Hamilton Heights, Riverside Drive at 145th Street

Mary Sargent © 2007 …………………………………….. click to enlarge

Well, just look at this pretty little bridge all color coordinated. It doesn’t go across the river but seems to lead to the Riverbank State Park.

Did you know we had a State Park right here in Manhattan? This is the park that was built on top of a sewage treatment plant, (the first in the western hemisphere!), apparently to placate Harlem residents who were outraged that the plant was being built in their back yard. It had originally been planned for 72nd Street, but you know what happens when wealthy, influential folks are threatened with a sewage treatment plant. Yep, it gets moved. In Harlem, they weren't wealthy enough or influential enough to get it moved, but they did get this park.

Now, after all, or most of, the trouble with bad smells has been resolved, it seems to be a great success; New York Magazine gives it a glowing review. Of course, there is an expensive restaurant, The River Room, with spectacular view, atop.

See map.