New Yorkers Come to Offer Input to the New York City Economic Development Corporation on Potential Manhattan Landing Site Locations for Expanded Commuter Ferry Service
New York City – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Council Members Dan Garodnick, Jessica Lappin, and Gale Brewer, hosted a public Meeting for New Yorkers to weigh in on potential locations for Manhattan commuter ferry landing sites. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in conjunction with the Department of Transportation (DOT) presented potential landing sites for Manhattan as part of its six-month Comprehensive Citywide Ferry Study and encouraged the audience to suggest other locations for possible landing locations. This is the fourth of a series of public meetings held across the city on comprehensive ferry service and represents the most recent step in the Speaker’s continuing effort to make mass-transit a better option for more of New York City’s commuters.
“Engaging New Yorkers in a conversation about where they want ferry service is critical to creating a strong commuter ferry system,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Surrounded by hundreds of miles of waterfront, commuters are eager to take advantage of these blue highways. With their input we can create a viable system that invigorates the waterfront, reduces congestion on over-crowded subways and roadways, and spurs economic development in our city.”
“Ferry service should and will be a part of our city’s future. It is important for our city and it is important for our communities that we get it right,” said Council Member Jessica Lappin. “We want ferry service to work. We want it to be efficient, sustainable and to be a vital part of our city’s transportation infrastructure.”
“Manhattan has no shortage of waterfront or traffic,” said Council Member Dan Garodnick. “Giving drivers another option by making use of our waterways would be a great step forward. These community conversations are critical for ensuring that any new ferry landings mesh seamlessly with their neighborhoods and work well for commuters and local residents.”
“I am delighted that enhanced waterway and ferry usage is being embraced as a priority form of transportation,” said Council Member Gale Brewer. “New Yorkers love the waterfront and want more access to it for work and pleasure. We look forward to a dock at West 69 Street! Congratulations to the Mayor and the Speaker on their advocacy for ferries.”
“Establishing New York City’s underutilized waterways as an accessible and viable transportation option is a critical part of our efforts to increase quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. “We are encouraged by the community support we have received so far in working to expand Ferry service along the East River, and we are eager to move forward on this vital economic development project.”
The Comprehensive Citywide Ferry Study, a six-month analysis ending in October 2009, will evaluate potential ferry landing locations with a focus on demand, costs and infrastructural needs. With approximately 25 potential sites identified, public input on the viability of these landings and other possible site locations is a crucial aspect to developing a robust and usable commuter ferry system. Using this information, the NYCEDC and DOT will issue a final report in October detailing an action plan for the implementation of a commuter ferry system.
The Study represents the final phase of a three-phased ferry plan presented in May 2008 by Speaker Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg. The first phase of the plan established ferry service between the Far Rockaways in Queens and Pier 11 as well as service on the East River between South Williamsburg, Long Island City, East 34th Street and Pier 11. The second phase of the plan expanded Brooklyn service between North Williamsburg, Greenpoint, East 34th Street, and Pier 11.