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Home , Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dead Horse Bay, Floyd Bennett Field

A REPORT BY THE FIELD BLUE RIBBON PANEL

THE NEXT JEWEL IN NEW YORK’S CROWN

New Yorkers New Jersey are clamoring for more opportunities to enjoy parks, and maintaining and expanding our quality of life requires us to answer that need. - PlaNYC

Staten Island

FLOYD BENNETT FIELD

Other Parks and Open Spaces

SANDY HOOK Gateway

Floyd Bennett Field

1 2 APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL support. national parkwithbroad public tions forcreating avibranturban development oftherecommenda- comprehensive process ledtothe management partnerships.This tion, restoration, infrastructure, and workgroups onparkvision,educa- the site’s potential.W develop abetterunderstandingof agencies, andelectedleadersto nesses, numerous non-profits, community groups, local busi- Field BlueRibbonPanelmetwith This pastyeartheFloydBennett and thePortAuthority. the U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers for NewYork Harborprepared by Comprehensive RestorationPlan Great OutdoorsReport,andthe PlaNYC, thePresident’s America’s implement thegoalsofMayor’s Our recommendations will help potential ofFloydBennettField. steps torealize thetremendous City. Thisreport provides thenext urban nationalparkinNewYork Now isthetimetocreate apremier to submitourrecommendations. Floyd BennettFieldBlueRibbonPanel, It isourgreat pleasure, asmembersofthe Congressman Weiner, Dear Sena e convened tor Schume& and thecountry. urban nationalparkfortheregion our shared visionofanexemplary tinuing toworkwithyouachieve its center. W Floyd BennettFieldasthegemat Recreation Area, andinparticular commitment toGatewayNational Thank youforyourleadershipand Field atitsheart. national park,withFloydBennett finally becomeatrulyiconicurban way NationalRecreation Area can local interest inthispark, Gate- the currently strong upwellingof the NationalParkService,and by theDepartmentofInteriorand park inCongress, focused efforts nett Field.Withchampionsforthis operations supportforFloydBen- capital fundingandlonger-term ing publicandprivatesources of a newparkdesign,andidentify- management structure, creating with respect todetermining anew recommendations, particularly as webegintoimplementthese W e looktoyouforyourleadership and ournationalparks. children to thenatural world our region’sconnect millions of Floyd BennettFieldcan e lookforward tocon- . national parkin premier urban to create a Now isthetime 3 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Letter of Transmittal 2

II. executive Summary 6

III. The Great Urban National Park Opportunity 8 For every IV. The Time for Gateway is Now 12 dollar spent VI. Panel Recommendations 18 VII. Next Steps 35 on a national VIII. Appendices 38 park, roughly four dollars are invested in the local economy.

PANEL CO-CHAIRS PANEL MEMBERS Caswell Holloway Commissioner, New York City Marian S. Heiskell Diana Balmori Department of Environmental Chair, New 42nd Street, Inc. Founding Principal, Balmori Associates Protection

Deborah Shanley Thomas Kiernan Dean, School of Education, Brooklyn Commissioner, New York City President, National Parks College / CUNY & Second Century Department of Parks & Recreation Conservation Association Commissioner Col. John R. Boulé II The Honorable Marty Markowitz Commander and District Engineer, US Brooklyn Borough President Army Corps of Engineers, New York The Floyd Bennett Field Blue Ribbon District The Honorable Helen Marshall Panel was staffed by Regional Plan Queens Borough President Association (RPA) and the National Marcia Bystryn Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Executive Director, New York League of Neil Mulholland Conservation Voters President, National Parks Foundation

Denis Galvin Jay Walder Second Century Commissioner & Chief Executive , Former Deputy Director, National Park Metropolitan Transportation Authority Service Christopher Ward Joseph Martens Executive Director, The Authority Commissioner, New York State of New York & New Jersey Department of Environmental Conservation Robert D. Yaro President, Regional Plan Association

4 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

mericans love their parks, and could also support local infrastruc- LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES ANew York City’s more than ture needs, create jobs for the eight million residents, living and region’s residents, spur the local DESIGN ACCESS ECOLOGY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP working in the densest city in the economy, and connect millions of , especially need their young people to the outdoors and parks. Today we have the unique the National Park System. Gate- opportunity to develop a new way is also uniquely positioned flagship national park for New York to facilitate community building by revitalizing Gateway National on a local, regional and national Recreation Area. This unpolished scale. Surrounded by established gem, with Floyd Bennett Field at its and newly developing immigrant heart, is ready to be brought alive communities representing dozens as the great urban national park it of countries, the park can play a was intended to be, elevated to vital role in introducing millions of shine as the next jewel in the emer- the country’s newest citizens to our ald crown of New York City’s great National Park System. Develop a coherent overall Improve transportation and Support ecological restoration: park system. design: access: In the past decade, numerous • Implement the Dead Horse As a premier urban national park in disparate efforts have been made • Create a new design for Floyd • Improve the arrival experience Bay Restoration Project as New York City, Floyd Bennett Field to articulate Gateway’s potential Bennett Field and its surround- and circulation within Floyd identified in the Army Corps could, and should, be a destination and define an exciting vision for its ings. Bennett Field. Jamaica Bay Feasibility Study. for urban outdoor recreation, eco- future. Recognizing that now is the • Make Floyd Bennett Field look logical restoration, aviation history, time for action, Senator Charles • Create additional public transit • Remove or bury concrete and feel like a national park. and place-based education for the Schumer and Congressman An- access to the park via bus and pads, remove defunct residents of southern Brooklyn and thony Weiner convened the Floyd • Embrace the site’s unstruc- ferry through pilot programs bulkheads and runways, and Queens and visitors from around Bennett Field Blue Ribbon Panel. tured character while restoring and marketing. remove numerous abandoned the world. If restored, supported, After much deliberation and public its open space. • Enhance the bicycling and buildings. and managed in new and collab- discussion, the Panel makes the • Preserve and herald the site’s pedestrian experience. • Rehabilitate and enhance the orative ways, Floyd Bennett Field following recommendations: aviation history. • Create a new ferry dock at grasslands. • Improve access to the water- Gateway Marina. • Restore the North 40 natural front and water. area. • Expand the recreational and cultural programming.

Develop a comprehensive Establish a partnership structure education and interpretation to begin and facilitate change by program: 2016, honoring the Centennial celebration: • Establish a year-round, state of the art education facility • Launch a third party entity for use by visitors, school to manage the site with joint Now is groups, academic institutions, involvement of New York City Floyd Bennett Field could, and nonprofits, and others. and the National Park Service. the time • Create an expanded camping • Structure the partnership to should, be a destination for urban experience from eco-lodges to allow for later inclusion of Fort for action. outdoor recreation, ecological RV access and campsites. Tilden and Riis Beach. restoration, aviation history, and place-based education.

