In May of 2005, the City of New York rezoned 200 blocks in north Brooklyn’s Greenpoint and Williamsburg, enabling the transformation of four miles of post-industrial waterfront into a new public park. The adopted zoning changes allowed for the creation of a public waterfront walkway and adjoining public open spaces through the joint efforts of private developers and public agencies. Over 30 acres of planned public parks and 1 mile of Shore Public Walkway were designed, developed and maintained solely by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. 

To ensure that each independently and incrementally developed open space will communicate a consistent and public waterfront, the Plan presents a clear but flexible design vocabulary, encouraging responsive and innovative design. The Plan resulted in a commission for the Transmitter Park and Pier segment, and the design of a new railing, the Zipper Bench, and new drinking fountains.