Wong explains public piers program and Pier 36 improvements
EDC manages piers for excursion vessels; DOC NYC handles permitting and safety; at Pier 36, measures include scheduling limits, security, and ticket seller enforcement.
As the steward of much of the city's waterfront, EDC manages New York City's public piers, docks, and wharves supporting excursion vessels, or boats that take passengers out for sightseeing, dining, cultural, educational, and recreation trips.
It also supports offshore construction, tug-in barge operations, and other maritime activity.
Through the DOC NYC program, Billy Bay Marina Services manages day-to-day functions like permitting, scheduling, site coordination, and safety measures, while EDC retains oversight authority.
At Pier 36, where excursion vessel activity has raised community concerns, EDC and DOC NYC have worked directly with Community Board 3, elected officials, and local stakeholders to improve operations.
Measures taken include advanced reservation and scheduling, limits on concentrated late-night departures, additional security, better spacing of arrivals and departures, coordination with nearby events, and improved drop-off management.
DOC NYC, in consultation with EDC, also enforces prohibitions on unauthorized third-party street ticket sellers through investigations and follow-up with operators.
Substantiated violations can result in financial penalties and, for repeat violations, permit termination.