DeB’s disGracie
The city’s falling apart — right outside Hizzoner’s back door.
A section of seawall about a half a block north of Gracie Mansion crumbled into the East River after Saturday’s rainstorm.
It’s not the first time that the walkway along the waterfront — part of Carl Schurz Park — has had trouble keeping its composure. But passers-by were shocked that Saturday’s showers could actually cause part of the bulkhead to buckle.
“[Hurricane] Sandy didn’t take out the park, so it’s interesting that yesterday’s storm was its breaking point,’’ said local George Vasquez, 54. “It’s old, of course, like most things in New York, so I guess it was a matter of time.”
The collapse was “no surprise” to parks advocate Geoffrey Croft, who said the city has failed for years to properly maintain that portion of the East River waterfront.
“They’ve done band-aids, but they’ve refused to make the area safe,” he said. “There are major sections that are literally crum- bling into the East River.”
Railing, chunks of concrete and temporary barricades tumbled into the water about 15 feet below the walkway, photos show.
What’s left is a precarious precipice that reveals the Big Apple’s rotten side, according to one passing tourist.
“This park is really cute, but that fallen wall is kind of scary,” said Jessie Caravajo, 22, who is visiting from Florida. “As a tourist you’re usually more afraid of getting mugged, not falling into a river and drowning.”
The Parks Department con- firmed Saturday’s rain brought the century-old bulkhead to its breaking point and said it is taking safety precautions.
“We have placed barriers around the site, and Parks personnel are posted in the park around the clock to ensure safety,” said agency spokeswoman Crystal Howard.
The promenade and seawall were already scheduled for reconstruction later this year as part of a $15 million project to fix up the aging East River Esplanade, she said.