Battery Pl Between Little West St and Thames St

    

The neighborhood of Battery Park City has a history which closely mirrors that of Roosevelt Island (a neighborhood which has a special place in my heart). The strip of landfill began major development in the 1980's and has spent the entirety of its life under the control of the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), a public benefit corporation. Likewise, Roosevelt Island only began its residential growth 10 years prior and is under the control of the similar Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). However, for BPC, being a formal part of Manhattan (rather than just a token part, like R.I.) has some benefits. The vast waterfront and easy access to the rest of the Manhattan makes Battery Park City a rather ritzy joint to live in.

Walking west past Battery Park (proper) and Pier A, Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park is an incredible little patch of land at the southern-most section of the neighborhood. Featuring beautifully groomed spaces complete with sculptures, fountains, a cafe and the all-important bathrooms, the park offers panoramic views of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Continuing up Battery Place, a series of large residential buildings loom over the narrow street, which makes for an unfortunately-imposing block.