HomeMy WebLinkAboutLong Island to Connecticut Location & Placement of Hight Speed Ferry Service
-
_._-~
- -------
LONG ISLAND TO CONNECTICUT
Location and Placement of a
High Speed Ferry Service
Report to the
SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATURE
November .1993
Suffolk County Planning Department
~of,e'tt J. gaffne!J
County Executive
SUFFOLK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Donald M. Eversoll
Acting Chairman
Mardooni Vahradian
Secretary
Michael Macco
Frank Cichanowicz
Edward Rosavitch
Thomas Isles
Richard Larsen
Robert Martin
Gilbert Shepard
Samuel Stahlman
Arthur Dodge
SUFFOLK COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PARTICIPATING STAFF
Project Director
Stephen M. Jones, AICP
Planning
Pearl Kamer
Peter Lambert
Carol Walsh
Harry Withers
Graphics
Carl Lind
Clerical
Paula Davantzis
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
.~ti1'Ji~'~'"
....-~I
~~~,;
ROBERT J. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
STEPHEN M. JONES. A.I.C.P..
DIRECTOR OF flLANNING
November 23, 1993
Honorable Donald R. Blydenburgh, Presiding Officer
Suffolk County Legislature
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, N. Y. 11788
Dear Presiding Officer Blydenburgh:
After many years of study and discussion, the concept of a new
ferry service to Connecticut which would attract a commercial demand has
escalated into a private sector proposal to do just that.
Suffolk County now has an opportunity to get behind a privately
funded initiative, which is not in anvone's back vard. We've concluded
in the report that high speed ferry service to Connecticut is feasible
and can attract a new commercial market. We hope you will agree and
join us in supporting this project.
SMJ:pd
cc: Robert J. Gaffney
S. C. Executive
H. LEE DENNISON BUILDING
.
VETERANS MEMO"'AL HIGHWAY
.
HAU....AUGE. NEW VOlltK I 1788
. (518) 853-5182
FAX U511!U .!53~
Resolution No.4 - November 3, 1993
At the regular meeting of the Suffolk County Planning Commission held on
Wednesday, November 3, 1993, Commissioner Vahradian moved for the
adoption of the following resolution, seconded by Commissioner
Rosavitch. The resolution was unanimously passed: 9 ayes (2 absent)
WHEREAS, various studies over the past twenty years have indicated a
need and desire for additional ferry service across Long
Island Sound, and
WHEREAS, ferry vessel technology has progressed to the acceptance and
use of high-speed ferries which would shorten the travel time
across Long Island Sound, and
WHEREAS, a private sector initiative has received preliminary approval
from New York and Connecticut to create a route from Shoreham
to New Haven at no public cost, Be It Therefore
RESOLVED, that the Suffolk County Planning Commission wishes to record
its support for this private sector undertaking; encourage the
Shoreham location because of its superior accessibility and
existing infrastructure in place; and endorse a high level of
government support and backing for this proposal.
REPORT TO THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE
LONG ISLAND TO CONNECTICUT
Location and Placement of a High Speed Ferry Service
Table of Contents
Background
Page
1
Current Conditions
The Clean Air Act
Increased Traffic Congestion
Technology Advancements
Private Financing
Local Financing
Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
High Speed Ferry Locational Factors
Interstates
Relationship to Existing Ferry Services
and Bridges
Access to the Long Island Expressway
Harbor Configuration
6
6
7
7
8
Summary Analysis of Routes
Sunken Meadow site
Port Jefferson
Orient Point
Jamesport
8
9
9
10
10
Examination of Preferred Site
site Availability
Interstate Highway Linkage
Harbor Configuration
site Location
12
12
13
14
14
Examination of the Current Proposal
15
Summary
16
Appendix
19
Figures and Maps
Figure 1 Oblique Aerial Photograph of Shoreham site
Figure 2 Site Plan, Shoreham, NY
Figure 3 Aerial Photograph of Shoreham site
Figure 4 Picture of a model of the High Speed Ferry
(Surface Effect Type Vessel)
Map 1
Map 2
Long Island and Connecticut Interstate Highways
Potential Ferry Routes
Map 3
Shoreham Terminal site
A. BACKGROUND
In accordance with Resolution 727-1992 of the Suffolk County
Legislature, the Planning Department was directed to conduct a
feasibility study for high speed ferry service in Suffolk County.
This resolution contained a number of underlying assumptions:
1. That high speed ferry technology is uncertain and
untested.
2. That local government may not be able to shoulder
infrastructure improvements of a supporting nature.
