New York City has initiated a long-term plan to redevelop Hart Island, a public cemetery in the Bronx that has historically been closed to the public. The 20-year proposal aims to improve accessibility and strengthen the island’s resilience to climate-related impacts. The city’s plan includes the addition of a welcome center, upgraded restroom facilities, and the transformation of an existing chapel into a space for reflection and remembrance for the more than one million individuals buried there.
Hart Island, which began operations in 1869, has been a final resting ground for Civil War soldiers, AIDS victims, and most recently, New Yorkers who succumbed to COVID-19. Previously managed by the NYC Department of Correction, the island was transferred in 2021 to the care of NYC Parks and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), part of the Department of Social Services. Since then, public access has not only improved but also, urged the city to more actively honor the historical significance of the site.
The proposed improvements as outlined by NYC Parks aim to address operational necessities while also respecting public input gathered through forums and surveys over the past year. NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa said, “This concept plan presents a suite of proposals that can improve the physical conditions and resiliency of the island, and provide a better experience for visitors as well as agency staff that manage its daily operations — all through the lens of respectfully honoring those who are laid to rest on this peaceful island.”
Investments will also be channeled to shore up the island against sea level rise and coastal storms, which are expected to only increase in frequency due to global warming. Adaptations are a strategic move, aiming to not just protect, but also enhance the landscape of Hart Island, ensuring continued capacity for dignified burials. NYC Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park highlighted the significance of the plan in a statement, saying, “This plan outlines more opportunities to enhance the landscape and further strengthen access to the island for family and next of kin looking to honor the final resting place of their loved ones and New Yorkers who wish to learn about the important history of Hart Island and its ongoing evolution,” according to a press release.
As the city proceeds with the planned changes, information on gravesite visitations and locating burial sites remains available to the public. The proposed updates are part of ongoing efforts to maintain access to Hart Island and its historical records.
