What it is: 

In New York City planning terminology, waterfront-dependent uses require direct access to the water to function, while waterfront-enhancing uses are recreational, cultural, entertainment, or retail activities that increase public use and enjoyment of the water’s edge.

Encouraging the development of both waterfront-dependent and waterfront-enhancing uses along the East River can help residents strengthen their relationship with their neighborhood, create a multi-purpose waterfront space, and even improve the river itself. 

Why it matters:

The East River is not merely a scenic backdrop: With the right direction and execution, it becomes a place for transportation, recreation, education, maritime activity, ecological restoration, and direct public contact with the water.

Waterfront-dependent uses:

These uses are ones that could not operate effectively away from the river. Here are a list of waterfront-dependent examples we envision for the lower Manhattan waterfront:

• Ferry and water-taxi landings

• Public boat docks and “town docks”

• Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and rowing launches

• Community boating and sailing programs

• Marinas and transient boat slips

• Excursion, sightseeing, and dinner-cruise vessels

• Historic ships and visiting vessels

• Fishing piers and fishing-boat facilities

• Swimming areas and floating pools

• Boat rentals and boat-sharing facilities

• Marine rescue, harbor patrol, and emergency-access docks

• Boat repair, maintenance, fueling, and marine supply

• Freight, cargo, barge, and marine terminal operations

• Dredging, pile-driving, dock construction, and other marine services

• Research vessels and water-quality monitoring stations

• Environmental education conducted from boats or floating classrooms

• Floating structures that support boating or maritime activity

  
  

Ecological and water-enhancement uses:

These uses improve the river itself or strengthen the connection between land and water. Here are a list of ecological and water-enhancement examples we envision for the lower Manhattan waterfront:

• Living shorelines and restored wetlands

• Oyster reefs and mussel habitats

• Tidal marshes and intertidal planting

• Fish habitat and habitat-supporting structures

• Floating wetlands and ecological islands

• Stormwater gardens and bioswales

• Water-quality testing and citizen-science stations

• Shoreline stabilization using natural materials

• Habitat-friendly seawalls and textured bulkheads

• Public access to tidal zones and river ecology

• Environmental education and stewardship programs

• Combined-sewer overflow mitigation and stormwater retention

  
  

Waterfront-enhancing uses:

These uses do not necessarily require the river to function, but become more valuable and meaningful when located beside it. Here are a list of waterfront-enhancing examples we envision for the lower Manhattan waterfront:

• Waterfront parks, lawns, and planted open space

• Continuous esplanades and promenades

• Running, walking, and cycling paths

• Restaurants, cafés, and refreshment kiosks

• Public markets and small-scale retail

• Maritime museums and interpretive centers

• Community galleries and cultural spaces

• Outdoor performance and event areas

• Playgrounds and recreation courts

• Picnic areas, seating terraces, and overlooks

• Public restrooms, changing rooms, and visitor facilities

• Educational classrooms and community meeting rooms

• Boat-viewing areas and harbor observation platforms

• Public art related to the river, harbor, or maritime history

• Seasonal festivals, boat shows, and waterfront celebrations

• Programming such as concerts, lectures, fitness classes, and film screenings