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.
Councilor Brooks-Powers.
Thank you, Chairs, and it's good to see you all here today, EDC, with new leadership and folks there.
I'm hoping that there'll be some exciting news as it pertains to the ferry expansion.
So in 2024, EDC told this council that expanding ferry service further into the Rockaways was not viable, mostly because ferries can't fit under the A-Train bridge.
Since then, the Eastern Rockaways have continued to grow, and EDC has redesigned the whole ferry network.
Has EDC taken a new look at the Eastern Rockaways?
So we are looking at it as part of the vision study, and we're looking at it with a broader set of parameters than we have in the past.
You're absolutely right that our vessels cannot fit under the A-Train bridge, the vessels that we have, which go out to the rockerways, which have to be large enough to get out there safely and carry the passengers.
So while our existing fleet does not get under that bridge, by looking at this through the vision, we're trying to see are there other ways that we can connect neighborhoods to their waterfronts.
And so maybe there are smaller vessels.
Maybe they only stay inside Jamaica Bay.
Maybe they connect to Beach 108th Street for continuing service.
We're trying to map out all the different opportunities and what they might cost and how feasible they are.
I really appreciate hearing that.
I will say after four years of hearing no, just hearing the openness is definitely welcome.