After nearly two years of silence, India Street Pier will see ferries docking again on July 15 — but a $1.8 million deal brokered by the city and developer Lendlease has split Greenpoint down the middle.

The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) confirmed this week that ferry boats will return to the India Street Pier starting July 15, ending a 21-month shutdown that stranded thousands of Greenpointers. Lendlease, the Australian developer that scooped up the pier as part of the One Java Street project, will receive $1.8 million in public funds to let ferries dock for the next 18 months.

Some neighbors, like lifelong Milton Street resident Sonia Luna, say the deal is “a win for commuters,” pointing to the 1,500 daily riders who once packed the Greenpoint ferry stop pre-shutdown. “A 20-minute ride to Midtown beats any G train delay,” Luna told NYC Pulse.

But not everyone cheers the return. The advocacy group Friends of Greenpoint Ferry, led by Scott Mazurek, blasted the EDC’s payout as “developer welfare,” arguing the pier deal sets a precedent for private landowners to extract premium rents from the city. “We want ferry service, but not at any price,” Mazurek said outside 2 India Street on Thursday.

Local businesses along Franklin Street expect a boost, but some worry the short-term lease may be a Band-Aid. Lendlease spokesperson Rachel Leach told NYC Pulse, “This agreement allows us to support the community during our construction phase, but a permanent public pier solution will require more partners at the table.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When does NYC Ferry return to India Street Pier?

NYC Ferry service at Greenpoint’s India Street Pier resumes on July 15, 2024, after being suspended since late 2022 due to pier safety concerns and ongoing construction by developer Lendlease.

How much is the city paying for the ferry lease?

The city is paying $1.8 million to Lendlease for 18 months of ferry access at India Street Pier. This amounts to roughly $100,000 per month, funded by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

What are the main concerns about the deal?

Opponents argue that the deal rewards private landowners and could lead to higher future costs. Supporters believe fast ferry connections are vital for Greenpoint’s growing population. The city says this is a temporary solution while a permanent pier is negotiated.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will NYC Ferry service resume at India Street Pier in Greenpoint?

NYC Ferry service at India Street Pier will resume on July 15, 2024, after a 21-month shutdown.

How much is the city paying Lendlease for ferry access at India Street Pier?

The city is paying Lendlease $1.8 million for 18 months of ferry access at the pier, which is about $100,000 per month.

Why was the India Street Pier ferry service suspended?

Ferry service was suspended in late 2022 due to pier safety concerns and ongoing construction by developer Lendlease.

What are the main criticisms of the ferry access deal with Lendlease?

Opponents argue the deal is ‘developer welfare’ that rewards private landowners and could set a precedent for higher future costs.

Is the current ferry access agreement at India Street Pier permanent?

No, the agreement is a temporary solution for 18 months while the city negotiates a permanent public pier.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.