Rep. Maloney Presses U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Approve Water Taxi Dock for Roosevelt Island

Sep 25, 2007 Issues: Local Issues, Roosevelt Island, Transportation

New York, NY- Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, Queens) wrote a letter last Friday to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) urging the ACE to render a decision on the proposed Roosevelt Island water taxi dock.  The application, filed more than a year and a half ago by the architecture firm Becker & Becker Associates, seeks permission to build and operate a water taxi dock near the Octagon, a residential development on the northern end of Roosevelt Island.  Rep. Maloney points to increases in accessibility and security as advantages of the addition.

"Water taxis would provide a badly-needed alternate route from the northern end of Roosevelt Island to Manhattan," said Rep. Maloney.  "Multiple transportation options are essential during emergencies and would make Islanders' everyday commutes easier.  I urge the Army Corps of Engineers to approve Becker & Becker's application prompt consideration for both the safety and convenience of Roosevelt Island residents.

The text of Maloney's letter follows.

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September 21, 2007

Commander Robert L. Van Antwerp
Headquarters, US Army Corps of Engineers
441 G. Street, NW 
Washington, DC 20314-1000

Re:  Application Number 2006-00091-Y3

Dear Commander Antwerp:

I am writing in regards to the application filed by Becker & Becker Associates to build and operate a water taxi dock near a residential development in Roosevelt Island called the Octagon. The water taxi would provide alternative routes to Manhattan for residents of Roosevelt Island, an area in the 14th Congressional District, which I represent.

Bruce Becker, the President of Becker & Becker Associates, informs me that his firm submitted its application for a building permit to the U.S. Army Corps on January 17, 2006. Mr. Becker tells me that the application became subject of public notice on January 4, 2007, and that that comment period expired on February 5, 2007. According to Mr. Becker, Becker and Becker Associates responded to the United States Coast Guard's comments on March 19, 2007. Mr. Becker tells me that since that time, his firm has received no further information regarding the status of its application. More than a year and a half has passed since the initial application was submitted, and Mr. Becker is understandably concerned. Accordingly, please advise me as to the status of the building permit application submitted by Becker & Becker Associates.

At this time, I request that Becker & Becker Associate's application receive prompt review and every possible consideration, consistent with all applicable rules and regulations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Monica Ager in my district office at (212) 860-0606.

      Sincerely,
       
      CAROLYN B. MALONEY
      Member of Congress