NYC Vision 2020 Waterfront Image From NYC Dept Of City Planning
Blogger Frogma attended last week’s Vision 2020 New York City Waterfront planning session and provides a summary as to what went on. As to Roosevelt Island Frogma reports:
… People on Roosevelt Island, in particular, would like water access; they’d always been told that the currents around there are too dangerous for small boats, and it’s true that they are swift around there, but they’ve had people who know the water look at the situation & find ways it could be done, and they’d like to see that happen. Rob actually asked in his 3 minutes if the phrase “dangerous currents” could please be dropped in future discussions – we do have powerful currents, but with a little knowledge, they aren’t dangerous & in fact allow for some fantastic current-assisted trips (my longest day paddle ever, for example, was about 50 miles – try that without a flood & an ebb helping you out!)….
The NYC Department of Planning will have a copy of the presentation made at the meeting available on their web site soon and advise:
The first citywide public meeting to kick off the outreach process was held on April 8th. A copy of that presentation and a summary of the comments received will be posted to this website shortly. Thanks to all who attended the kick-off meeting.
We will be announcing the next set of public workshops soon! Stay tuned!
Here’s more on the question Why Can’t Roosevelt Islanders Get In The Water (including wonderful Great Big Sea video with the Chieftains) and the potential for a kayak launch from Roosevelt Island. Reminds me of this 2007 post on the lack of Roosevelt Island waterfront access.
I have often passed Roosevelt Island on a Ferry Boat but never a sail boat. The video above illustrates what a great experience it must be. As a waterfront community it is a shame that Roosevelt Island does not take more advantage of being surrounded by the East River. For example, it would be great for a boat house and kayak launch to be established on Roosevelt island as it has been right across the river in Queens at the Long Island City Community Boat House. and at East River Crew on East 96th Street. Several years ago I inquired of RIOC about the possibility of a Kayak launch here and was told that the currents were much too strong to safely permit. But others with practical experience of such matters advised that with proper guidance a kayak launch could readily be created on Roosevelt Island.
Same old, Same old.