New Study Urges City To Protect Its Maritime Industry

Every day, men and women work the docks of the ports of New York and New Jersey. But a new study finds while the maritime industry is growing, it may soon face obstacles. “Its future growth is in danger of being negatively impacted by an insatiable demand for waterfront property, for development of commercial and residential projects,” said Venetia Lannon of the Economic Development Corporation

The new study was published by the New York Economic Development Corporation and conducted by SUNY Maritime College.

According to the EDC, city and state governments need to be careful when rezoning waterfront properties to ensure that valuable maritime lots do not disappear. Shipping companies need to be on the waterfront, while other businesses and residential developments can be built anywhere.

“What the study tells us today is that this industry needs support from government and from industry as well,” said Staten Island City Councilman Michael McMahon. “There is great need to expand this area. If we can increase shipping we can save fuel, and it’s better for the environment as well.”

The study recommends the city should invest more money into creating new docks, expanding maritime facilities, and protecting current active facilities from redevelopment.

“The dry docks, the tugboat companies, they employ a lot of people, and it’s really a very strong sector of our economy,” said McMahon.

The study found the citywide maritime support industry, particularly on Staten Island, creates thousands of well-paying jobs that lawmakers say are desperately needed in the area.

- Joe Malvasio
NY1