Committee on Economic Development

Council staff opens hearing and gives instructions

Staff welcomes attendees, asks phones to be silenced, explains appearance cards, and says no one may approach the dais.

0:00:35 42 sec

Chair Maloney opens joint Economic Development and Transportation hearing

Maloney welcomes attendees, notes co-chair Abreu, recognizes members, and states the focus on waterways and EDC assets.

0:01:17 34 sec

Maloney outlines EDC's role in ferries, seaplanes, and excursion vessels

EDC runs NYC Ferry, oversees the East 23rd Street seaplane base, and controls berthing for excursion vessels at city-owned piers.

0:01:51 1 min 4 sec

Maloney details NYC Ferry ridership, costs, and fare increase

The system carried 7.4 million trips, cost $88 million to operate, brought in $27 million, and had an $8.33 subsidy per trip; base fare rose to $5.

0:02:55 45 sec

Maloney warns ferry operating contract expires in 2028

The contract worth up to $405 million expires in September 2028; the city must decide whether to renew, seek new bids, or try another model.

0:03:40 1 min 14 sec

Maloney raises seaplane safety and noise concerns on East River

A July 5 hard landing required FDNY evacuation; residents face regular noise and traffic; the city owns the facility and can set rules.

0:04:54 58 sec

Maloney highlights party boat collisions and unlicensed charters

Recent collisions near 23rd Street and West 125th Street injured dozens; a fatal capsizing near the Statue of Liberty involved an overloaded boat.

0:05:52 24 sec

Maloney introduces four ferry expansion bills

Bills would establish or study ferry service at Canarsie Pier, Willets Point, West 125th Street, and City Island.

0:06:16 19 sec

Maloney thanks committee staff and turns to co-chair

Maloney recognizes Senior Counsel Alex Polonov, William Honak, and Spencer Kuhn, then yields to Majority Leader Abreu.

0:06:35 14 sec

Majority Leader Abreu opens Transportation Committee remarks

Abreu thanks Maloney and says waterways are an integral but often overlooked part of transportation and the economy.

0:06:49 44 sec

Abreu cites Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry scale

Staten Island Ferry serves over 16 million passengers annually; NYC Ferry has 38 vessels, six routes, 25 landings, and over 7 million trips per year.

0:07:33 32 sec

Abreu discusses ferry optimization and accessibility goals

The 2025 Optimization Plan reconfigured the network; Abreu wants affordable, reliable, accessible service and lessons for the future.

0:08:05 39 sec

Abreu introduces Intro 1022 for West 125th Street ferry

Abreu says ferry can fill transit gaps, support housing density, and strengthen commercial corridors; West Harlem has waterfront infrastructure.

0:08:44 24 sec

Abreu thanks staff and yields to Council Member Farias

Abreu thanks Jaleesa Quigley, Jake Borey, Sierra Townsend, Theodore Miller, Kevin Katowski, John Bazile, and Richard Yates-Wong.

0:09:08 1 min 14 sec

Council Member Farias introduces Intro 1032 for City Island ferry

Farias thanks chairs and co-sponsors Aldebol, Riley, and Sanchez, and reflects on four years as Economic Development chair expanding ferry service.

0:10:22 1 min 45 sec

Farias describes City Island's transit isolation and vacant storefronts

City Island has one way in and out, more than 20 vacant storefronts, and needs ferry service to boost businesses and provide commuting options.

0:12:07 2 min 40 sec

Farias cites support for City Island ferry and clarifies bill scope

Farias says 350 emails support the bill and 8 oppose it; Intro 1032 requires a feasibility study and a process for site selection, design, and construction.

0:14:47 36 sec

Farias welcomes testimony and urges community voice

Farias wants perspectives from residents, businesses, and advocates; the bill does not predetermine a location and should center affected communities.

0:15:23 1 min 51 sec

Council Member Aldebol introduces City Island ferry study bill

Aldebol introduces Intro 1030-2026 for a study of ferry service to City Island and seeks data on East Bronx transit needs.

0:17:14 1 min 40 sec

Aldebol highlights empty storefronts and Heart Island access

Aldebol visited City Island with SBS Commissioner Minaya and saw vacant storefronts; Heart Island is only accessible through City Island.

