NYC Ferry
Residents in southeast Brooklyn complain of few transit options and packed, lengthy commutes, but the administration is opposing ferry expansion — leaving most stops in affluent, white neighborhoods.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation displaces TopView across the harbor, citing “unprecedented growth of maritime industry.”
The Economic Development Corporation has launched a search for potential new ferry operators — with a goal to make money instead of being completely buoyed by tax dollars.
The per-ride cost is going up by $1.25, but new discounts will make voyages cheaper for many New Yorkers who don’t currently show up at ferry docks.
In a scathing report, building on THE CITY’s reporting, Brad Lander accused the Economic Development Corporation of playing “hide the ball” on ferry finances.
NYC Economic Development Corporation told southern Brooklyn residents and elected officials this week that the previous administration underestimated difficulties involved in the project.
De Blasio gave $23 million in aid to keep the ailing boat network afloat before leaving office last year, as expansion plans cruise ahead.
Despite a pandemic ridership plummet and city budget woes, boats remain on course for route expansions to Staten Island, Manhattan’s west side and Coney Island — with a torrent of additional funding from the NYC Economic Development Corporation.
Mercury, PCBs, lead, dioxins and pesticides lurk in two possible Coney Island Creek dock locations, environmental impact documents show.
The Durst Organization’s proposal would extend the Astoria NYC Ferry route to the 90th Street dock in Yorkville – at public expense.
Mark Patricof, a member of the Economic Development Corp.’s board, advised a buyout of NYC Ferry parent company Hornblower last year.
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NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer has sent back an $82 million plan to buy new boats, questioning the integrity of the EDC’s selection process.
After THE CITY revealed the high cost of EDC’s decision to buy boats for a new system, Scott Stringer called for a Transportation Dept. takeover.
Taxpayers are poised to pay for a bevy of ferry boats – a cost that might have been avoided had officials picked another bidder, documents show.
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