City Council Reviews Ferry Proposal for City Island

New York City officials evaluate a plan to bring ferry service to the Bronx community to improve transit.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Cruises

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a minimalist pier extending into water towards a stylized distant island shoreline. — The New York City Council is reviewing a proposal for a new ferry landing on City Island to improve local connectivity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the city expand ferry services to improve accessibility for isolated local communities?

The New York City Council is considering a proposal to extend ferry service to City Island following a joint committee hearing. Proponents suggest the project could address local transportation needs and revitalize the area.

Why it matters

The proposed ferry landing aims to improve connectivity for residents while potentially helping to address vacant storefronts on the island. Opponents remain concerned about issues like traffic, parking capacity, and shallow water navigation.

A prior 2013 study assessed Orchard Beach as a potential landing site, while existing infrastructure includes a ferry terminal in Throggs Neck. Current discussions also weigh the impact on the island, which features 5,000 parking spaces at nearby Orchard Beach.

The players

Amanda Farías

A New York City Councilmember who served as an author and proponent of the legislative ferry proposal.

Shirley Aldebol

A New York City Councilmember who co-sponsored the bill aimed at bringing ferry service to City Island.

Justin Sanchez

A New York City Councilmember who joined as an official co-sponsor of Intro 1032.

Kevin Riley

A New York City Councilmember serving as an official co-sponsor of the proposed ferry legislation.

City Island Rising

A local community organization that organized a petition gathering over 400 signatures in favor of the ferry.

The details

Councilmembers introduced Intro 1032 in September to mandate a feasibility study for a new landing. The committees on Economic Development and Transportation and Infrastructure are now reviewing the proposal to determine if site selection is viable.

A Citywide Ferry study evaluated Orchard Beach for potential ferry service in 2013.
The modern NYC Ferry system launched citywide operations in 2017.
A new ferry landing opened in the nearby community of Throggs Neck in 2021.
Councilmembers introduced the ferry proposal bill on September 10, 2026.
The City Council held a joint hearing on the proposal in October 2026.

Travel Outlook

This proposal continues the city's expansion of maritime transit following the 2017 establishment of the modern NYC Ferry system. It reflects a broader trend of utilizing water-based transit to bridge transit gaps between outer-borough neighborhoods and Manhattan.

Residents should track future Council reports to see if the feasibility study suggests a viable landing site for the neighborhood. Commuters may eventually gain a direct transit route to Manhattan, though infrastructure impacts on traffic and local parking remain under review.

The takeaway

The proposed ferry service highlights the ongoing struggle to balance transit connectivity with the local character of historic communities. Residents should follow the official legislative process to understand how potential environmental and parking assessments may influence the project's future.