0:18:54 1 min 23 sec

Council Member Thomas-Henry introduces Intro 846 for Willets Point ferry

Willets Point is transforming with 2,500 affordable units, a soccer stadium, and jobs; the 7 train cannot carry the new neighborhood alone.

0:20:17 1 min 42 sec

Thomas-Henry cites Mets, Etihad Park, and housing numbers

Thomas-Henry notes 33,000 fans per Mets game, 25,000 seats at Etihad Park, and 2,500 homes; ferry would provide an alternative and support local businesses.

0:21:59 30 sec

Committee counsel administers oath to administration witnesses

Alex Polanoff asks administration witnesses to raise their right hands and swear to tell the truth; they may begin.

0:22:29 31 sec

James Wong introduces EDC ferry team and colleagues

Wong is Executive Director of NYC Ferry at EDC; he is joined by Anton Fredrickson, Michelle Lamberti, and John Regan from DOT.

0:23:00 1 min 8 sec

Wong touts NYC Ferry 50 millionth rider and record ridership

The system has carried 56 million passengers since 2017 and set a single-day record on August 15 with nearly 57,000 riders; 94% of riders are NYC residents.

0:24:08 42 sec

Wong credits summer events for ferry demand and public benefit

FIFA World Cup, parades, concerts, and cultural events drew riders; ferry connects people to local businesses, jobs, and destinations.

0:24:50 1 min 20 sec

Wong reports route redesign increased ridership and efficiency

The December overhaul was shaped by 15,000 riders; trips rose 6%, East 34th and Midtown West terminals rose 21%, and the East River route rose 17%.

0:26:10 55 sec

Wong reports $8.79 per-rider subsidy, below national peers

FY26 subsidy is $8.79, down from a peak near $13; NYC Ferry has the lowest subsidy per rider among major publicly funded passenger ferry systems.

0:27:05 1 min 31 sec

Wong details discount program and fare changes

Discount participation nearly doubled to 30,000 riders; base fare rose to $5, the 10-trip pass to $30, and the discount fare to $1.50.

0:28:36 54 sec

Wong outlines infrastructure investments and East 34th redesign

EDC is replacing engines, building a swing barge and Atlantic Basin home port, replacing ticketing machines, and starting East 34th Street terminal redesign.

0:29:30 39 sec

Wong says ferry system supports emergency response

The ferry system has provided alternate service during Staten Island disruptions, rescued people in the water, and works with NYC Emergency Management.

0:30:09 51 sec

Wong describes 2025 Ferries Report and citywide vision study

EDC released its 2025 Ferries Report and is developing a vision study to explore ferry service through NYC Ferry or other funding and operating models.

0:31:00 1 min 47 sec

Wong details challenges at Canarsie, West 125th, and Willets Point

Canarsie needs federal coordination and $30 million pier rehabilitation; West 125th needs vessels and upland improvements; Willets Point has mudflats and shallow water.

0:32:47 55 sec

Wong says vision study should evaluate bills, cannot support legislation

Preliminary estimates show eight additional vessels, $25-30 million annual operating costs, and hundreds of millions in capital; the vision study is due summer 2027.

0:33:42 1 min

Wong describes Skyport seaplane base oversight

The seaplane base dates to the 1930s and averages 1,620 flights annually; Billy Bay Marina Services manages it under DOC NYC, with EDC oversight.

0:34:42 1 min 10 sec

Wong explains public piers program and Pier 36 improvements

EDC manages piers for excursion vessels; DOC NYC handles permitting and safety; at Pier 36, measures include scheduling limits, security, and ticket seller enforcement.

0:35:52 43 sec

Wong closes on waterfront access and NYC Ferry future

Wong says the work aims to connect New Yorkers to the waterfront, support neighborhoods and small businesses, and welcomes questions.

0:36:35 4 min

Council Member Narcisse testifies on Canarsie Pier ferry bill

Narcisse says Canarsie is a transit desert with one L train and packed buses; Intro 704 would establish regular ferry service and should be fast-tracked with housing.

0:40:35 3 min 4 sec

Maloney asks EDC and DOT to clarify waterfront authority

Maloney asks which aspects EDC versus DOT controls and where the largest gap is; Wong explains NYC Ferry is EDC-managed but DOT licenses private ferries.

