Exciting news for graffiti artists and community members alike! Conrail has announced plans to sell Graffiti Pier and the surrounding six acres to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. This decision comes in the wake of a section of the pier collapsing into the water on July 31, prompting Conrail to take action and turn the space into a public park and safe haven for artists.
Proposals to sell Graffiti Pier to the DRWC first surfaced in 2019, but progress has been slow until now. With the federal government offering $2 million to support early construction costs in 2023, plans for shoreline, pathway, and lighting upgrades, as well as more spaces for graffiti artwork, are finally moving forward.
General counsel for Conrail, Daniel Dwyer, shared that the board approval for the sale is expected on Nov. 14, with a finalized sale by the end of the year. This major transaction in land ownership signifies a new chapter for Graffiti Pier, providing a safe and secure environment for visitors and artists alike.
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Fencing (above) was installed at the entrance to Graffiti Pier after it partially collapsed in July.
Following the collapse, Conrail took steps to install metal fencing around the pier to discourage visitors. However, enforcement has been lax, with visiting considered trespassing but rarely enforced even post-collapse.
Selling Graffiti Pier to the DRWC marks a significant shift towards a more accessible and welcoming future for the space. State Rep. Joe Hohenstein expressed excitement about the development, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and activated public park for all to enjoy.