Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance

[Source: Brooklyn Resident Mary Ann Lento, 1/23/08]

I protest the suspension of ferry service between Brooklyn Army Terminal and Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan.

Together we are a powerful constituent base, a powerful tax base and a loyal downtown workforce.

The riders of the Brooklyn Army Terminal Ferry are reaching out to our elected officials to help us in our crusade to save the ferry service to Lower Manhattan.

For the hundreds of Brooklyn and Queens Residents who take the ferry, we implore you to take up the cause of this important service impacts our ability to live, work and pay taxes in New York City.

[Source: Times Ledger]

Although politicians may not always be able to walk on water, two city councilmen are trying to increase funding so you can commute on it.

Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) and Councilman David Yassky (D-Brooklyn) called on the city to increase funding for and awareness of the New York City Water Taxi service that runs between Manhattan and Brooklyn and Queens at a news conference Saturday in Williamsburg.

[…]

The Sunset Ridge Waterfront Alliance, a Brooklyn-based advocate group, praised Gioia and Yassky for taking the initiative. The group said government subsidies would not only lower the $5 one-way fare for the water taxis, it would save the city millions in eased congestion.

“The taxis are greener for the city, because they get people off the roads and on the water. This initiative has bipartisan support,” said Heather McGown, the founder of the alliance.

East River Service will Shut Down for Winter Without Intervention

In a blow for Brooklyn and Queens waterfront residents, New York Water Taxi’s East River service will be suspended for the winter months due to insufficient revenue. Councilmembers David Yassky (D-Brooklyn) and Eric Gioia (D-Queens) are calling for the city to step in to provide ferry service as an alternate to other mass transit.

SRWA founder and Executive Director Heather McCown started circulating a petition to restore ferry service to the Bay Ridge 69th Street Pier Ferry Terminal in July of 2007. Within months the petition had been signed by over 1,400 residents of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park.
The SRWA petition has carried over to the internet, via The […]

The SRWA Ferry Initiative is dedicated to bringing ferry service back to the 69th St. Pier in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, as a viable and feasible transportation alternative.  The history of ferry service to this borough dates back to the late 1800’s.  Please see the link below for more:
The History of Ferry Service in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
By […]

[Letter to DOT Congestion Mitigation Committee]

Dear Commission Members:

I was honored to speak at the Hunter College hearings on Congestion Pricing on October, 25th, 2007. I realize that you are meeting tomorrow to discuss your summary of comments from the public. I have attached two items for your review; my letter to Mayor Bloomberg on Oct. 1, 2007 that was mailed with a petition of 1,400 signatures in support of ferry service, and a ferry initiative outline from my non-profit Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance.

New York City is undergoing a transformation to become a more “sustainable” place for all residents. Sustainability is a term that represents a more environmentally and socially responsible way of living, from transportation choices to energy usage to food choices.
SRWA is committed to engaging the community to live in a more sustainable way. We […]

Quick facts about restoring Bay Ridge Ferry service:

Decreased automobile traffic into and out of Manhattan
More transportation options for NYC residents
Reduced commute time into Manhattan
Reduced health consequences from airborne pollution
Reduced impact of greenhouse gas emissions
A ferry terminal already exists at 69th St., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Inspiring New Yorkers to re-connect with our waterways and urban environment
What a […]

[SRWA Press Release]

Next Tuesday, November 13, 2007, the Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance is hosting a lunch-cruise for local elected officials from Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The lunch is from 1:00-2:00pm. The boat will leave promptly at 1:15pm from the dock.

A brief presentation on ferry service as a viable transportation alternative will ensue, followed by an open discussion over lunch and refreshments.