Canarsie community renews calls for ferry stop
A group of Canarsie residents and leaders called for the area to be included in the city's expanding ferry service Sunday, arguing a ferry stop in Canarsie was a matter of transit and economic equality.
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A group of Canarsie residents and leaders called for the area to be included in the city's expanding ferry service Sunday, arguing a ferry stop in Canarsie was a matter of transit and economic equality.
"It has been over a year since our last rally, and we are disappointed by the lack of progress from the current administration," said Jibreel Jalloh, founder of The Flossy Organization behind the rally. "For too long, our community has suffered from limited transportation options, resulting in congestion, longer commutes, and missed opportunities. We must bridge this gap and demand the connectivity we deserve."
Their proposal would extend the current South Brooklyn ferry route to include Canarsie as the final stop of a line that currently ends in Bay Ridge. With transfers, the ride can be taken as far north as Soundview in the Bronx with stops throughout, including in Manhattan.
Jalloh tells News12 that the extension would allow for more ease of access to the borough and is calling for mayor’s office to allow the project to enter its Stage 3 of development and implementation. He says they will also reach out to state and local politicians for grant funding as the project does not just require go-ahead from New York City.
"The ferry is highly subsidized. Even with that reality, they've opened up multiple stops in neighborhoods that are transit-rich like Williamsburg with two stops," said Jallah.
He called Canarsie “a transit desert” – a view shared by members of the business community.
"We only have the L train that's bringing customers in…The ferry would be able to allow from the waterfront access for individuals who have probably never even heard of Canarsie," said Norine Medas, executive director the Canarsie Merchants Association.
Flossy volunteer Sam Deponte said a ferry stop added to his Red Hook neighborhood in 2018 fundamentally changed the area.
"It's cut commute times by half. So getting to Manhattan is easy. It's an enjoyable experience,” he said.
The group says that Mayor Eric Adams supported the measure as Brooklyn borough president. They say now is the time for him to make good on his promise while ridership is booming.
“Why not now? We know the potential here, we got to speak it into existence. We are getting this ferry," Medas said.
In a statement, the New York City Economic Development Corporation's Adrien Lesser said, “NYC Ferry plays an important role as a transit option, and we welcome New Yorkers' advocacy and excitement about NYC Ferry and the recognition about the critical part it plays in our communities. While we currently have no plans for expansion, our focus is on making our current service more accessible, equitable, and financially sustainable through the Adams administration’s Ferry Forward plan.”
