NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Pete Davidson’s decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat has become the root of a feud between two islands who both want the to-be transformed ferry to call it home.
Together with SNL co-star Colin Jost, Davidson purchased the 57-year-old boat in January with plans to turn it into a floating entertainment venue complete with a bar and restaurant. With the intriguing plans for the retired boat, Long Island has made a pitch to Davidson for the vessel to live on its waters.
Last week, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine asked Davidson to consider the central Long Island hamlet.
“While we are well aware of your affinity for your native Staten Island, we welcome you to consider bringing this iconic vessel to a Long Island venue such as Port Jefferson, Patchogue or even Fire Island,” Romaine told the New York Post. “We are confident that Long Islanders seeking entertainment will help keep this new venture ‘afloat.'”
In response to the offer, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella fired back with a snarky comment and a unique offer.
“Staten Island is the right island. Long Island is the wrong island,” Fossella said. “With all due respect, Peter made a movie called the ‘King of Staten Island’ — not the ‘King of Brookhaven.’”
Fossella also promised he would personally sing karaoke on the ferry for a whole year if it remained in Staten Island. But Romaine doesn’t necessarily see the promise as enticing.
“He might drive business away,” Romaine said.
The idea for the 277-foot-long, 2,100-ton vessel to go to Long Island came from Romaine’s friend Kevin Law, Romaine told the Post, as Law, the incoming director of the state Urban Development Corp. told Romaine the boat was looking for a home.
The boat, which was purchased for $280,000 nearly three months ago, has been docked at St. George Ferry terminal until a permanent home where it can be refurbished is found.
As it stands, both islands are still in the running.
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