NYCEDC’s plan to replace the aging Hunters Point South ferry landing is now in a public comment period with the Army Corps of Engineers, running through July 13. The design under review looks little like the one that drew community backlash in 2022.
Growth Creates Issues
The HPS landing has experienced 44% ridership growth since 2019 and has the fourth-highest ridership among non-Manhattan landings. A traditional in-place replacement was ruled out due to tunnels and water depths beneath the site. The existing landing is near the end of its useful life.
How the Site Was Chosen
EDC studied four locations: along the esplanade, a modified design at the existing location, a site near 55th Ave/Luminescence, and a lower walkway near the Outdoor Gym.
A community survey of roughly 2,000 respondents, overwhelmingly residents, found nearly unanimous support for maintaining a ferry landing in Hunters Point South Park. Respondents ranked their top priorities as not disturbing tranquil areas of the park and minimizing changes to the park, ahead of accommodating ridership demand.
The modified-design option at the existing location was the most popular initial choice, but it carries constructability and operational concerns. With that option effectively ruled out, the esplanade option ranked highest among the remaining feasible choices.
What Changed Since 2022
The original 2022 plan called for a 350-passenger barge and gangway system that critics said would block sightlines from the Oval. The revised design includes:
- No canopy, to preserve views
- The landing moved roughly 10 additional feet from the esplanade to ease noise, air quality, and view concerns
- A new protected, cantilevered walkway to move ferry queuing off the esplanade
- Two gangways, improving passenger flow and emergency egress
- The existing landing repurposed into a viewing deck with a metal walkway
Timeline
Completion is tentatively slated for summer/fall 2027, with a winter 2027 notice to proceed for construction.
How to Comment
- Public notice: bit.ly/HPS_PublicNotice
- Submit comments: bit.ly/HPS_Ferry or email Christopher.W.Minck@usace.army.mil
- Include project ID “NAN2022-00658-MMI” in your comments.
- Deadline: July 13.
Randy Plemel
Publisher
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The founder and publisher of the Hunters Point Ledger, a newsletter covering Hunters Point South and Long Island City. He serves on Queens Community Board 2, and all views are his own.
