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.
Hello, my name is Michael Shanley.
I am a lifelong Bronx resident and have lived on City Island for the past 31 years with my wife and family.
I am in full support of a ferry landing on City Island for many, many reasons.
When I first discovered City Island years ago and considered it as a potential place to buy a home and raise my family, I always said that our beautiful little island had so much potential.
Unfortunately, over the past 31 years, we've never reached it.
City Island Avenue today, unfortunately, and I hate to say, looks like a depressed has-been of a town.
There are so many shuttered shop fronts.
The businesses that are opening are really struggling just to keep their doors open.
There's very little foot traffic.
My wife and I are recent retirees, and our plan is to spend our retired years exploring our beautiful city.
Unfortunately, we feel so unconnected to the rest of New York City.
In fact, City Island is often even left off maps of New York City because we don't have a direct subway line.
We feel like we're the forgotten borough.
We need the investment.
We need access.
My oldest son and his wife live in Astoria.
You know, it's so convenient for us to take the ferry, transfer at 98th Street, and go to Astoria, Queens.
The same, we like to visit other boroughs, Brooklyn and Queens and Staten Island, but it just is so much more complicated not having transportation options.
Thank you.
Thank you.