East Harlem’s long-awaited reunion with the Harlem River is officially underway. City and state officials broke ground this week on the $353 million Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project , which will transform a seven-block stretch between East 125th and 132nd Streets into seven acres of new parkland, complete with playgrounds, picnic lawns, basketball courts and (finally!) a long-requested public restroom at 127th Street.

Funded by $310 million from the city and a $43 million state grant, the project will close a crucial gap in the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway , a 32.5-mile loop that will eventually encircle the island with continuous waterfront access. When finished, East Harlem residents will be able to bike, jog or stroll along the river from northern Harlem to East Midtown—a f

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