6 7 8 APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL F and administered.” huge crowds ifproperly developed can servetherecreation needsof can beaplaceforallpeopleand the peoplethaneverbefore…(this) the nationalparkprogram closerto an urbancomplexanditwillbring al recreation area intheheartof noted, “thiswillbethefirstFeder experience. Itsenablinglegislation an entrypointtothenationalpark Gateway isintendedtoserveas the entrancetoNewYork Harbor, national park.Stretching across to serveasapubliclyaccessible Congress created Gatewayin1972 visitors from beyond. residents ofthetri-statearea and destination parkforthe21million York City. Theparkshouldbea more than8millionpeople ofNew of Brooklyn andQueens,the the park,5millionresidents people wholivewithin3milesof untapped resource forthe200,000 the sizeofCentralParkandisan United States.Theparkistwice the midstofdensestcityin recreational andhistoricparkin a rare chancetoprovide ahuge opportunity withinNewYork City, in 1972. national parkoriginallyenvisioned we cancreate thegreat urban With yourleadershipandsupport THE GRA represent thenextgreat park loyd BennettField’s 1440acres 1 T URBAN - recognized andcelebrated. significance oftheparkshouldbe towers. Thenaturalandhistorical visiting historichangarsandcontrol airplanes onactualrunwaysand landscapes, whilealsoflyingmodel grassland andvariedwaterfront ence suchvastpanoramasofopen in theurbanregion canone experi- and adaptivere-use. Nowhere else trol towercalloutforinterpretation runways, historichangarsandcon- history, FloydBennettField’s vistas, and municipalmilitaryaviation Native American,DutchColonial, and ecologicalhistory. Richwith New York City’s spectacularcultural tures provide auniquewindowinto acres, andW park. Itsvastopenspace,1440 Nation’s premier urbannational Floyd BennettFieldshouldbethe infrastructure, anddiversity. of itssurrounding urbanfabric, these functionswithinthecontext great urbannationalparkserves even asenseofnationhood.A historically importantstoriesand ecologically significantlandscapes, ing notonlyopenspace,but memorialize ourcountry, preserv- America’s nationalparkstangibly mier Great UrbanNationalPark Floyd BennettFieldasthePre- TIONAL P orld W ar IIerastruc- ARK OPPOR Acres 1440 TUNITY in Brooklyn &Queens 5 million within 5miles schoolchildren 100,000 people

for thenext100years. message andbuilditsconstituency National ParkServicetoconveyits Bennett Fieldisanidealsiteforthe 50 millionvisitorsannually, Floyd region with21millionresidents and At thecenterofametropolitan taught respect fornature.” places andamentoringadultwho remembered’ inwildorsemi-wild hours spentoutdoors‘keenly childhood oradolescence,many a combinationoftwosources in attributed theircommitmentto Chawla, “Environmental leaders… in general.AsnotedbyLouise only Gatewaybutnationalparks stewards andchampions of not Today’s children willbetomorrow’s just ofthispark,butallparks. critical tothelong-termsuccessnot to explore itsnaturallandscape is to visitGatewayandinvitingthem than ever. Encouragingchildren need accesstonaturalareas more in metropolitan areas, andtheywill By 2025,85%ofAmericanswilllive PlaNYC. tive, aswellMayorBloomberg’s America’s Great Outdoorsinitia- Move program, President Obama’s tives suchastheFirstLady’s Let’s and activitygoalsofnationalinitia- needs ofthecityandrecreation These assetswillhelpmeetthe surrounding urbanlandscape. recreational activitiesrare inthe ing, campingandbirding, outdoor Field hasspaceforfishing,boat- ests, andbeaches,FloydBennett wetlands, grasslands,maritimefor With overfivemilesofwaterfront, - Olmsted Frederick Law health andvigor. favorable to character is of animpressive of naturalscenes contemplation occasional fact thatthe It isscientific 9 (continued)

Economic Benefits of a Great Get NYC residents moving, meet- commodate a wide assortment of LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES Urban Park ing public health goals novice and expert naturalists and scientists studying everything from successful park must provide Increased recreation at Floyd astronomy to zoology. Aopportunities for recreation Bennett Field would directly ad- and socialization and integrate dress the Obama Administration’s Support Municipal Infrastructure with the region’s infrastructure. Creating a new America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) and Climate Adaptation Great urban parks have long been initiative, Mayor Michael Bloom- recognized as being more than just berg’s PlaNYC, and the First Lady’s Floyd Bennett Field serves now as places for outdoor recreation or urban park at Let’s Move initiative. Gateway a crucial link between fragments sanctuaries for important natural offers vast, open, free recreational of our remnant ecosystems, and its and cultural resources; they are Floyd Bennett space that is easily accessed by mil- vegetation scrubs the air and re- also generators of local economic lions of people. There are 100,000 duces the urban heat effect. In fact, development. Field will school children living within five Floyd Bennett Field could become miles of the park. the model green urban national Creating a new urban park at park and potentially host municipal Floyd Bennett Field will: grow the local • Investing in and activating infrastructure supporting New York Floyd Bennett Field will meet City DEP restoration goals and the Grow the local economy economy. AGO’s goals of Connecting National Park Service’s Climate Americans to the Great Out- Friendly Parks goals. Demonstra- A fully developed Floyd Bennett doors & Preserving the Great tions projects could include: Field will provide significant short Outdoors. and long term economic benefits • Solar panels generating up to • Increasing access to, and pro- to the neighborhood and the city. 10-12 watts/ft2 x 2.5 hours/ gramming at, Floyd Bennett day; • Turning Floyd Bennett Field Field will help facilitate the • A new Blue Belt absorbing into an iconic urban national three prongs of the Let’s Move over 1M gallons/year/acre of park will, conservatively, initiative—Active Families, storm water where hard sur- generate an estimated 2,800 Active Schools and Active face areas are removed; and to 8,400 temporary and per- Communities. manent jobs, and aggressive • 57.9% of adults living in New • Demonstration of new tech- models suggest creating up to York City are obese; encourag- nologies like tidal energy 16,500 jobs.2 Urban national parks provide ing and facilitating physical generation. • The value of surrounding real jobs in the commuinty, offer activity is a key part of improv- estate in Brooklyn and Queens learning and recreation ing the health of New York City Provide opportunities for com- opportunities for visitors, residents. munity interaction will increase as the park is and serve as destinations for $1,200 improved. It is estimated that cultural events. • Let’s Move calls for more ex- homes adjacent to well-man- ercise, and more unstructured Floyd Bennett Field can offer dollars aged parks gain up to 20% in exercise outdoors for children. the space for communities to be value, and even those farther Gateway offers the type of together for block parties, picnics, Average tax savings to each away gain 5%.3 open and unstructured space and community events to strength- New York City household as en our national identity. Parks are a result of travel & toursim • In 2010 there were a total of that children today are rarely common ground for children from 48.7 million tourists to New able to enjoy. different neighborhoods. York City. These visitors contributed $31 billion to the Offer outstanding educational region’s economy. resources for adults and school 304 children

thousand There are more than 1.2 mil- lion school-age children in New Total New York City jobs York City who could benefit from supported by visitor spending ranger-led interpretative programs (2009) or regular school sponsored field trips. Floyd Bennett Field can ac-

10 11 THE TIME FOR GATEWAY IS NOW Floyd Bennett

Field represents LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES the next great park opportunity within New York City. 2004 2005 2006

The National Parks Conservation As- The National Park Service creates the A Zogby International poll finds that the sociation (NPCA) opens a Northeast ateway National Recreation position of Commissioner, National majority of the area’s residents desire regional office to help lead the effort to Parks of , and helps an iconic national park in the region, Area is a complex park, com- G elevate Gateway National Recreation launch the National Parks of New York but nearly half of them are unaware of prised of five administrative units Area (Gateway) and help it become a Harbor Conservancy to support the and have never visited Gateway. spread across over 26,000 acres, great urban national park. national parks in New York City. two states, four counties, and three New York City boroughs. The park encompasses an astonishing mix of eco-types, uses, visitors, neighbor- 2009 2008 2007 hoods and urban contexts. Gateway is home to historical forts, a wildlife NPCA and Regional Plan Association NPCA, Van Alen Institute and Columbia NPCA’s State of the Parks report finds refuge, a former municipal airport, (RPA) release the report “The Path University hold the Envisioning Gate- that Gateway’s cultural resources score and beaches. Gateway National Forward: Public Input on the Future of way design competition drawing over just 46 out of 100, and its natural Recreation Area and, in particular, Gateway National Recreation Area,” 200 submissions from 20 countries re- resources score just 53 out of 100, the lowest rating of all 27 parks assessed to Floyd Bennett Field, has been the synthesizing the results of the Envision- envisioning the future of Floyd Bennett ing Gateway competition and all sub- Field. The competition raised the profile date. subject of numerous government sequent public outreach and feedback. of the park and articulated the bench- and private studies and initiatives Recommendations include revealing marks by which all stakeholders view the in recent years. Now is the time visitor opportunities, connecting and site. for the National Park Service, Con- expanding access, integrating climate gress, and local elected leaders to change, and re-naturing Jamaica Bay. The NPS begins preparing a new Gen- act together to implement these eral Management Plan for Gateway in- many concurrent and converging cluding Floyd Bennett Field. initiatives. 2010 The National Parks Second Century Commission charts a vision for our Na- tional Park System’s second century of service focusing on building a national community and sustaining the health of the planet.

