The East River Alliance (ERA), established in December 2018, is an alliance of advocates for open space, waterfront access, and resilience along New York City’s East River.  

We were among the first organizations to alert our community about the City’s decision to change the agreed-to East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) flood protection plan for the waterfront between 25th Street and Montgomery Street.  

Over the last three years, ERA has helped secure improvements to that plan, including phasing of the project, the establishment of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Community Advisory Group to monitor the project, and the promise to return the Lower East Side Ecology Center’s headquarters and composting program to the park. 

While we have ongoing concerns about ESCR, we cannot wait any longer for flood protection. Now is the time for a diverse group of stakeholders to work together to create:

• A focus on communities disproportionately impacted by coastal flooding, sea level rise, and proximity to ESCR work.
• A strong voice in planning environmentally sound, innovative, and sustainable resiliency measures based on state-of-the art climate science, to protect us from flooding for generations.
• A beautiful, accessible park that is culturally and locally relevant, with equitable access to facilities, spaces, and programming.
• Meaningful oversight of environmental impact and schedule for any resiliency work.
• Ongoing mitigation for the effects of resiliency work, including enhancing and refurbishing nearby public spaces, and preserving and improving natural habitat. 
• Creation of a state-of-the-art environmental education facility and composting program as part of the long-term design of East River Park, showcasing sustainable park management and engaging us in climate solutions.