Skateboarding ‘Mecca' under Brooklyn Bridge reopens after 15 years
Skaters are kickflipping with joy.
A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.'
Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site, which was shuttered in 2010 to serve as a contractor staging area during the restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge.
4 A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.'
LP Media
'In the shade of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this project delivers many things — an architectural marvel, a proper home for skating in one of the sport's global hubs, and a place to relax in a neighborhood with too few,' Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth said in a statement.
Mayor Eric Adams' administration began revitalizing the area near Chinatown in 2023 with space for shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball and seating in one of the city's most crowded neighborhoods. The project also gave access to the space under the Brooklyn Bridge's landmarked vaulted archways.
4 Skaters and bikers enjoy the newly opened section of 'the Arches' in lower Manhattan.
LP Media
Tony Hawk's nonprofit Skatepark Project had also advocated for years for the Brooklyn Banks to return to its roots as part of the renovation, with project CEO Benjamin Anderson Bashein calling Brooklyn Banks an 'icon of skating around the world.
'To have it reopened is absolutely profound,' Bashein said. 'This historic skate spot is a special place where people from across the world have come to skate and to find community, and we're thrilled to see it open to the public once again.'
4 Mayor Eric Adams at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-revitalized park in lower Manhattan.
LP Media
Another $50 million for public seating, plantings, lighting and more at The Arches is earmarked from the Adams administration's 2026 budget, part of the mayor's 'We Outside Summer' investment and programming initiative.
4 Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site.
LP Media
Thursday's reopening serves as the largest plaza portion to reopen under the phased renovation, which includes Gotham Park – a planned 9-acre urban community space around the iconic bridge.
The incoming multi-million investment is expected to 'bring this space back to life, and transform it into a lively, inclusive space for friends and neighbors to come together,' Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, 'welcoming New Yorkers from all walks of life.
'Right in time for our 'We Outside Summer,' The Arches brings us closer to creating a more equitable, livable, and prosperous New York.'
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New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Skateboarding ‘Mecca' under Brooklyn Bridge reopens after 15 years
Skaters are kickflipping with joy. A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.' Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site, which was shuttered in 2010 to serve as a contractor staging area during the restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge. 4 A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.' LP Media 'In the shade of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this project delivers many things — an architectural marvel, a proper home for skating in one of the sport's global hubs, and a place to relax in a neighborhood with too few,' Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth said in a statement. Mayor Eric Adams' administration began revitalizing the area near Chinatown in 2023 with space for shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball and seating in one of the city's most crowded neighborhoods. The project also gave access to the space under the Brooklyn Bridge's landmarked vaulted archways. 4 Skaters and bikers enjoy the newly opened section of 'the Arches' in lower Manhattan. LP Media Tony Hawk's nonprofit Skatepark Project had also advocated for years for the Brooklyn Banks to return to its roots as part of the renovation, with project CEO Benjamin Anderson Bashein calling Brooklyn Banks an 'icon of skating around the world. 'To have it reopened is absolutely profound,' Bashein said. 'This historic skate spot is a special place where people from across the world have come to skate and to find community, and we're thrilled to see it open to the public once again.' 4 Mayor Eric Adams at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-revitalized park in lower Manhattan. LP Media Another $50 million for public seating, plantings, lighting and more at The Arches is earmarked from the Adams administration's 2026 budget, part of the mayor's 'We Outside Summer' investment and programming initiative. 4 Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site. LP Media Thursday's reopening serves as the largest plaza portion to reopen under the phased renovation, which includes Gotham Park – a planned 9-acre urban community space around the iconic bridge. The incoming multi-million investment is expected to 'bring this space back to life, and transform it into a lively, inclusive space for friends and neighbors to come together,' Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, 'welcoming New Yorkers from all walks of life. 'Right in time for our 'We Outside Summer,' The Arches brings us closer to creating a more equitable, livable, and prosperous New York.'
