Farias describes City Island's transit isolation and vacant storefronts

Today, I am bringing that same commitment to City Island.

Since 2023, residents have reached out to my office about the possibility of ferry service to City Island.

I have spoken with residents and local business owners, and as someone who has lived in the Bronx my entire life and regularly spends time on the island, I understand both its unique character and the challenges that come with getting there.

City Island is one of the Bronx's most distinctive destinations with a rich maritime history, waterfront restaurants, fishing opportunities, and independent businesses that contribute to our borough's identity.

Yet, access to the island remains heavily dependent on traveling by car or bus, with one way in and one way out, might I add.

Earlier this year, News 12 reported that more than 20 storefronts on City Island were vacant, and many of those have remained vacant for decades.

This should give us pause.

We need to ask what more New York City can do to support these commercial corridors.

attract customers, and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

Ferry service should be an integral part of that conversation.

A connection to the citywide ferry network yields that promise of a broader customer base to the city islands, restaurants, shops, and waterfront attractions.

It could also provide residents with another transportation option for commuting and accessing essential services while giving visitors an alternative to driving taxis or limited bus service.

We should be looking for ways to support economic activity without requiring every additional visitor to arrive by car.

Improved transit access presents an opportunity to strengthen local businesses while examining ways to ease our roadway congestion.

My office has heard directly from Bronxites and City Islanders alike, all who want the city to explore this possibility.