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On April 1, 2002, President George W. Bush, Governor Pataki, and Mayor Bloomberg announced that the United States of America would sell Governors Island to the people of New York for a nominal cost, and that the Island would be used for public benefit.

The federal, state and local governments agreed to deed restrictions that required it be redeveloped for recreation, education and limited commercial activities. Twenty-two acres are already designated National Park Land. Of the remaining acres, at least 40 must be for parks, at least 20 for educational uses, and 30 acres for "public benefit uses." That leaves over one-third of the land above water for other, possibly commercial, uses.

At this early stage in the planning for Governors Island, Governors Island Preservation & Education Corporation (GIPEC) and its design team are seeking broad public input on the potential uses for the island. On November 13th, 2006 GIPEC tossed out all proposals from developers vying to turn the former military base into a tourist attraction, including cable TV giant Nickelodeon's plan to create a children's theme park on the island.

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Tourism Success on Governors Island

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Waterfront

Governors Island has had three times as many tourists as this time last year, validating recent efforts to provide an array of cultural attractions. Free transportation, bicycle rentals, and other entertainment, such as the Waterfalls exhibit, have all contributed to the boom.

Public Art Project, Waterfalls, Set to Open Tomorrow

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 | Gothamist | Topic: Waterfront

Public Art Project, Waterfalls, will begin or be turned on starting tomorrow at 9am. There will be four waterfalls in total along the East River waterfront on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides as well as near Governors Island. This art installation will last until October 13.

Philharmonic to Play Concert on Governors Island

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Waterfront

The Philharmonic is scheduled to play a concert on Governors Island on July 5th at the current site of an old, abandoned Super 8 Motel. The motel is to be demolished prior to the concert in order to accommodate the expected 10,000 concert-goers. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp (GIPEC) brokered the deal with the Philharmonic in hopes of creating a permanent home for the orchestra every summer.

Governors Island to Introduce Bike Share Program

Wednesday, June 04, 2008 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

Beginning this Friday, bikes will be available for free on Friday's until October 6th on Governor's Island and for rental on the weekends. This is part of an alternative transportation program being tested for possible future implementation throughout the City.

Governors Island Home to Art This Summer

Thursday, May 29, 2008 | New York Sun | Topic: General

Art programming, including jazz festivals, a concert by the New York Philharmonic and other events, will hopefully bring many different groups of New Yorkers to Governors Island this summer, according to the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. While designs for the new park will not be released until 2009, an amphitheater is expected. This summer’s programming will hopefully shed light on what the future holds for the Island. Ferry service is expected to increase during the larger events this summer to make travel back and forth easier.

Governors Island Renovations Will Begin Next Month

Monday, April 28, 2008 | Gothamist | Topic: General

The $500 million dollar overhaul of Governors Island is expected to begin next month with the demolition of existing structures. A group of five design teams is working on a proposal to transform the island into an oasis for cyclists, rock-climbers and nature-lovers, and will meet to reassess their plans in the fall. A groundbreaking is expected next year.

Governers Island, Rich With History, Getting Upgrades

Sunday, April 20, 2008 | Newsday.com | Topic: General

Governors Island, located a half a mile off the tip of Manhattan in the New York Harbor, is prime real estate that is finally being realized. A team of five design firms is working on creating a park with manmade hills and a shoreline promenade. Purchased from Native Americans by the Dutch in 1637, later occupied by the British, and then serving as a U.S. military base for over 200 years, the island has a rich colonial and post-colonial history. Construction on the new development will not begin until 2009, but demolition of buildings on the south end of the island is slated to begin as early as next month.

New Proposals for Governors Island

Monday, April 14, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) will release a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for Governors Island later this year. The City and State have focused their efforts on improving transportation services and open space to the 172-acre island over the past few years. The State allocated $10 million to Governor’s Island this year and the City is expected to match that amount. A public school is expected to be the first tenant of the Island.

NY Philharmonic Could Find New Summer Home at Governors Island

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 | Washington Post | Topic: General

The New York Philharmonic has scheduled a free concert on July 5 on Governors Island. The famed orchestra has been searching for a permanent summer home and its president, Zarin Mehta has said that Governors Island may be considered if the City would address transportation and other issues associated with the Island.