Associated Press
15 hours ago
- Associated Press
Mukesh Modi Opens Indie Film Festival Awards with Ribbon-Cutting by Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Dignitaries & Global Icons
Mukesh Modi Launches IFFA with Grand Ribbon-Cutting by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Consul General Binay Pradhan, Minister Ramdas Athawale & Mr. Navneet Sehgal NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, June 8, 2025 / / -- Star-Studded Launch: Mukesh Modi Opens Indie Film Festival Awards with Ribbon-Cutting by Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Dignitaries, and Global Media Leaders The Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) kicked off with a grand and star-studded opening ceremony in the heart of Manhattan, celebrating the power of storytelling, global cinema, and cultural unity. The event began with an auspicious prayer by Pandit Shri Jagdish Tripathi, setting a spiritually rich and vibrant tone for the festivities. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was graced by some of the most distinguished dignitaries from both the United States and India: Hon. Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, Indian Consul General, Amb. Binay Pradhan, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India), Shri Ramdas Athawale, and Chairman of Prasar Bharati, Mr. Navneet Kumar Sehgal. Their presence marked a historic moment in bridging cultures through the medium of independent cinema. A Vision Realized by Founder Mukesh Modi The emcee of the evening, Piya Jyoti Kachroo, warmly welcomed the audience and introduced IFFA Founder Mr. Mukesh Modi, who addressed the gathering with enthusiasm and gratitude. Speaking to the media, Mr. Modi shared that the festival received 116 film submissions from over 20 countries, with more than 50 entries officially nominated. These nominations, selected through public voting and a dedicated jury panel, represent the finest in Feature Films, Short Films, Student Films, Documentaries, and Animation. Mr. Modi emphasized that the nominated films would be screened at the iconic Quad Cinema in Manhattan, providing an exceptional platform for emerging and established filmmakers from around the globe. Dignitary Remarks and Recognition Mayor Eric Adams delivered a heartfelt remark commending Mukesh Modi for bringing such a meaningful international festival to New York City, reinforcing the city's status as a global hub for culture and the arts. Minister Ramdas Athawale lauded the initiative as a remarkable cultural exchange and praised Modi for championing Indian talent on an international stage. Consul General Amb. Binay Pradhan expressed pride that 8 films from India were among the selections and appreciated the festival's effort in showcasing the diversity of Indian cinema to a global audience. Mr. Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, extended his appreciation to IFFA for giving him the platform to announce the launch of the Waves OTT platform. He encouraged filmmakers to submit their content to the platform, which operates on a revenue-sharing model, offering creators new opportunities for global distribution. Community Support and Opening Films Prominent figures in the Indian-American and media communities also lent their support and remarks, including Dr. Dipak Nandi, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mr. Sunil Hali, and Dr. Raj Bhayani. Their presence underscored the festival's strong cultural and philanthropic foundation. The opening night was attended by over 125 esteemed guests, including filmmakers, media professionals, diplomats, and community leaders. Guests enjoyed curated drinks and refreshments, creating a welcoming and celebratory ambiance. Premiere Screenings Begin The festival officially began with the opening film 'TORN', a powerful drama starring Morgan Freeman and Jordan Alexander, directed by Ryen Willam Thomas and produced by D Star Entertainment in association with Ashwin Films. The evening continued with the screening of 'Sapne Jinke Ho Gaye Apne' and a variety of other nominated films. Gratitude and Acknowledgements Mukesh Modi concluded the evening by expressing heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, media partners, volunteers, friends, and family members whose tireless support made the festival possible. ________________________________________ About IFFA The Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) is a global platform that celebrates the creative voices of independent filmmakers from around the world. With a focus on diversity, innovation, and storytelling, IFFA aims to connect cultures and promote cinematic excellence. ________________________________________ For media inquiries, interviews, or passes, please contact: Email: [email protected] Follow us: @indiefilmfestivalawards | #IFFA2025 | #IndieFilmFestivalAwards Mukesh Modi B & H Buzz Creators +1 917-215-1491 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Inside Joyce Mitchell's bleak, reclusive life in upstate New York, where her name remains in the gutter 10 years after infamous escape from Dannemora
There's been no redemption for the Shawskank. New photos show Joyce Mitchell living a bleak, reclusive life in upstate New York nearly 10 years to the day after she helped her alleged lovers — convicted killers Richard Matt and David Sweat — escape from Clinton maximum-security prison in Dannemora, NY. Neighbors in sleepy Dickinson told The Post they rarely see the disgraced 61-year-old or her head-scratchingly devoted husband, Lyle — whose names remain tainted across the North Country a decade after the jailbreak and 23-day manhunt captivated the nation and spawned a Hollywood miniseries. Advertisement 8 A new photo shows Joyce Mitchell nearly 10 years to the day after she helped Richard Matt and David Sweat escape from Clinton Correctional Facility. LP Media 'She is not regarded well around here,' said Connie Paquin, the owner of Mo's Bar and Grill in Malone, 18 miles north of the Mitchell's rural, two-story home. 'Nobody can really believe what she did,' said Paquin. 