0:43:39 1 min 31 sec

Maloney questions compliance monitoring across waterfront

Fredrickson says operators must follow Coast Guard and FAA rules; DOC NYC checks licenses and can revoke for repeat violations; EDC focuses on infrastructure compliance.

0:45:10 53 sec

Wong explains ferry oversight through audits and KPIs

NYC Ferry uses third-party audits and contract KPIs for maintenance and safety; multiple layers ensure operator compliance.

0:46:03 1 min 31 sec

Maloney asks about ferry system's operational and financial health

Wong calls the system healthy; subsidy is down from $13 to under $9; fare policy is equitable; he is proud of improvements.

0:47:34 57 sec

Maloney asks about fuel costs and hedging

Wong says fuel is a major cost driver; EDC hedges fuel prices and is hedged through most of the current fiscal year.

0:48:31 1 min 41 sec

Maloney asks which ferry routes are near capacity

Wong says Rockaway summer weekends are full; East River capacity expanded by splitting routes; Rockaway Reserve offers paid seat reservations.

0:50:12 1 min 40 sec

Maloney asks for cost breakdown of proposed ferry routes

Wong says the four bills are far from existing service areas; each new route would cost $5-6 million annually for two vessels; detailed analysis is in the vision study.

0:51:52 33 sec

Maloney asks if other ferry systems operate near proposed sites

Wong says New York Waterway operates near West 125th Street; the vision study will explore private operator opportunities without public subsidy.

0:52:25 59 sec

Maloney asks about ferry contract expiration and extensions

Wong says the Hornblower contract expires in 2028 with two three-year extensions; it is premature to decide on extension or a new RFP.

0:53:24 1 min 5 sec

Maloney asks about ferry contract KPIs

Wong lists five KPIs: on-time performance, completed trips, customer satisfaction, tech uptime, and maintenance.

0:54:29 41 sec

Maloney asks if contract incentivizes revenue generation

Wong says the contract includes a revenue generation section; EDC gets a share from activations, concessions, and advertising.

0:55:10 2 min 4 sec

Maloney questions ferry advertising and exterior branding

Wong says digital screens inside vessels sell ads; exterior advertising is prohibited by zoning; EDC has never advertised private companies on exteriors.

0:57:14 1 min 12 sec

Maloney asks about accessibility investments on NYC Ferry

Wong says the system was built 100% accessible with bow loaders and wheelchair spaces; EDC is exploring striping, accessible ticket machines, and additional tie-downs.

0:58:26 2 min 31 sec

Maloney asks how EDC evaluates new ferry routes

Wong says EDC considers ridership potential, alternatives, upland access, water depth, flow, tunnels, capital and operating costs, and economic justice indicators.

1:00:57 1 min 20 sec

Maloney asks about transit deserts and ground connections

Wong says transit deserts are real; ferry can help if faster than alternatives; EDC works with MTA to extend bus routes to landings.

1:02:17 1 min 50 sec

Abreu asks if EDC evaluated West 125th Street ferry

Abreu notes Intro 1022 requires a terminal by 2028; Wong says EDC studied West 125th in 2018 and earlier, with subway competition as a challenge.

1:04:07 2 min 3 sec

Abreu asks about capital costs for West 125th Street ferry

Wong estimates $26 million for two 150-passenger vessels and $1 million for landing upgrades; more detail will come in the vision study.

1:06:10 47 sec

Abreu asks about current boat service at West Harlem Piers

Fredrickson says West Harlem Piers is in the public piers program; operators apply through DOC NYC; EDC will get back on usage specifics.

1:06:57 1 min 11 sec

Abreu presses EDC on likelihood of West 125th ferry service

Abreu says the community wants ferry service; Wong says the vision study will explore alternative service models, including private operators.

1:08:08 1 min 29 sec

Abreu asks if West 125th is ripe for ferry service

Wong says there is no federal land ownership issue and an existing landing makes it easier, but it is premature to prejudge the vision study.

1:09:37 49 sec

Abreu asks DOT about private ferry licensing and coordination

Regan says DOT licenses commuter ferry operators; EDC manages the NYC Ferry contract separately; licensing oversight is DOT.

