Hester Street Collaborative (HSC) is a community design organization whose mission is to empower residents of low-income communities by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to have a direct impact on shaping their built environment. We do this through a hands-on approach that combines Design, Education, and Advocacy. HSC uses the architecture, design, and community visioning expertise of our staff and partners to directly involve residents in the process of creating more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant neighborhoods. The results can be seen in schools, gardens and parks throughout Lower Manhattan and in the strong relationships we have with public school partners, community organizations, and public officials.

Program Description

Pier 42 Fall Festival
Sat, October 12, 12pm – 4pm

Pier 42, East River Bikeway, New York, NY (map)

A celebration of Fall! There will be arts activities for kids, tours of the art installations, discussions with the artists, and taste offerings from local food trucks!

Paths to Pier 42 is a series of temporary art installations, community events, and public programs that is creating community access to a neglected section of the East River Waterfront while addressing issues of waterfront and neighborhood resiliency raised by Hurricane Sandy. The project highlights the need for sustainable planning in a densely populated urban area that has been subject to development pressures over the last decade and more recently suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy. Paths to Pier 42 is the first step in making a large, neglected parcel into a multi-use and accessible open space for the community. Paths to Pier 42 was developed in partnership with the Lower East Side Waterfront Alliance (CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, Good Old Lower East Side, Lower East Side Ecology Center, Hester Street Collaborative, Two Bridges Neighborhood Council) and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Chinatown. The project was created with teams of artists and residents of the Lower East Side and to ensure it reflects the needs and identities of the local community.

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Special Thanks

Surdna Foundation; New York Community Trust; New York – New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program; North Star Fund; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; dlandstudio; Leroy Street Studio; New York City Department of Parks & Recreation; State Senator Daniel Squadron; Chat Travieso; Jennifer Wen Ma; Mary Mattingly; Nancy Debois Buhl; Interboro Partners; Build It Green! NYC; Solar One; New York Restoration Project