Senator Charles Schumer and Con- gressman Anthony Weiner announce the creation of the Floyd Bennett Field Blue Ribbon Panel.

12 13 CONCURRENT EFFORTS

GeneralGeneral Management Management Plan Plan / •Environmental Newsletter—Summer Impact Statement 2009 Newsletter—Fall 2010 National Park Service General Management Plan for US Department of the Interior Comprehensive Restoration Plan Gateway as the model for Ameri- LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES Gateway National Recreation Area Gateway National Recreation Area for the New York – New Jersey ca’s Great Outdoors Initiative Join us at one of these Open Houses for an informal opportunity to meet our planning team, get more information Harbor about Gateway and to share your ideas and comments. Find Common Ground, As part of November Thursday, November 4 12:00 to 6:00 pm National Memorial Navigate New Waters In 2008, the National Park Service 26 Wall Street In 2016, the nation will mark the New York, NY Gateway National Recreation Area The Gateway website is the best place Monday, November 8 (Gateway) is an urban oasis. Located in to stay connected with the GMP and 4:00 to 8:00 pm Starrett City the heart of the nation’s largest metropol- future events. The General Management Brooklyn Sports Club itan area, it is truly a getaway for millions Planning section contains updated and Community Center Room of visitors every year. The woods, waters expanded information on GMP activi- In February 2010, the US Army launched a new General Manage- 1540 Van Siclen Avenue Centennial of the National Park Brooklyn, NY and beaches at Gateway are perfect for ties. There you can join the electronic

Tuesday, November 9 a wide variety of outdoor activities and mailing list and sign up on the website 2:00 to 8:00 pm serve as a permanent or temporary home to receive e-blasts. Gateway is also on the America’s Monmouth University McGill Commons, Clubroom 107 & 108 for a wide variety of birds, butterflies, fish Twitter! You can follow us at 400 Cedar Avenue and other species. It’s also a place where www.twitter.com/GatewayNPS Corps of Engineers and the Port Au- ment Plan for Gateway National West Long Branch, New Jersey Service. In celebration of this anni- history comes alive in coastal fortifica- Wednesday, November 10 tions, historic air fields and the nation’s 2:00 to 8:00 pm Brookdale Community College oldest continuously operating lighthouse. Warner Student Life Center, Navesink 1 765 Newman Springs Road Congress established Gateway in 1972 Recreation Area, including Floyd Lincroft, NJ thority of New York & New Jersey versary, the National Parks Second as a national park within easy reach of Friday, November 12 residents in the New York and New Jersey 12:00 to 6:00 pm Kingsborough Community College metropolitan area. Thirty years later Terrace Room (V219) in the Academic Village Gateway is in need of a new general 2001 Oriental Boulevard management plan (GMP) that will guide Great Outdoors released a Comprehensive restora- Brooklyn, NY Century Commission charted Bennett Field. This once-a-gener- the park for the next 20 years. Saturday, November 13 2:00 to 6:00 pm Much has been accomplished since the Oakwood Heights Three preliminary concepts, which can Community Church first GMP newsletter was published in be found on pages 10-11, were developed 345 Guyon Avenue Summer 2009. In this newsletter, we , NY to help you think about how various tion Plan for the New York – New ation effort will set out the broad share some of the progress we’ve made a vision for our national parks’ components of the park could be man- Tuesday, November 16 on the GMP over the last year. Part of 2:00 to 8:00 pm aged in the future. Think about what the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center that progress is a result of your com- concepts mean to you. Are there ways 128 Ocean Avenue ments and suggestions. A summary of Monmouth Beach, NJ we could better describe them or are those comments can be found in the We Wednesday, November 17 there things we have over looked? WE Jersey Harbor (CRP). Developed Listened and Learned from You section of second century of service to the agenda for Gateway for the next 2:00 to 8:00 pm NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Join us Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge this newsletter. Initiative, we Visitor Center at the open houses, or submit comments Cross Bay Boulevard online or in writing. We are navigating Queens, NY new waters and charting a new course. Thursday, November 18 This is your chance to shape the future thirty years. The plan identifies the 2:00 to 8:00 pm over 15 years, it includes specific nation. Recommendations focused , Visitor Center of America’s first urban national park, 210 New York Avenue please join us. Staten Island, NY For information on public transportation and driving directions to these Open Houses, restoration plans for Dead Horse key values for the park and sets out visit the park website at: on how the National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/gate

Linda Canzanelli Acting Superintendent look forward to strategies for best ensuring that Gateway National Recreation Area Bay, as well as more than 50 other can advance society’s most critical these are protected, enhanced and wetland restoration, and other, objectives: building a national com- interpreted as part of the visitor ex- working with the projects in and around Jamaica Bay. munity and sustaining the health of perience. the planet. The report highlighted Department of the urgent need to connect urban, underserved communities to the America’s Great Outdoors the Interior and Jamaica Bay Watershed national park experience, and high- Protection Plan lighted the role that urban national In 2010, President Barack Obama parks can play in that solution. In America’s the National released his report on America’s Great Outdoors: Released in February 2011, the 2011, President Barack Obama Great Outdoors (AGO), an initiative A Promise to Future Generations New York City Department of En- released his report on America’s February 2011 to address the challenges, oppor- Park Service vironmental Protection’s Strategy Great Outdoors (AGO). Under tunities, and innovations surround- 2011 – 2014 has laid out long term the leadership of the Secretaries ing modern-day land conservation to enhance improvement plans for the Jamaica of the Departments of the Interior and the importance of reconnect- Bay Watershed. Goals include con- and Agriculture, the Administrator ing Americans to the outdoors. The tinuing to improve water quality in of the Environmental Protection initiative aims to deliver quality out- the largely New York Harbor to facilitate new Agency, and the Chair of the White door experiences to every young development and increased water- House Council on Environmental person and connect all Americans undiscovered front access for all New Yorkers, and Quality, AGO is a 21st-century con- to their natural and cultural heri- restoring natural systems that can servation and recreation agenda tage. NPS - J. CHAKRIN PHOTO beauty of reduce pollution while providing that addresses the challenges fac- recreational, habitat, and climate ing our nation. adaptation benefits. Gateway National Now is the time to act together PlaNYC 2030 to implement these many concur- Recreation Area. rent and converging initiatives and make Gateway the great park In 2011, the City of New York re- Vision 2020: New York City Americans deserve and need. leased the update of PlaNYC 2030, Comprehensive Waterfront Plan the ambitious 30-year sustainability Mayor Michael R. plan to make the city a cleaner and In March 2011, Mayor Michael healthier place to live. The goals, Bloomberg Bloomberg and City Council Speak- many of which align with a greener er Christine C. Quinn released Vi- future at Gateway, include ensur- sion 2020: New York City Compre- ing that all New Yorkers live within hensive Waterfront Plan, a 10-year a 10-minute walk of a park; open- vision for the future of the city’s 520 ing 90% of our waterways for rec- miles of shoreline, including a sus- reation by reducing water pollution tainable framework for more water and preserving our natural areas; transport, increased public access and providing cleaner, more reliable to the waterfront through parks power for every New Yorker by up- and recreation, habitat restoration, grading our energy infrastructure. and economic opportunities to help make the water part of New York- ers’ everyday lives.