1:10:26 1 min 8 sec

Abreu asks about Staten Island Ferry resources and challenges

Regan says resources are currently sufficient; challenges include staffing licensed mariners and NYPD coverage; service runs on a mandated schedule.

1:11:34 51 sec

Abreu asks about Staten Island Ferry security upgrades

Regan says $1 million in federal funding was fully used for camera systems at Whitehall; DOT will apply for future port security grants.

1:12:25 15 sec

Abreu asks about Staten Island Ferry renewable diesel transition

Regan says he will get back on procurement or operational issues since the 2025 transition to renewable diesel.

1:12:40 1 min 27 sec

Abreu asks about DOT-EDC Blue Highways partnership

Fredrickson says it is a joint program with an annual industry day and pilot collaboration; Regan says DOT modified the private ferry license for micro freight.

1:14:07 1 min 21 sec

Abreu asks about Blue Highways progress and micro freight

Fredrickson says downtown Skyport construction starts soon for Blue Highways berthing; Regan says pilots tested Pier 79 and East 34th Street dockings.

1:15:28 1 min 11 sec

Banks asks about ferry at Shirley Chisholm Park and state talks

Banks describes his district as an affordable housing hub and transit desert; Wong says there have been no substantive talks with state parks but will follow up.

1:16:39 3 min 3 sec

Banks questions Citi Bike placement and Gateway ferry options

Banks asks about Citi Bike site selection and parking loss; Regan says it is outside his expertise; Banks urges EDC and DOT to consider ferry for Gateway.

1:19:42 1 min 12 sec

Aldebol asks how vision study differs from prior City Island studies

Wong says the vision study looks beyond NYC Ferry to alternative operators, funding models, and seasonal or weekend service.

1:20:54 1 min 6 sec

Aldebol asks about vision study metrics and economic impact

Wong says the study will examine ridership, demographics, transit access, commercial corridors, site suitability, and economic impact.

1:22:00 2 min 27 sec

Aldebol asks about City Island traffic and environmental risks

Wong says the study considers congestion and whether ferry would exacerbate traffic; landings are built resilient to sea level rise but not full resiliency projects.

1:24:27 1 min 5 sec

Thomas-Henry asks about Willets Point transportation study

Thomas-Henry asks if EDC studied transportation access for Willets Point development; Fredrickson says the environmental review likely had a transportation chapter.

1:25:32 1 min 15 sec

Thomas-Henry proposes event-driven ferry model for Willets Point

Thomas-Henry asks why EDC uses a commuter lens instead of an event-driven public-private partnership; Wong says the vision study will explore event activation and private operators.

1:26:47 1 min 54 sec

Thomas-Henry asks about vision study timeline and existing Willets boats

Wong says the vision study is due summer 2027; existing party boats and Mets game vessels show demand; current infrastructure is not accessible; a ferry landing takes about three years.

1:28:41 2 min 16 sec

De La Rosa asks EDC to restudy Inwood ferry service

De La Rosa describes the Inwood rezoning, Dyckman Marina closure, and lack of ferry service; Wong says EDC is looking with fresh eyes at Upper Manhattan sites.

1:30:57 3 min 24 sec

De La Rosa challenges subway competition criteria and urges equity

De La Rosa says the A train is not always functional; Wong says the vision study considers non-commuter and weekend service models; De La Rosa urges an equity lens.

1:34:21 1 min 21 sec

Farias revisits City Island congestion and parking concerns

Farias says Ferry Point has parking and residents already drive there; she doubts City Island would draw excessive cars; Wong says the study considers traffic impacts.

1:35:42 2 min 54 sec

Farias asks about economic impact and vacant commercial corridors

Farias asks if vacant commercial corridors are considered; Wong says the study uses an economic justice lens and cites Red Hook as an example.

1:38:36 2 min 40 sec

Farias asks about Rockaway Rocket pilot and comprehensive plan

Farias asks how seasonal pilots inform long-term landings; Wong says Rockaway Rocket continues and the optimization added a year-round one-seat ride.

1:41:16 1 min 36 sec

Aviles asks who tracks economic impact of ferry in Red Hook

Aviles says EDC should track economic impacts; Wong cites press coverage but no on-the-ground data; Aviles notes visitors often take cabs away.

