City closes gap in East River's waterfront

City and state officials have agreed on a $73 million plan to close a gaping hole in the East River’s greenway between East 38th and 60th streets, setting up the United Nations to buy the space in order to provide the city with a waterfront esplanade, the mayor announced Wednesday.

“Today’s agreement puts in place a critical missing link ... that will make the waterfront a resource for the whole city to enjoy,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Under the deal, which closes up the last empty space in the 32-mile greenway around Manhattan, a development corporation for the U.N. will pay the city for the area then build a new office tower there. The money would then be used to finance the esplanade.

The deal now goes to the U.N. for approval.

(with DNAinfo)

Follow reporter Tim Herrera on Twitter: @tim_herrera