3. That the Shoreham site may be environmentally
incompatible with the surrounding community.
4. That an appropriate location would be where the heaviest
concentrations of population and commercial activity exist.
Further direction came recently from the Energy, Environment
and Economic Development Committee with a request to examine the
feasibility of such a venture to determine its financial
soundness, and also to examine a Jamesport location with access
to and from the eastern terminus of the Long Island Expressway.
The staff found fifteen prior studies of Long Island Sound
ferry crossings going back to 1974, making this issue one of the
most frequently studied on Long Island. A bibliography of these
1
studies is included in the Appendix. Review of these studies was
concentrated in three major reports:
1. Tri-state Regional Planning Commission study, 1975,
"Crossing the Sound". (synopsis and excerpts are in the
Appendix. )
2. Lona Island Sound Ferrv Imorovement Studv, 1981 NYS
Department of Transportation/connecticut Department of
Transportation. (Synopsis and excerpts are in the Appendix.)
3. Long Island Sound Shuttle Limited Partnership proposal,
1993. "Development and Operation of High Speed Ferry
Service".
Prior to 1992, the common thread through the studies and the
major stumbling blocks to implementation were always two-fold:
large sums of taxpayer supported dollars were required and
displacement vessels comparable to existing craft were used as
the models with respect to travel times.
B. CURRENT CONDITIONS
Conditions have changed which have caused a cross-Sound
ferry route to become more feasible, more popular in its concept
and worthy of support, both privately and publicly. Federal
2
legislation, technological advances and growing local support for
economic stimulators are some factors that are currently in place
that support the viability of a high speed ferry route.
1. The Clean Air Act
This sweeping federal legislation, with its funding
through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA), is in the process of stimulating new activities,
all of which are designed to lessen air pollution in the New
York Metropolitan Area. From commuting patterns, employer
responsibilities, transportation enhancements and additional
road capacity improvements, government and private industry
are actively seeking solutions which lessen air pollution.
2. Increased Traffic Congestion
Because of the continued disarray of OPEC and the ready
supply of foreign oil, gasoline prices are still very low
domestically, even with the newly added state and federal
taxes at the pump. There has been an upward trend in
vehicle registrations in the past ten years and truck trips
continue to increase as well. Coupled with wide-ranging
infrastructure improvements in the region which had been
postponed since the 1970's, traffic congestion is at an all
time high, giving the New York Metropolitan Area the dubious
distinction of being second only to Los Angeles as a "severe
3
non-attainment area", a bureaucratic term for having the
dirtiest air on the east coast.
3. Technology Advancements
The last twenty years have seen improvements to surface
effect vessels (boats) which via water jet propulsion,
improved hull designs and composite materials, or air fan
design, are now capable of skimming the water surface at
45-60 knots, as opposed to displacement vessels in the 10-20
knot range. These engineering advancements alone have
stimulated the interest of the private sector in
re-examining a Long Island to connecticut ferry service,
since travel time across the Sound would be halved to a
45-60 minute crossing.
4. Private Financing
Private financing of ferry routes has become more
feasible because technological advancements in ferry design
have resulted in successful ferry routes operating both
domestically and overseas. Financial feasibility results
from the fact that the cost of the ferries comprises the
majority of the cost of the ferry operation and the ferries
can be put into service anywhere. This locational
flexibility decreases the amount of risk taken by the
mortgagors because new ferries have a resale value. The
4
necessity for pUblic investment is reduced because the boats
are the major asset backing the private investment. The
reduction of public investment in cross-Sound ferry service
has brought the Departments of Transportation of New York
and Connecticut together to actively reconsider a ferry
crossing.
5. Local Economy
Long ISland continues to struggle with a stagnant local
economy. Companies are leaving Long Island, becoming less
competitive or continuing to face the difficulties of
trucking their products off the Island. Dramatically
reduced travel times across the Sound brought about by the
faster vessels have now caught the attention of the private
sector. Trucking companies which currently move freight off
the Island to New England are looking at shaving five hours
off their road time,. double for the round trip. They, and
manufacturing companies themselves, are considering the
possibilities of new markets in New England which could be
exploited via a quicker route across the Sound. A new,
faster cross-sound ferry route looms larger than ever as an
economic development initiative which will benefit Long
Island.
5
6. Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant
The decommissioning of the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant
has dramatically increased the interest in a Shoreham-New
Haven ferry route. The presence of an active nuclear plant
at the site and its required safety precautions made
Shoreham an unpalatable location. However, now that the
power plant has been deactivated and high speed technology
has improved, this location, at the widest point of the
Sound, becomes feasible.
