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.
To date, we have currently received over 350 emails and letters in support of expanding ferry service to City Island, including
from folks on the City Island Rising membership and other individual supporters, with the majority representing supporters of this legislation.
In comparison, to date, I have received eight expressions of opposition and or amendments to this legislation.
The level of support we have received from the people who have personally taken the time to engage with my office on this proposal underscores the importance of evaluating all potential benefits through this comprehensive feasibility study.
We must listen to concerns and consider the potential impacts, but we must also recognize
the interest in exploring a transportation investment that could benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
And while I have the opportunity, I want to clarify the scope of Intro 1032.
I encourage everyone to read the bill in its entirety because this legislation calls for the evaluation of potential landing sites on or adjacent to City Island.
If a suitable location is identified, the bill also establishes a process for site selection, design, and construction with ferry service to follow upon completion.
While previous administrations and the New York City Economic Development Corporation has studied City Island and Orchard Beach and reached their own determinations, we should continue exploring broader waterfront
broader waterfronts given the success we have had with ferry service at Soundview and Ferry Point Park.
We should not assume that the existing ferry network, including the Soundview and Ferry Point landings, represents the full extent of what is possible for the Bronx.
We need to evaluate additional waterfront opportunities and consider their potential transportation, economic, environmental, and tourism benefits.
That's precisely why a feasibility study is necessary to understand which locations may be suitable, what infrastructure and investment would be required, how ferry service could affect
local businesses and commuters, and what environmental considerations we can address along the way.
In the interest of making informed decisions based on evidence and community input, I have drafted Intro 1032 to effectively fulfill that.
And before I conclude, I do want to reinforce a few important points about the scope and intent of Intro 1032.
The legislation does not predetermine a ferry landing location.
It requires the city to evaluate potential sites on or adjacent to City Island, considering their feasibility and impacts on the surrounding community.
Critically, it goes beyond a study by establishing a process for site selection, design, construction, and ultimately ferry service if a suitable location is identified.