See the Island on Video
The Alliance has posted three short videos about Island activity on the Streetfilms website. You can also catch FIGMENT's mini-golf course on Channel 13's "SundayArts" August 3 at noon.
In The News
A Four-Star View of the Waterfalls
You can't beat the upper deck of the Governors Island ferry for viewing Olafur Elliasson's Waterfalls, and you certainly can't beat the price. (It's free.) You can see all four installations, coming and going--Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Piers, Pier 35 Manhattan and, of course, Governors Island--and pack in an outing on the Island as well.
Note, too, that the New York Times art critic Roberta Smith wrote in her review, "The falls on Governors Island are especially beautiful. Rising above the relatively low lying profile like a tropical vision, they seem to be waiting for the jungle to grow up around them."
Note, too, that the New York Times art critic Roberta Smith wrote in her review, "The falls on Governors Island are especially beautiful. Rising above the relatively low lying profile like a tropical vision, they seem to be waiting for the jungle to grow up around them."
Getting on Top of Castle Williams
Rendering by Peter Roper
Public access to Castle Williams and its rooftop views has inched closer to reality with the inclusion of $1.35 million in the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee's draft for fiscal 2009. It's a first step toward a $5.8 million project to remove hazardous asbestos and lead paint from the Castle's interior and to open the historic prison cells and dramatic roof for the general public. Currently the public is limited to visiting the courtyard.What's New on the Island?
Visitors left Governors Island last summer wanting more. Their survey comments asked that the Island be open more often and for longer hours. They wanted more benches and bathrooms, too. And food. They got them all.
The Island is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - versus just two days last year--and stays open later in the day. The season also runs a month longer, into early October.
GIPEC Looks to the Arts
One RFP describes an entertainment and dining space in the parking lot just west of the ferry slip. The temporary venue will have seated and staged areas under cover. The performance space will have 500-800 seats. With its unmatched views of the harbor and Lower Manhattan, this venue will operate for five years, after which GIPEC can choose whether to renew the permit.
The second RFP seeks to transform nearby Building 110 into a base for artists' studios and exhibition space. GIPEC hopes to attract arts organizations that wish to develop a lasting year-round presence on the island. GIPEC noted that the program will not permit residence on the Island nor overnight use of the studios.
These RFPs mark an important step in expanding the Island's early use, said GIPEC Chair Avi Schick. GIPEC anticipates that the arts program will begin next year.
Responses to both RFP's are due by 3 p.m. August 28. To download either one, click here.
Cruise Harbor, Visit Offshore Island
The ferry line to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island now offers a separate Liberty Harbor Cruise stopping at Governors Island. While it doesn't connect with the other islands--a link that could be established in the future--it is nonetheless welcome new exposure.
The new cruise loops around Lower Manhattan and the other two islands and makes just one stop--at Governors Island. It departs Gangway 3 in Battery Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 and 12:30, and stops at the island 45 minutes later. Passengers may return to Manhattan anytime on the free ferry.
Cruise tickets at Castle Clinton and dockside or online at www.statuecruises.com.
The new cruise loops around Lower Manhattan and the other two islands and makes just one stop--at Governors Island. It departs Gangway 3 in Battery Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 and 12:30, and stops at the island 45 minutes later. Passengers may return to Manhattan anytime on the free ferry.
Cruise tickets at Castle Clinton and dockside or online at www.statuecruises.com.
A New Haven On Buttermilk Channel
Skippers of boats large and small know there's a premium on space to dock in New York Harbor. Thanks to a $500,000 grant from Borough President Scott Stringer, Governors Island will soon offer a new safe berth.
The BP's funding will pay will pay for installing fenders on part of Yankee Pier on Buttermilk Channel. This protective covering will allow large boats to tie up safely without damaging themselves or the pier. Fulfilling a regional need, Governors Island will be able to handle historic sailing ships, research vessels and naval craft from the rest of the harbor and around the world.
