File #: Int 1492-2025    Version: * Name: Study and report on the expansion of ferry service along the Harlem River.
Type: Introduction Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
On agenda: 11/25/2025
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law in relation to a study and report on the expansion of ferry service along the Harlem River
Sponsors: Althea V. Stevens, Julie Menin, Carmen N. De La Rosa, Amanda C. Farías, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Nantasha M. Williams
Council Member Sponsors: 6
Summary: This bill would require the Department of Transportation to coordinate with the contracted entity that operates NYC Ferry (currently the New York City Economic Development Corporation) to study the feasibility of extending NYC Ferry access to the West Bronx along the Harlem River.
Indexes: Report Required
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 1492, 2. Int. No. 1492, 3. November 25, 2025 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Int. No. 1492

 

By Council Members Stevens, Menin, De La Rosa, Farías, Brooks-Powers and Williams

 

A Local Law in relation to a study and report on the expansion of ferry service along the Harlem River

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:

City. The term "city" means the city of New York.

Commissioner. The term "commissioner" means the commissioner of transportation.

Contracted Entity. The term “contracted entity” has the same meaning as such term is defined in section 22-821 of the administrative code of the city of New York.

Department. The term "department" means the department of transportation.

Harlem River. The term "Harlem River" means the tidal strait in the city that separates the borough of Manhattan from the borough of the Bronx.

West Bronx. The term "West Bronx" means the area of the borough of the Bronx located west of the Bronx River and adjacent to the Harlem River.

b. The commissioner, in coordination with the contracted entity, shall conduct a study on the feasibility of expanding ferry service access along the Harlem River, with a particular focus on service to the West Bronx. Through such study, the commissioner shall:

1. Identify potential locations for the siting of new ferry terminals along the Harlem River, with a focus on identifying such locations in the West Bronx;

2. Identify local benefits that would result from such siting, including but not limited to improved transit access, reduced travel times, and enhanced connectivity to employment centers and other destinations for West Bronx residents and other communities along the Harlem River;

3. Identify logistical challenges involved with such siting, including but not limited to:

(i) the size and structure of ferry boats;

(ii) the depth and navigability of the Harlem River;

(iii) the availability and utility of existing piers and waterfront facilities;

(iv) potential conflicts with existing maritime uses;

(v) any necessary coordination with state or federal agencies having jurisdiction over the Harlem River;

4. Propose solutions, if any, to such challenges; and

5. Estimate the projected costs associated with such siting and implementation of such solutions.

c. No later than one year after the effective date of this local law, the commissioner shall submit to the mayor and speaker of the council, and post on the department's website, a report on the findings of the study required under subdivision b of this section.

§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.

 

Session 13

ARP

LS #17714

10/31/25