As a result of the Coalition's efforts, the Army Corps of Engineers scheduled the March 7th Public Meeting held at St. Mary's Church. Over 50 community members and elected officials braved the ice-covered streets to voice their questions concerning a work permit application filed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with the Army Corps of Engineers.
If approved, this permit would allow a wharf extension to accommodate commercial and recreational vessels as well as the installation of sleeves for two sewer outfalls.
The Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction in and over the waterway and the upland wetland, but the Coalition hopes that problems associated with this work permit, such as pollution of the East River and the lack of a cumulative impact study, lead to a complete project review.
Coalition Steering Committee Member Debra Whitelaw stated, "It is very important that this meeting establish the precedent for future changes to the approved project, how the changes are communicated to the community, and how the community's input is considered." Coalition Steering Committee Member Eedie Cuminale informed the Army Corps of Engineers that, "the Port Authority did not make anybody aware of the Queen Catherine statue, which is equivalent in height to at least a 6-story building."
Community Board #2 Chairman Joseph Conley said, "'No' to gambling and dinner cruises." He also said that the neighborhood still did not have weekend access to the waterfront.
Adam Falk of Councilman Walter McCaffrey's office stated, "The only benefit of this wharf will be the additional ability of NY Waterways to moor boats." Mr. Falk continued, "There is no economic benefit to the community, who is being asked to sacrifice for the benefit of NY Waterways."
Caroline DuBois of Action for the Conservation of Long Island called for a public hearing and explained her group's interest in these issues, "Everything from the East River will end up in Long Island Sound."
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan requested, "a meeting with the Port Authority, elected officials, and the community to discuss how the Port Authority plans to interface with this community."
Still outstanding is a decision by the Corps of Engineers regarding whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary. An EIS reviews the impact that the project will have on water quality and related issues, which directly affect this community and all of the Long Island Sound communities.
Some of the Coalition's concerns are as follows: 1) No environmental impact statement has been filed for public review of this new work. This violates State Law.
2) Studies of the cumulative impact of the entire project are nonexistent. This piece-by-piece review process is evident in the approvals of independent permit applications related to the Gantry Plaza/pier redevelopment as well as the ferry.
3) The types and sizes of vessels are not revealed, nor are their purposes. What effects will they have on the environment and the community?
4) A 500-car parking area without adequate catch basins adjacent to the river.
5) The Port Authority funding of infrastructure for private use.
We would like to thank the community members, "Friends of the Coalition," elected officials, and community representatives who took the time to write letters and/or attend this meeting. Special thanks go to Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, Councilman Walter McCaffrey, Adam Falk, and Community Board Chairman Joseph Conley.
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