Stephen DeFiori supports City Island ferry for commute and economy

And the last testimony is from Stephen DiFiori.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

Thank you for this very informative meeting.

My name is Stephen DeFiori.

I am a city worker, a proud union member from DC 37, local 1113, and lifelong resident of Palin Bay, which neighbors City Island.

I'm one of the 350 people who have sent a letter to the council in support of Intro 1032 to begin the process of putting a ferry on City Island.

There are many reasons why I support this bill, and I will illuminate three.

Firstly, a ferry on City Island will cut commute times for its residents working in other boroughs.

Currently, residents of the island have to either drive or take a bus to Palin Bay Station, where they transfer to any number of bus lines or the 6 train, and may still require another transfer after that, depending on where in the city they work.

Secondly, City Island is in dire need of economic revitalization.

Unfortunately, many businesses that once adorned City Island Avenue have shut their doors due to a lack of customer traffic, resulting in lower revenues for their businesses.

However, a ferry stop would make a usually inaccessible part of the city open to many more people.

City Island is a beautiful community with arguably some of the best views in the city and unarguably the best seafood restaurants in the city.

A ferry stop here would be a huge economic benefit to these great businesses, reduce car traffic on the island, and allow more New Yorkers to experience this legendary part of the Bronx.

Lastly, the Bronx has the least developed ferry routes in the city.

For too long, residents of the Bronx have been an afterthought in a variety of services and resources.

We deserve it.

So, so much better.

That is why I hope you will pass Intro 1032 to begin this process.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.