NEW YORK — There’s a hidden oasis in the Bronx that is best known for its neighborhood charm, ocean-front views, and, arguably, some of the best seafood in the city.

“We used to have a sign over the bridge that said Seaport of the Bronx,” said John Doyle, of City Island Rising.

When asked how he would describe City Island, Doyle said, “It’s a small town, small piece of New York City, but a very distinct piece of New York City.”

But getting into this close-knit community in the northeast Bronx can take hours by car or bus. There’s one road in and one road out. Locals say the lack of transportation has cut it off from the rest of the city.

“You talk to people down in the city in Brooklyn and they don’t even know City Island exists,” said James McGowan, whose family owns City Island Diner.

Residents like Doyle are leading the movement for a new ferry stop on the island.

“It would improve the quality of life dramatically,” said Doyle. “It would cut commute times for the average City Islander going to the city, which 10% of the island works in the city, in half.”

Doyle says residents near other ferry stops in the borough, like Ferry Point Park in Throggs Neck, now have easier commutes into Manhattan. The City Island community hopes a ferry could also boost the local economy.

“Over the years, City Island has gone through a slump. There a lot of empty store fronts on the Main Street,” said McGowan.

City Island Diner is a staple spot on the island for 27 years. McGowan says it serves locals every day, but business is seasonal for its out-of-town customers.

“In the summer we get a lot of car traffic getting out here, but I think the problem with City Island is that it’s really isolated,” said McGowan.

A NYC Ferry Expansion Feasibility site assessment from 2019 determined there would be overall low ridership on a City Island ferry, but residents say otherwise. The city says it is not actively pursuing options.

“You don’t have to live on City Island to be invested in its future,” said Doyle.

For more information on the petition to get a ferry to City Island, click here- https://cityislandrising.org/ferry/

The outer boroughs are bracing for the start of congestion pricing, and as FOX 5 NY’s Sharon Crowley shows, it’s re-igniting a old push for ferry service on City Island.

https://www.fox5ny.com/video/1442344

Congestion pricing for public transportation in New York City is going into effect soon, but some people who live or work on City Island are pushing for a ferry service.

City Island is a 1.5-mile-long seaside neighborhorhood of the Bronx ​with local waterfront restaurants and shops, but the thing its lacking is accessibility. ​

Residents face a 2-hour commute whether it’s by car or by bus and train while trying to get into Manhattan.

The NYC Ferry conducted a study in 2019 and reports travel time to Manhattan would be quicker, but not many local residents would make use of the ferry.

https://bronx.news12.com/city-island-shops-residents-push-for-ferry-service-to-cut-commute-time-boost-economy

New York- ​​Push to bring ferry terminal to City Island

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/push-to-bring-ferry-terminal-to-city-island/5289505/

City Island residents are hoping that the Big Apple’s controversial $15 congestion pricing toll will allow a new transportation option to set sail in the Bronx enclave.

A growing group of islanders from the charming waterfront community known for its seafood is clamoring for a ferry stop as a cheaper — and faster — way to reach other parts of the city as the toll is slated to begin in June.

https://nypost.com/2024/04/03/us-news/city-island-locals-clamor-for-ferry-as-congestion-pricing-nears/

Although Bronxites like to (rightfully) sing the praises of City Island—a coastal neighborhood in the northeastern section of the borough—not many people outside of the area are familiar with the beautiful destination, which actually used to be part of Westchester County.

Locals hope to soon change that by making City Island easier to reach. As reported by CBS News, residents are circulating a petition asking officials to add a City Island ferry stop to supplement the single road leading into and out of town.

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/is-the-bronx-getting-a-new-ferry-040224

City Island residents want an NYC Ferry stop to bring more visitors to the otherwise hard-to-reach hamlet.

https://gothamist.com/news/extra-extra-city-island-wants-a-ferry-stop

There’s a hidden oasis in the Bronx that is best known for its neighborhood charm, ocean-front views, and, arguably, some of the best seafood in the city.

“We used to have a sign over the bridge that said Seaport of the Bronx,” said John Doyle, of City Island Rising.

When asked how he would describe City Island, Doyle said, “It’s a small town, small piece of New York City, but a very distinct piece of New York City.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/city-island-residents-push-for-ferry-service-for-fast-commutes-more-foot-traffic/

By John Doyle and Furhana Husani, City Island Rising and Waterfront Alliance

Just north of the urban concrete jungle, City Island has always been considered New York City’s secret oasis. Nestled in The Bronx, this small island has a long history of being a seaport and fishing village. However, this hidden gem has evolved from a village to a thriving residential neighborhood. It is both a natural refuge for those escaping from city life and a destination spot for foodies and seafood lovers.

A community organization based in City Island is pushing for ferry service to make the island more accessible.

Community members from City Island Rising say that a ferry service would not only provide more efficient transportation for City Island residents, but also would increase foot traffic for local businesses.

“I would much rather… get on a ferry and be in Midtown in 45 minutes as opposed to getting on the 29 [bus] and the 6 [train],” said City Island Rising member David Diaz.

https://bronx.news12.com/city-island-community-organization-pushing-for-ferry-service

“Yes to a City Island Ferry” is an initiative of City Island Rising, a community-based 501(c)3 not-for-profit group. Learn more about City Island Rising by visiting our website- cityislandrising.org
Website design & development by Tectonic Seven

PRIVACY POLICY  |  TERMS OF USE  |  CONTACT