1:42:52 3 min 24 sec

Aviles questions scale of Blue Highways pilot

Aviles asks about the BMT-Pier 79 pilot; Regan says Dutch X moved micro freight but had logistical issues; Aviles says the pilot is minuscule for freight needs.

1:46:16 47 sec

Aviles asks for public assessment of pier and landing repair

Aviles asks if EDC has a full assessment of assets and will make it public; Fredrickson says he will get specifics and notes landings are incremental new infrastructure.

1:47:03 1 min 29 sec

Phil Wong asks about ferry-seaplane communication

Wong asks if ferries communicate with seaplanes; James Wong says ferry captains use a public channel; Fredrickson says seaplanes radio before landing and coordinate with LaGuardia tower.

1:48:32 3 min 43 sec

Phil Wong questions subsidies and tourist pricing

Wong asks about the $8.79 subsidy and flat fare; James Wong says it is a system-wide average and same fare policy as the subway; EDC offers a $15 two-day tourist pass.

1:52:15 1 min 41 sec

Brooks-Powers asks about Eastern Rockaways ferry access

Brooks-Powers notes EDC previously said expansion was not viable due to the A-Train bridge; Wong says the vision study looks at smaller vessels inside Jamaica Bay.

1:53:56 1 min 39 sec

Brooks-Powers asks how combined Soundview-Rockaway route works

Wong says the one-seat ride benefits Rockaway riders and Bronx or Upper East Side riders; 9% of summer ridership used new connections.

1:55:35 1 min 16 sec

Brooks-Powers asks about Rockaway discount use and outreach

Wong says the discount fare rose only $0.05 to $1.50; there are 30,000 discount participants overall; EDC does outreach through the app and community partners.

1:56:51 1 min 9 sec

Maloney asks who oversees Skyport seaplane base

Fredrickson says the seaplane base is part of the DOC NYC public piers program; the operator ensures licenses and SOPs; EDC oversees the contract.

1:58:00 1 min 26 sec

Maloney asks about safety of East River residents and 1000-foot rule

Fredrickson says the SOP requires takeoff 1,000 feet from shore; pilots have discretion for weather; DOC NYC monitors and can penalize.

1:59:26 59 sec

Maloney probes enforcement of 1000-foot seaplane rule

Fredrickson says DOC NYC contacts operators after the fact; if there is no valid safety reason, penalties are possible; EDC oversees.

2:00:25 59 sec

Maloney asks about 59th Street Bridge overflight enforcement

Fredrickson says pilots enter Class Bravo airspace and must turn around; LaGuardia tower steps in; DOC NYC can revoke a license for repeat offenders.

2:01:24 1 min 36 sec

Maloney asks about seaplane noise monitoring and abatement

Fredrickson says noise abatement is dawn to dusk, nothing overnight; EDC is exploring electric seaplanes and uses ADS-B tracking to monitor flight paths.

2:03:00 1 min 24 sec

Maloney asks when EDC last reviewed seaplane operating area

Fredrickson says seaplanes date to the 1930s and volumes are 30% below pre-pandemic; EDC regularly reviews their role and will follow up on the Community Board 6 plan.

2:04:24 1 min 22 sec

Maloney asks about accident accountability and landing frequency

Fredrickson says first responders and federal investigations handle incidents; the July 5 incident paused operations; there were about 1,400-1,500 landings in the six-month season.

2:05:46 1 min 29 sec

Maloney asks about seaplane revenue and DOT registration

Fredrickson says the seaplane base generates about $300,000 annually; DOT says oversight is entirely EDC, FAA, and Coast Guard; registration is with NY State DOT.

2:07:15 2 min 25 sec

Maloney asks why vision plan is delayed and how it affects budget

Maloney notes the vision plan is delayed to summer 2027; EDC cites new administration coordination; funding models are undetermined and EDC is open-minded on the next RFP.

2:09:40 2 min 1 sec

Maloney asks about public contracts and seaplane KPIs

EDC says contracts can be FOILed; some SOPs are security-sensitive; seaplane SOPs can be public; EDC focuses on safety and access and will follow up on metrics.

2:11:41 3 min 12 sec

Aldebol asks about City Island tourism and connections

Aldebol says a ferry could serve commuters, beach, park, and tourism; EDC says the study will assess site suitability and routing, including connections to Soundview and Ferry Point.

