Governors Island

What to do with 150 acres of open space smack dab in the middle of New York Harbor?

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is working to answer that question as it mulls the fate of the island, located a stone's throw from Manhattan's southern tip.

Originally a prime fishing spot for Native American tribes and later a military base (for the British and Americans at various times), the federal government sold the island to the city and state for $1 in 2003. The transfer agreement prohibits residential communities and casinos (the latter a proposal of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani), and 22 acres had already been preserved as a National Monument and are in the hands of the National Park Service.

Of the other 150 acres, 20 are reserved for educational purposes, 40 for parks and 30 for "public benefit." That leaves 60 acres for other uses, including commercial ones.

There will certainly be bike paths with beautiful views galore, few to no cars, and plenty of open space for the public to enjoy. The looming question is how to make it interesting and unique enough that the public will truly want to take a ferry or water taxi to the island.

One architecture firm proposed an overall design for the island that resembles a giant necklace with several strands coming out and a large jewel (the buildings) in the middle. Some have suggested building a large amphitheater. Others have suggested making the island essentially self-sufficient, calling for it to recycle all its waste, grow its own food and even generate electricity.

NYLCV board member Ken Fisher serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Governors Island Alliance, which has several priorities for any future use of the island. The alliance is a coalition of civic, environmental and preservation organizations that has been an active voice for the island since 1995.

The group wants to ensure Governors Island retains its park-like character, with a large, contiguous waterfront. The alliance also wants to ensure that there will be affordable and frequent access from a number of locations, and that the latest techniques be used to make the island's landscaping and buildings environmentally sustainable.

Nothing has been finalized, but plan for fun open space on the island soon. Weekend access and a full schedule of events continue through Sept. 2.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- August 2007