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New York goes chasing waterfalls
New York State is home to some impressive waterfalls. New York City, not so much. The city is planning on changing that this summer with the New York City Waterfalls project. It's a big, expensive undertaking: $9 to $10 million dollars to make four waterfalls rise from the East River and New York Harbor. As you can see from the gallery below, right now the project is just a work in progress. The Public Art Fund and City of New York, both sponsors of the Olafur Eliasson-designed installation, plan for the waterfalls to run from late June through October of this year.
The City hopes that tourists will flock to see the waterfalls from water taxis. We think that the idea is pretty cool, but we also know that the East River is nowhere near as clean as it looks in the concept pictures. The water will be filtered before it goes through the falls. We just hope that the city filters it well enough that it will be safe to breathe in the East River mist that they'll create.
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By Marcio at 12:34 AM ON 05/10/08
It's a good idea as by just moving the water it promotes oxigenation thus helping to clean the water a bit - but will be worth only if it won't consume much energy...
By TheAdlerian at 1:27 PM ON 05/10/08
Consuming energy?
How about 10 million going to an art installation/tourist attraction, which will be taken down shortly after it goes up, instead of going to poor people.
By DCGaymer at 2:25 PM ON 05/10/08
That bridge was taken out twice last year...once in "I am Legend" and then again "Cloverfield" ... don't they think it's been through enough?
By Phantomgladiator at 2:39 AM ON 05/12/08
I have an idea! how about those 9-10 million be given to the educational system! I'm sure the NY schools could use it.
By OhNoNotAgain at 9:17 AM ON 05/14/08
I firmly support public art, but millions of dollars to make fake waterfalls? Jeez, go to see a real one. Try public restrooms in Manhattan, something NY has needed for 25 years! Try doing remedial action on polluted sites. Try supporting worthy artists struggling in the city. This is just childish.
By Jaedalena at 10:51 AM ON 05/14/08
It could work if it is also a means of being hydro-powered energy. I thought things were suppose to start being "green?" anywho, It would be a nice thing for me to see on my way to school.
By spacepundit at 11:12 AM ON 05/14/08
The intakes are likely to prove hazardous to fish and other wildlife, and possibly to swimming people, as well. Either that, or the intakes will be covered by huge intake screens that will require constant cleaning. Government likes to grow itself. (More tax money stolen from us, more government jobs and higher pay and perks and power for them.)
In short: dumb idea, unless you're the government and want to GROW even more.
By spacepundit at 11:18 AM ON 05/14/08
By the way, they claim these waterfalls will be temporary, but history is our guide. The government never grows, or increases taxes, on a TEMPORARY basis. Despite everything they say to the contrary. It's like an alcoholic pleading for his "last sip."
Here in Oregon, they've done it to us many times. In fact they always hold the public school system hostage, even though "permanent" funding that would solve that issue forever (the Oregon Lottery,) was passed, but later they broke their word and used most of that money for OTHER projects, now they're holding the school kids hostage again. It's neverending, they should be locked up and the money put back into the schools.
By Ketoes at 11:21 AM ON 05/14/08
I admit the artificial waterfall underneath the bridge looks decent, but the others are relatively pointless. They look horrendous, and would lose popularity before they even are finished. If they absolutely have to, build the one under the bridge, but take the rest of the money and give it to the Educational system or donate it to War funding.
By StormyKnight at 12:28 PM ON 05/14/08
What a waste of money. What do you say we toss out this idea and throw another 1773 style tea party! QUIT WASTING TAX DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!!!! Fracking gov't!
By saurabh at 4:27 AM ON 05/16/08
great job
By frios at 6:06 PM ON 05/16/08
Fish and swimming people? Obviously not a New Yorker...
By new at 4:05 AM ON 05/17/08
greet job
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