'Everybody around here thinks she really should have got more time than she got.' Advertisement Joyce Mitchell was a supervisor in the prison tailor shop when she began 'flirtatious' relationships with both Matt and Sweat, who were meticulously hatching an escape not unlike the fictitious one in 1994's 'The Shawshank Redemption.' As the flings progressed, the dowdy seamstress gave Matt oral sex and passed along nude selfies for Sweat, she later confessed to authorities. Eventually she began helping the cons with their planned breakout, even smuggling in a hacksaw blade and drill bit concealed in hamburger meat. 8 The dowdy seamstress also gave Matt oral sex and passed along nude selfies for Sweat, she admitted in her confession. vmodica All the while, her husband worked as an industrial training supervisor in the same lockup. Advertisement After six months of planning and using the tools to cut through their steel cell walls and an 18-inch steam pipe in the facility's underbelly, the duo made their escape on June 6, 2015. They emerged from a manhole cover about 500 feet outside the prison walls around 11:50 p.m. Joyce Mitchell was supposed to be waiting for her daring boytoys in a car at a nearby intersection at midnight, ready to ride off into the sunset toward Mexico. But she never showed up. 8 Sweat (left) and Matt (right) used tools provided by Mitchell to break out of the prison on June 6, 2015. AP Advertisement Instead, she went to the hospital in the throes of a panic attack. The two inmates skulked around the neighborhood until about 12:20 a.m. Realizing she had backed out, they took off. The escape, and Joyce's romantic role in it, made national headlines, and Joyce was dubbed 'Shawskank.' Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo rushed to the prison, where he was photographed peering into the manhole. The subsequent, 23-day manhunt riveted the nation, with 1,500 law enforcement officers, at a cost of $1 million-per-day, scouring the deep woods of the North Country for the desperate fugitives. But they were elusive, trudging through dense forests and swamps, and setting up makeshift campsites when they weren't squatting in empty hunting cabins. In one, they picked up a 20-gauge shotgun, rum, boots, binoculars, maps and other supplies. 8 The escape, and Joyce's romantic role in it, made national headlines. REUTERS The duo finally split up on June 23. Three days later, Matt was cornered by border patrol agents near Lake Titus. When he ignored commands to surrender, he was shot dead. On June 28, Sweat was spotted by a State Trooper near Constable. When he tried to run, the sergeant fired two rounds, hitting Sweat in the left arm and right shoulder before he was recaptured. Advertisement Joyce was arrested June 12 – less than a week after the jailbreak. She pleaded guilty in September 2015 to promoting prison contraband and criminal facilitation, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half to seven years. She was released after less than five years spent at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Westchester County. 8 A family photo Joyce posted on Facebook in August 2023 show the couple posing alongside six other adults and a little girl, grinning in the woods. Joyce Mitchell/ Facebook In the years since, Joyce has put up a happy front on Facebook, where she uses her old nickname Tillie — just like her character played by Patricia Arquette in Ben Stiller's mini-series 'Escape at Dannemora.' Seemingly serene family photos of Joyce and Lyle posted in August 2023 show the couple posing alongside six other adults and a little girl in the woods. Advertisement Another Facebook snap shows the youngster, believed to be the couple's granddaughter, lovingly wrapping her arms around a grumpy-looking Lyle. But away from social media, neighbors say the couple rarely poke their heads out from their gray, worn-down, two-story home, which is decorated with butterfly windchimes, a ceramic dog sculpture and other tchotchkes. A black Boston Terrier could be seen lazing inside a windowsill when The Post visited recently. 8 Another Facebook snap shows the youngster, who is believed to be the couple's granddaughter, lovingly wrapping her arms around a grumpy-looking Lyle. Joyce Mitchell/ Facebook It's unclear how the couple gets by financially. Joyce was fired and Lyle quit amid disciplinary actions. They both collect small state pensions, which were reduced because they left jobs long before their expected retirement dates. Advertisement 'Obviously she's not working in corrections. I don't think anyone would hire [either of] them around here,' said Ed Work, who serves as a warden at nearby Franklin Correctional. Lyle made $20,292 in 2024, while Joyce made only $8,775, according to public state pension records. Until a few years ago, Work said he used to spot Joyce headed to her monthly parole-officer meetings. 'I've seen her a few times going to parole and I've seen her once at the store since she's been out, but I haven't seen Lyle once,' he said. Advertisement 8 Lyle made $20,292 in 2024, according to public state pension records. Matthew Symons for NYP 'It's a close community, but no, they're not really involved,' he continued. At the Franklin prison, Work said correction officer trainees are taught Joyce's relationship with Matt and Sweat as an example of what not to do. 'You know, some prisoners might try to manipulate you, saying, 'You look nice today' and other stuff to get better treatment. But you can't let 'em get to you,' Work explained. 'Joyce isn't the prettiest girl in town, so I'm not sure what those guys were doing, but I guess you get pretty desperate in jail,' he added with a chuckle. One neighbor described the Mitchells as 'friendly' and helpful. Lyle has helped the neighbor, who gave his name as Jeff, clear his land. 'It's a lot of work clearing the lot, and that's what we talk about. Nothing personal,' said Jeff. As for Joyce, 'she waves when I see her coming out, but it's not that often.' 8 'Leave us alone. Get the f–k away from us and leave us alone,' Lyle barked at a Post reporter before slamming the door shut. Matthew Symons for NYP Despite the allegations against Joyce – which included a plot to kill Lyle, according to Sweat and investigators – Lyle welcomed his wife back with open arms. He is decidedly less tolerant of nosy journalists. 'Leave us alone. Get the f–k away from us and leave us alone,' he barked at a Post reporter before slamming the door shut. 'Stay the f–k away from us.'