Governors Island Prepares for Future Development

Thursday, February 07, 2008 | Metro New York | Topic: General

Governors Island is beginning to prepare for future development although it is unclear what project or projects may be developed there. Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC), said that demolition of buildings on Governor Island’s southern tip is slated to begin this year. She also said that only one school, a maritime-themed public high school called the Harbor School, is set to build their campus on the island. However, several educational institutions and universities, including New York University, have demonstrated interest in expanding to the island. While no request for proposals has been announced, Koch noted that a competitive bidding process would be necessary before the GIPEC considered any new developments. Plans are moving forward on the redesign of the island’s parkland. A viewing of redesigns will be open longer than usual this summer to showcase the waterfall art installation by Olafur Eliasson.

Governors Island Could Be Expansion Site for NYU

Friday, February 01, 2008 | New York Post | Topic: Land Use

New York University is considering expanding academic space, faculty and student housing on Governors Island. Use of Governors Island for expansion is nothing new for NYU as they have been considering the idea since 1997. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is not soliciting tenants currently but considers NYU an ideal fit for the space. Any NYU expansion to the Island would only come once transportation and infrastructure improvements are made.

City Announces Bike-Share Program for Governors Island

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

As part of the Governors Island park renovations, the city has announced a bike-share program to allow visitors free use of bicycles on the Island. Dutch design firm West 8 will construct 3,000 wooden bicycles, in addition to building new parkland. The bike-share program is expected to begin in 2012 with the completion of the parks. Some transportation advocates hope that this program will become citywide in the future.

Gondola Proposed for Governors Island

Thursday, December 20, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

While announcing the city's design plans for creating new parkland on Governors Island, Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff also revealed that plans for an aerial gondola connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan to the island might be realized. The proposal iwould cost an estimated $125 million and create stops at Pier 6 off Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn and at the Battery Marine Terminal in lower Manhattan. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp. hopes to receive the results of a financial and technical feasibility study of the plan, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, within the month. Right now ferries and water taxis are only modes of transportation serving the island.

Governors Island Park Designers are Announced

Thursday, December 20, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

The design by West 8, Diller Scofidio & Renfro, Rogers Marvel Architects, Quennell Rothschild & Partners and SMWM was chosen for a 40-acre park on Governors Island. The $400 million projects, includes a promenade, two new parks, free bicycles rentals and allow for future building developments on the island and is expected to be completed by 2012.

Additional Ferry to Serve Governors Island by Summer 2009

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

A used ferry, known as the "Islander," will offer free service between the Battery Marine Terminal in lower Manhattan and Governors Island by 2009. The ferry, which once carried passengers between Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod, is expected to be purchased from the Steamship Authority for $500,000. The extra service will be essential as the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp. (GIPEC) continues its plan to create upwards of 87 acres of park space.

Mayor Proposes Public Health Institute on Governors Island

Friday, October 12, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Land Use

Mayor Bloomberg suggested on his weekly radio show that his foundation might create an international public health center on Governors Island. Bloomberg, a billionaire and philanthropist, has contributed money to other public health endeavors and has been developing the idea for some time. He estimates that it would cost $100 million to develop the site and $30 million to maintain it annually. Although New York has owned the land since 2001, officials have been unable to decide how to develop the island.

Massachusetts Ferry Purchased for Governors Island Transportation

Thursday, July 19, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

The Islander, a ferry that carried passengers between Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, has been purchased by the Governors Island Preservation and Economic Corporation to begin carrying passengers between lower Manhattan and Governors Island. The ferry carries 770 passengers, but will need major repairs and improvements before it is ready for use.

New Operator for Liberty Island Ferry

Friday, June 29, 2007 | WNYC | Topic: Waterfront

The National Park Service has chosen Hornblower Yachts as its new ferry operator to Liberty Island, rather than forming a new contract with Circle Line. Hornblower Yachts’ contract will stretch for 10 years, and will include service to Sandy Hook and Governors Island. The company also has operations in San Francisco, running the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Congress has 60 days to conduct a review of the contract before operations begin.

Options for Governors Island Unveiled

Thursday, June 21, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Land Use

Yesterday the American Institute of Architects and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation made public five designs envisioning the future of Governors Island. A common thread throughout the designs is the inclusion of thermal pools for a fall and winter attraction. A collective of design professionals and government officials are going to choose a winner later this summer.

