NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is considering bringing ferry service to LaGuardia Airport and the plan has earned the support of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
The idea would be instead of the LaGuardia AirTrain, which was a favorite of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but has been thrown out by current Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Two bays, Bowery and Flushing, surround the airport and would serve as ferry landings under a proposal from the Port Authority.
"There's currently some infrastructure along the Flushing Bay in which I think with time and investment the Port Authority could certainly invest in," Richards said.
Richards has voiced his support for the proposed ferry, citing climate change as a reason.
"We got to get people out of their cars, you know, Queens was hit very hard by Ida. Climate change is here so whatever ways we can reduce carbon emissions, declog our highways including the BQE and others, it's a good day for Queens when that happens," Richards said.
The ferry service would start along the East River.
"There's more room to include more stops maybe along the Long Island City waterway or Astoria from LaGuardia going up into 14th Street and then into 34th Street in Manhattan," Richards said. "We've talked a long time about continuing to expand use of our waterways across the city, but specifically here in Queens, and we want to get people off the roads."
There will be a public review process.
Critics claim the ferries the city already operates aren't used much and not enough people live close to ferry docks.
"This is one way to ensure we address that, you know, when we have communities who have historically been disinvested in who don't have access to their waterways, you know, we need to ensure we're expanding these specific opportunities," Richards said.
The Queens borough president would also be open to expanded bus service.
Related
Related
Related
