Feds relent (a little) on 7-foot fence blocking Statue of Liberty views

We can see the Statue of Liberty again. From Battery Park. Without a fence in the way.

The feds freed up about 150 feet of space at the eastern end of Battery Park

The U.S. Park Police had installed a seven-foot wire fence in March, citing security during shoreline construction. The fence blocked the best (and free) views of the iconic landmark from Battery Park.

Tourists had to stand on benches to snap photos. Locals were frustrated, too. Politicians wanted it down.

Ultimately, the U.S. Park Police conceded some space. It said Thursday that it had freed up about 150 feet of space at the eastern end of the area the feds are responsible for managing at Battery Park.

An officer now stands there in lieu of the fence, the U.S. Park Police said. The fence is still up in the primary security area, though, and the feds say they’re not taking any more of it down.

“This was the most feasible compromise that upheld our security protocol while allowing for some viewing area at Battery Park,” the U.S. Park Police said in a statement.

Initially, the feds said removing the fence or modifying it without careful consideration could expose ferry operations to “unnecessary risk for the sake of a better view.” It was open to discussion, though.

A congressional representative said the NYC Parks Department, along with JTTF and the NYPD, proposed an alternative. It’s not clear if that’s the solution the U.S. Parks Police implemented on Thursday.

Battery Park civic leaders had also wondered about fairness in the historic stretch of the city’s waterfront, as the fence means only those who buy a ticket get that close. 

“You should not have to pay to have a view that is unobstructed,” said Tammy Meltzer of Community Board 1.