Ex-BHA Prez Protests Park

MetroNY: A Dream Disowned: A crowd turned out at St. Francis College last night to rally against the state’s plan for Brooklyn Bridge Park, the 70-acre waterfront development that will include luxury high-rises and a hotel as well as retail, restaurants and offices — all meant to pay for the park’s upkeep.

At the front of the auditorium was Tony Manheim. He’s often referred to as the founder of the proposed park. Almost 23 years ago, Manheim began to work on a plan to transform the 1.3-mile stretch of piers, storage sheds and parking lots along the East River. But now he has disowned what’s left of his dream.

In 1984, Manheim was the president of the Brooklyn Heights Association, a neighborhood group. The Port Authority was soliciting ideas for piers 1 though 6. Residents wanted a public park.