Just when it appeared as if the rumors of the Rockaway Ferry’s demise had been greatly exaggerated, or at least, somewhat premature, it has quickly become apparent that those reports are indeed true.
Just when it appeared as if the rumors of the Rockaway Ferry’s demise had been greatly exaggerated, or at least, somewhat premature, it has quickly become apparent that those reports are indeed true.
This past Wednesday, supporters of the Rockaway Ferry were sharing the news they read in a report on DNAinfo.com, which quoted an Economic Development Corporation spokesperson as stating, “…the Rockaway ferry service will not operate beyond October." The report also mentioned conformation of that statement by an EDC official.
The report created a deluge of emails, Facebook posts and Twitter exchanges, creating a whirlpool of denials, defiance and depression.
However, The Wave learned on Wednesday, from sources in the mayor’s office, that the EDC statement is “inaccurate” and that at present “we are still awaiting the results of the ridership study.”
When asked specifically about the EDC statements, the source reiterated they were inaccurate.
However, on Thursday, amNY.com quoted Wiley Norvell, a spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Barring an extraordinary increase in ridership that brings (costs) down significantly, this is not a service we'll be able to continue past October.” Norvell said.
At Wednesday night’s 100th Precinct Community Council meeting, City Councilman Eric Ulrich addressed questions about the ferry’s apparent demise.
“If you want to change the city’s mind about the ferry, everyone has to get involved,” Ulrich said. “If you’re going to rally for the ferry, do it at City Hall, bring the fight to them, when the mayor and the City Council is there.”
Ulrich says he and other elected officials are doing what they can to keep the conversation alive, despite “whatever reports are out there.”
Clinging to life is certainly better than death, and gives folks determined to save the ferry some time – however dwindling – to change the outcome.
Ferry activists have been been pushing even harder. The Queens Public Transit Committee went so far as to place an ad in the Italian online publication, Vesuvio Live, to follow the mayor on his controversial vacation in Italy.
“We placed the ad in Naples media because we heard the mayor would be vacationing there and we didn't want him to forget about our still unmet need for the ferry back home,” said Mike Scala, a member of the QPTC. “We thought it was a good opportunity to call more attention to the issue …we knew current plans did not include continued ferry service. It doesn't change anything except make us more committed to the cause.”
There’s also talk that there are still meetings to be held – and are being held – at the state and federal level to find ways to fund the ferry.
“Ferry service is not a luxury but a necessity for Rockaway families,” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, another strong supporter of ferry service, said. “Transportation continues to be an important part of our Sandy recovery and I will continue to work with community leaders to send a message to city hall that out ferry service must remain in place.”
Until October, it is. But for ferry supporters, time is running out.
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