A Stroll with a Catch: Upper East Side Esplanade Reopens, But a Sinkhole Lurks

Oh, the joy! For residents of the Upper East Side, a beloved stretch of their scenic East Esplanade has finally, finally reopened. After more than a year of being off-limits, folks can once again enjoy those stunning East River views, a breath of fresh air, and a much-needed riverside stroll. It’s been a long time coming, truly.

You see, this particular section, spanning from East 78th to East 88th Streets, was a casualty of time and, let’s be honest, the relentless power of nature. Specifically, Hurricane Sandy, way back in 2012, delivered a hefty blow, ultimately leading to a bulkhead failure. The subsequent repairs, a significant $17 million endeavor spearheaded by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), were aimed at replacing a substantial 220-foot portion of the esplanade. The goal was to have it ready by May 30th, and thankfully, they mostly hit that mark. A welcome relief for many, myself included, who’ve missed this urban oasis.

But here’s the kicker, the little fly in the ointment, if you will: even as the "Closed" signs came down and people started trickling back, an unwelcome guest made its presence known. Right there, near East 81st Street, a sinkhole — not just any sinkhole, mind you, but one that’s reportedly widening — has popped up. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? To finally get our path back, only to find a new chasm forming. Currently, it measures about three feet by three feet and plunges a good five feet deep. Not exactly a minor divot.

Now, city officials, including representatives from NYC Parks and the EDC, have been quick to address the elephant in the room. They assure us, and it’s important to hear this, that this particular sinkhole isn't a direct consequence of the recent $17 million repair work. No, no. Apparently, it’s a separate issue entirely, stemming from an old timber structure lying beneath the esplanade. It seems New York City's infrastructure has a way of revealing its age in unexpected places. They’ve fenced off the area, of course, to keep everyone safe, and they firmly state that the new, rehabilitated sections of the esplanade remain structurally sound. Phew, that’s a relief, at least.

Still, you can’t blame local residents and community advocates for feeling a little… exasperated. This esplanade, bless its heart, has a bit of a history of fragility. It’s like a recurring character in a never-ending urban drama. The news of a new sinkhole, right after a major repair project, certainly adds a layer of concern and, frankly, a sense of "here we go again." They just want a safe, reliable waterfront pathway, and who can argue with that?

So, what’s next for this troublesome hole? NYC Parks says they’re committed to fixing it "as quickly as possible." That’s good to hear, but for now, there’s no firm timeline on when exactly that might happen. And just to add another layer of complexity to our beloved waterfront, there’s another significant project underway: a $28 million effort to tackle the stretch between East 60th and East 61st Streets. It just goes to show, maintaining an urban waterfront is a continuous, often challenging, labor of love. Let's hope for smooth sailing, or rather, smooth strolling, ahead for the Upper East Side Esplanade.