The BP's funding will pay will pay for installing fenders on part of Yankee Pier on Buttermilk Channel. This protective covering will allow large boats to tie up safely without damaging themselves or the pier. Fulfilling a regional need, Governors Island will be able to handle historic sailing ships, research vessels and naval craft from the rest of the harbor and around the world.
Bikes are In - and Free on Fridays
Summer Jobs on the Island
Want to spend the summer on a beautiful island - in New York Harbor? The National Park Service seeks students to work as summer rangers guiding walking tours and helping with special events during the four months that the Island will be open to the public. There are also openings for staff at the visitors' center information desk and in the bookstore. Starting pay is $14.21 an hour.
Applicants must have a high school degree or a GED and must currently be enrolled in a degree or certificate program. The workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, beginning in mid-May.
To apply, send resumés to:
Summer Jobs
Governors Island National Monument
10 South Street--Slip 7, New York, NY 10004
To view the full job description click here here. For more information, call 212-825-3044 or email ilyse_goldman@nps.gov
Applicants must have a high school degree or a GED and must currently be enrolled in a degree or certificate program. The workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, beginning in mid-May.
To apply, send resumés to:
Summer Jobs
Governors Island National Monument
10 South Street--Slip 7, New York, NY 10004
To view the full job description click here here. For more information, call 212-825-3044 or email ilyse_goldman@nps.gov
Park Design Team is Chosen for Governors Island
GIPEC announced the winner of the design competition for Governors Island on December 20th.
Read the New York Times article about the park plan here.
Nicolai Ouroussoff reviews the winning proposal and makes the case for public-first planning.
Read the Downtown Express's article, "Governor, mayor spin new idea on Governors"
The Daily News presents the new view of Governors Island.
Read Gabe Pressman of WNBC's view on the design competition winner.Listen to Rob Pirani, the Executive Director of the Governors Island Alliance, talk about Governors Island and the design competition on WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show here.
New York Times: Drums Along the Hudson
The 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage up the Hudson River will be in 2009. The New York Times describes the types of festivities we should be looking forward to as well as the necessary steps to making this a celebration to remember.
The New York Times Editorial November 4.pdf
The New York Times Editorial November 4.pdf
News Notes
Place Matters, a program that highlights noteworthy but lesser known corners of our town, cited Governors Island again this year as a place that matters - "one of the most important and exciting public spaces being developed in the city." Time Out magazine featured the Island in a summer story about where to find solitude in this busy busy city. While the magazine's notion of solitude contradicts the Island's increasing popularity - "You're seeking tranquility and don't want to see another soul" - the item itself was a nice boost. Governors Island was the first place cited, and the citation said "Optimal time: Saturday 11 a.m. This oasis practically mandates peaceful contemplation.... Be sure to bring your own food, though. There are more dining options on Survivor than on this isolated isle."Design Competition Review
The New York Times reviews the five proposals for the Island's parks and open spaces.
Folks on the Island!
The Downtown Express highlights the Folks on the Island! concerts as New York City's first formal folk festival.
Open Access on the Island
The New York Post fills everyone in on the opening of the Island for the summer season.
Cycling on the Island
AM New York talks about the Island weloming cyclists for the first time ever.
Water Taxi Stops at Governors Island
For the first time, Brooklynites can visit Governors Island directly from their home borough, reports the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
Governors Island will Open on Sundays!
Governors Island willbe open to visitors on Sundays this year for the first time, starting the first weekend in
June. In the past few years it has been open on Fridays and Saturdays. Now it will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Long advocated by public officials and theAlliance, the new schedule opens the island to even more visitors.
Concerts, workshops and festivals, starting with the Alliance's Family Festival on Saturday, June 2, are scheduled throughout the summer.
See you then!
Recent Posts
- What's New on the Island?
- GIPEC Looks to the Arts
- Cruise Harbor, Visit Offshore Island
- A New Haven On Buttermilk Channel
- Bikes are In - and Free on Fridays
- Summer Jobs on the Island
- Park Design Team is Chosen for Governors Island
- New York Times: Drums Along the Hudson
- News Notes
- Design Competition Review
- More Entries