Five Designs in Competitions for Governors Island

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Land Use

Five proposals for development of the southern half of Governors Island are in, providing a glimpse of what the island could look like in the future. The proposals are currently available for public viewing at the Center for Architecture and at Governors Island on weekends. Current proposals do not aim to redevelop the entire island at the beginning, but only its most public portion, which is intended to build support for further development. The northern half is a landmarked historic district, and so will remain largely unchanged. All of the plans aim to take advantage of the island’s isolation as well as its views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts as well as the Statute of Liberty.

Governors Island Subject of Design Competition

Monday, May 28, 2007 | New York Magazine | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

Five design teams have been asked to present the City with plans for the future of Governor’s Island. The teams were asked for design plans for a 25-40 acre parcel of the southern end of the island, and for plans to revamp the historic northern shore. Starting June 1, the plans will be on display on Governor’s Island and the Center for Architecture on LaGuardia Place so that the public may comment on the proposed landscapes.

Gondola System Still Possible at Governors Island

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

Plans to build a $125 million gondola system that would serve as a connection between Governors Island and both Brooklyn and Manhattan are still on the table, says Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff. Doctoroff, who heads the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp. (GIPEC), says that the city’s Economic Development Corporation is still considering the proposal. While Governors Island is currently only accessible by ferry, private water taxis will be allowed to transport to the island beginning this summer. The gondola plans coincide with an ongoing redevelopment of the island by GIPEC.

City to State: Match Funds for Governors Island

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

The city’s deputy mayor, Daniel Doctoroff, has called on state officials to provide funds for Governors Island that match the city’s commitment of $37 million for the year. According to the city, its funding commitment is $17 million greater than the state’s. The island, 72 acres of which is currently the object of redesign proposals to make it a mixture of uses like park and commercial space, has been the center of redevelopment since 2003. Responding to the city’s call, the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) maintained that its fiscal year appropriations were finalized.

Showcasing Governors Island: Past and Possible Future

Wednesday, April 04, 2007 | New York Magazine | Topic: Land Use

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) has announced that the island will be open to the public on weekends this summer for the first time in history. City and state officials praised the announcement, claiming that the new summer hours will allow natives and visitors to learn about a place that is relatively unknown by most residents. This piece in the New York Magazine tries to uncover the range of information that residents possess about Governors Island, as well as their respective interests in visiting.

City Offers Unique Partnership in Hopes of Expanding Ferry Service

Thursday, March 29, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Waterfront

With ferry services to Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty up for bid the city has put out an offer to partner with any new provider, sharing its expertise and resources in return for agreement to expand service beyond the current stops. The city hopes create a unified Harbor District by including service to waterfront areas that are planned for redevelopment such Governors Island and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The National Park Service operates Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty, and will be the one accepting bids, but has not focused on expansion of services. However the National Park Service has said that they do not object to the city’s proposal and they do not see it interfering with the bidding system.

Auto Racing on Governors Island?

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

An auto-racing league, known as the Indy Racing League, is in discussion with area leaders and members of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) about adding a racing venue to the island. The league, which already includes 17 destinations on its racing circuit, is interested in adding New York City but has yet to formulate a definitive plan. GIPEC, who oversees the development of the 172-acre Governors Island, is currently considering bids for five finalists to develop part of the island for educational and public benefit uses. The development agency expects to announce a winner in the summer.

Manhattan Borough President To Address Key Priorities

Sunday, February 11, 2007 | NY1 | Topic: Politics & Government

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer is expected to address his key priorities for 2007 in Monday’s State of the Borough Address. Stringer has stated that Monihan Station tops his project priorities, and that he also plans to focus on issues of affordable housing and improving city transportation. The Borough President is also expected to mention Governors Island as an area of exciting new development.

Finalists Chosen for Governors Island Design

Friday, January 26, 2007 | Downtown Express | Topic: Land Use

The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) named a group of five teams as finalists to design public space on the island. The winning finalist will be responsible for planning 25 to 40 acres of parkland on the island’s southern end, a two-mile boardwalk and bikeway encircling the island, as well as revitalized outdoor space on the island’s northern district. A series of public forums will occur, after which a jury will select the winning team and GIPEC will work in close partnership with the winning group. The finalists are: Field Operations, Hargreaves Associates, Ramus Ella Architects, West 8, and WRT L.L.C.

