Governors Island Finally Has a Plan--and College There May be an Option

New York’s Governor David Paterson and New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a plan yesterday for the future of Governors Island, the former military base that sits a half mile off the edge of lower Manhattan. It served first as an army base, and later, as a base for the Coast Guard. Negotiations over the future of the island went on for more than a year.
A 2.2 mile promenade will be developed along the waterfront, and 87 acres will be preserved as open space. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2012. Other possible additions include a high school, some commercial areas, and a satellite campus of New York University. Other tenants are also being sought.
Mayor Bloomberg will appoint nine of the Board's 13 new members, and the redevelopment is seen as a huge coup for his administration--and his legacy.
Under the transfer agreement a casino is not an option.
In 2003, most of the island was given to New York State; New York City will be primarily responsible for developing the island. A battle for control of the island has been waged for some time.
The 22-acre Governors Island National Monument is managed by the National Park Service.
The island can be accessed by a free ferry service and is open to the public during the summer and early fall. It opens in June for the season.
Last year, more than 275,000 visitors took the ferry to Governors Island, to attend concerts and festivals, visit the monument, which includes two historic forts--or simply hang out and admire the views.
The redevelopment is expected to cost $200 million.

New York City Beaches Make A Big Splash This Summer

Don’t bother heading east to the Hamptons or Jones Beach this summer to relax on the beach. Instead, check out some of New York City’s little known urban beaches, that is, if you mind not swimming. Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City has 1,002 tons of imported New Jersey sand spread over 44,000 square feet and a wonderful view of Midtown Manhattan’s skyline across the East River. There’s beach volleyball, a snack shack and bar, and sprinklers that mist the beach. Deejayed beach parties for people 21+ take place Friday and Saturday nights starting at 8 p.m.
Former military base Governors Island is undergoing a transformation with a 40-acre park in the works and a new beach that officially opened on July 11. The beach features 300 tons of sand spread over 20,000 square feet, a café and outdoor grill, beach volleyball, basketball, and a view of Lower Manhattan. Live outdoor entertainment is also scheduled, with acts like Erykah Badu and The B-52s coming in August.
South Street Seaport also has a new 18,000-square-foot beach that opened on Memorial Day, located on the north side of Pier 17 with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River. Games like skeeball, ping-pong, and 9 holes of miniature golf are onsite, as well as Fish Shack for burgers and fish tacos, and Pop Bar for popcorn and soda. Like the beach in Long Island City, this beach has deejayed parties on weekend nights for the 21+ crowd.