| Low Tide 2:19am | High Tide 8:04am | Low Tide 2:37pm | High Tide 8:30pm* |
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For a map of vessels navigating the NY/NJ waterways at this moment, check marinetraffic.com.
Tide times above are for the waters off St. George, Staten Island on April 6, 2012. For your waterfront's daily tides,
go to saltwatertides.com.
For information about environmental conditions (currents, water temperature, salinity, wave height, etc.) of the New York Harbor area, check the Urban Ocean Observatory at Stevens Institute's Center for Maritime Systems
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TAKE ACTION
| Is there a plan in public review that you should know about? Important meetings you might want to attend? TAKE ACTION HERE!
JOIN the South Street Seaport Museum
Sixteen galleries are open. Pioneer has a new transmission and set of sails. Ambrose is refurbished and painted bright red. Professionals are on board in all the departments. To keep this good work going, it is urgent that the Museum has the support of every one of us in the maritime community. Click here and look for the membership box on the left.
COMMENT on the Jamaica Bay Plan The Jamaica Bay CSO Waterbody/
Watershed Plan is the latest in a series of water quaiity improvement plans for the city put forth by the NYC DEP and the NYS DEC. Click here to read the plan and here, by April 13, to send comments.
The NYC Dept. of City Planning is proposing revisions to the Waterfront Revitalization Plan, which affects the long-term strategies of Vision 2020. Give your input on WRP changes by June 4, 2012. Click here for details.
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Events on the Waterfront
Click on the links for more
information about these events.
A detailed calendar of events
may be found at www.waterfrontalliance.org/calendar |
April 12
Forum: Development of East River Esplanade
6p, NYU Langone Medical Center, Alumni Hall Auditorium, 550 First Ave. (31st St)
April 14
Presentation: Hudson River Dredging
7p, Beczak Environmental Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers
April 15
Walk: CSO Tour of East River Blueway
1p, meet under the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side, near South and Dover Streets
April 17
Films: All About Tugs
6p, Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th St.
Presentation: Water Quality of the Gowanus Canal
7p, Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street (near 5th Ave), Brooklyn
April 22
Volunteer: Clean Up the Gowanus Canal
All day
Meeting: Saving PortSide NewYork
6:30p, Long Island College Hospital, 339 Hicks Street, Brooklyn
April 28
Swim Meet and Benefit: Asphalt Green's Big Swim
Asphalt Green, 91st Street/York Ave.
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
| Have a boat to sell?
A maritime job opening to post? Place your free water-related classified ad in WaterWire. Contact asimko@waterfrontalliance.org
National Wildlife Federation
NWF is seeking an individual or firm to build programmatic presence in New York City and engage leaders and organizations to connect kids and nature. The assignment includes conducting outreach to schools, organizing special events and press conferences, recruiting volunteers, speaking at events, and documenting progress. This assignment is for five months with the potential of renewal. To apply, send a resume and cover letter describing qualifications that should include 5+ years education and organizing experience. Experience working with NYC schools and knowledge of conservation, education and sustainability issues is a plus. Send information to maxwelle@nwf.org |
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Join Our List
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| CONTENTS: April 6, 2012 | Waterfront Organizations Express Strong Objections to New EPA Rule
Groups call for Environmental Protection Agency to rescind new restrictions
NYC EDC seeks a single operator for seven berthing facilities around the City
Hoboken Acts to Protect and Improve Access to the Water
New waterfront esplanade opens; would-be waterfront developer is sued
Everything you always wanted to know about tugboats
Meet Some MWA Partners!
Newslinks
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WATERFRONT GROUPS OBJECT TO NEW EPA RULES
| | EPA Policy Change has Negative Repercussions for Many
A recent change in Environmental Protection Agency policy regarding how Clean Water Act Section 320 funds may be spent has elicited an unusually strong protest from numerous waterfront organizations in New York and New Jersey, and from the Citizens Advisory Committee of the EPA-authorized NY-NJ Harbor Estuary Program.
The new grant condition, adopted by the EPA less than a month ago, forbids the use of funds to support "the placement of pilings or platforms in open waters, near shore waters or wetlands" or "the placement of fill, except for oyster bed and eel grass projects."
