J'Adore: Governor's Island

I had no idea that such ambitious plans for Governor’s Island lay right outside my window!

Alright, I exaggerate a tad, but I’m truly delighted to feast my eyes on these Inhabitat words and photos, laying out our new vision for Governor’s Island. Just recently, I said that Governor’s Island was set to become a branch of City University.

Now, it’s destined to become a stunning eco-park, theoretically finished by 2012.

Designed by West 8, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Rogers Marvel Architects, the project is a hybrid of landscape and architecture, creating a sophisticated wanderland, teeming with new paths, watercourses, restaurants, aquaria and even complimentary wooden bicycles. 

I ADORE the bicycles.

These public projects cannot be made of fantasy in today’s economically-challenged world. Much of my daily life is governed by the Downtown Alliance, created to stimulate post Sept. 11 redevelopment in my neighborhood.

We will benefit economically from the creation of this stunning new Governor’s Island parkland. Beyond that, I’m so excited to see the concept of sustainability — deeply embedded in the heart and soul of my neighborhood — extended to this historical, severely neglected piece of New York City.

While this new Governor’s Island Park will receive public funding, much as Central Park does, there is a challenge for it to generate as much income as possible, while maintaining its family-friendly, “you can afford to experience me” qualities.

Don’t hop a ferry boat, to get out to Governor’s Island. It’s closed until May 9, 2009, but you can track events on the Governor’s Island Blog.

I should step back and list all the exciting enviro-friendly building that’s going on in NYC City. I just pray that economic conditions don’t derail our progress. We are all afraid of slipping back into the grime and grit days of the 70s … which weren’t all bad, btw.

My roommate and I used to read the NYTimes on Sunday morning to the homeless men in Washington Square Park. And then we all chatted about the articles.

I distinctly remember that I was under the protection of a man named Cadillac, who deeply appreciated that Diane and I sat on a park bench, reading out loud to these people … who played a brilliant game of chess, I might add.

But I digress … here’s to Mayor Bloomberg and Governor’s Island!

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