14 15 he Panel held seven public Tmeetings and stakeholder dis- cussions. At our public meetings, and on our panel website, over 280 community members voiced their opinions on the future of Floyd Bennett Field. They expressed their appreciation for its potential as a vital open space and voiced their concerns regarding maintaining currently existing programs such as biking, kayaking, birding and model airplane flying. Members of the public also requested ad- ditional cultural and recreational uses, the maintenance and activa- tion of the historic structures, the preservation and restoration of the natural environment, and improve- ments to the educational facilities. They felt Floyd Bennett Field was big enough to accommodate a wide range of uses.

Part of what is wonderful about Floyd is how open and unstructured it is. If you want to do something in New York City, there is room at Floyd.

community member

Floyd Bennett Field is home to many diverse uses and us- ers. Today, people visit Floyd Bennett Field to camp, bird watch, fish, restore historic aircraft, kayak, ride bikes, learn about aviation history, wind surf, watch bike races, play hockey and soccer, stroll along quiet nature paths, horseback ride, and more. 16 17 PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS

18 19 Camping Area

Flatbush Corridor

Grassland Restoration Boat Launch Non-motorized Boating

Possible HARP Locations

Sanitation & NYPD Minimize 5 Year Potential Education Location Vision Plan Ferry Landing & Marina Hangar Row Active Uses

Dead Horse Bay Restoration Area

US Armed Forces Reserves

FLOYD BENNETT FIELD

20 21 COULD BE...

Gateway National IS... Recreation Area is a part of what makes New York the greatest city in the world. As one of the country’s largest urban parks,

it is home to IS... immense natural COULD BE... beauty and an incredible variety of recreational opportunities – but we can make it better.”

Congressman Anthony Weiner

22 23 24 APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL W • • • II. • • I. A NewPark Design Re-Envisioning Ga national park.Thedesignwill: Bennett Fieldlookandfeellikea of thisnewdesignistomakeFloyd ments andparticipation.Thegoal a newdesignwithpubliccom- simply bydirectly commissioning St. LouisArch, orFresh Kills,or as acompetition,atFlight93, site. Thevisionmightbelaunched creation ofaholisticdesignforthe Floyd BennettFieldguidedbythe Project (HARP),inthelong- Historic Aircraft Restoration should bemaintainedforthe In thenear-term, HangarB uses. viewing orothercommercial for historicaircraft storageor pose spaces, possibly as space purposed asflexiblemulti-pur should berehabilitated andre- The remaining derelict hangars add exhibits. Ryan Centercontrol towerand Complete the work on the aviation history. Preserve and herald the site’s fully protected andrestored. ecological assetsshouldbe cal heritage.Theseremaining of theregion’s great ecologi- and provide tovisitorsaglimpse leled opportunitytopreserve maica Bayprovide anunparal - wetlands andsurrounding Ja- The grasslands,forested areas, rounding grasslands. serves thewidevistasandsur allees inawaythatalsopre - the memoryoftheseaviation new parkplanshouldreveal the designofpark.The referenced ormemorializedin fields. Therunwaysshouldbe Floyd BennettField’s open Enhance the central part of site’s openspace. Embrace andrestore the new comprehensive visionfor e recommend establishinga - -

• • • • IV. • • • • • III. tew Tamarack. shore, connectedtoCamp kayaks, etc.)ontheeastern and passivewateruse(canoes, sion supporting non-motorized Explore creation of a conces- launch ontheeasternshore. west andrefurbish thekayak at theGatewayMarinato Establish adockforferryaccess water access. tinuity ofthetrailsystemand the MarineCorpssiteforcon- Ensure enoughspacebehind access tothewaterfront. tem thatprovides enhanced Establish awalkway/trailsys- waterfront andthewater. Create betteraccesstothe tions. be realigned withnewdestina - The locationofstopsshould to servecurrent busriders. shouldbe built A busshelterontheeastsideof around JamaicaBay. enway andGatewaysites connect theJamaicaBayGre - An internaltrailsystemshould and FlatbushAvenue. particularly alongBeltParkway tablished throughout the site, side exhibitsshouldbees- Signage, pull-outs,andway- visitor center. created attheControl Tower proved, withamajorentrance Flatbush Avenue shouldbeim- The existingentrancesalong the site. ence andcirculation within Improve thearrivalexperi- ing asavisibledrawtothesite. relocated toHangarRow, serv- term, aviationactivityshouldbe a y : Field mustbe improved. atFloyd Bennett experience The entrance andarrival heritage. ecological region’s great preserve the opportunity to unparalleled provide an Jamaica Bay wetlands and forested areas, The grasslands, • • • • VI. • • V. (continued)

revenue needsofthesite. marketing, transportation, and park’s valuesand helpmeetthe new usesoreventssupportthe Establish policiestoensure that fishing. ings; birdwatching, hiking,and of thenativehabitatandplant- ing modelplanes;stewardship historic aircraft restoration; fly- and constituenciesincluding: should buildonexistinguses diversity ofNewYork City, and values ofthepark,cultural be self-sufficient, reflect the New programs shouldseekto portunities. world class urban camping op- children and other residents to connect New York City’s school ed campingexperiencesto Provide enhancedandexpand - hard surfaces. Hangar should beconcentratedalong the greater park.Suchactivity build alarger constituency for of FloydBennettField,and nect themwithotheraspects should bringinnewusers,con- festivals andpop-upmarkets Cultural events,concerts,art Floyd BennettField. cultural programming at Expand therecreational and venting anyinappropriate uses. Establish amoratoriumpre - tivities. Department drivertrainingac- tion andtheNewYork Police out theDepartmentofSanita- prints, in particular by phasing users should reduce their foot- sion. Intheshort-term,these ible withthenationalparkmis- tion andPoliceare notcompat- York’s DepartmentsofSanita- Corps andtheCityofNew nett FieldbytheU.S.Marine The current useofFloydBen- Remove inappropriate uses. Row and on existing public for use.public for andopen tobe refurbished the historic hangarsField’s should Floyd Bennett Left) (Lower Field home. species, Floyd call Bennett cons, a native and endangered fal- Peregrine (Upper Left) and feellikeanationalpark. make FloydBennettFieldlook The goalofthisnewdesignisto waterfront. thanfivethe more milesof should be able to easilyaccess Right)Visitors (Lower expansive historic runways. Floyd BennettFieldboasts City’s firstmunicipal airport, (Upper Right)New York 25 26 APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL T • • Infrastructure • • III. II. • I. Transpor and more enjoyable. making gettingtotheparkeasier Panel hasidentifiedseveralwaysof park’s greatest challenge. The Bennett Fieldisperhapsthe ransportation toandfrom Floyd harbor ferryloop. New York Cityforcreating a There isgreat interest within NJ Harbor. within JamaicaBayandtheNY/ linking thesitetodestinations a stopforexcursionferries, Bennett Fieldshouldbecome The marinaoppositeFloyd ers atRiisBeach. muter and seasonal ferry us- Floyd BennettFieldtocom- and marketprograms at for inner-Jamaica Bayferries Flatbush Avenue. Re-align parkentranceson cling paths. W Field. and withinFloydBennett rience alongFlatbushA Improve thepedestrianexpe- cess at the Establish adockforferryac- bush Avenue for special events. ing Q35busservicedownFlat- summer months;andincreas - service duringpeakhoursand bus to complement regular city support foranexpress beach cial eventsatthesite;securing ing inthetransitsystemforspe- card promotions; jointmarket- could include:theMTA’s metro marketing programs. These a seriesofpilotservices and Establish andcarefully evaluate vice. grams andincreased busser through marketing,pilotpro- cess toFloydBennettField Increase publictransitac- ell-marked walkingandbicy- Gateway t a tion & Marina venue - • • V. • • IV. •

