NYPD Vacates Hell's Kitchen Tow Pound, Opening Up Pier 76

HELL'S KITCHEN, NY — The NYPD made its long-awaited departure from Hell's Kitchen last weekend, abandoning its Manhattan tow pound and freeing up Pier 76 to make way for a possible waterfront park.

The city announced on New Year's Eve that the NYPD would finally leave the space by Jan. 31, resolving a yearslong dispute with the state, which had threatened to impose millions of dollars in fines if the facility was not relocated.

An NYPD spokesperson confirmed Monday that the department had left Pier 76, which stretches into the Hudson River near West 36th Street. The department plans to open a new Manhattan pound at some point, but has not named a location.

"The NYPD is actively pursuing suitable locations to relocate the operations to," Sgt. Edward D. Riley said.

Officials have celebrated the NYPD's plans to close down the unsightly facility, which sat atop Pier 76 since 1977. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said last month that the move would clear the way for "a great public space."

After the city transfers ownership of the pier to the state, the state, in turn, will transfer it to the Hudson River Park Trust, which operates a network of pier-based parks along the West Side of Manhattan.

In November, the Park Trust told Community Board 4 that it would try to convert the pier into a temporary outdoor space, after the tow pound is gone but before it has been redeveloped into a full-fledged park.

Possibilities included outdoor concert or theater venues, food festival spaces, public art, roller rinks and more. Cuomo said last month that the state would soon begin soliciting design proposals.

"I’m glad that after over 20 years, the NYPD has finally vacated Pier 76, allowing the Hudson River Park to expand and serve even more New Yorkers," State Sen. Brad Hoylman said in a statement Monday.

"We need more outdoor space than ever to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and socialize safely. I look forward to hearing from the community and Hudson River Park Trust about interim park uses of the space as a long-term plan is finalized."

Since the tow pound closed to the public last month, New Yorkers whose cars have been towed below 59th Street have had to venture to the Brooklyn tow pound. Cars towed above 59th Street are brought to the Bronx tow pound.

Related tow pound coverage:

• 'Amazing': Cuomo Celebrates Hell's Kitchen Tow Pound Departure
• What Does The Future Hold For Hell's Kitchen's Pier 76?
• Midtown Tow Pound To Close By End Of 2020, Gov Says