Pier 17

Pier 17 Credit: A rendering of the future Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. (Global Strategy Group)

Work began Thursday on the South Street Seaport's biggest makeover.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined downtown residents, business leaders and developers for the ground breaking of the "new" Pier 17.

The shopping center, which closed earlier this month after 28 years of operation, will be transformed into a state-of-the-art commercial hot spot with entertainment, restaurants and bars.

The mayor called the development a major boost for the neighborhood, which is still recovering from the damage of Superstorm Sandy.

"The best days are still to come for the seaport," Bloomberg said.

The revamped Pier 17 is slated to open in 2015. The $200 million project is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.

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