Politics

NYC Council Opens DUMBO Waterfront Pathways to Residents by 2028

The vote allocates funds for new pedestrian routes in DUMBO with work projected to finish by mid-2028.

By DUMBO Policy Desk · Published July 8, 2026

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Manhattan through Dumbo (Unsplash). Photo: Redd Angelo reddangelo16 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

The New York City Council voted on July 7 to approve a capital allocation for expanded public access along the DUMBO waterfront. The measure directs $12 million from the city's fiscal year 2027 capital budget toward new pathways and lighting between the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge waterfront sections. Residents in ZIP code 11201 will see the first construction notices posted in September 2027.

Why the vote occurred now

The allocation follows the expiration of a prior five-year waterfront maintenance agreement between the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. Council members reviewed updated engineering assessments from the Department of Transportation that identified erosion along 1,200 linear feet of bulkhead. The timing aligns with the release of the city's annual capital commitment plan on June 15, which lists 47 Brooklyn projects requiring legislative approval before September 30.

DUMBO households within two blocks of the waterfront will gain direct connections to the existing Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Delivery workers and shift employees at nearby warehouses can use the new routes to reach the East River Ferry landing at Pier 1 without crossing three sets of vehicle lanes on Furman Street. Parents dropping children at PS 8 on Middagh Street may find reduced sidewalk crowding once the paths divert foot traffic from Washington Street during morning hours.

Local data from the 2023 American Community Survey shows 4,800 workers in DUMBO commute on foot or by bicycle. The legislation states that 35 percent of the allocated funds must support lighting and seating that meets current ADA standards. The remaining portion covers drainage upgrades tied to the same bulkhead segment.

Next steps for implementation

Design review by the Public Design Commission is scheduled for October 2027. Bidding for construction contracts opens in January 2028 under standard city procurement rules. The Department of Design and Construction projects substantial completion by June 2028, after which the Parks Department assumes maintenance. Residents can submit comments on the draft site plan through the Brooklyn Community Board 2 office until August 15.

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