The problem is, many waterfront projects underway or being planned entail placement in the water. The new restrictions imperil funding of many elements of Vision 2020: New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan developed by the Bloomberg Administration and the Hudson Raritan Estuary Comprehensive Restoration Plan developed by the NY-NJ HEP, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Army Corps of Engineers NY District, not to mention EPA's own innovative Urban Waters Initiative which offers grants to help communities restore their local waterways. With this new proviso from the EPA, using clean, dredged material for ecosystem restoration, creation of coastal wetlands and improvement of the shoreline is prohibited. The building of new docks is curtailed and public access to the waterfront restricted. Believing that small-scale building in the water to promote restoration, education, recreation and water-based economic development to be a necessity, representatives from maritime organizations in both states are calling upon Judith Enck, the EPA's Regional Administrator, to reverse the new restriction. "We're concerned about the policy, since it would seem to disqualify exactly the kinds of projects so many of our members are interested in -- especially small docks and restoration projects that promote public access to the water," said Rob Buchanan, co-chair of the Harbor Estuary Program Citizens Advisory Committee and president of the Village Community Boathouse. "We've written the Regional Administrator about it, and look forward to a good discussion and outcome." The EPA spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Speaking on behalf of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, MWA president Roland Lewis said, "We hope the new prohibition will be rescinded. In one of the the most densely built and vibrant harbors in the entire world, we must build in an ecologically sound manner on and in the water in order to promote better access to the water. What we all should be working toward is building in the most environmentally responsible fashion." |
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CITY SEEKS SINGLE OPERATOR FOR 7 BERTHING SITES
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| Comprehensive Approach to Improve Efficiency & Service
With the release of a Request for Proposals to operate seven new berthing sites around New York Harbor, the NYC Economic Development Corporation is taking an important step to address the City's longstanding shortage of maritime facilities. The RFP asks for one operator to manage, license, market and, where necessary, improve the following berthing facilities:
- West Harlem Piers Park Excursion Pier and Spud Barge, Manhattan
- Pier 36 (Lower East Side, East River), Manhattan
- Skyport Marina (23rd Street, East River), Manhattan
- A portion of Atlantic Basin, Brooklyn
- Pier 4 at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn
- Homeport Pier, Staten Island
- Stuyvesant Cove mooring location, Manhattan
Maritime advocates say this comprehensive, coordinated approach to City-owned piers will allow captains and shipping managers to choose the best possible berthing locations for their vessels. From the City's perspective, maritime uses at each location can be optimized and services throughout the Harbor better coordinated. The EDC also says that not only will this approach allow for more space to be created for vessels, more locations will be opened up for community programming.  For context, readers may be interested in the EDC's thorough evaluation of the City's maritime infrastructure and barge, tug and ship repair industries -- the Maritime Support Services Location Study (cover shot of the Brooklyn Navy Yard at right) -- published five years ago. "In recent years, the complexity, expense and hassle of operating and docking in our harbor has caused many vessels to use other ports," said Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance president/CEO Roland Lewis. "The new RFP for a docking operator can be a game changer to reverse this trend and once again roll out the maritime welcome mat." As Captain John Doswell of the Working Harbor Committee noted, this sort of proactive effort to attract vessels to the New York waterfront is something that the historic and educational ship community has been seeking a long time. "Tall ships, historic vessels, educational and research boats and a diverse array of other vessels -- large and small, local or visiting -- collectively bring richness to our lives and help celebrate the working harbor that made New York City great," he said. "New York has always been a city that revolves around its waterways for trade, jobs, recreation, and natural beauty", said Edward J. Kelly, executive director of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ. "Our Port is truly an economic engine for our region, and also serves as a strategic gateway for the interior of the nation." Those interested in optional information sessions and site visits on April 12 and 13 should RSVP to berthoperatorrfp@nycedc.com by April 10. Responses are due by 4pm on May 11, 2012. |
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PROTECTIVE OF ITS WATERFRONT, HOBOKEN TAKES ACTION
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| City Opens New Waterfront Esplanade Segment and Sues Would-Be Waterfront Developer
 Edging Weehawken Cove at the north boundary of Hoboken, a new section of waterfront esplanade connecting Hoboken to Weehawken opened on April 3. Dignitaries gathered for a ribbon-cutting (at left, Mayor Richard Turner of Weehawken and Mayor Dawn Zimmer of Hoboken are flanked by VIPs), ribbing each other about who was going to pay for what in the shared expenses of the walkway. Its construction overseen by the Hudson County Division of Planning, the new $3.2 million walkway closes another gap in the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. When completed, the Walkway will stretch more than 18 miles from Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge.  At right, Marie Alberian and Ruth Elsasser celebrated the opening of the new Hoboken-to-Weehawken esplanade, 42 years after Ms. Elsasser founded the Weehawken Environmental Committee and began bothering bureaucrats for access to the water. "This was quite an undertaking. Local residents have worked hard for this," said Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, who said until now the north end of Hoboken and the south end of Weehawken had always been "a no-man's land." Meanwhile, the City of Hoboken has sued Shipyard Associates over its plan to build two 11-story residential buildings on a pier at the north end of Hoboken, claiming the developer is ignoring a commitment to build public open space on the pier. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection issued a permit to Shipyard Associates in December 2011, but in February 2012 the Hudson County Planning Board denied the developer's application. The Hoboken City Council and Mayor Zimmer oppose the development, as does Fund for a Better Waterfront, a nonprofit organization that works to create a public park along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. |
ALL ABOUT TUGBOATS: INSIDE THE TUGBOAT INDUSTRY
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|  An Evening of Documentary Films About Our Favorite Vessels, With Commentary by Captains and Crew Sturdy. Jaunty. Dependable. Everyone loves tugboats! But what's it like to steer a heavy barge by tug through the busy harbor? Find out when the Working Harbor Committee presents "All About Tugboats: Inside the Tugboat Industry."
