New York City Seeks to Turn Staten Island Waterfront Into a Port

On Friday, New York City Economic Development Corp. issued a request of interest concerning the development of a 33-acre waterfront site into a port, or other maritime business center in Staten Island, one of NYC’s five boroughs. 

The proposal released by the city would include a 2,000-foot stretch busy shipping area along the Arthur Kill Channel coastline.  Currently, the opposite side of the channel in New Jersey has been built up by the industry, and the Staten Island side sits idly with salty marshes.  The request of interest is the first step of developing the property that has a potential for high traffic and economic gain.  Companies who have ideas for the site will submit preliminary proposals, then formal requests providing greater details on the plans.

PHOTO: the Arthur Kill highlighted in red, as seen from space.

Edward Kelly, executive director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey, said in a statement that the west shore of Staten Island is located in the crosshairs of one of the globe’s busiest maritime areas, and would surely be a draw for maritime enterprise that would create new, high-paying jobs.

While all that sounds good and well, there is a catch: the Arthur Kill Channel is only 35-feet deep.  The Port Authority, however, is already tackling this hurdle, as they are dredging the New York harbor to 50-feet of depth in order to accommodate the newer generation of large ships.

The 33-acre site if the largest property owned by New York City that is available for maritime development, and one of the few industrial waterfront properties that is suitable for shipping in the entire NY/NJ area. 

To learn more about the project, or to submit a proposal, click here.