Designers Compete over Governors Island Green Space

Thursday, January 18, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Waterfront

Potential designers for the 87-acre green space on Governors Island have been narrowed down to five landscape-architect teams. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corp. plans to choose a final designer in the summer of 2007 after opportunities for public forums and presentations on the potential plans.

Battery Park Being Reshaped into Family Destination

Thursday, January 11, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Waterfront

The Battery Conservancy has been working to transform Battery Park by adding family-orientated attractions such as a modern carousel. The park should benefit from overhaul of the Lower Manhattan subway system and Battery Conservancy also plans to initiate ferry service to Coney Island and other beach locations. Supporters believe that the project is well-timed, with an expected increase in Lower Manhattan’s population and businesses. Funding for the project remains unclear, but the Conservancy hopes to improve fund-raising efforts once the plans for Governor’s Island are finalized.

Request for Bids on Water Taxi Service to Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty

Tuesday, January 02, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Waterfront

The National Park Service has announced requests for bids to run the ferry service that brings passengers to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Circle Line currently runs the service, but other companies, including New York Water Taxi, expressed great interest in taking over the routes. The National Park Service called on the winning operator to expand service to new destinations, like Governors Island.

Advocates for Parks Place Hope in Governor-Elect Spitzer

Friday, November 17, 2006 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Environment

Some open space and conservation proponents are hopeful that the newly elected Congress and NY governor will protect New York’s public parks from encroachment by private developments. Advocates point to Governor-Elect Spitzer’s history in the NY Attorney General’s office for this inspiration. Spitzer maintains that he will uphold Governor Pataki’s open space initiatives. The article mentions the possible impact of New York’s recent political changes on projects like Governors Island, the Brooklyn Greenway, and the Hudson River Park.

Immediate Focus of Governors Island Project Changes

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

GIPEC announced on Tuesday that it was rejecting all development proposals for turning the former military base into a tourist attraction. Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff noted that the choice of master developer would not occur “for quite a while.” In the meantime, the GIPEC is turning its immediate attention to improving Island transportation and creating new parklands.

Governors Island: New Home for Harbor School?

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 | AM New York | Topic: Land Use

The City announced on Monday that the New York Harbor School, a small public high school in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, might be the first tenant of the new Governors Island. Such a move excited a coalition of nonprofit groups aiming to ensure that the Island is utilized in a way that benefits the educational needs of New York City. In other news, Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) said Monday that it is not accepting any of the top ten development proposals for the site, preferring to return to the drawing board for new proposals.

Governors Island Mega-Park to be on Southwestern Edge

Monday, November 06, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Environment

The current proposal for the park design on Governor’s Island places 72-87 acres of green space along the southwestern edge of the island, providing direct visual access to the Statue of Liberty. The southwestern location of the 25 to 40-acre park will create better summer breezes and more sun than a location on the eastern portion of the Island. Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation is accepting proposals until November 15.

Governors Island: Architects Wanted

Tuesday, October 24, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

The city-state agency in charge of developing Governor’s Island has issued a request for qualifications from architects to design a 40-acre public park, a two-mile waterfront promenade, and other open space. The park would be located on the waterfront at the island's southern edge and would accommodate recreational uses, or "temporary festival activities," like concerts, festivals and performances. The promenade would enable visitors to walk or bike around the island. After a preliminary selection of architects, the agency plans to hold a design competition next spring.

Stalled Process For Governors Island

Friday, September 29, 2006 | WNYC | Topic: Land Use

The government body overseeing the planning for Governors Island has delayed an expected announcement on the future of the historic harbor island. According to WNYC, officials have put the process on hold after receiving proposals including a Nickelodeon network entertainment center, a replica of the Elizabethan Globe Theatre, and several different combinations of hotels, schools, entertainment attractions, or research centers.

Governors Island: Back To Square One?

Wednesday, September 13, 2006 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

After reviewing 25 master-plan proposals for the island, unofficial reports are that GIPEC plans to throw out all the bids it received to redevelop the former military base because the costs are too high.

