As part of the Public Forums series on the NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, the NYC Planning and the Waterfront Alliance hosted a meeting on Ferries, Cruises and Transportation of Humans. There were close to 80 attendees from nonprofit and community groups in NY and NJ, representatives from various maritime industries, government representatives, and citizens with a general interest in the waterfront. Attendees discussed a range of topics, including recreation and public transportation, commerce and economic development, sustainability, and emergency preparedness. The conversation frequently focused on the management and governance of waterways. While there are significant challenges related to levels of management, infrastructure needs and climate change, attendees suggested there’s a great amount of potential for waterborne transportation through its wide variety of co-benefits and its unique and strategic value-add for the city. They noted that taking advantage of this potential depends on increased regional, inter-agency and stakeholder cooperation, better utilization and leverage of public assets, and planning for and investing in climate-resilient, integrated 21st century infrastructure.

View the presentation on Considerations for Ferries [PDF].

Read the notes from the session [PDF].

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