Demonstrators converge on City Hall demanding the mayor keeps ferry service running in Rockaway.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie Pisani
PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie Pisani
Two buses left Rockaway last week to shuttle concerned residents to the steps of City Hall in the name of saving the beloved Rockaway Ferry before service is suspended in October. It was a nearly two-hour ride, which many argued provided tangible proof that the peninsula was desperately in need of alternative means of transportation.
The ferry, which began service after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, was first implemented as a temporary transit option between the Rockaways and Manhattan while subway service was suspended. Since that time, thanks to community advocates, it has been extended a total of four times.
But now, the new mayor said he was discontinuing funding for the ferry in his latest budget, putting the quick, affordable and reliable option of travel in danger of becoming extinct.
On hand for the rally – side by side with Rockaway, Broad Channel and Breezy Point residents – were several southern Queens politicians signing onto the fight for the permanent ferry service.
“This is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park). “The Rockaways are still recovering from the storm. The mayor cannot take away the ferry, which has been a lifeline for our residents. We are here on the steps of City Hall for him to hear this message!”
But as the residents shouted, “What do we want – the ferry! When do we want it – now,” the mayor made it very clear that he was not hearing their message.
Surrounded by security, he exited the building with his back turned to the protestors and scurried to his car without making notice of the group.
“Our mayor is not human,” said Rockaway resident and longtime community activist Dan Tubridy. “He didn’t even give us a wave to acknowledge us as citizens of this great city!”
Despite urgings from the crowd, Mayor de Blasio turns his back on the group failing to even offer an acknowledgement of their presence. PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie Pisani
Furious at the act of avoidance and rejection, the crowd changed its chant to, “No ferry, no votes! No ferry, no votes!”
But jeers were met with a slammed car door.
“The ferry connects hardworking people to good-paying jobs,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “People rely on it to support their families. To turn their backs on us is a slap in the face.”
It was a slap in the face not only to residents and Ulrich, but also to other politicians who spoke at the rally, including Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Public Advocate Letitia James, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and District Leader Lew Simon.
“The mayors’ administration has ignored the untapped potential of the Rockaways even before Sandy,” Addabbo said. “The resiliency of its people is louder and stronger than ever and we will be heard!”
Maybe heard, but ignored. At least for now.
“This is a no brainer,” James said. “The ferry is an economic engine for Rockaway and we are not going down quietly!”
And the message, which the protestors shouted with force on the steps of City Hall, although publically unacknowledged by the Mayor, was loud and clear.
“We need the ferry and we need it now!”
So what can we, as a community, do to save the ferry?
1. Ride the ferry! Ride the ferry! Ride the ferry! Take the ferry to work, bring your family on a tour of the city complete with amazing photo opps of the Verrazano Bridge, Coney Island, downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, or take the ferry for a cheap and fun “Happy Hour.” Every trip is counted and more ridership proves we are utilizing this great transportation opportunity.
2. Published on page [9] of the Rockaway Beat is a letter to the Mayor you can copy, sign and send to City Hall.
3. Assemblyman Goldfeder has also created a website where you can sign a petition to continue the ferry service permanently.
(Visit www.keeprockawayferry.com to sign.)
By Jamie Pisani
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