7 Years Ago

Harlem Waterfront

An unusually low tide has made for some interesting pictures along the neglected waterfront of Harlem. There are plans for redevelopment, but these ideas aren't practical because nothing will ever be able to mask the odor from the North River Pollution Control Center (or the aerial pollution from its smokestacks). Furthermore storms like Sandy show the need for this area to be structurally reinforced rather than making the building look "architectural." In addition to structural reinforcement I would like to see some wetland grass plantings done here in an attempt to absorb some of the nitrogen this place releases into the River. Also they need to clean up some of the petroleum, garbage and whatever Gowanus-like shit is in the sand and soil here. On the bright side, it is a cool and disused part of the City that does have a lot going for it. Here's a pictoral essay on some of the infrastructure and potential use. An interesting note here is that this entire "boat level" dock was submerged in Sandy.