Progress and High Hopes at Governors Island

Sunday, September 03, 2006 | Other | Topic: Land Use

There is much work to be done and consensus to be reached but Governors Island has begun to show signs of progress. GIPEC is considering 25 development proposals; major roof and gutter repairs are under way on historic buildings; and free ferry rides have encouraged 25,000 visitors to a place off limits for the better part of the nation's history.

Proposal Island

Wednesday, August 09, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Of the ten proposals for Governors Island, one is from Cable network Nickelodeon to turn a portion of the 172-acre isle into a themed-resort complex, where kids would get their own rooms and go to breakfast with their favorite cartoon characters.

New Leader and New Vision For Governors Island

Friday, August 04, 2006 | Downtown Express | Topic: Land Use

Governors Island is on the verge of big changes. Leslie Koch, the new president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, wants the vacant buildings to come to life and she believes the island can and will be a great public space.

Don't Miss the Boat this Summer

Friday, June 02, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Historic Preservation & Landmarks

With big development plans at Governors Island the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, led by Leslie Koch, encourage visitors to come to the island this summer. They hope incentives like free ferry rides on Friday and Saturday, and various events, will help encourage an increase in visitors from last year.

Governors Island Design Sparks Creativity and Engagement

Sunday, May 28, 2006 | | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

The blank slate for design and architecture on Governors Island is proving to be a a spring board for creativity from artists and planners alike. Specifically, an architecture class at Cooper Union incorporated a year-long project to that has produced work worthy of GIPECs consideration.

Celebrity Golf Coming to Governors Island

Thursday, May 25, 2006 | Staten Island Advance | Topic: General

From October 19-22nd, 2006, Governors Island will host a celebrity golf tournament. The 9 acre golf course-last used over a decade ago-will be transformed in time to host the event.

Bids Entered for Governors Island

Thursday, May 11, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: General

Three developers - New York's Related Companies and two out of state companies - have entered bids for the redevelopment of Governors Island. All three plans provide for a number of uses, including conference centers, tourist attractions, hotels, and educational space.

Gov. Island Tram Moving Ahead Despite Roosevelt Incident

Sunday, April 23, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Plans for a tram connection to Governors Island are moving forward despite a recent incident in which passengers were stranded on the Roosevelt Island tram for 11 hours.

Leslie Koch To Manage the Reinvention of Governors Island

Friday, March 31, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Leslie Koch, a proven fund-raiser, has been selected by Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki to lead the push to reinvent Governors Island.

NYU's Expansion

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Economic Development

NYU's announced plan to build a 26-story dormitory in the East Village was met with the expected opposition by the area’s residents. For NYU, it is deja vu since they have fought their fair share of opposition throughout their 20 year expansion in the village. NYU, now the largest private university in America, is being forced to consider other options in terms of where they can expand.

Governors Island Plan Could be Self-Financed

Thursday, March 16, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

A gondola connection between Manhattan, Governors Island, and Brooklyn could be self-financed with its own revenues, say officials.

The Future of Governors Island?

Thursday, February 23, 2006 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Author Nicolai Ouroussoff contemplates the many questions running through the minds of New Yorkers regarding the fate of Governors Island.

University Campus On Governors Island?

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 | The Villager | Topic: Economic Development

Mayor Bloomberg reported that New York University is reluctant to open a campus on Governors Island on account of its isolation. Plans for a City University of New York campus on the island have also stalled.

Governors Island Gondola Is Official

Friday, February 17, 2006 | Brooklyn Papers | Topic: Transportation

A gondola to Governors Island has officially become part of the city and state’s plan. Despite the skepticism of a few reporters, the city is asking for proposals by May 10th and is putting the project on “an aggressive timetable for 2008.”

Gondola To Governors Island

Thursday, February 16, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Economic Development

Though not yet officially endorsed, Mayor Bloomberg is quoted saying "I just think this is going to be unbelievable" in reference to architect Santiago Calatrava proposed gondola that would link Governors Island to Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.

New 'visionary ideas' sought for Governors Island

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 | New York Newsday | Topic: Economic Development

Since taking over Governors Island from the federal government, City and state officials have explored potential uses for the island. Today, in addition to proposing a unique gondola-based transportation system to connect the island with Manhattan and Brooklyn, officials released an RFP seeking "visionary" development proposals.

A service of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University

A capstone project of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

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