City Opens Up Bids to Contractors For East River Ferry Landing

March 8, 2010 1:17pm Updated March 8, 2010 3:13pmcommentprint

A commuter heads to the ferry at East 35th Street. (DNAinfo/Gabriela Resto-Montero)

By Gabriela Resto-Montero

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MURRAY HILL — Proponents for a water ferry system suffered through some uncertain months last year when the ailing economy seemed to scuttle any plans for the expansion of an East Side ferry terminal.

But with a new infusion of federal funds, city planners are now accepting public bids to construct a waiting area at the East River Ferry Landing, located on the waterfront at East 35th Street.

The planned construction signals a return to developing Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ambitious water transportation system, which also includes another terminal in Battery Park City, said Janel Patterson, spokesperson for the New York City Economic Development Corp. (EDC).

Construction at East River Ferry Landing

Construction at the East River Ferry Landing. (DNAinfo/Gabriela Resto-Montero)

The EDC is accepting public bids for the construction of a pavilion and bikeway, and the relocation of bus stops and roadways at the site.

The Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration will finance construction of the pavilion through the New York State Department of Transportation.

Applications for the contract will be accepted until March 12.

"It's in the early stages," Patterson said of the ferry system.

The plan hit a snag in November due to the recession, when the EDC said it could not move forward with construction until 2011, the New York Times reported.

Despite the financial downturn, plans remained to develop more ferry landings in underserved neighborhoods, such as Inwood.

The city will take about four weeks to reach a decision on the winner of the contract, Patterson said.