Battery Park City facts for kids
Battery Park City is a special neighborhood in New York City. It's located at the very bottom of Lower Manhattan, right next to the Hudson River. What makes it unique is that the land it sits on was actually created! Workers used a lot of dirt and rocks from when they built the original World Trade Center buildings. They also used sand from New York Harbor.
This neighborhood is home to many apartments, offices, and shops, including a big complex called Brookfield Place. Battery Park City gets its name from the nearby Battery Park.
The area is managed by a group called the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA). This group was set up by New York State. Any extra money earned from Battery Park City helps fund other housing projects, often in areas like The Bronx and Harlem.
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How Battery Park City Was Built
Battery Park City is a great example of how people can create new land. This area covers about 92 acres (which is like 69 football fields!).
Using Dirt from the World Trade Center
A huge amount of dirt and rocks, about 1.2 million cubic yards, was dug up during the construction of the original World Trade Center in the 1970s. Instead of just throwing it away, this material was used to fill in parts of the Hudson River. This created the land for Battery Park City.
Adding Sand from New York Harbor
To make the new land even more stable, sand was also brought in. This sand was dredged, or scooped up, from the bottom of New York Harbor near Staten Island. This mix of dirt, rocks, and sand helped form the strong foundation for the entire community.
Life in Battery Park City
Battery Park City is a planned community, which means it was carefully designed before it was built. It has a mix of places to live, work, and relax.
Homes and Businesses
The neighborhood has many different types of buildings. You can find apartment buildings where people live, as well as office buildings where people work. One of the most famous office and shopping complexes here is Brookfield Place. There are also many shops and restaurants for everyone to enjoy.
Parks and Green Spaces
Even though it's in a big city, Battery Park City has lots of green spaces and parks. These areas are great for walking, playing, and enjoying nature. The design of the neighborhood includes beautiful waterfront promenades, which are paths along the river, perfect for a stroll or a bike ride.
Managing the Neighborhood
The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) is in charge of running this special area.
What the BPCA Does
The BPCA is a public group created by New York State. Their job is to manage the land, buildings, and parks in Battery Park City. They make sure everything runs smoothly and that the neighborhood stays a great place to live and visit.
Helping Other Communities
A cool thing about the BPCA is that any extra money they make from Battery Park City doesn't just stay in the neighborhood. Instead, it's used to help fund other housing projects in different parts of New York State. This often includes supporting projects that provide affordable homes in areas like The Bronx and Harlem. This shows how Battery Park City helps not just its own residents, but also other communities in the state.
Images for kids
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Greenery at South Cove
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Construction in May 1973
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The esplanade
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Yacht harbor at North Cove, next to the World Financial Center
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"The House That Will Not Pass for Any Color Than its Own" - (2011), Mildred Howard - shown here in 2020 installed at Belvedere Plaza in Battery Park City
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Southern part of Battery Park City; Millennium Point is shown.
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Brookfield Place as seen in 2006, when it was the World Financial Center
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200 West Street, from Murray Street, looking west
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Stuyvesant High School from North End Avenue
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The New York Public Library branch
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A field in Rockefeller State Park, with the buildings along River Terrace behind it
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At the corner of Vesey Street and North End Avenue is the Irish Hunger Memorial
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The Museum of Jewish Heritage from the Hudson River
See also
In Spanish: Battery Park City (Manhattan) para niños
