Knowing the challenges that permitting can bring, I arranged for a pre-application meeting with the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Architect Ed Weinstein of the Hastings Design Group graciously donated his services to assist in the design and permit stages of developing our new homeport.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC), rejected our original concept of using a floating barge for access. The DEC limits development on or over water to protect the aquatic habitat. Some scientists argue that shaded areas don’t support the same fin fish community as open water citing that certain species of juvenile fish cannot see their prey at certain times of year when in the shade.
Despite DEC’s recognition of our need for mooring a barge to serve as an access structure and the additional ancillary space the barge would provide for educational opportunities, they felt the proposed use to provide access to the Museum via a barge is not “water-related.” In other words, they felt the problem can be solved in alternative methods with less shading and its potentially harmful effects.
The Museum argued that: 1) our historic barge has a freeboard of 8 feet unlike most other vessels therefore requiring a larger landing barge (especially since we also have to depend upon it also for mooring), 2) that we are unique and provide public access and environmental education thereby not setting a precedent for others to do the same, and 3) that our current solution was economical whereas a custom built landing barge was cost prohibitive. The aspect of temporary was discussed since the Garden Pier is slated to be rebuilt in the future.
Five years, even three years was not considered temporary to DEC. The NYSDEC will consider mitigating damages only after one has exhausted the impact of other alternatives and without first submitting an application and being denied which would be a lengthy and costly process. All our pleas were to no avail.
We presented the long-term need of such community docks for historic vessels and the proposed landing barge traveling to other locations to moor more than just the Barge, i.e. the Pegasus Tugboat, a fireboat and other vessels of the North River Historical Society. Here we began to gain a bit of ground since the larger barge would prove more necessary. It was countered that although we made a good point, the need did not exist at the present moment and that this was a hypothetical argument. Fortunately, the Museum was able to get a refund on the barge. Now we had to design a Plan B.
The Waterfront Museum is interested in working with the NYSDEC and their outreach and education program to help the public better understand their reasoning and regulations which haven’t been revised since the 1970’s. In addition, several scientists argue that their studies are flawed or make false conclusions. The NYSDEC said they would be happy to work with us. Our situation would make a great case study. The Mueusum and The North River Historic Ship Society believe the difficulties of permitting new shoreline construction combined with the rapid deterioration of our waterfront infrastructure is one of the most crucial aspects that our city and state needs to address immediately.
On to Plan B …
The Museum followed the NYSDEC design suggestions in planning the construction of pedestrian bridges from the Pier 44/Walkway which will minimize encroachment over the water. Work consists of 1) constructing two 40’ catwalks to sit on steel piles driven into the bay which would enable the public to move from the jetty/walkway pier across the rip-rap to the historic barge, 2) installing two clusters of steel beam piles, wooden and plastic lumber fendering to protect the barge from the rocks and 3) additional expenses providing for mooring, utilities, signage, safety and security.
The work plan design application will be submitted to the NYSDEC for evaluation. Upon acceptance of the design plan, it will undergo a 30-day public notice period and reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers, City Planning and the NYS Dept. of State. Following that, if no issues arrive, permits will be issued. Funding is being sought and secured from foundation, government and other available grant sources.
Completion of this public access pier project will increase waterfront open space and provide additional public access along this development’s popular half mile esplanade. The pier extensions offer daily leisure and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the area. This site lies in the middle of an existing waterfront access plan that includes a new water taxi ferry stop, a waterfront garden and connection to the developing Brooklyn waterfront greenway trail. Views at the location feature the working NY Harbor, the Stature of Liberty, the NY Skyline, and first-hand encounters with the abundant nature and surrounding wildlife.
As a homeport for the Museum’s highly praised floating classroom and showboat Barge, this project properly protects an historic national treasure, and provides future generations with access to a unique facility that highlights year-round the great value and vast potential of our backyard estuary. The Museum’s presence attracts vital community use and enjoyment while fostering discovery and knowledge of a natural waterway and public awareness about its environmental concerns. Continued interest and input over time consequently develops stewardship and preservation for these precious resources located at our doorstep.
The Museum was featured in two recent books. The Houseboat Book - by Barbara Flanagan features the Sharps family as caretakers of the historic vessels in an eight page spread while Going Coastal NYC - A guide to the waterfront by Barbara LaRocca features an introduction to the Historic Ships chapter written by the Museum’s President and Barge Captain David Sharps. David also gave a slide show entitled “KEEPING A HISTORIC WOODEN BARGE AFLOAT” to the Greater Astoria Historical Society.
Many industry people assisted in helping us fabricate anchors to moor the barge at anchor at our new homeport. Anchor with criss-crossed rebar set into 7,000 lbs concrete blocks. Additional chain will be shackled onto the blocks to keep the mooring lines on the bottom of the bay. Hawser will then be spliced to connect to the anchor chain and facilitate line handling on the barge. Jersey City’s Steamship & Winch donated 160 of large anchor chain, Jim Tampakis of Red Hook’s Marine maritime supply stores, Spares Inc. and Cowhey & Sons donated large shackles and thimbles, The Port Authority of NY & NJ donated short cut-offs of rebar, North River Tugboat Museum donated hawser, and John Quadrozzi, Jr. and Constantine Quadrozzi donated the fabrication and delivery of the cement sinkers.
The winter is a bit harsh this year as we are once again a barge in search of a home. Fortunately, the Museum has received tremendous support from our Red Hook and Brooklyn community and we are confident that it's just a matter of time before we are offering full programming once again. In the mantime, we've taken this opportunity to reinvest and further restore this historic vessel and our educational programming continues to be utilized by children from all over New York City and beyond.
