Petition Urges Year-Round Ferry Service at Pier 6

If you've ever enjoyed a relaxed summer voyage from Brooklyn Bridge Park aboard the East River Ferry to one of its waterfront destinations, or made use of the service when MTA service was limited in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, you may have wistfully wondered what it would be like to have year-round ferry service available from Atlantic Avenue/Pier 6.

Now a group of elected officials including Sen. Daniel Squadron, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Borough President Marty Markowitz, Assemblymember Joan Millman, and Councilmembers Brad Lander and Stephen Levin have launched a petition asking for just that.

The petition urges the Economic Development Committee to only award a contract to an operator that "includes year-round service to and from Atlantic Avenue/Pier 6 in their proposals," stating that it has become a necessity to Brooklyn's waterfront communities.

"East River Ferry service has proven to be a viable and popular form of year-round transit for NYC commuters, a highlight for visitors, and a key element in the revitalization of New York City's waterfront," stated a release from Sen. Daniel Squadron's office. "The expanded service at Atlantic Avenue/Pier 6 would serve residents, local businesses, and the city alike." 

Other community groups that have expressed support for the service include:

Brooklyn Community Boards 2 and 6
Atlantic Avenue BID
Cobble Hill Association
Brooklyn Heights Association
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
Carroll Gardens Associations
Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association
Boerum Hill Association
Willowtown Association
AT White Riverside Tenants Association. 

Those interested in signing, can visit the petition and letter available here.