2:14:53 2 min 14 sec

Maloney asks about investigations of party boat and seaplane incidents

Maloney cites June party yacht and July seaplane incidents; Fredrickson says federal investigations are typical and Acadian operated the seaplane; he will follow up on the excursion vessel.

2:17:07 40 sec

Maloney compares seaplane revenue to ferry advertising potential

Maloney notes the seaplane base earns $300,000 while ferry exterior advertising could earn $2 million; Fredrickson says revenue is one piece and the focus is transportation options.

2:17:47 2 min 18 sec

Farias asks about four-point securement and staff training

Farias asks about wheelchair securement and training; EDC says vessels have two-point securement and it is exploring four-point; staff training is provided and language signage is coming.

2:20:05 2 min 41 sec

Farias asks about audio/visual announcements and East 34th terminal

Farias notes missed ferries due to yelling; EDC says $75 million is allocated for East 34th redesign and interim barrier removal; wants accessibility at all landings.

2:22:46 1 min 42 sec

Maloney closes agency testimony and opens public testimony

Maloney requests contracts, excuses the panel, and opens the public hearing with instructions on decorum, appearance cards, two-minute limits, and written testimony.

2:24:28 3 min 1 sec

Assemblymember Benedetto supports City Island ferry

Benedetto helped bring ferry service to Ferry Point Park and says extending to City Island would boost tourism and access to Pelham Bay Park; he suggests future Orchard Beach and Co-op City service.

2:27:29 3 min 22 sec

Mateo Lawman presents HeliTracker for helicopter and seaplane noise

A high school sophomore built a Raspberry Pi system to log helicopter noise and identify aircraft; he shared data with Congressman Latimer and is adapting it for seaplanes near Waterside Plaza.

2:30:51 2 min 56 sec

Janet Handel describes seaplane safety gaps at Waterside

The Waterside Tenants Association president says 250,000 residents live along the East River and 2,412 seaplane operations occurred in one 2022 period; pilots use visual flight rules and she demands an independent safety review.

2:33:47 2 min 18 sec

Diane Park says seaplanes no longer appropriate on East River

A Waterside resident says the waterfront transformed from industrial to residential; the July hard landing and close calls with ferries and the power plant show seaplanes are unsafe; no reevaluation in decades.

2:36:05 1 min 48 sec

Miriam Applebaum describes seaplane noise impacts on health and schools

A Waterside resident says noise disrupts homes and schools; she recorded 97 decibels and notes WHO/EPA recommend 55 outside schools; there is no evidence noise abatement is enforced.

2:37:53 11 min 40 sec

Tyler Taba of Waterfront Alliance supports ferry expansion bills

Waterfront Alliance supports NYC Ferry expansion and Intros 1032, 704, and 846; it seeks clarity on DOT versus EDC for Willets Point and will submit full testimony.

2:49:33 4 min 10 sec

Assemblywoman Hooks urges Willets Point ferry stop

Hooks says the area has LaGuardia, the Mets, a soccer stadium, museums, and 2,500 housing units; the 7 train is overtaxed; she asks EDC to study the existing dock near LaGuardia for ferry service.

2:53:43 2 min 51 sec

Michael Ring calls for accessible bus stops and signage at ferry landings

The Disabled in Action vice president says ferries are hard to find; he urges an accessible bus stop at every landing, signage from the curb, and OMNY integration, citing Sydney and Vancouver.

2:56:34 2 min 21 sec

Kathleen Collins demands disability consultation and four-point securement

The Disabled in Action treasurer says the disability community must be consulted before decisions; Local Law 68 requires four-point securement; she calls for accessible kiosks, audio, and visual announcements.

2:58:55 2 min 49 sec

Monica Bartley describes wheelchair safety problems on NYC Ferry

Bartley says wheelchair spaces are occupied by sightseers and there is no four-point securement; brakes are insufficient; she urges clear spaces, staff training, secure ramps, and City Island ferry service.

3:01:44 2 min 19 sec

Jean Ryan says NYC Ferry has regressed on wheelchair securement

The Disabled in Action president says the 2005 law required four-point securement, but Hornblower ferries have only two-point and workers never secure wheelchairs; nothing changed after meetings.