C. HIGH SPEED FERRY LOCATIONAL FACTORS
There are generally four important considerations which have
guided the discussions of potential ferry routes during the last
twenty years. These four factors do not reflect community
perspectives. they strictly address the conditions necessary for
a successful ferry operation.
1. Interstates
Any route must take into account not only the Long
Island Expressway and other commercial arterial highways on
Long Island, but the location of interstate highways in
Connecticut. The confluence of Interstate 95 and 91 in New
Haven and the confluence of Interstate 95 and 395 west of
New London are important factors in examining the most
6
Sprlngtiold I
/"
80slon
Worcester
87
I
.1
Nowburgh
..
1
NORTH
~/----
/'
_"I.
. ;:.
._:1~~f1}:.'~
:Jor$:
ltOOIll
~:J:J-o
en:J(Q
_lll ~
IllOW"
---
III --Ill
o
:::I:C:J
_....... a.
(Q III
~ :J
~ a.
en
appropriate routes to New England across the Sound. (See
Map 1, Long Island and connecticut Interstate Highways)
2. Relationship to Existing Ferry Services and Bridges
Previous examinations of new routes have historically
taken into account proximity to New York City bridges
(particularly the Throgs Neck and Whitestone) and to the
Port Jefferson-Bridgeport and Orient-New London ferry
routes. Transportation planners have consistently ranked
lowest those routes proposed west of Port Jefferson because
they compete with the NYC bridges and would draw customers
from the Port Jefferson ferry route, rather than fulfilling
or creating a new service demand.
3. Access to Long Island Expressway
While Long Island's parkways do carry increasing
volumes of traffic, they are designed in the classic parkway
configuration within park-like rights-of-way and built
exclusively for non-commercial traffic. state parks are the
parkway's ultimate destinations. It is not likely that
these roads will be altered anytime soon to carry truck
traffic due to the high cost of bridge replacement and
reconfiguration of interchange geometry. Therefore, the
Long Island Expressway will continue to function as the
7
primary, limited access commercial roadway for the future.
Any north shore ferry terminal must be easily accessible to
the Long Island Expressway for it to be a viable operation.
4. Harbor Configuration
Due to the glacial geology of Long Island Sound and the
north shore of Long Island, our coast is very different from
Connecticut's and has relatively few sheltered harbors. A
sheltered harbor on Long Island is crucial to ferry service
because of prevailing northwest wind patterns during the
fall and winter months which impede vessel docking. Long
Island harbors are often accompanied by extensive wetlands,
spits, artificial navigation channels, erosion and
deposition areas. Wetlands preservation, channel dredging
and other associated harbor management functions cause
harbor creation and harbor maintenance to be an expensive
proposition.
D. SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF ROUTES
The following are some ferry routes which have been examined
during the past twenty years. A Jamesport route is also
considered. The evaluations of these sites are summarized below
regarding their effectiveness by current locational and other
standards. Map 2 shows the locations of these sites.
s
\
I \ Bridgeport I
/ \\ Port Jellerson
Bridgeport I I F
\ eny
Sunken Meadow / \
/ \
I
I
I..-Proposed
I Shore ham to New Haven
I Ferry
I
I
I Shoreham
I Terminal
I~
"-
"- New Haven I
"
, Jamesport
"
'\
New London I
Orienl Poinl Ferry
/
/
I
J\r
2'
". Cr
. \ 0 0
\. ~ i~ g
"... r ~ ..J ;;;
~ III 0
III II: "
.. ~ I::>
t! z U)
50_. P/cw.
Map Adapted from 1991 Port Authority Ferry Feasibility Study
s:
Dl
-0
N
-0
o
..... '
CD
::l
=.
Dl
"
CD
~
~
'<
::n
o
c
.....
CD
en
1. Sunken Meadow site
This site might be considered for non-commercial,
leisure purposes by utilizing Sunken Meadow Parkway as the
approach. However, this site has no promise for attracting
commercial operations due to parkway restrictions of truck
access. Further, necessary harbor construction would be
costly and disruptive to park operations. Landfall in
Connecticut would be Sherwood Point, also a state park with
similar construction constraints. Other Connecticut
destinations would be either too close to current bridge
travel or would add significantly to travel time across the
Sound.
