On Wednesday, May 31, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Governor George Pataki, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and State Senator Martin Golden to announce the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s transfer of Piers 1, 2, 3 and part of Pier 5 to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation for use in the park’s construction. Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles A. Gargano, Port Authority Executive Director Kenneth J. Ringler, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding and BBPDC Vice Chair Dan Doctoroff, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and other officials also attended.

“The most beautiful American park of the 21st century – the emerald in Kings County’s crown – becomes peerless with the transfer of these piers,” said Borough President Markowitz. “Brooklyn needs the open space as well as the boon to economic development, of which the new DUMBO BID and Wireless Generation are just the first taste. Whether it’s parks, jobs, investment, waterfront access, or magnificent skyline views – with Brooklyn Bridge Park, it’s all natural.”

The Empire State Development Corporation approved the General Project Plan for Brooklyn Bridge Park in January. The 85-acre park, now in development, will span approximately 1.3 miles along the East River from Atlantic Avenue to north of the Manhattan Bridge, and will be Brooklyn’s first major new park since the creation of Prospect Park 135 years ago.