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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jack Epter, Member of Edgemere Community Civic Association, on NYC Ferry System

2:30:14

·

134 sec

Jack Epter, a long-time Rockaway resident and sailor, provided testimony on various aspects of the NYC Ferry system, focusing on route specifics, wake concerns, and the need for expanded service during upcoming subway closures. He corrected some previously stated information and shared his observations as a local resident and boating enthusiast.

Clarified that the ferry route from the city to the Rockaways passes about half a mile from the Coney Island dock, not 20-30 feet as previously stated
Addressed concerns about ferry speed and wake, asserting that fishing boats create more wake than the ferries
Highlighted the importance of expanded ferry service during a 16-week subway closure starting in January

Jack Epter

2:30:14

My name is Jack Kepter, resident of Rockways for 30 years.

2:30:18

Well, I saw in the community board and Edgemir civic association.

2:30:23

I'm also a sailor.

2:30:24

So with regard I was gonna speak on a couple different issues, and I just wanna correct a couple facts or statements that were made by that I heard before.

2:30:36

The the fairy on the route from the city to the rockways doesn't go within 20 to 30 feet of of the dock in Kony Island.

2:30:48

It's more like a half a mile.

2:30:51

That's the 1.

2:30:53

With regards to the ferry going too fast, I think that's one of the major advantages of the ferry as far as it creating a wake because it's proximity to the Rockaway Peninsula is too close.

2:31:07

I invite anyone to join me on my sailboat any weekend, and I'll show you that the ferry is not creating the wake.

2:31:16

It's the big fishy boats going as fast.

2:31:22

Okay.

2:31:24

A number that wasn't mentioned with regards to the South Channel Bridge, the maximum height of any boat passing under the bridge, allowing for high tides, maximum high tides during during the month is 21 feet.

2:31:42

That was mentioned.

2:31:44

The the ferry believe it's a 300 capacity ferry that goes out to the rockaways.

2:31:51

Currently, I I asked the captain what the height and the waterline was.

2:31:57

He said he would check, get back to me.

2:31:58

He hasn't.

2:31:59

I estimated to be somewhere in the order of from the waterline to the top of the Ferruno Sonar is at least 28 feet.

2:32:07

So you that that gives you an idea of the size of the boat that would be required to get underneath the bridge.

2:32:15

In terms of most importantly, 16 weeks, we're not gonna have subway service because this winter starting in January.

2:32:26

We need expanded ferry service.

2:32:28

Thank you for your time.

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Council member inquires about transportation challenges in Rockaway Peninsula