Conceptual design of a possible eco-dock on the Astoria Waterfront. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
Nov. 1, 2017, By Tara Law
ASTORIA — The design phase of a new floating dock at Hallets Cove has begun and the Economic Development Corporation has scheduled a meeting this week to get residents’ feedback.
The dock will be constructed near Vernon Boulevard and 30th Road, adjacent to where a collapsed radio tower is located. The surrounding wetland will be rehabilitated and greenery added, according to a spokeswoman for Councilman Costa Constantinides.
Astorians who wish to provide feedback on the project are invited to attend a visioning meeting hosted by Parks and Recreation and the city’s Economic Development Corporation this Thursday, Nov. 2.
The meeting will take place at Astoria Houses Community Center at 4-05 Astoria Boulevard from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Constantinides first announced the project back in 2015 as part of a larger Astoria waterfront revitalization program. The ferry line that opened in Astoria this year is a component of the greater plan.
The City is spending $5 million on the construction of the dock and environmental remediation.
The design phase started in summer, although a completion date has yet to be finalized, according to the Constantinides’ office.
The dock will be an “eco-dock,” which floats on the water and rises and falls with the tide, and has minimal impact on the surrounding natural resources. Paddlers will be able to use it to launch their kayaks and explore the East River.
Constantinides said that the dock will be used for educational purposes in addition to recreation. Students in environmental science and ecology classes will be able to access it.
Constantinides said that he hopes the dock will be of particular benefit to the residents of Astoria Houses, who live nearby but have limited access to the water.
“You can look out your window at Astoria Houses and see the water, but you have no way of interacting with it,” said Constantinides.
To RSVP for the meeting, click here.
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2 Comments
Wow, I’d love to see Constantinides in one paddling away into the sunset with that scary smile of his, maybe de Blasio could tag along in one of those 2 for 1 kayak things.
Water in that area can get pretty rough and now with ferry traffic even rougher.
Hopefully the kayak renters are also good swimmers. Statistically residents of housing projects such as Astoria Houses tend not to be swimmers so not sure how Mr. Constantinides is going to get them to use it. Maybe Astoria Houses is different considering the proximity of Astoria pool. Hopefully everybody uses it equally but probably an amenity more for the gentrified part of the Astoria population.