A new Williamsburg waterfront development would include a beach on the East River. Christian Mueller/Shutterstock
A massive new Williamsburg waterfront development proposal was unveiled on Thursday, and it includes two sky-high towers, a six-acre park, a YMCA and – most intriguing – a sandy beach.
The project developed by Two Trees Management – the firm responsible for the Domino Sugar Factory project – would extend into the East River and have public tidal pools, a fishing pier, salt marsh and kayak rentals to compliment its man-made beach.
Since news of this lofty plan was revealed, some have scoffed at the thought of taking a dip in the East River. “If the DUMBO developer gets its way, what was once a No. 6 fuel oil storage complex could soon become the No. 1 beach destination for bacteria-resistant New Yorkers,” wrote Gothamist.
Indeed, the East River hasn’t always been the pinnacle of cleanliness – its waters were once referred to as the “syringe tide” after medical waste made its way across the city’s shoreline in 1988. But the city’s waterways have made significant strides since then.
Although the East River is far cleaner than one might suspect, there’s a lot to keep in mind before you dive into its waters. Plus, it’s technically illegal to enter the East River, even though it’s not illegal to swim in it – but that’s a confusing legal riddle to wade into another time. Here’s what you need to know about […]
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