COPRI Lecture: Harlem River Greenway

The ASCE Met Section COPRI chapter presents:

Harlem River Greenway

1.0 NYS PDH will be offered.

Speakers: Gina Schoregge of Langan and Meredith Simon-Pearson of NYCEDC

Abstract:

The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is a critical component of New York City’s open space resource plan that will provide unprecedented waterfront access to the public through a network of parks along 32.5 miles of continuous, protected pedestrian and bicycle pathways forming a loop around Manhattan. This presentation will detail the engineering approach for one of the most complex undertakings within this vision referred to as the Harlem River segment.

The Harlem River segment involves the design and construction of 3.5 miles of waterfront infrastructure in East Harlem. The project encompasses a 24-acre corridor divided into three pieces, integrating structural rehabilitation, shoreline stabilization and completely new platform construction to address aging infrastructure and climate resilience.

The first piece currently under construction is between 125th–132nd Streets, includes the creation of a 6.8-acre community park and replacement of timber pile-supported platforms with new diaphragm system supported by 24-inch concrete filled steel pipe piles. The second and third pieces, between 132nd and 145th Streets and between 155th Street and Swindlers Cove will include revetment construction and stabilization of various types of seawall to ensure long-term structural integrity under increased hydraulic and environmental loads.

Platform replacement and seawall upgrades, design criteria for resilience against sea-level rise and storm surge, and coordination strategies for multi-stakeholder engagement will be examined. Lessons learned in constructability, sequencing, and integration of public amenities within a constrained urban waterfront will also be discussed.

Speaker Bios:

Gina Schoregge, PE is a Senior Project Manager at Langan. Ms. Schoregge blends over 19 years of deep technical expertise in structural, geotechnical and waterfront engineering with leadership roles in infrastructure and environmental projects. Her experience includes buildings and developments; transportation such as tunnels, subways, bridges; and also waterfront, marine, and wastewater treatment projects. She is experienced at coordinating with stakeholders, ensuring reports are compliant to clients’ standards, and preparing detailed reports during investigations. Her technical expertise includes performing structural evaluations, geological analyses, and providing foundation and construction recommendations. Ms. Schoregge in 2006 obtained her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Hofstra University, and in 2022 she was recognized by Women Builders Council as an Outstanding Women. She has a professional engineering license in the State of New York and New Jersey. Also she has been a WEDG Associate since 2024.

Meredith Simon-Pearson, PE is a Vice President in the Capital Program at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), leading design and construction initiatives that strengthen public spaces and infrastructure across the five boroughs. A licensed Professional Engineer, Meredith brings a strong background in civil engineering and project management to her role overseeing a diverse portfolio of design and construction projects that include waterfront parks and greenways, streetscapes, library renovations, and major capital improvements with a focus on resilient, community‑centered outcomes.

Image courtesy of Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects

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