Officials Call for Modifications to New Battery Park Fence Blocking Statue of Liberty Views

The federal security barrier along the waterfront has sparked backlash from locals and lawmakers who say it obstructs one of Manhattan's most iconic vistas.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:49pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting the distant silhouette of the Statue of Liberty through a hazy, rain-streaked lens, with the Battery Park waterfront and promenade in the blurred foreground, conveying a sense of the obstruction and diminished public access to this iconic New York City sight.As officials debate the merits of a new security fence blocking views of the iconic Statue of Liberty, the public's ability to freely enjoy this cherished New York landmark remains in limbo.NYC Today

A new security fence installed by U.S. Park Police in New York City's Battery Park last month is drawing criticism from officials and residents who say it blocks the iconic views of the Statue of Liberty. The 500-foot wire barrier was put in place to separate the general public from those who have been screened to access the ferry to the statue, but locals are calling it excessive and demanding modifications to maintain clear sightlines.

Why it matters

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, and the views of it from Battery Park are a major draw for tourists visiting Lower Manhattan. The new security fence has sparked outrage from the community, who feel it unnecessarily obstructs access to this iconic vista and detracts from the overall experience of visiting the area.

The details

The U.S. Park Police installed the wire barrier in Battery Park last month as a security measure to screen visitors before they can access the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. The fence stretches along the waterfront and its walkways, including the ferry dock. While the federal government says the fence is a necessary security precaution, local officials and residents argue it is excessive and blocks park-goers' ability to freely enjoy the views and amenities of Battery Park.

  • The security fence was installed by U.S. Park Police last month.
  • Construction in the area is expected to be complete next year, at which point much of the fence should come down.

The players

Paula Recart

President of The Battery Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that manages and maintains Battery Park.

Congressman Dan Goldman

U.S. Representative for New York's 10th congressional district, who held a press conference calling for modifications to the security fence.

U.S. Park Police

The federal law enforcement agency that installed the security fence in Battery Park.

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What they’re saying

“Nearly 500 feet of the water promenade are lined with fencing. What people want is simple, they want to reach the water, they want to stand by the railing and they want to see the Statue of Liberty without obstruction.”

— Paula Recart, President, The Battery Conservancy

“The Statue of Liberty has welcomed the world to our shores for generations, and the view of Lady Liberty from Battery Park is one of the most iconic in the country. While ensuring that all visitors are safe and secure, they deserve to enjoy that view as much as possible, which requires an alternative security arrangement than currently in effect.”

— Congressman Dan Goldman

What’s next

Congressman Dan Goldman has been in communication with the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, and is urging them to implement an alternative security solution proposed by the New York City Department of Parks that maintains clear views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance between public safety and preserving access to iconic landmarks and scenic vistas. While the federal government deems the security fence necessary, the local community is pushing back, arguing that the obstruction of the Statue of Liberty view undermines the very essence of what makes Battery Park a cherished public space. Finding a compromise that addresses security concerns while minimizing the visual impact will be crucial in resolving this issue.