Full Notification

Dear Residents,

We have some good news I would like to share with you.
 
In a significant turn of events, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has determined that it will require New York Waterway to undergo a substantially more rigorous and public vetting process prior to allowing operations to commence at the Union Dry Dock site. This determination was made after I issued a letter to the USACOE requesting heightened scrutiny of the proposed use.
 
Specifically, the USACOE issued a notice stating that the NYWW application will be subject to review as an “individual permit application” rather than a national permit application.
 
You might be wondering, “What does this mean?”
 
Very simply, it means New York Waterway’s permit application will receive extra scrutiny by the federal government. There will be a more open, transparent, and public process in determining if New York Waterway can repair ferries on our waterfront.  We will be able to make our voices heard before a final decision is made.
 
It also means the Corps of Engineers will do three important things:
1) Study more suitable alternative locations for NYWW’s site.
2) Conduct studies to determine the impact it will have on our air, water, wildlife, recreation, public safety, and other relevant considerations.
3) Open up the process to public input and a possible public hearing in Hoboken.
 
Here’s what I’m asking you to do: Make your voices heard! The Army Corps of Engineers is hearing comments from the public, but they MUST be received IN WRITING by May 25.
 
You can send your written comments to the following address:
 
US Army Corps of Engineers
New York District
Jacob K Javits Federal Building
New York, NY 10278-0090
ATTN: Regulatory Branch
 
The comments need to be addressed and formatted in a specific way. To make it easier on you, you can download this template Word document we prepared. Otherwise, be sure your letter refers to the following:
 
Public Notice Number: NAN-2017-01615-WCA
Issue Date: April 26, 2018
Expiration Date: May 25, 2018
NY Waterway App. For DA Permit pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 403
 
Share with them any and all concerns you may have.
 
Also by May 25, you can request in writing that the Corps of Engineers hold a public hearing in Hoboken at a date and time convenient for residents.
 
I know this is a lot to absorb, so we have drafted an FAQ on this issue that you can read here.
 
Thank you for your time, and I hope you will join me in our fight to preserve our waterfront.

Very truly yours,
 
Ravi S. Bhalla