3:04:03 2 min 27 sec

Jabril Jallo supports Canarsie Pier ferry

The Flossie Organization founder says Canarsie's waterfront has unrealized potential; two mayoral administrations failed to deliver; he urges passage of Intro 704 to revitalize the pier and reconnect families.

3:06:30 3 min 29 sec

Elizabeth Valdez calls for four-point securement and accessible landings

The Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled advocate says boarding is only part of an accessible trip; she urges four-point securement, staff training, step-free routes, and accessible ticket machines.

3:09:59 1 min 55 sec

Michael Shanley says City Island needs ferry investment

A 31-year City Island resident says the main street has shuttered shops and little foot traffic; he feels unconnected and says a ferry would help retirees and families visit other boroughs.

3:11:54 2 min 20 sec

Kim Woodruff says City Island ferry would help families and businesses

A City Island mom and ice cream shop owner says a ferry would expand high school options, reduce commutes, and bring foot traffic; she addresses parking and cost concerns and wants Main Street thriving.

3:14:14 2 min 27 sec

Lauren Nye presents research supporting City Island ferry study

A fourth-generation resident says City Island has one bridge and the nearest subway is three miles away; she asks the study to count visitors, Heart Island families, and new residents, and to diversify the fleet.

3:16:41 2 min 6 sec

Dan Treiber says ferry would boost City Island businesses

A vintage toy store owner says his Williamsburg flea market thrived when the ferry arrived; he used proceeds to buy a City Island building and says his son's commute would improve.

3:18:47 2 min 43 sec

John Doyle presents petition for City Island ferry

The City Island Rising petition has over 2,500 signatures; 43% of residents commute over an hour; EDC's 2018 study projected a 40% commute reduction; he asks the council to pass Intro 1032.

3:21:30 2 min 43 sec

Roxanne Delgado opposes City Island ferry as inequitable

A resident says the ferry subsidy is high, City Island's median income is over $100,000, and density is low; a previous study found only 225 commuters; she suggests Orchard Beach instead.

3:24:13 2 min 51 sec

Kathy Sebeck says City Island Civic Association opposes ferry location

Sebeck says the testimony portal shows more opposition than eight; a previous council member survey found residents did not want a ferry; she asks the bill to specify Orchard Beach and agrees with EDC's concerns.

3:27:04 2 min

Jesus Perez says East River residents bear seaplane risk

The Manhattan Community Board 6 district manager says seaplanes mostly fly between Manhattan and the Hamptons; residents get noise, risk, and pollution; CB6 has passed resolutions for 30 years and supports Intro 1115.

3:29:04 2 min 46 sec

Katie McCormick describes late-night party boat noise

A City Island resident supports studying ferry service but suggests Orchard Beach; she describes months of 311 complaints about loud music from party boats until 2-4 AM and asks for proactive enforcement.

3:31:50 2 min 38 sec

Kiana Diaz urges ferry service for Inwood and Washington Heights

The Manhattan CB12 district manager says the Inwood rezoning adds 4,000 homes and only the 1 and A trains serve the area; she asks the city to assess Dyckman Street infrastructure and explore routes.

3:34:28 2 min 29 sec

Lillian Krieg asks for community engagement and environmental review

A City Island resident says the bill requires a study then construction within a year; she asks about traffic, parking, flooding, zoning, boaters, and oyster restoration, and wants full transparency and amendments.

3:36:57 2 min 21 sec

Neve Wallace of NYCFC supports Willets Point ferry

The NYCFC communications manager says Etihad Park opens next year and Gotham FC will play there in 2028; ferry service would give fans an alternative to driving and reduce congestion.

3:39:18 2 min 27 sec

Ricardo Garcia opposes City Island ferry, suggests Orchard Beach

The City Island Civic Association vice president says infrastructure and parking are inadequate; he recommends Orchard Beach with 5,000 parking spaces and transit access, which would serve the broader Northeast Bronx.

3:41:45 1 min 44 sec

Stephen DeFiori supports City Island ferry for commute and economy

A Pelham Bay resident and union member says a ferry would cut commutes, revitalize businesses, and reduce car traffic; the Bronx has the least developed ferry routes; he urges passage of Intro 1032.

3:43:29 40 sec