Five feet higher. That’s how much the Battery wharf will rise. This is Battery Construction 220. A massive undertaking. Right before our eyes.
The Battery. A historic greenspace. A beloved New York City landmark. But this isn’t just a simple renovation. It’s a fight against the rising tides. A testament to human resilience in the face of climate change. This is Battery Construction 220 the project to elevate the wharf.
Imagine the old wharf. Built in the 1940s. Decades of wear and tear. Now in such disrepair it needs replacing. The New York Panel on Climate Change projects a significant sea level rise. Up to 6.3 feet by 2100. Twice-daily flooding is a real threat. Battery Construction 220 is designed to mitigate that risk. The new wharf will be elevated five feet. Protecting Battery Park from rising waters and future storm surges.
This isn’t just about concrete and steel. This is about preserving a piece of history. A place where New Yorkers and tourists alike gather. A place that needs to adapt. The project’s design. It incorporates sustainable elements. Salt-tolerant trees and plants will thrive. An improved drainage system will manage rainfall. Permeable pavers will help prevent flooding. All this will work together with other resiliency projects. Such as the South Battery Park City Resiliency project.
The project is divided into phases. Phase 1 starts in 2024. Phase 2 starts in summer 2025. It’s designed to minimize disruptions. The ferry service to the Statue of Liberty will continue.
This is Battery Construction 220 a project that will protect the Battery. It’s an investment in the future. A $200 million investment that shows our commitment to adapting to climate change. The work here demonstrates that we can prepare for what the future holds. While preserving a place we all cherish.