A plan to demolish and relocate the ferry dock at Hunters Point South Park is drawing the ire of Queens residents who say the proposal would release toxic pollution and block waterfront views.

The project was first proposed in 2019 by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, a municipal-funding nonprofit in charge of running the city's ferry system. Plans include removing the ferry stop at the Long Island City park, which is the oldest terminal in the system, and replacing it with a floating dock at nearby Gantry Plaza State Park's main waterfront promenade.

In early December, the EDC presented its plans for the first time in public to the community board for the area, after residents said they were kept in the dark about it. The board ultimately voted against the project, citing the community’s concerns and the lack of transparency from the EDC. If the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decides to ignore this pushback and approves the EDC’s plans as is, the new landing will be completed in 2023.

The $12.2 million effort would expand current operations at the LIC/Gantry Plaza State Park terminal, allowing two ferries to operate simultaneously. Right now, the terminal allows for only one boat at a time.

Locals are concerned that more ferry boats at an already busy spot that’s used by five neighborhood schools for outdoor activities will increase the amount of noise and air pollution in the area.

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