Advisory Council

The State law that created the Park, the Hudson River Park Act, also created the Hudson River Park Advisory Council.

Quick Links

Meeting Information
Members
Bylaws

Our History

The history of the Advisory Council goes back to 1986 when the then Governor and Mayor established a joint City/State entity to coordinate the planning of Route 9A (aka the West Side Highway) and the future of the West Side waterfront and a volunteer Advisory Committee to provide feedback from local communities, environmental, labor, and business groups and elected officials. During 13 years of public planning, the Advisory Committee made recommendations that enhanced function and design of an “urban boulevard” along the West Side and the General Project Plan for the Hudson River Park.

The 1998 Hudson River Park Act memorialized the park plan, created the Hudson River Park Trust and established an Advisory Council to continue to advise and make recommendations to the Hudson River Park Trust’s Board of Directors on matters regarding the planning, design, construction and operation of the Park.

What We Do

Last year, the Council recommended the Trust board request a more comprehensive approach to resilience after reviewing the US Army Corps of Engineers Harbor and Tributary Study which recommended the construction of a 12-foot concrete wall in the Hudson River Park from Battery Park City to 36th Street. Subsequently, all City, State, and Federal elected officials with districts containing or abutting the park, amplified that recommendation in a joint letter to the US Army Corps.

Recently, Council members have participated in the Route 9 Redesign Study and reviewing the potential impacts of major new residential developments proposed adjacent to the Park. Meeting with local developers and government agency officials, the Advisory Council is seeking to better understand how the active recreation needs of this new population will be addressed, and what impact the increase in Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) discharges from these projects might have on water quality, natural habitat, and public health in the Park.

To view future meeting dates, as well as minutes and agendas from recent past meetings, the Advisory Council Meeting Information page.

Governance & Membership

The Advisory Council operates in accordance with its Bylaws.

Click here to view a list of current Advisory Council members.

Consistent with the Bylaws, the Advisory Council Chair and other officers rotate between the three community boards in which Hudson River Park is located: Manhattan Community Boards 1, 2 and 4. Please review the Bylaws for more information on membership requirements and governance. Members of the Advisory Council serve without compensation.

From time to time, there are openings for new Advisory Council members. The Advisory Council considers new applications through an application process. If your organization is interested in becoming a member, please read and fill out this application. Applications should be sent to [email protected].

Public Meetings

The Advisory Council holds public meetings at least six times each year. Members of the Trust’s staff attend the Council meetings to present information and to answer questions about the Park. Advisory Council meetings are scheduled by the Advisory Council Chair and are posted on the Meeting Information page once meeting dates are calendared. Once announced, please check back to review the agenda and confirm the meeting is still occurring as anticipated. The Advisory Council also has committees that meet such as Safety and Membership.