ing water. the sitetoprovide safedrink- booster chlorinationsystem at site, allowtheconstructionof a current andnewusersofthe In order to meet the needs of ly benefittheparkitself. and wildlife,shoulddirect- the experiences of park visitors enhance, andnotdetractfrom, should bestructured soasto and anyfuture arrangements lines andpipelines.Current cal, gas,cableandtelephone of utilitiesincludingforelectri- is currently usedbyanumber The FlatbushAvenue corridor mission. advantageous tothepark’s region’s infrastructure and that are necessaryfor the A utility corridoronFlatbush structural needssuchasthe Accommodate criticalinfra- would helpattractnewusers. or othereventsinthefuture, of thetarmacforbicycleraces Sports andtheuseofaportion as thebikerental atAviator services andprograms, such Better marketingofexisting greenway network. City parksitesandtheCity’s nect thesitetootherNPSand Bennett Field will better con- creating biketrailsin Floyd nections in the Greenway byimproving con- Enhancing theJamaicaBay around FloydBennettField. Promote bicyclingtoand tion totheparkattractions. to improve internalcircula- Field shouldbeconsidered ing through FloydBennett popular, ajitneyserviceloop- As thesitebecomesmore venue aswellotheruses Rockaways and

throughout theHarbor.throughout loop thatlinksattractions York aferry creating for City interest withinNew great Gateway Marina. is There ing couldbe to added the land- photo)(Lower Aferry BayGreenway.the Jamaica theattractivenessincrease of internal biketrails would connections and key tion of (Middle Photo) Comple- pilot programs&marketing. could be through increased (Upper Photo) Busservice challenge. park’s greatest is perhapsthe Bennett Field and from Floyd Transportation to 27 28 APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL F system Characteristics. tualized aseriesofTargeted Eco- sive RestorationPlan Harbor known as the Comprehen - around theNewYork /NewJersey restore agreat numberofsitesall Foundation, amore recent effort to ary Program andtheHudson River Protection Agency’s HarborEstu- gineers, theU.S.Environmental Led bytheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEn- protected andrestored. ing ecologicalassetsshouldbefully est valueofthesite.Theseremain- this opennessisperhapsthegreat- public has repeatedly noted that vistas. At community meetings the tant horizonsandscenicwaterfront vast areas ofopenspacewithdis- II. • • I. ecological restora Comprehensive ner intheimplementationof sey can contribute as the local part- Authority ofNewYork &NewJer significant ecologicalvaluesand loyd BennettFieldprovides both elements throughout the site, elements throughout thesite, and surficial remnants oflandfill Remove hard-edge bulkheads to a nearby camping facility. ditionally providing access (kayaks, canoes,sailing),ad- passive boatingactivities cess andwateraccessfor Hanger Btoallowfishingac- should bemaintainednear A sectionofconcrete pad and theperimeterofsite. circulation around HangarRow grassland area, andfocusing enhancing thecontinuityof quired foraccessorrecreation, other concrete areas notre- Selectively remove runways or habitats. seabird colonyorother new a canal, creating a colonial sand ordirtsurrounded by pad(s), orcoverthemwith Remove partsoftheconcrete Restoration Plan. 8 hasconcep- 9 ThePort - • III. • • • cal oftheHempsteadPlains. warm seasongrasslandtypi - for thenativedominated The area shouldbemanaged land, definedas>100acres. minimum criticalareas ofgrass- fields bypreserving several Floyd BennettField’s open Enhance the central part of panded. grassland maintainedandex- should becontinued,andthe New York of cement pads or runways. shorelines orburyportions nial seabird islands,eroded pearing marshislands,colo- be used to restore disap- York Harborsandthatmight ly hasaccesstocleanNew The ArmyCorpscurrent - tion, andrecreation. aged forhumanaccess,educa- while othersshouldbeman- and least tern nesting sites, horseshoe crab,pipingplover designed andmanagedfor Some beach areas should be built andrestored. level, shorelines shouldbere- climate changeandrisingsea adaptive strategytoaddress as implementanimportant tion andvisitoraccess,aswell To improve waterfront restora- human use. shorelines for both habitat and historic value,andrebuild the that do not havesignificant remove abandonedbuildings der toPlainview, NY. acres from the Queens bor east, coveringover60,000 of thelargestprairiein Plains, which were once part acteristic oftheHempstead the runways,anecotypechar tion ofthegrasslandsamong have supportedthepreserva - the NationalParkService tion City and 10 This - - waterfront vistas. and scenic distant horizons open spacewith and vastareas of ecological values both significant Field provides Floyd Bennett • • • IV. (continued) grassland species’predators. lowed, precluding natural sign-posts shouldbeal- No fences,structures, or and exhibitcomponents. with accompanyingboardwalks be addedtoFlatbushAvenue outs andviewingareas should will attract new visitors. Pull- west sideofFlatbushAvenue tion, thenaturalareas on the With DeadHorseBayrestora - year. authorized byCongress this an externalscientificpaneland This project wasreviewed by quired tomovethisforward. and a“localmatch”are re- Act (WRDA) Appropriations W ect islargely designed.Federal Bay FeasibilityStudy. Theproj - fied intheArmyCorpsJamaica Restoration Project asidenti - Implement theDeadHorseBay tem Characteristics. ly valuableTargeted Ecosys- tential conflictsamongequal- this willrequire resolving po- restoration efforts, although the guidingdocumentforany Restoration Planshouldbe Engineers’ C area, theU.S.ArmyCorpsof Outside ofthegrassland ater Resources Development omprehensive omprehensive urban ecologicalparadise. Field couldbe restored asan Floyd Bennett waterfront, habitat,wildlife andmiles of with itsvast open space, key planned restorationfor efforts, anidentifiedlocation Already COULD BE... IS... 29 29 Possible Nonprofit Partners: EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION Christodora, Fresh Air Fund, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Boy and Girl Scouts of Amer- ica, New York Restoration ducation and interpretation are II. Modeled after Lowell Nation- Project, Outward Bound. Eat the heart of the national park al Historic Site’s successful experience. Floyd Bennett Field partnerships, develop stra- Floyd Bennett should be a unique environmental tegic programming partner- and historical learning destination ships with governmental and for New York City’s over one mil- nonprofit organizations. Field offers lion schoolchildren, the region’s 21 • Partnerships between lo- million residents, and visitors from cal universities, NPS, and the space for around the world. NYC Department of Education could transform Floyd Bennett school field trip We recommend that education and Field into the most cost-effec- interpretation programs transform tive environmental education programming, Floyd Bennett Field into a hub of site in the world. Examples of outdoor educational opportunities successful education partner- for the tri-state region. ships include: the community place-based engagement program at Low- I. Establish a permanent year- ell National Historic Site; the learning round educational facility at Hunter College internship pro- Floyd Bennett Field for di- gram for DEC; the City College opportunities, verse users including schools, Environmental Engineering nonprofits, and individual program with DEC; the NYC park visitors. Department of Parks & Recre- problem-based • Education and interpretation ation partnership with the US are not land intensive, but for Forest Service Northern Re- experiences, successful partnership and dy- search Station; and the Public namic programs to thrive, there Service Scholarships at Hunter. internships, park must be a space for visiting • Partnerships should be need- students and scholars to use. and resource-based. Nonprofit research, and A multi-use, year-round facility and civic partners should be would provide space for school able to exchange maintenance field trip programming, place- and capital investments for ed- teacher training. based learning opportunities, ucational use of facilities. problem-based experiences, internships, park research, and • Pursue formal research-based teacher training. It could host partnerships with local uni- or house visiting students, versities, such as those highly scholars, and professors from successful long-term ecologi- local colleges and universities, cal monitoring and urban en- New York City’s Department of vironmental science research Education, or programs of non- collaborations through the City profits or private schools that of New York’s Department of abound in the region. Parks & Recreation. • This educational facility must in- clude parking and easy access for school buses, meeting rooms, classrooms, lab space, rooms for collections and research, locker-rooms and bathrooms.

APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL

30 31 New Partnership Structure Possible Partners

(continued) • City of New York • Port Authority of New York & New Jersey artnerships are critical to manag- The following are three options • A leased arrangement would • United States Army Corps of Engineers Ping and maximizing the use of for a new management structure A new allow New York City or a sepa- • Corporations urban parks. Floyd Bennett Field and legal means of working with rate entity to legally control • Nonprofits requires a new sustainable manage- new partnerships, not necessar- management and manage Floyd Bennett ment structure that will be support- ily mutually exclusive nor exclusive Field. Alternatively, the lease • Local educational institutions ed by continued federal funding, of other potential arrangements: might cover specific sections new support from New York City, structure can of the site that are linked to on-site revenue, and philanthropy. I. A Park Trust recreation, education, and con- The National Parks of New York Modeled after the bring additional cessions, while NPS retained Harbor Conservancy and other non- Park, , or Pre- control over natural areas and profits can, and should, continue to sidio Trust, Congress would ap- resources, a new cultural resources. Such a lease play an important role in this effort, prove the creation of a third structure must allow greater but public funds will also be needed party entity supported by both level of energy flexibility to attract and man- to support capital and operating ex- the National Park Service and age outside partners. penses. the City of New York to formally • The lease might be over- manage and program the park. and outlook, and seen by a Commission with A new management partnership some authority, similar to could include a broad spectrum of • The third party would operate the vision that will the legal structure at Low- formal arrangements. New man- under a new legal structure to ell NHS in Massachusetts. agement can bring additional re- lease sites and facilities in the sources, a new level of energy and attract additional park, and activate them with III. Individual Partnerships outlook, and the vision that will at- new programs and services. tract additional philanthropic and philanthropic and In this option, the NPS would ag- organizational partnerships. Po- • This entity would have jurisdic- gressively pursue strategic partner- tential new partners include region- tion over Floyd Bennett Field, organizational ships with various organizations to al authorities, academic institutes, and perhaps subsequently ex- build and manage a number of fa- and nonprofits. A new manage- pand to other parts of Gate- cilities at Floyd Bennett Field. The Partnership Models ment partnership structure must: way. partnerships. City of New York could potentially • Conservancy – a private nonprofit corporation contracted by • Both NPS and the City of New help find partners. Opportunities the City to maintain and run the park. Funding is contributed by the City • Ensure the site’s use and pro- York would provide on-going include a partnership with New and by private donors. The City retains final control over the park. gramming is aligned with the operational and capital sup- York City Department of Education Gateway GMP and NPS mis- port, at levels determined in for an educational facility, with the • Park Trust – a public agency created to allow the State and sion. the planning phase. Subject Department of Parks & Recreation City to jointly develop and manage the park. Funding is provided by the City and State and privately generated revenue. • Be approved by Congress in to Congressional appropria- for collaborations in recreation and form and/or intent. tions, NPS financial support for outreach, and with the U.S. Army • Brooklyn Corporation – a nonprofit entity created by the City Floyd Bennett Field and all of Corps of Engineers for restoration. to plan and develop the park. Capital funding for the project was provided • Bring financial structure of the Gateway would at a minimum by New York City; the park is required to become financially self-sufficient site under a new legal frame- be based on, and locked to, a • Partnerships would continue to from onsite revenue generation. work (leases, partnerships, percentage reflecting current be created around specific fa- • Harbor Islands Partnership – this unit of the National Park System trust, etc.). support. cilities (i.e. an educational cam- coordinates management of the islands within the Park, which are owned • Maintain the current level of fi- pus) or covering delineated • The City of New York’s Depart- by multiple groups, governmental and non-profits. Some funding is pro- nancial contribution by NPS. areas (i.e. Aviator Sports). Part- ments of Parks & Recreation, vided by revenue generated in the park, captured by the nonprofit partner ners would manage the sites • Add operations and capital Environmental Protection, and group. support from NYC. Education should all be deeply covered by their agreements. • Presidio Trust – created by a special act of Congress creating an inde- involved in the programming • Given that this option would • Ensure all revenue from con- pendent entity to manage redevelopment of a National Park Service site. and use of the park. not change how commercial cessions and other arrange- Federal funding was initially provided for the redevelopment of the site, arrangements and partnerships ments remains within the park. but it is mandated to become financially self sufficient relying on revenue are managed, and that the site • Focus initially on improvements II. Intra-Governmental Lease from uses within the park as well as private philanthropy.

APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL would be managed on a piece- to Floyd Bennett Field, but be An intra-governmental agreement meal basis, this is not a pre- • The Alliance and the Open Space Alliance of North capable of expansion to Riis between NPS and the City of New ferred option. Brooklyn are both nonprofit corporations that have formal operating Beach, , and possibly York that would allow site- or pro- partnership agreements with NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The Canarsie Pier and Fountain and gram-specific partnerships through- Executive Directors are also the chief administrators of the park(s), ensuring Pennsylvania Avenue Landfills. out the park. that both the City and the local community have a voice in the manage- ment.

32 33 NEXT STEPS

Senator Schumer and Congressman Weiner, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES

e ask that you build on the emerging consensus and demonstrate your political leadership by moving forward on Wthe recommendations of this Panel. In the heart of an We believe the actions outlined here will result in new and more vigorous management of Floyd Bennett Field, will bring about a design for a park befitting the second century of our National Park System, and will ensure that the site be- urban complex... comes an iconic urban national park benefiting the people of New York as well as visitors from across the country.

it will bring the We therefore ask that you work with your Congressional colleagues, the National Park Service, the City of New York, and other partners to undertake or encourage these specific actions. national park program closer to the people than MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE PARK DESIGN FUNDING ever before. • Ask the National Park Service • Direct the new entity – or the • Dependent upon agreements to incorporate the recom- partnership that precedes around the new management mendations of this report into it – to solicit a new externally structure, seek National Park the General Management prepared, inspiring design for Service Construction funds, Plan now being prepared for the Floyd Bennett Field area. additional Congressional ap- Gateway. This might be through an propriations, and City of New • Meet with the Department of open or invited competition. York capital funds to imple- the Interior, National Park Ser- We imagine a process similar ment critical and fundamental vice, and the City of New York to recent efforts at St. Louis’ capital improvements such as: to encourage their adoption of Gateway Arch, the Flight 93 »» Building rehabilitation and a new management structure Memorial, Governors Island, removals and . for Floyd Bennett Field and »» Concrete pad removals, possibly Riis Beach and Fort • Work with the management waterfront softening, and Tilden. entity, National Park Service other enhancements • Help mediate discussions of and the City of New York to ensure the entire design pro- »» Transportation improve- such a partnership, particu- ments larly concerning each entities’ cess is open and transparent. potential legal, financial, and »» And more, dependent programmatic contributions. upon site design • Prepare and pass Congres- • Support the new management sional Authorization or other entity and its philanthropic legislation needed for the new partners as they seek addi- structure’s establishment and tional private funds for oversight. capital and programmatic improvements such as visitor centers, educational facilities, and other enhancements.

