What We’ve Heard
We’ve collected visions and ideas from stakeholders with specific interests in the waterfront and New Yorkers who live, work, or enjoy the waterfront.
New Yorkers want more opportunities to get close to—and into—the city’s water bodies. This includes improving the design of public spaces and strengthening the connection between the waterfront and nearby upland areas. Stewards of waterfront spaces are well aware of the vast benefits the waterfront offers and they want to expand stewardship programs to better connect New Yorkers to the natural environment. New Yorkers are deeply concerned about sea level rise but they envision a resilient future. New Yorkers embrace the diversity of the waterfront and they believe that City initiatives—whether for recreation, restoration, jobs, or housing—must reflect the needs of local communities and unique conditions across the city.
“With over 520 miles of waterfront, we could have it all. Beaches, fishing, parks, volleyball and slick, quiet ferries moving millions of people leaving a wakeless trail.”
“Increase ADA accessibility with ramps, wider turning areas, and docks that support disabled human-powered boaters.”
“A healthy waterfront is a working waterfront -- that supports the movement of goods with clean freight and industry -- and one that sets back urban development with continuous, connected open space for recreation and a diversity of habitats.”
“My ideal waterfront is one that is equally as beneficial to NYC residence as it is to the organisms living there.”
In a few words, tell us how your experience on the NYC Ferry has affected your perspective of the NYC waterfront. “It is amazing to have a different perspective from the water, and I began to realize how massive the East River and other areas of our waterways are.”
Imagine it is the year 2050. In a few words, tell us what a restored coastal ecosystem looks like in your borough. “Full of wildlife and natural flood mitigation combined with recreational opportunities.”
Tell us about your experience with waterfront recreation since New York State has been on PAUSE to combat the spread of COVID-19. “I have spent more time in Calvert Vaux Park than previously as social distancing is easy and I am fostering two dogs who love walking there.”
Imagine it is the year 2050. In a few words tell us what an adapted waterfront looks like in your borough. “Soft and natural, with green/blue features dominating the waterfront and public access as a priority. Working waterfronts would be part of this vision, but only in net zero carbon and eco-industrial park form.”
“More beaches and docks than fences. Plenty of places to physically touch the water all throughout the boroughs. Industrial areas should probably be exempt from public walking through, but that means that parks, residential and commercial waterfronts must do the job of providing access to touch the water.”
“Make waterfront park designs with a universal design in which the main features are accessible to all, including people with physical disabilities. For example, design parks with the least amount of stairs as possible.”
“I would like to see more waterfront parks in the Bronx with educational and cultural programming for families and the local community.”
