Manhattan's West Side is set to see a massive upgrade, as city officials unveil plans to transform the aging Manhattan Cruise Terminal into a modern hub capable of handling some of the world's largest passenger ships. The proposal, backed by the Economic Development Corporation, calls for new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities that will enable three ships to dock at once, accommodating thousands of passengers.
The upgrade is expected to be a boon to the city's tourism industry, allowing it to compete with other major ports around the globe. However, the plan also comes with significant environmental concerns, as critics have long argued that the terminal's idling ships contribute to pollution in the Hudson River.
To address this issue, the new proposal includes a significant investment in shore power, which would enable the cruise terminal to be powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels when at anchor. This move is expected to cut down on air and water pollution caused by the ships' emissions.
In addition to environmental improvements, the plan also aims to alleviate congestion in the area. New pedestrian walkways will be built to manage the influx of tourists marching from the waterfront into Midtown, while a proposed $1-per-passenger fee would fund community initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of increased traffic and congestion.
While officials have expressed optimism about the project's potential benefits, no timeline or cost estimate has been provided. The plan still needs to secure approval from multiple levels of government before it can move forward, and taxpayers will be expected to contribute a portion of the funding.
The upgrade is expected to be a boon to the city's tourism industry, allowing it to compete with other major ports around the globe. However, the plan also comes with significant environmental concerns, as critics have long argued that the terminal's idling ships contribute to pollution in the Hudson River.
To address this issue, the new proposal includes a significant investment in shore power, which would enable the cruise terminal to be powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels when at anchor. This move is expected to cut down on air and water pollution caused by the ships' emissions.
In addition to environmental improvements, the plan also aims to alleviate congestion in the area. New pedestrian walkways will be built to manage the influx of tourists marching from the waterfront into Midtown, while a proposed $1-per-passenger fee would fund community initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of increased traffic and congestion.
While officials have expressed optimism about the project's potential benefits, no timeline or cost estimate has been provided. The plan still needs to secure approval from multiple levels of government before it can move forward, and taxpayers will be expected to contribute a portion of the funding.