34 35 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS into a new entry point for LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS NEXT STEPS APPENDICES National parks Floyd Bennett Field filled While these steps are underway, with modern exhibits and are America’s there are some immediate actions interpretation; that can also be taken by your »» Enhance ferry service offices to compel short-term and to Floyd Bennett Field most precious tangible improvements to Floyd by creating a dock for Bennett Field: excursion boats and ferry treasures and service at the Gateway • Press the Administration to Marina. Gateway National provide funding for the Army Corps of Engineers/National • Encourage the City of New Park Service/City of New York York to partner with the Na- Recreation Area partnership to restore Dead tional Park Service and: Horse Bay; »» Assume a leadership role is New York City’s • Encourage the National Park in the site’s new manage- Service to expand public activi- ment structure; crown jewel. ties at Floyd Bennett Field to »» Begin to minimize the build a constituency, including: footprint of City agencies »» Host more concerts and on the site, in particular, Senator Charles festivals, related to the phasing out the Depart- park’s values, in coopera- ment of Sanitation and the Schumer tion with Aviator Sports New York Police Depart- and other partners; ment driver training activi- ties, while minimizing the »» Highlight aviation history impact of NYPD Aviation; at Floyd Bennett Field; encourage partnerships »» Complete the Jamaica Bay that will rehabilitate the Greenway; remaining historic han- »» Establish the Department gars and populate them of Education as a lead in with HARP and the model a partnership to create a airplane club; new environmentally-fo- »» Create a concession or cused educational facility work with a nonprofit or at Floyd Bennett Field, other NGO to support collaborating with other greatly expanded non-mo- academic institutions to torized and passive water facilitate a high level of use (canoes, kayaks, etc.) programming; on the eastern shore; »» Make significant »» Expand and make more streetscape improvements publicly accessible Camp to Flatbush Avenue. Tamarack to create ad- • Ask the Metropolitan Transpor- ditional outdoor camping tation Authority to work with and recreation opportuni- the National Park Service and ties, especially those tied NYC & Company to create a to passive watercraft use; marketing campaign and pilot »» Complete the Ryan Visitor bus programs down Flatbush Center and transform it Avenue.

NOW IS THE TIME.

36 37 APPENDICES A & B

APPENDIX A under, or near, Floyd Bennett representatives of the private sector, Milton Puryear New York Restoration Project Anthony Danza Jr. Field, such as the Port Authority elected officials and hundreds of park Becky Schneider New Yorkers for Parks Maria DeLongoria FLOYD BENNETT FIELD BLUE of New York and New Jersey, NYC lovers. Although it is impossible to Donna Walcavage NYC Audubon Anthony DiLernia RIBBON PANEL PROCESS Police Department, Department acknowledge each individually, we do Alex Rothberg NYC Department of City Planning Howard Eilenberg of Sanitation, National Grid, Con wish to thank all who contributed their NYC Department of Education Ruth Eilenberg Edison, and Time Warner Cable. ideas, their time, their expertise, and The Floyd Bennett Field Blue Ribbon NYC Department of Environmental Elizabeth Ernish In April 2010, Senator Charles Schumer above all, their passion for Gateway Panel thanks the many organizations Protection Michael Feller and Representative Anthony Weiner • Ecology & Restoration National Recreation Area, and in and individuals who attended and NYC Department of Parks and Naomi R. Fraenkel convened the Floyd Bennett Field Blue Interests, November 5th, 2010: particular those listed below. participated in public meetings, Recreation Adam Freed Ribbon Panel. Our charge from Senator Agencies, authorities, and other outreach, background information and NYC Department of Sanitation Wilda Gallager Schumer and Congressman Wiener organizations that are involved The Floyd Bennett Field Blue Ribbon contributions to this report including: NYC Department of Transportation Barry Grodenchik was to help the National Park Service, in the region’s environmental Panel thanks the organizations and NYC Economic Development Christopher Hahn Congress, and agencies involved with restoration efforts, such as the individuals who helped during the 59th District Community Association Corporation Stephen Harbin the park: Army Corps of Engineers, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Panel meetings and report production AECOM NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability Thomas Hodson process: American Littoral Society NYC Police Department Kate Holmes • Establish a shared vision for the NYS Department of Environmental AREAC NYS Department of Environmental Sam Holmes future of Floyd Bennett Field and Conservation, EPA’s Hudson Aviator Sports Birding Dude Conservation Leonard Houston its environs; Estuary Program, and New York City Audubon, among others. Nikki Baran Boy Scouts of America NYS Department of Transportation Bonnie Impaglaizzo • Identify recreational, ecological, Maya Borgenicht Borough of Brooklyn Pennsylvania Avenue Remote Control Kevin Jeffrey and educational opportunities for • Educational Institutions, Alexander Brash Borough of Queens Society Louis Kaliff the area; September 28th, 2010: Academic Elizabeth Case Brooklyn Bird Club Point Breeze Association Ted Kaliff institutions, universities, teachers, • Provide specific guidance to the Brooklyn Community College Brooklyn College, CUNY The Port Authority of New York and Ashley Scott Kelly and educational professionals National Park Service as to how New York City Hall Brooklyn Community Board #13 New Jersey Dr. Oliver Klapper that have been historically the vision and opportunities can Michael Della Rocca Brooklyn Community Board #14 Rare Bird Alert Mike Klein involved in the site’s use as an be articulated in the upcoming Financial Dynamics Brooklyn Community Board #15 Rockaway Music & Arts Aaron Koch educational resource and/or General Management Plan (GMP) Federal Hall National Memorial Brooklyn Community Board #18 Rockaway Point Yacht Club Joshua Laird have a future interest, such as as well as early actions that should Gateway National Recreation Area Brooklyn Greenway Initiative Rockaway Waterfront Alliance Venetia Lannon CUNY’s Brooklyn College, NYC be taken to implement the GMP’s Reina Gonzales Brooklyn Velo Force Sebago Canoe Club Vincent LaRocca Department of Education, and a finding; and Halcrow Inc. Century Road Club Association South Canarsie Civic Association David Li variety of individuals and nonprofit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Citywide Disaster Services Swim Bike & Run Shops Helen Mahan • Work together to implement organizations. Alexandra Kerry Con Edison Team TAM Bicycle Club Gretchen Maneval needed improvements to make • Public Meetings, September 21st Sophia Koven Deep Creek Yacht Club The Gateway Marina John F. Marra Floyd Bennett Field a signature and 27th, 2010: The Borough Kevin McCabe Ecowatcher The Jamaica Bay Riding Academy Michael Marrella element of Gateway National Presidents of Brooklyn and Queens National Parks Conservation Floyd Bennett Field Gardener’s The Wave Regina McCarthy Recreation Area and the National each hosted community meetings Association Association Tonio Burgos and Associates Suzanne McCarthy Park System. to which the local elected officials, The National Parks of New York Harbor Fordam University Trust for Public Land Eileen Mcnamara-Cifone The Panel met four times between April Community Boards, local and Conservancy Friends of Gateway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Eleanor Miele 2010 and March 2011 and additionally regional civic organizations and The National Park Service Gateway Bike and Boathouse U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Joe Monetti held Listening Sessions in Brooklyn, nonprofit groups, user groups, and Gateway Marina Verizon Anthony Morenzi Queens and Manhattan to solicit input the public were invited. Nearly 200 Robert Pirani Gateway National Recreation Area Wild Metro Julie Murtagh on the needs and potential uses of the people attended the two public Regional Plan Association Global Golf Services Williams Companies Brian O’Donaghue site. All meeting and listening session meetings. Darcy Shiber-Knowles Gruge Cake Yacht Sailing Program Jeanette Parker participants expressed the desire to Oliver Spellman Harvard University Patti Reilly • Website, December - January, see the site become an exceptional Historic Aircraft Restoration Project Jennifer Adams Joseph Rende 2011: The Panel posted our draft resource for the region and an iconic The Floyd Bennett Field Blue Ribbon Jamaica Bay Riding Academy Ilonka Angalet Don Riepe recommendations on our website urban national park, and provided Panel thanks the facilitators of the Kingsboro Community College Alan Ascher Sheridan Roberts in December 2011 and received important insight into how to achieve public meetings held to provide input Kissena Club Dr. Bonne August Marie Salerno more than 80 additional comments this reality. on Floyd Bennett Field’s future and this Linnean Society Renee Barnes Leah Sarashohn from a variety of interested report: Madison Marine Homecrest Civic Robert Bernstein Joseph Seebode people. • Concessionaires, July 14th, 2010: Association Kate Boicourt Rosalie Siegel Companies and organizations that Lindsay Burtchell Manhattan Beach Community Group Rebecca Boger John Stavrakas lease or operate concessions or Luke Depalma Marine Park Community Association Christopher Boylan Carter Strickland other businesses at Floyd Bennett APPENDIX B Jeanne Dupont McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP Brett F. Branco Dave Taft Field, such as Aviator Sports, the Elizabeth Ernish Metropolitan Transportation Authority Keith Bray Edward Toth marina, the golf course, and the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sarah Haga Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance Barbara Burke Ed Tomanek APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL riding academy. Amanda Kennedy National Grid Maria Burks Bill Tai • Infrastructure Interests, This Report is the result of an Roland Lewis National Parks of New York Harbor Olivia Cackler Betsy Ukeritis September 17th, 2010: Agencies, enormous collaborative effort on the Elizabeth Manclark Conservancy Linda Canzanelli Donna Wilson authorities, utilities, and other part of government agencies, civic Sara Margolis Natural Resource Protective Association Dr. Kathleen Cashin Richard Windram organizations involved in the organizations, academic experts, Linda Morgan New York / New Jersey Trails Mickey Maxwell Cohen Steve Zahn region’s infrastructure that lies community groups, consultants, Sarah Neilson Conference Michael Creasey Christopher Zeppie New York City College of Technology

