Will Public Waterfront Land be Programmed for Community Benefit or Continue Drifting Toward Private Commercial Use?
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Planning updates
The transition at Pier 15 creates a rare opening to restore the pier’s original maritime, educational and public-access mission.
2011 Promise vs. 2026 Reality
NYCEDC’s 2011 request for proposal (RFP) envisioned Pier 15 as a maritime, educational and publicly accessible waterfront destination — not simply a restaurant or event venue.
The RFP sought:
Required maritime or environmental education
Passenger excursion and harbor-tour activity
Active vessel berthing and tie-up
Programming compatible with the public esplanade
The reality today, however, looks a little different:
Dining, entertainment and private events dominate
Glass Pavilion remains vacant
Upper deck is largely unprogrammed
Public-purpose mission remains unfulfilled
Why does this matter?
The public waterfront land should deliver the maritime, educational and public-access benefits promised when the pier was awarded.
The JFK Ferry Question
The proposed JFK Staten Island Ferry project would dramatically change Pier 15’s character and scale. It would bring in a six-story vessel (approximately a 3,500-person capacity) to the pier.
Potential berthing has been discussed behind closed doors - the community demands transparency and a seat at the table.
Residents are also concerned that Pier 15 could become a “party pier”. Impacts on noise, access, circulation and public use require necessary study.
Before approving placement we need to ask: what public benefit does the ferry project provide, and what public impacts would it create?
Pier 15: A Public Pier Should Be for Public Use
Battery to Bridges supports the use of the Glass Pavilion as a community gallery and gathering space. We also support maritime, educational and recreational programming along with upper deck activation and “Town Dock” berthings. We also want to explore a partnership with South Street Seaport Museum.
Where do things stand now?
The upper deck remains largely unprogrammed and neglected. There is no City of Water Day activity planned by DOCKNYC in 2026. DOCKNYC now controls berthing operations here, there and everywhere. On top of this, the JFK ferry project impacts remain unstudied and without permits.
What can residents do?
You can join BtoBC’s Pier 15 Initiative, advocate for year-round public programming, and ask for meaningful community review to help turn a public pier back to the public.
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