Historic pier could bridge Brooklyn-Staten Island divide once more

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- The American Veterans Memorial Pier hosted the original ferry terminal decades ago and it's still standing today.

Councilman Justin Brannan says all the city has to do now is add a stop.

"Enjoying the pier. Just an easy way to get around Brooklyn without traffic," said Mike Figueroa, a Brooklyn resident strolling along the 69th Street pier with his family on Tuesday.

Figueroa was admiring the waters separating Staten Island from Brooklyn's Bay Ridge neighborhood - the very spot where a ferry once shuttled commuters between the two boroughs for over seven decades until the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge rendered it obsolete in 1964.

"I think it would be beneficial to everyone to just open up another avenue to get to and from Staten Island," Figueroa remarked.

As a lifelong Staten Island native who now calls Brooklyn home, Figueroa understands the challenges of traveling between the two boroughs. "I use my car, my motorcycle, subways," he said of his current commuting options.

That's why City Councilman Justin Brannan is on a mission to resurrect the Bay Ridge-Staten Island route.

 Recognizing the success of the city's revamped ferry network, Brannan sees an opportune moment to revive what was once a critical ferry service between the two boroughs.

"People on both sides of the bridge have family on opposite sides. They live, work, and play interchangeably, constantly visiting loved ones," Brannan stated.

At the heart of his efforts is the aim of re-establishing an affordable and convenient transit option for residents who maintain close ties across the Narrows despite the physical divide.

Brannan says with congestion pricing looming as a deterrent for driving into Manhattan, he believes resurrecting the Bay Ridge-Staten Island ferry could provide a much-needed alternative. "You have to provide more options and alternatives for people. Right now, all you have is either the Verrazzano Bridge or the Staten Island ferry into Manhattan. You don't have any other options."

While Figueroa admitted he would be an occasional rider at best, preferring his car for the commute, he could see the revived ferry resonating with others. "I would use my car instead, but I think it would be a good option," he said.

While securing funding remains a key next step, Brannan advocates instituting a pilot program through the city's ferry network. Mayor Eric Adams has yet to respond to the proposal.