2. Port Jefferson
This route is very successful in attracting tourist
walk-ons from Connecticut. It has dramatically changed
commerce in downtown Port Jefferson over the past twenty
years. However, the dock configuration in Bridgeport and
very poor access to the Long Island Expressway make this
site a problem for expansion and attraction of commercial
traffic. New road widenings, queuing areas, parking lots
and approaches would be very disruptive to Port Jefferson
and Port Jefferson Station and the costs to government to
effectuate these access improvements would not be recovered.
9
3. orient Point
This unhurried leisure route to and from New England
has both benefitted and suffered because of its location.
It is not a good site to contemplate an increase in ferry
traffic because expansions to this location would be
disruptive to the whole North Fork from Riverhead to orient
Point. Middle Road/Main Road (CR 27 and CR 48), the
preferred commercial access, would require a high level of
public investment for road improvements to make travel time
viable. The resulting losses in quality of life to the
North Fork communities would far outweigh any economic
gains. ("The benefit of isolation"). Major changes to what
currently exists would not warrant sufficient public
benefit. Further, this route is eastward of the major
Hartford/springfield interstate connections in Connecticut.
4. Jamesport
The Long Island Lighting company owns a 518 acre tract
in Jamesport that straddles the Riverhead Town/ Southold
Town border. The northern portion of the site is vacant and
the southern portion is actively farmed. The site has Sound
shoreline frontage and is therefore a possible ferry
terminal site. (The Appendix contains a map of the
Jamesport site with surrounding parcels).
10
Landfall in Connecticut would occur between the 1-95/91
New Haven connection and the 1-395/95 connection.
utilization of this route by commercial traffic should not
disrupt most North Fork communities east of Jamesport.
Recommendations of the Special Groundwater Protection
Area plan advise that areas north of Sound Avenue in
Riverhead be used as transfer of development rights (TOR)
receiving areas for residential development. The Jamesport
site is in this recommended TOR receiving area.
There are many potential negative impacts associated
with the development of this site, including site access,
harbor construction and impact to surrounding areas.
Access to the LIE would require a connection to the
eastern terminus of the Long Island Expressway, 8.3 miles
away. Construction of this road, in the simplest of
configurations, would cost at least $5 million for land
acquisition of a minimum of 50 minimal acres of
right-Of-way, and at least $25 million for engineering and
construction of a simple two lane road.
The completed extension to the LIE would provide access
for additional tourist traffic to the North Fork via the
LIE. Additional traffic would be routed through the core
area of the pine Barrens resulting in additional development
pressure in the adjacent compatible growth areas. The
additional traffic brought to Riverhead and Southold towns
11
would create some economic advantage to wineries and other
tourism associated businesses but would be coupled with
increased development pressure on Riverhead and Southold
farm areas.
The site would require construction of a new harbor.
Construction would be very costly, both financially and
environmentally.
Lastly, commercial traffic may perceive this route as
too far east to be attractive for trucking, impacting the
financial feasibility of this site.
E. EXAMINATION OF PREFERRED SITE
Based on site availability, locational criteria, improved
technology and community and environmental factors, a
Shoreham-New Haven route is the most desirable for the following
reasons:
1. site Availability
The proposed ferry terminal would be located on part of
the site containing the decommissioned Shoreham Nuclear
Power Plant. The removal of active reactor core materials
re-establishes the site for traditional industrial
development. The site is presently zoned L-4 industry by
the Town of Brookhaven. A copy of Brookhaven zoning for the
area is included in the Appendix. The site is owned by
12
Figure 1: Oblique Aerial Photograph of Shoreham Site
Sound
-- Road
L1LCO Property Line........
North Country Road
\
b /
~o'" /'
.'" ./
"e" Llleo
tfJ/
,b /' Prlvate-
~~~ /' Road
/
/
North
Country
Road
25A
25A
William Floyd
Parkway
Rt 46
NORTH
Map Adapted from 1991 Port Authority Ferry FeasIbility Study
. ,
l
s:
1lI
-0
<.v
(J)
::r
o
""'
co
::r
1lI
3
-t
co
""'
3
:J
1lI
(J)
;:;:
co
LILCO, a leading proponent of economic development for Long
Island.
The site contains disturbed areas which can accommodate
queuing and the ferry terminal. The site is also large
enough to provide a substantial buffer for the access road
and queuing areas from surrounding residences.
2. Interstate Highway Linkage
The site lies at the northern terminus of William Floyd
Parkway (CR 46), a north-south, four lane, divided highway
that does not restrict commercial traffic and intersects the
Long Island Expressway with a high volume interchange.
