34th Street Parking Lot Cleared, Park Plan Awaits

The two-tiered NYU Langone Medical Center auxiliary employee parking lot at the eastern end of 34th Street was cleared this week following the expiration of its lease. The lot, located on city-owned land, will not be renewed for parking use.

That project was originally initiated by the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, led by Past President Diane Bartow, in collaboration with Dan Garodnick (former New York City Councilmember for the 4th District) and Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh (now Senator). MHNA worked on it for more than three years, with plans that included a marina, beach, and other community amenities.

In 2023, City Council Member Keith Powers allocated funding to begin the process of transforming the site into new waterfront space. Since then, NYC Parks has been conducting feasibility studies, including evaluating the cost of bulkhead reinforcement. Community groups including the Manhattan East Community Association (MECA), the St. Vartan Park Conservancy, and the Alliance for Kips Bay have long expressed interest in seeing the site converted into open public space.

Advocates have highlighted potential benefits such as expanded riverfront access, safer cycling conditions, and opportunities for recreational and educational programming. With the parking structures and attendant kiosk now removed, the area offers an immediate improvement for pedestrians and cyclists while longer-term plans for its use as public space continue to be developed.

“Without the constant advocacy of Community Board 6, this would not have happened. The board has been working to make this a public space for many years, and it is a testament to the city planning process. We look forward to working with the MNHA to make it a great addition to our waterfront.” – Sandy McKee, Chair – Manhattan Community Board Six (cbsix.org)

https://mailchi.mp/stvartanpark.org/34th-street-waterfront-open