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Public feedback is stronger if it isn’t simply copy/pasted, so we encourage you to give your own opinions on the ferry when sending in your comments.
The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy’s mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City, Queens, and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community. One of the most defining features of the waterfront may soon be diminished by a plan to move the Hunter's Point Ferry stop directly in front of the most popular stretch of park for people wishing to enjoy the views of the East River and Manhattan Skyline, a plan that was proposed without any community or stakeholder communication or input.
We believe that public, open, accessible green spaces are the single most important factor in the health and happiness of our community. We know that historically, access to the waterways of NYC has been extremely limited, and there remain few places to enjoy the rivers that surround our communities because of the location of roads, industrial sites, and other infrastructure projects.
The two parks that define the Hunter's Point Waterfront are one of the most appealing and unique features of the neighborhood. Because waterfront access remains an unfortunately rare feature in NYC, people visit from throughout Queens and from all over the city to enjoy the unbeatable views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Three local schools are near the proposed project on Center Blvd, and one has a contract to use the oval next to the proposed landing for recess and gym every day. The long promenade near LIC Landing is filled every summer evening by people photographing the sunset, enjoying the atmosphere, and relaxing in a world-class park. This promenade hosts Macy's VIP section for the annual fireworks, events and film shoots, and wedding and event photography from local residents and visitors every week because of its unmatched views of midtown.
The proposed ferry plan, which was publicized by the Army Corps of Engineers but not sent to any community groups, involves adding a 262 foot docking area directly in front of the park's main waterfront promenade, including adding a 90 foot barge which will dock two 86 foot ferry boats. The plan as presented would have the new barge and boats stretch the entire length of the picnic area at F. Ottomanelli’s by the Water, the park concessionaire. It also seems to suggest an increase in the number and frequency of service, leading to more pollution and more noise, as the ferries are required to signal every time they disembark. The current plan adds a 20 foot Landing Platform that may require moving the existing seating along the promenade, which is popular even on chilly fall afternoons. There are no details in the plan about queuing or other structures for the passenger waiting areas, so it's impossible to know what the overall impact will be. You can read the notice here (https://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Portals/37/docs/regulatory/publicnotices/attachments/NAN-2022-00658-EVI%20Public%20Notice%20(signed).pdf?ver=LJytlRHy6LrRPhwoIEpXWg%3d%3d),
Hunters Point is not like the ferry location directly across the river in Manhattan. There is no highway cutting off access to the water and lessening the impact of noise and limiting the existing views. Unlike Brooklyn Bridge Park’s multiple scenic vantage points that allow views of the city, this proposed location would be directly in front of the most popular and open view in Queens. Hunter's Point South Park is a jewel designed to welcome people to the waterfront, and that should not be compromised. It is a highlight of Queens and NYC’s Park system and should be protected.
We believe that any major project taking place within the neighborhood should engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure the needs of the community are being respected, and would welcome a commitment from EDC to discuss the proposed new location and its impact on the park, environment, and community before this plan is finalized. In order to ensure there is a public comment process, we encourage anyone with concerns about this project to respond to the public notice to call for a public hearing. To help ensure the community is included in conversations about this proposed project, please submit a response to this proposal to Robert.T.Vietri@usace.army.mil. You should include the notice number (NAN-2022-00658-EVI) and a written statement about why you believe there should be a hearing or any concerns you have about the proposed project. The deadline to respond is November 18, 2022.
Google Maps image of Hunters Point Park showing the size of the proposed ferry area and extent of park that will lose unobstructed views of the skyline under this plan.
Screenshot of proposed barge and ferries from Public Notice NAN-2022-00658-EVI issued October 19, 2022
Photography of people enjoying the river and sunset in Hunter’s Point Park South.
Photography of people enjoying the river and sunset in Hunter’s Point Park South.
People enjoying the East River view in Hunter’s Point Park South, October 21, 2022
Queue for the ferry on October 29, 2022.