We will continue restoring underused or vacant waterfront land across the city
Although it once supported a flourishing shipping and industrial center, the city's waterfront has experienced a decline in such uses in the past 60 years. Today, New York City's 578-mile waterfront offers one of the city's greatest opportunities for residential development. Already, more than 60 miles of waterfront land is being reclaimed. But the City is evaluating a number of additional ambitious projects that will achieve similar goals as the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning.

The land surrounding the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, once a thriving industrial waterway, is already evolving into a mixed-use neighborhood. Because the demand for industrial uses has decreased, a land-use study of the area can provide opportunities for residential development while preserving the neighborhood's existing character and remaining industrial businesses. Similarly, the Astoria waterfront in Queens presents an opportunity to extend residential uses through the creation of new housing while providing better access to the waterfront.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
As part of the rezoning process, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) scoping hearing for the Coney Island rezoning was held on February 13, 2008. This comprehensive rezoning would preserve and expand the iconic amusement area into a year-round destination with new residential and retail opportunities in surrounding area. The public review process is anticipated to begin in late 2008 or early 2009. In 2008, the City also anticipates the public review process to begin for the Hunter's Point South and Lower Concourse rezonings. In addition, the City is currently studying the Gowanus Canal Corridor, and the Staten Island North Shore. An RFP for the Staten Island North Shore Study was issued in March 2008; selection is expected by early summer 2008; and preliminary recommendations are anticipated in late summer 2008.