New York: It's a priceless piece of real estate largely unknown to New York's 8 million inhabitants. From its shore, visitors can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Situated in the middle of New York Harbour, just a half mile from lower Manhattan, Governors Island is about to undergo an extensive makeover that would turn much of it into lush parkland.

A consortium of five design companies was chosen in December to transform the teardrop-shaped island, turning the flat southern end into a park with manmade hills and a shoreline promenade.

Improvements also are in store for the northern half, a historic district with graceful 18th and 19th century houses, a defunct 9-hole golf course and a former US Army parade ground.

Sold by its original Dutch settlers to the British in 1708, the 172-acre island later became an American military base for 202 years - home to soldiers, Confederate prisoners of war and the Coast Guard, yet off limits to civilians.

Planners want to build an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and provide free bicycles for roaming the island, where private cars are banned. Ten concerts are scheduled this year on an existing outdoor stage, among them a July 5 performance by the New York Philharmonic.

"We are planning the park to serve New Yorkers and the New York region, and we also welcome visitors and tourists to experience this unique island," said Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation.

Financed by the city and state, the project will cost upwards of $500 million overall.
Source : PTI