Rendering by Peter Roper
The keepers of the Governors Island National Monument - the two forts and the land between -have drafted four alternatives for future development, ranging from basic repair and rehabilitation to creating a bold new harbor presence. The draft General Management Plan w ill be the subject of an "Open House" in Manhattan to solicit public comment on Wednesday, February 27.
Guided by the legislation or executive orders that establish every National Park, a General Management Plan describes the long-term strategy that will direct staff attention and funding
requests. As a result, these plans tend to be broad mandates that authorize the Park Service staff to take specific actions over the next ten or more years.
Of the four choices outlined in the draft for Governors Island, the planners favor the bold one, which proposes that the National Monument serve as a hub for sites all over the greater
harbor area. All four alternatives assign the "highest priority" to the historic preservation of Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
The "Open House" will be in Federal Hall - an NPS National Memorial - on Wall Street opposite the New York Stock Exchange at the head of Broad Street. There will be two sessions: 2 to 4 in the afternoon and 6 to 8 in the evening. To find out more or to add your comments, please visit NPS's website.
Guided by the legislation or executive orders that establish every National Park, a General Management Plan describes the long-term strategy that will direct staff attention and funding
requests. As a result, these plans tend to be broad mandates that authorize the Park Service staff to take specific actions over the next ten or more years.
Of the four choices outlined in the draft for Governors Island, the planners favor the bold one, which proposes that the National Monument serve as a hub for sites all over the greater
harbor area. All four alternatives assign the "highest priority" to the historic preservation of Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
The "Open House" will be in Federal Hall - an NPS National Memorial - on Wall Street opposite the New York Stock Exchange at the head of Broad Street. There will be two sessions: 2 to 4 in the afternoon and 6 to 8 in the evening. To find out more or to add your comments, please visit NPS's website.
Here are the four alternatives in the A, B, C, D order the NPS has presented them:
Alternative A - "No Action," which means minimal change from what's happening already - repair and maintenance of the forts and the NPS dock on Buttermilk Channel, demolition of two buildings and the parking lot within the 22 acres of the Monument, new landscaping and the installation of a floating dock to assure access for emergencies, operations and visitors. It visualizes eventual year-'round public access.
Alternative B - "The History Center." Fort Jay and Castle Williams would act as "the focal and starting point for visitors exploring the Island's history." The Castle would host programs, exhibits, lectures and special events. Visitors could also climb to the top for "stunning views" of the harbor. The report includes an illustration that depicts a sunlit open courtyard. At Fort Jay, visitors could poke into the ammunition magazine and the barracks.
Alternative C - "Island Collaborative." In cooperation with GIPEC and with other organizations that become tenants of Island buildings, NPS would develop a system of information kiosks - "interpretive nodes" - spotted around the Island at the ferry landings, along paths and at key points of interest. The Park Service would also lease space to "compatible nonprofit organizations" that would rehabilitate and occupy some portions of Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
Alternative D - "The Harbor Center." In this, the Park Service's "preferred" alternative, the Monument would become "a primary stop on harbor ferry tours." Programs might include specialized boat tours and exploration of harbor history and ecology. Fort Jay might house harbor research, offices and temporary housing for fellowships and residencies sponsored by the Park Service. Castle Williams would be the Island's main exhibit and interpretive center "showcasing multimedia programs and interactive exhibits" that explore relevant local, national
and global topics.
The estimated one-time capital costs range between $12 to $15 million for Alternative A and $50 to $60 million for Alternative D, and then must clear several internal hurdles before any plan is adopted. Ultimately Congressional support and approval will be needed to pay for these plans.
Alternative A - "No Action," which means minimal change from what's happening already - repair and maintenance of the forts and the NPS dock on Buttermilk Channel, demolition of two buildings and the parking lot within the 22 acres of the Monument, new landscaping and the installation of a floating dock to assure access for emergencies, operations and visitors. It visualizes eventual year-'round public access.
Alternative B - "The History Center." Fort Jay and Castle Williams would act as "the focal and starting point for visitors exploring the Island's history." The Castle would host programs, exhibits, lectures and special events. Visitors could also climb to the top for "stunning views" of the harbor. The report includes an illustration that depicts a sunlit open courtyard. At Fort Jay, visitors could poke into the ammunition magazine and the barracks.
Alternative C - "Island Collaborative." In cooperation with GIPEC and with other organizations that become tenants of Island buildings, NPS would develop a system of information kiosks - "interpretive nodes" - spotted around the Island at the ferry landings, along paths and at key points of interest. The Park Service would also lease space to "compatible nonprofit organizations" that would rehabilitate and occupy some portions of Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
Alternative D - "The Harbor Center." In this, the Park Service's "preferred" alternative, the Monument would become "a primary stop on harbor ferry tours." Programs might include specialized boat tours and exploration of harbor history and ecology. Fort Jay might house harbor research, offices and temporary housing for fellowships and residencies sponsored by the Park Service. Castle Williams would be the Island's main exhibit and interpretive center "showcasing multimedia programs and interactive exhibits" that explore relevant local, national
and global topics.
The estimated one-time capital costs range between $12 to $15 million for Alternative A and $50 to $60 million for Alternative D, and then must clear several internal hurdles before any plan is adopted. Ultimately Congressional support and approval will be needed to pay for these plans.