BAYONNE – The prospect of a ferry terminal in Bayonne is growing after the city and the Port Authority of NY and NJ signed a nonbinding term sheet that should pave the way to formal negotiations to build the terminal on the southern side of the former Military Ocean Terminal Base (MOTBY), according to city officials.
The next step will come in April when the city is expected to issue a request for proposals for ferry operators to bid on the right to build and operate the terminal. Submissions will be due later in the spring, according to city officials.
The city has long lobbied for a ferry, but low commuter demand over the years couldn’t support it. That seems to be changing now that thousands of residential housing units are breaking ground this year on MOTBY and residential redevelopment is expected to attract more young commuters. Last April, the City and the PA performed an impact study to gauge commuter interest and determine likely locations.
“This is a true game changer for Bayonne that will help us continue with the development of MOTBY and it will give our residents another option to commute into Manhattan,” said Mayor James Davis in a press release. “We are finally beginning to deliver on the promises made decades ago, that will mean millions of dollars in new tax revenue, expanded transportation and more investments in the things residents need, like renovations to our parks and expanded services.”
