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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler was joined today by Borough President Scott Stringer and members of the Governors Island Alliance to call on the National Park Service to fully open Governors Island. As the park opened to visitors today, many of the island’s historic buildings remain shuttered to the public because of lingering lead and asbestos. For three years straight, Nadler and the Alliance have called on NPS to request federal funding for hazmat abatement, but the Park Service has failed to do so.
“Our efforts to redevelop this piece of American history are being dragged down by the Park Service’s failure to live up to its responsibilities,” Congressman Nadler said. “When President Bush transferred ownership of Governors Island to the State in 2003, he also officially designated Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and parts of the Historic Parade Grounds a National Monument. Until these landmarks are opened to the public, Governors Island will not reach its celebrated potential. The Park Service should take the lead in fully opening the Island.”
"The reopening and redevelopment of Governor's Island won't be completed until the Federal Government steps in and does its part.” Borough President Stringer said. “The National Park Service must fully fund the long-overdue rehabilitation of historic resources and remediate the asbestos and lead paint conditions within the buildings of the National Monument sites. We have a duty to this park and the people who will visit it from all over. Let's do away with the hazardous materials and make this park something we can all be proud of."
The Governors Island Alliance, a coalition of civic organizations, highlighted the importance of federal funding to the Island’s future. Several members of the Alliance including Regional Plan Association, Friends of Hudson River Park, New Yorkers for Parks, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, and the American Institute of Architects – New York Chapter attended today’s event.
“Governors Island National Monument should be one the most important places in the country to learn about our Nation’s history. Despite the heroic efforts of local staff, the lack of visitor services and unsafe conditions limits the ability of the Park Service to tell these stories to the public” said Kenneth K. Fisher, the chair of the Governors Island Alliance.
“Federal support for the National Park Service Governors Island National Monument will set the stage for new economic development and public enjoyment of this former military base, helping fulfill the promise of the federal government’s transfer of the property to New York and the National Park Service” noted Al Butzel, President of Friends of Hudson River Park and a founding member of the Alliance.
“Governors Island National Monument should be the cornerstone of the public parks on the Island, especially during this early planning period. Addressing the safety issues now will ensure that people can enjoy the Island even as planning continues” said Robert Pirani, the Alliance’s Executive Director and Director – Environmental Programs at Regional Plan Association.
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