that includes education, regular reporting and review of vendor practices, and pledges from more than 100 Authority staff members to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Focusing initially on BPCA’s practices at its 75 Battery Place facility, the Authority has now attained Gold-level TRUE certification (an assessor-based program that rates how well facilities minimize waste), by decreasing office waste going to landfill by 90% over the past 12 months, and will expand Zero Waste to BPCA’s other facilities – and eventually to Battery Park City’s open spaces and the greater community. To that end several Authority staff have earned certification as TRUE Zero Waste advisors, lending BPCA on-site expertise to implement the neighborhood’s Zero Waste program.
• Also on Earth Day 2019, in partnership with Gateway Plaza – Battery Park City’s largest residential complex – BPCA launched the neighborhood’s first building-specific composting program, diverting nearly 20,000 lbs. of food waste to date.
• BPCA’s Investment Guidelines emphasize the consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the Authority’s investment strategy. BPCA encourages its investment managers to include ESG factors in their analytical processes and prohibits investment in companies that are heavily-reliant on fossil fuels.

About BPCA: Established in 1968, The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State Public Benefit Corporation charged with developing and maintaining a well-balanced community on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. Battery Park City’s 92- acre site has achieved worldwide acclaim as a model for community renewal in planning, creating, and maintaining a balance of commercial, residential, retail and park space. For more info visit: bpca.ny.gov.      

Contact: Nick Sbordone

     (646) 531-2276

BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES LINEUP OF PUBLIC EVENTS IN CELEBRATION OF NYC CLIMATE WEEK 2019

Programs Underscore Authority’s Recent Sustainability Efforts

__                                                     Climate Week NYC runs from September 23-29__

In keeping with Battery Park City’s legacy of environmental leadership, and on the heels of climate change activist Greta Thunberg’s arrival in Battery Park City’s North Cove Marina, the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today announced its lineup of programs and events in celebration of Climate Week NYC 2019. Run by The Climate Group, an international non-profit focused on accelerating climate action, Climate Week NYC serves as showcase for climate action worldwide. Businesses, governments, academic institutions, arts organizations, individuals and non-profit organizations are invited to participate in the week-long events program, including panel discussions, concerts, exhibitions, seminars and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit: www.climateweeknyc.org/events-program.

“A half-century ago the Battery Park City Authority was created with a mission of renewal, transforming the dilapidated lower west side waterfront into a haven of green space and sustainable development,” said BPCA President and Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones. “From our environmental guidelines for new commercial and residential construction, to organic maintenance of our open spaces, to sustainable practices spanning our operations, we continue that legacy today. We celebrate Climate Week NYC with a range of events and initiatives to educate, inspire, and further our environmental responsibility efforts.”

“We saw first-hand the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy on Lower Manhattan in 2012,” said BPCA Board Member and Resiliency Working Group Chair Catherine McVay Hughes. “The BPCA’s actions to make our community a more sustainable and resilient place to live, work, and play is more important than ever.”

BPCA’s Climate Week NYC events include:

Go Fish! Battery Park City’s Celebration of Life in the Hudson Estuary

Saturday, September 21 from 10AM-1PM in Wagner Park

• Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. The day also features an art project inspired by imagining if endangered species could speak up for themselves. Event includes a live performance by Grammy Award-winning Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats! and a Volunteers for Wildlife presentation of Raptors! – get an up-close look at these fascinating birds of prey. The presentation will be followed by a family-friendly nature walk through the gardens of Wagner Park.
• At the event, BPCA staff will be joined by representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Resiliency and New York City Economic Development Corporation to provide information and answer questions about the Authority’s resiliency initiatives and the Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency (LMCR) Project.

BPCA Composting Tours @ Parks Operations Headquarters (75 Battery Place)

Monday, September 23 at 9:00AM & Tuesday, September 24 at 11:00AM

• BPCA has a longstanding and growing composting program. Last year the Authority composted more than 20,000 lbs. of food and waste, and is on-pace to compost over 35,000 lbs. in 2019. Join us for a tour of BPCA’s composting program and see how this waste stream is diverted from the landfill. Please register by email info@bpca.ny.gov or by calling (212) 267-9700.

Young Sprouts Gardening

Tuesday, September 24 from 3:15-3:45PM, Rockefeller Park Children’s Garden

• An introduction to organic gardening for children 3-5 years old with accompanying adults. A garden-themed story time will be followed by activities like watering, searching for butterflies and bees, and planting. A great way to introduce your preschooler to the joys of gardening and the broader natural environment as a part of Climate Week.

Elements of Nature Drawing

Wednesday, September 25 from 11AM-1:00PM, Wagner Park

• Get inspired by the beautiful expanse of the Hudson River and New York Harbor. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of Wagner Park’s verdant gardens. An artist/educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided. For adults ages 18 and up.

Wednesdays in Teardrop

Wednesday, September 25 from 3:30-5:00PM, Teardrop Park

• Sustainable and recycled materials are used to create a take-home art project with the environment in mind. Afterward, games themed around the environment will be played. Designed for school-age children.

