Plans to transform East River waterfront in New York City

Thursday, August 01, 2013

A man walks on the East River beach under the Brooklyn bridge, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013 in New York. New York City plans to spend $7 million to transform a little-noticed, trash-strewn beach beneath the Brooklyn Bridge into a recreational destination.The plan would open up public access to the sand and create a new kayak and canoe launch along the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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Eyewitness News

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City plans to spend $7 million to transform a trash-strewn beach beneath the Brooklyn Bridge into a recreational destination.

The plan announced Thursday would provide access to sand. It also would create a new kayak and canoe launch along the East River near the bridge.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said the beach will be a "staycation" spot for locals as well as a tourist attraction.

The project will feature tree-lined walkways, concession stands, terraced seating and a spot for fishing.

It will include the creation of salt marshes to protect the area from erosion.

It's expected to take three years to complete.

The so-called Brooklyn Bridge Beach is part of a larger plan to open up Manhattan's East Side waterfront.