Here's a press release we just received from the New York City Economic Development Corporation :
NYC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SEEKS
EXCURSION BOAT OPERATOR FOR HARLEM PIERS
A private sector operator could offer tours, recreational boating or fishing to visitors to the new West Harlem Pier Park
Creating affordable and attractive neighborhoods is part of the City's Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan
New York City, May 20, 2009 --New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in cooperation with the New York City Department of Small Business Services, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from firms with expertise in passenger boat operations to act as an excursion boat operator at the excursion boat pier located within West Harlem Piers Park in Manhattan. The park is located along the Hudson River, west of Marginal Street, between St. Clair Place/West 125th Street and West 135th Street, in Manhattan's Community District 9.
"West Harlem is a neighborhood with a vibrant history and exciting future that we believe can and will support a substantial increase in tourism and recreational activity," said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky. "Opening up the West Harlem waterfront to residents and visitors alike will take us an important step closer toward tapping this potential, as called for by the City, the community and other key stakeholders in the West Harlem Master Plan."
The excursion boat operator is expected to attract tourists and local residents, enlivening the West Harlem Piers Park during the daytime and the evening hours. The project advances the West Harlem Master Plan, a revitalization effort that has brought together local residents and businesses, community groups, elected officials, and the City since 2001. Respondents are encouraged to explore partnerships with other tour operators such as tour bus companies to integrate proposed Excursion Pier operations with the broader tourism infrastructure.
The West Harlem Master Plan, which was released to the public in 2002, called for the construction of a waterfront amenity with a recreational pier and an excursion pier, among other elements, to connect Riverbank State Park to the north and Riverside Park to the south, and bring local residents to the waterfront. West Harlem Piers Park, which features a cove designed for passive recreation and events, a bike path that connects to the larger Manhattan bikeway system, and multiple landscaped areas, was developed by NYCEDC and opened to the public in fall 2008. The park also has a kayak launch and two public piers, one of which is devoted to fishing and passive recreation, and the other to serve excursion boats.
The West Harlem Master Plan also calls for transportation and streetscape improvements along the West 125th Street corridor and adjacent streets to capitalize on the neighborhood's geographic location and improve its connections to the regional transportation network. These improvements will facilitate access to the area and enhance the attractiveness of the Excursion Pier as an ideal spot for excursions boat operations. The Excursion Pier also offers easy access to other passenger marine landing facilities such as Pier 81, Chelsea Piers, South Street Seaport and Battery Park.
A site visit and question and answer session will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 9 a.m. at the Excursion Pier, located at West 125th Street and Marginal Street, just west of the Henry Hudson Parkway in Manhattan. To download a copy of the complete RFP, visit www.nycedc.com/rfp . Proposals are due no later than 4 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2009.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities.
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