We testified before the New York City Council in Support of an Office of the Waterfront

The New York City Council and its various committees meet regularly about all kinds of stuff that affect the everyday lives of New Yorkers. On April 17th, the Committee on Economic Development discussed legislation proposed by Council Member Debi Rose to establish an Office of the Waterfront, and we packed the house to testify before the Council, along with our friends from Billion Oyster Project, Riverkeeper, Waterfront Alliance, and PortSide NYC, among others.

Currently, business related to the waterfront spans across more than a dozen agencies. An Office of the Waterfront would coordinate between city agencies for matters related to waterfront use and advocate for the waterfront within city government.

“Imagine fielding a baseball team without a manager, running a high school without a principal, or supervising a restaurant kitchen without the chef. It wouldn’t be pretty,” said New York City Council Member Debi Rose of the legislation.

At the hearing, we spoke to our experiences working to provide access through + POOL, and how crazy the regulatory process is for waterfront projects in NYC.  Check out our written testimony below, which outlines our support for a well-run and mission-focused Office of the Waterfront that ensures the waterfront remains a space for the people to enjoy their natural environment. Or watch the full hearing below! Our Deputy Director, Kara Meyer, speaks at around the 2 hour 25 min mark.