Letter to the Editor: Ferry Needs an Operator

To the Editor:

Recent coverage of the ceremonies surrounding the breaking of ground on both Glen Cove's $16 million ferry terminal and on the quarter mile "Esplanade Phase 2" should cause us to recall the failure of past projects, and question whether we are proceeding with appropriate, or promised, caution during these difficult economic times.

Indeed, a recent trip to Esplanade Phase 1, at the end of Garvies Point Road, revealed that a once similarly celebrated, multi-million dollar project is now a virtually abandoned, decaying and overgrown walkway, its fences collapsing, its wiring exposed, and its light posts broken and dark.

Perhaps more shocking is the sight of what remains of a defaced and derelict ferry terminal that was abandoned many years ago, now a victim of vandals and graffiti artists, with all of its windows, electrical systems and fixtures shattered.   

Given this history, it is no wonder that the highly touted experts that Glen Cove hired to study, plan and design a new ferry terminal, assured us that someone would be found to operate the ferry before construction of the terminal was started. When the city council was asked at a recent meeting, why we were proceeding against the advice and assurances of the city's own expert, Mayor Ralph Suozzi could not provide any explanation.

Given the past failure of similar projects, and the present economic climate, nothing would have been lost, and the risk of millions of dollars could have been avoided, had the mayor and council simply done what their own consultant said they should do.

Paul L. Meli