** BPC Ball Fields Resiliency Project: Public Meeting**

Thursday, September 26, 6:00PM, 6 River Terrace

• Superstorm Sandy resulted in more than fifty lives lost, millions of traumatized residents and billions of dollars in property damage in New York City. While Battery Park City fared better than many other affected areas, it nevertheless sustained millions of dollars of damage. BPCA is currently at work on a comprehensive resiliency plan, consisting of four interrelated projects to protect the neighborhood from the threats of storm surge and sea level rise – including an initiative to protect the BPC Ball Fields used by 50,000 local youth annually. (Read more)

Drawing in the Park

Saturday, September 28 from 10AM-12:00PM in Wagner Park

• Paint in watercolor or use pastels, chalk, and charcoal to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of Wagner Park. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided. For adults ages 18 and up.

Also as part of Climate Week NYC, BPCA will launch a dog waste composting initiative at its three dog runs – more information coming soon – and participate in trainings, tours, and panels in furtherance of its sustainability efforts. These include recycling training for staff, a visit to the Sims Materials Recovery Facility in Sunset Park, and a tour of BPCA’s Parks Operations headquarters for New York State agencies. Authority staff will also participate in these Climate Week NYC events on Friday, September 27:

• BPCA President & CEO B.J. Jones speaks on a panel regarding Battery Park City Coastal Resiliency: Systemically Reducing Risk in Lower Manhattan as part of Climate Week NYC 2019’s Built Environment Symposium.
• BPCA Assistant Director of Parks Operations Ryan Torres presents a case study about Successful Sustainability Projects at New York State’s GreenNY Forum at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

As a sustainability leader, over the past year the Authority has made the following strides in green governance:

• In July, BPCA issued $76.3 million in Sustainability Bonds Phase 1 of its Capital Plan, which includes development of a comprehensive resiliency infrastructure – entailing perimeter storm barriers, flood protection systems, waterproofing, and landscaping to protect its residents and assets from climate change. The proceeds will also finance projects that enhance public access to open space, accessibility and walkability, and preserve the socio-cultural attributes of Battery Park City. The Authority’s Sustainability Bond Framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles and Sustainability Bond Guidelines (promulgated by the International Capital Markets Association), as well as United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action).

• In May, the BPCA Board approved a resolution supporting creation of a Sustainability Plan and New Green Guidelines, which will, among other things, facilitate the Authority’s commitment to “achieve a carbon neutral Battery Park City by the middle of the century, along with greenhouse gas reduction and clean energy improvement targets, a strategy for achieving those targets, and a framework for ensuring BPCA lessees and business partners meet BPCA’s enumerated goals.” Last month BPCA issued an RFP for creation of this plan, which will guide the Authority’s sustainability efforts and initiatives for the next decade. BPCA’s Sustainability Plan will be presented on Earth Day 2020.

• On Earth Day 2019, BPCA launched its Zero Waste Initiative, a waste-reduction program that includes education, regular reporting and review of vendor practices, and pledges from more than 100 Authority staff members to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Focusing initially on BPCA’s practices at its Parks Operations Headquarters, the goal is to attain TRUE certification (an assessor-based program that rates how well facilities minimize waste), decrease office waste going to landfill by 90% over the next 12 months, and learn from this experience to expand Zero Waste to the Authority’s other spaces – and eventually to the community.

• Also on Earth Day, in partnership with Gateway Plaza – Battery Park City’s largest residential complex – BPCA launched the neighborhood’s first building-specific composting program, diverting more than 4,000 lbs. of waste to date

• BPCA’s Investment Guidelines emphasize the consideration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the Authority’s investment strategy. BPCA encourages its investment managers to include ESG factors in their analytical processes and prohibits investment in companies that are heavily-reliant on fossil fuels.

• Last October, BPCA released its first-ever, scientific study of the use of Battery Park City’s 36 acres of parks and public spaces, an effort aimed at helping BPCA meet the challenges of maintaining the high level of satisfaction that its park users enjoy. The study’s findings confirmed that Battery Park City parks are extremely successful in providing an attractive and safe environment for a varied array of user populations.

Read more about BPCA’s sustainability initiatives here.

About BPCA: Established in 1968, The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State Public Benefit Corporation charged with developing and maintaining a well-balanced community on the Lower West Side of Manhattan. Battery Park City’s 92- acre site has achieved worldwide acclaim as a model for community renewal in planning, creating, and maintaining a balance of commercial, residential, retail and park space. For more info visit: bpca.ny.gov.                            

Contact:                              Nick Sbordone  (212) 417-3194

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The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today released its first-ever, scientific study of the use of Battery Park City’s 36 acres of parks and public spaces, an effort aimed at helping BPCA meet the challenges of maintaining the high level of satisfaction that its park users enjoy. The BPCA Parks User Count & Study, conducted by Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) researchers and students between July 2017 and June 2018, included statistical counts, surveys by a random sampling of parks users, and focus groups resulting in a bevy of data from a range of users – local residents, visitors from other New York communities, local office employees, and tourists (domestic and international); from those who were experiencing their first visit to others who have been enjoying the parks for 35 years. The Study’s findings confirm that Battery Park City parks are extremely successful in providing an attractive and safe environment for a varied array of user populations.