West Harlem waterfront transformation underway.

Ground has been broken on an $18.7 million project to revitalize the West harlem waterfront.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Congressman Charles B. Rangel this week broke ground on construction of the West Harlem Piers that will connect West Harlem to the rest of the Manhattan waterfront greenway.

The project is a part of the City's West Harlem Master Plan that the Mayor announced in October of 2002, the goal of which is to revitalize the area between 125th and 135th Streets, Broadway and the Hudson River in West Harlem.

The Harlem Piers project calls for a new bicycle and pedestrian path, a docking pier, a recreational and fishing pier, and landscaped open space that will reclaim the waterfront for pedestrian and recreational use.

"The West Harlem Piers project is another important step in the ongoing economic revitalization of Harlem and the Upper West Side," said Congressman Rangel. "In addition to the commercial development and housing that has already transformed our community the Piers will provide access to green grass and recreation for our residents and their children.

"It will also generate business opportunities and jobs in construction and operation of the facility. I've recently secured an additional $26.8 million in federal funds that will further enhance the neighborhood with construction of a ferry terminal and streetscape improvements along 125th Street from the pier to Old Broadway."

The Army Corps of Engineers approved the project last week, clearing the last regulatory hurdle before construction can begin. Work will begin on the project by the end of the year, and it is expected to be completed by spring 2007.

The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone contributed more than $6 million for this project, with the State adding more than $4 million and the City providing more than $3 million. The Manhattan Borough President, the City Council, the State Department of Parks and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, among others, are providing additional funding for a total of $18.7 million.

W Architecture and Landscape LLC designed the improvements, with support from DMJM+Harris and Philip Habib.

"The Harlem Piers reclamation represents a renewal of one of the City's most important waterfront resources," said UMEZ President & CEO Ken Knuckles. "The people of Harlem have long desired a more accessible and attractive connection to the Hudson River. We believe that this project will fulfill their wishes. UMEZ is proud to be a part of the city-state partnership that has made this day possible."