Pier 53 Update: Permits granted for construction of boardwalk
Whether you call it Pier 53 or Washington Avenue Green, the new pier park located at Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue is a step closer to reality. Permits were recently granted that allow for 1) the “installation of erosion and sedimentation controls” and 2) the construction of the large “boardwalk” component that runs parallel to the park.
Pier 53 will look to focus on the ecology of the site as well as celebrating the pier’s past as an immigration station. The construction of the boardwalk will offer visitors a dynamic view of the Delaware River. Artist Jody Pinto, who crafted the Finger Span in the Wissahickon, will also be designing an illuminated column entitled “Land Buoy” as public art at the tip of the pier.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the development along the Delaware River. While Pier 53’s sister pier park – Pier 68 – may have hit a budgetary snag due to damage at the tip of the pier, three possible design concepts were showcased at a public meeting held in Pennsport last Thursday night. Even though removal of the tip of the pier may eat “a good chunk” in to the $1 million budget, Lizzie Woods, planner with the DRWC, said at the meeting that they intend to move forward with the plans for Pier 68, though there is still the possibility of going after additional funding.
Below are the three design concepts from Studio Bryan Hanes. You can submit your feedback for each one here.
– James Jennings is the founder of the blog Pennsporter — a site dedicated to exploring the neighborhood from Washington to Snyder, the Delaware to Fourth.
