Gall: Pier 63 Maritime

[tmcg]

By Chelsea Piers, on the Hudson River in Manhattan, is Pier 63 Maritime. There's a barge there, on which we had a very enjoyable session a couple of years ago. There's also kayak storage and access--kayaking in the Hudson?? yes, check this out--as well as dock facilities for three ships, including the historic Lightship Frying Pan. It's a neat place.

The pier was closed on July 30th--according to the Quality of Life petition site, "by various Government Departments, apparently extending from a homicide that occurred during the morning hours of Tuesday July 23rd between Pier 63 and 64." A search of the New York Times online yielded no additional information. I'm looking for details. I'm glad if someone's being safety-conscious by "securing the area" (though it took them seven days, so either they're very slow, or there's more to this), but I have a sneaking suspicion that the city will find it easier to just leave the whole facility shut down--or find a use for it more lucrative to the city-- than figure out ways to make it safer under continued operation.

I hope the petition has some effect. This would be a loss. The email I got from a supporter says that Pier 63 offers "much-needed river access and a less-sanitized glimpse of what a people-oriented waterfront should be." Given the general Disneyfication of New York, this matters.

Comments

[akaspeedo.livejournal.com]

A very good friend of mine does boat building and rowing out of Pier 48, I think -- the Floating Apple? I know they kayak over there, too. Not entirely relevant, I suppose, but you surprised me with this post *g*.

I haven't been down yet, but my friend loves it. I know if they closed *that* pier she'd be heartbroken.

[terrymcgarry.livejournal.com]

Yup, the distraught email telling me about this came from the friend who organized the session on the barge. She's with Manhattan Kayak, and also works on a schooner. Sounds a lot like your friend!

I really hope the city wasn't looking for an excuse to get rid of the existing facilities there so they can sell some development contract or other. But I have no grounds beyond cynicism for a concern like that. Need to find out more.