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In the wheelhouse. Photo from "Tugging Through Time, the History of New York Harbor Tugboats" by Tom Garber.
Credit: Third Wave Films
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The April 17 program will feature three films: the documentary "Tugs" by Jessica Edwards, a second documentary "Tugging Through Time: the History of New York Harbor Tugboats" by Tom Garber, and a 1948 Disney Little Toot cartoon. After the films, a panel of tug captains, crew, owners and other tugboat professionals will take questions from the audience.
The Working Harbor Committee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the history and present-day importance of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Since 2002 WHC has taken more than 20,000 people on Hidden HarborŪ boat tours to visit behind-the-scenes waterfront places that most people never get the chance to see. "Tugboats are always the biggest hit," said Captain John Doswell, the organization's executive director. WHC also runs the annual New York Harbor Tugboat Race in September. "People always ask what it is like to be on board. Our 'All About Tugs' program will answer that question."
The event begins at 6pm on Tuesday, April 17 at the Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street. For details and to purchase tickets $25 ($20 for seniors), visit www.workingharbor.org or call 212-757-1600. Seating is limited; advance purchase is recommended. |
| MWA PARTNER SPOTLIGHT |
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Expanding every week, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance is more than a coalition; it's a force. We are ferry captains, shipping executives, park directors, scientists, sailors, paddlers, swimmers, teachers, urban planners, architects and more. Together, we advocate for the best possible waterfront in the best possible city, a waterfront that is clean and accessible to all, with a robust maritime workforce and efficient, affordable waterborne transportation. Join us! Contact Louis Kleinman at lkleinman@waterfrontalliance.org. Meet some Partners of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance:
- Fairway Market http://www.fairwaymarket.com
Groceries and provisions at affordable price. - Ferry Point Civic Association http://www.ferrypoint.org
The Ferry Point Civic Association, Inc. (FPCA) was incorporated in 2004 by a group of homeowners who wished to take a more active role in their community. - Fire Island Association http://www.fireislandassociation.org The Fire Island Association represents the interests of the owners of properties and businesses within the Fire Island National Seashore, Long Island, NY.
- Friends of Hunter's Point South
Friends of Hunters Point South is a community-based volunteer organization focusing on helping our neighborhood develop in a greener, safer and more environmental conscious manner. (back to top)
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| WATERFRONT NEWSLINKS |
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City wants to blow bubbles in Newtown Creek; Environmentalists say plan stinks"The city wants to blow bubbles into Newtown Creek in an effort to clean the polluted waterway, but activists fear the plan will dispense foul sewage fumes into the air..."The Brooklyn Paper, April 5, 2012 A room with a (water) view"...Every borough has its own waterfront, and places along their shores are some of the best-selling properties in the city..."am New York, April 5, 2012 Lower Manhattan's Titanic trail"It will be 100 years come April 15 since the opulent ocean liner Titanic hit an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland and sank at 2:20 a.m., killing more than 1,500 people. But not all vestiges of that tragedy are at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Some are in Manhattan..."Downtown Express, April 4, 2012 Seal watchers find lots to see -- in New York City!"...Some of the 100 passengers on deck train their cameras and binoculars on the endangered bird, but most are waiting to see the tour's star attraction: the harbor seals..."Daily News, April 1, 2012 Speed up review of Bayonne Bridge reconstruction plan, NY senators urge"New York's two senators yesterday publicly called on federal officials to expedite the environmental review of the Bayonne Bridge so construction to raise its roadway deck to 215 feet can begin as soon as possible..."SI Live, March 30, 2012 Staten Island waterfront development plans clear a regulatory hurdle"A proposed makeover for Staten Island and the city's waterfronts unveiled last year has moved closer to reality with revised regulations and ecological guidelines..."SI Live, March 28, 2012 Gowanus CAG Requests Water Reclassification"The Gowanus Superfund Community Adisory Group (CAG) passed a resolution Tuesday night requesting that the water in the canal be reclassified by the EPA to limit pathogens..." Patch, March 29, 2012
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