The idea of a linear Park on the lower west side of Manhattan—now known as Hudson River Park—had its origins in a plan developed in 1980 by the architects Paul Willen and John Belle. It also called for the creation of a boulevard to replace the crumbling West Side Highway. The proposal, called River Road, was conceived as an alternative to Westway, the 700-acre landfill project put forth by the City and State in the late 70s. River Road was first presented as a centerfold section of The Village Voice.

The Aftermath of Westway

The plan was widely published, and was the basis for a successful lawsuit against Westway—one factor in its demise in 1985. The defeat of Westway led to the creation of the Hudson River Park Trust, which directed the planning, design and construction of three miles of waterfront Park; and, alongside it, a grand Boulevard.