Residents Rail Against DOT Plan to Replace Granite Blocks with Concrete Pavers on Cul-de-Sac
There’s an $8.1-million dollar plan—but no money—for renovating the East 72nd Street cul-de-sac, a quiet, tree-lined East River overlook. Meanwhile, residents have pushed back against the DOT plan to uproot the long-neglected granite blocks and replace them with concrete pavers. And they’re still waiting for DOT to spend the $250,000 maintenance grant.
| 26 Jul 2025 | 07:15
Loose paving stones are scattered across the East 72nd Street Overlook, and a number of area residents say they have injured themselves after falling over the loose pavers. (
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A number of residents have been injured after falling over the loose paving stones. However, many residents do not agree with the DOT’s plans for new concrete pavers, which are believed to erase the old-world charm of the overlook. (
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Recent advancements in a long-delayed, complicated plan to reconstruct the East 72nd Street cul-de-sac, a quiet, tree-lined overlook east of York Avenue, have drawn renewed scrutiny after years of neglect, limited funding, and most recently, controversy over proposed design changes.
The historic overlook’s decline dates back almost two decades, following the conclusion, in 2005, of a 20-year maintenance agreement with developer Sheldon Solow. Solow had turned what was a dead-end street under the jurisdiction of the city Department of Transportation into a public space overlooking the East River and subsequently maintained this cul-de-sac as part of a deal to add height to his proposed nearby residential tower.
Since the agreement’s conclusion, the space has fallen into disrepair, marked by worn benches, loose pavers, and even some injuries. The DOT currently retains control of the site but has done little to maintain it, say angry local residents.
The total estimated cost of the project is $8.1 million, with its scope including the “upgrade” of the overlook’s distinctive materials to standard materials, as per DOT records. The sidewalk patterns are expected to match the distinctive paver pattern of the abutting Parks site.
However, locals have argued that the proposed new materials would mark a significant downgrade. Many believe that replacing the unique granite pavers, called “sett” stones, with concrete erases the old-world charm that makes the overlook special.
“DOT is not invested in improving the neighborhood and has a history of neglecting the cul-de-sac,” one resident stated. “The reasons behind the replacement of the existing pavers instead of alternative surfaces need to be fully clarified. Swapping out the cobblestones for the concrete will be a definite downgrade in quality. Though existing granite pavers are more difficult to maintain than other surfaces, they are much more aesthetically pleasing.”
Currently, the project remains in the concept stage and is dependent on full funding. In the meantime, residents are waiting for DOT to spend some of the previously allocated $250,000 from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), negotiated by Council Member Julie Menin, on immediate repairs to pavers, removal of weeds, treatment of trees, and maintenance of streetlights. In the absence of DOT maintenance, upkeep became a DIY project: Local building residents raised funds and repaired the historic cast-iron benches three years ago, and new garbage cans were donated by the neighboring Hospital for Special Surgery.
Julie Menin’s office confirmed that the larger project was contingent upon funding in the FY26 budget. Additionally, it appears that the cul-de-sac will remain under DOT jurisdiction, rather than Greenstreets or NYC Parks, which has disappointed many residents.
One resident pointed out that DOT also has jurisdiction over the East Side Esplanade, which runs between the FDR Drive and the East River, but entered into an inter-agency agreement with Parks, which maintains the popular walkway. The resident voiced their displeasure: “Why can’t DOT, which clearly wants nothing to do with the overlook, cede some control, for a win-win?”
Today, the fate of the beloved overlook remains uncertain and a point of local controversy on the UES.
“DOT is not invested in improving the neighborhood and has a history of neglecting the cul-de-sac.” — A neighborhood resident