38 39 www.rpa.org/floydbennett

APPENDICES C & D The Bronx

APPENDIX C Comprehensive Restoration Plan. Page 10: c. Don Riepe/American Vol. I [Draft}. Littoral Society REFERENCES 9 Bain, M., J. Lodge, D.J. Page 11: c. Bill Woodroofe Manhattan 1 U.S. Congress. 1972. Establishing Suszkowski, D. Botkin, A. Brash, New Jersey the Gateway National Seashore in C. Craft, R. Diaz, k. Farley, Y. Gelb, Page 12: c. Don Riepe/American the States of New York and New J.S. Levinton, W. Matuszeski, Littoral Society Queens Jersey and for other Purposes. F. Steimle and P. Wilber. 2007. House of Representatives. 92 Target Ecosystem Characteristics Page 16 (from top to bottom): Congress. Report No. 92-1392. for the Hudson Raritan Estuary: c. Rob Buchanan, c. Don Riepe/ Technical Guidance for Developing American Littoral Society, c. Harold 2 Garrett-Peltier, Heidi. 2010. a Comprehensive Ecosystem Laser, c. Scott Demel Estimating the Employment Restoration Plan. A report to the Impacts of Pedestrian, Bicycle, Port Authority of NY/NJ. Hudson Page 18 spread: c. RPA and Road Infrastructure: Case River Foundation, New York, NY. Study Baltimore. Political Economy 106 pp. Page 20-21 map: c. FD Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.; Ball, 10 Bourque, Jean. 2007. Changes Page 22-23 renderings: c. Margaret Robert. 1981. Employment Created in Wildlife at Floyd Bennett Field Steiner by Construction Expenditures. over 20 years with emphasis on Monthly Labor Review. Bureau of birds. In Natural History of New p. 24: c. Vivian Carter Brooklyn Labor Statistics, U.S. Department York City’s Parks and Great Gull of Labor, Washington D.C. pgs. 38- Island. Transactions of the Linnaean Page 25 Grid (clockwise from top 44; Council of Economic Advisors. Society of New York. Volume X. left): c. Alex Brash/NPCA, c. RPA, c. 2009. Estimates of Job Creation Motzkin, Glenn, and David Foster. Sophie Koven, c.RPA from the American Recovery 2002. Grasslands, heathlands JAMAICA BAY and Reinvestment Act of 2009. and shrublands in Coastal New Page 26: c. Don Riepe/American Executive Office of the President, England: historical interpretation Littoral Society (middle), c. RPA U.S. of America. Washington D.C. and approaches to Conservation. (bottom) 12 pgs. Journal of Biogeography 29: 1569- Staten Island 1590. Page 27: c. Don Riepe/American 3 Ibid. Harnik & Welle. 2009 Littoral Society APPENDIX D FLOYD BENNETT FIELD 4 S Stynes, D. J., Propst, D.B., Page 29 renderings: c. Margaret Chang, W. and Sun, Y. (2000). PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Steiner Estimating national park visitor spending and economic impacts: Cover, (images behind words, from Page 31: Photo courtesy of NPS The MGM2 model. May, 2000. top to bottom): c. Sophie Koven, Page 33: c. Alex Brash/NPCA (left), Final report to National Park c. Don Riepe/American Littoral c. NPS (right) Service. East Lansing, Michigan: Society, c. Don Riepe/American Department of Park, Recreation Littoral Society Page 34: c. Rob Buchanan Other Parks and Open Spaces and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. Page 1, map: c. Maya Borgenicht/ Page 36: c. Sophie Koven Gateway National Recreation Area RPA 5 Gateway GMP Newsletter. Back Cover (top row left to right): Floyd Bennett Field Summer, 2010. Page 3: c. Emily Daskalakis c. Don Riepe/American Littoral Society, c. Alex Brash/NPCA, c. 6 www.nan.usace.army.mil/harbor/ Page 4, Grid (clockwise from top RPA; (middle row left to right): index.php?crp left): c. RPA, c. RPA, c. RPA, c. c. Rob Buchanan c. RPA, c. Scott APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RECOMMENDATIONS GATEWAY’S TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TIME IS NOW THE OPPORTUNITY GATEWAY’S RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDICES NEXT STEPS PANEL RPA, c. Sarah Williams/Columbia Demel; (entire bottom row left SANDY HOOK 7 nyc.gov/dep University, GSAPP, c. RPA, c. RPA to right): c. Don Riepe/American Littoral Society 8 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Page 9: c. Don Riepe/American and The Port Authority of NY & Littoral Society NJ. 2009. Hudson-Raritan Estuary

40 A REPORT BY THE FLOYD BENNETT FIELD BLUE RIBBON PANEL

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