Currently, this road handles approximately 25,100 annual
average daily traffic (AADT) in the most traveled section of
the road north of the LIE. William Floyd Parkway is
designed to handle 57,600 AADT. North Shore Properties
development proposals mitigate traffic generation on CR 46
and present the potential for additional highway
improvements. The Appendix contains a memorandum from SCDPW
with detailed traffic volume data for William Floyd Parkway.
The site has access directly to William Floyd Parkway
via LILCO holdings. A relatively short, controlled
driveway, a portion of which already exists, would be built
solely on LILCO property.
13
The Shoreham site connects directly to New Haven
Connecticut at the confluence of 1-95 and 1-91, the two
major interstates serving all of New England.
3. Harbor Configuration
The Shoreham site possesses a harbor facility
constructed by LILCO for the power plant. The harbor may
require additional alterations but the site's original
wetlands have already been disturbed and can no longer be
considered pristine. The site plan in Figure 2 shows a
conceptual drawing for the ferry site. Figure 3 shows an
aerial overview of the site.
4. Site Location
Shoreham is located between the two existing cross-
Sound ferry routes and presents the best possibility of
capturing the commercial market for cross-Sound trips,
without excessive financial or environmental cost.
Although the site is located at the widest part of the
Long Island Sound, technological advancements in vessel
design will reduce travel time to Connecticut to 45-60
minutes.
14
I
'-.!
........
~ I
:jP
, ,
I' ;
I"~
(lJ
: '\
11 i ,
1~WI
,I I
'1 I
I \
! \
r-\
. \
, u U
I
,
.~
/"'\
"'I
I
r
---
w
r!U
\
Long Island Sound
Figure 2: Site Plan
N
\
L..-J
.~
..-
;;
;:;
:;
'"
'"
n
~
~
..
..
c
;
.
I
L-
Sl'1'lil'LAN
SIIORlillAM. NY
\
-
.---r-
~. ,
....... . ..-.-'....
IUOII SPEED FERRY. New lI.yen/Sho,e.. ,
\ Lqw.d~S1IU1tIcUmlt"'''''''''''11J:iSU'l " ~
' '\
'. COHC:UT\IAL sur 1 \.
,---- - -..... " \.
_-::.::::: TA\1V Aa~uci....~.. TW911n.A ",'
~._-
Source: L1SSLP 1993 High Speed Ferry Proposal
-.
...-
,.
--~
.~.-
-
---
.-
---
-.
.-
\
. "
'..,
Figure 3: Site Aerial Photograph
Figure 4: Model of a Surface Effect Type Vessel
F. EXAMINATION OF THE CURRENT PROPOSAL
The states of New York and connecticut have considered a
private sector initiative to establish a Shoreham-New Haven ferry
route and have found it feasible, subject to certain
requirements. We agree and believe that this initiative should
be encouraged and nurtured.
In a 1991 study, the Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey estimated that a two boat ferry service between Shoreham
and New Haven would operate at a deficit of at least $4.27
million. However, the Long Island Sound Shuttle Limited
Partnership (LISSLP), in the confidential financial plan
submitted to the bi-state review committee, projected increasing
profits after their third year of operation.
LISSLP believes that Port Authority revenue figures are low
because the Port Authority based their projections on a
traditional ferry service with a crossing time in excess of one
and a half hours and did not take into account the additional
demand the company feels will be created by the vastly reduced
crossing time of under one hour. The Port Authority estimated
that 50,000 trucks a year would use the service and LISSLP
estimated 60,000 trucks a year.
In addition, new vessel capacity will be greatly expanded
compared to traditional boats. The new vessels will haVe a
payload capacity of 450 passengers, 65 cars and 6 tractor
trailers (or a combination of vehicles up to 239 tons). A model
15
of the Surface Effect Type Vessel is pictured in Figure 4.
Revenue will also be enhanced with a more expensive fare schedule
than that used for the 1991 study, but comparable and competitive
with current ferry rates.
LISSLP is prepared to invest $77.5 million into this venture
with approximately $15.5 million in equity capital, the remainder
of which will be financed. There are no public funds needed for
this project to move ahead.
The appendix contains an excerpt from the Proposal for
Development and Operation of High Speed Ferry Service with the
anticipated permit requirements. The permit process is crucial
in assuring the mitigation of the proposals impact on the
surrounding environment.
G. SUMMARY
Implementation of the proposed high speed ferry service will
provide many benefits to Long Island's economy and transportation
network. There is a clear economic need for ferry service to
Connecticut. The amount of freight generated in central and
eastern Long Island is expected to increase. Firms in central
and eastern Long Island are currently "dead-ended" in terms of
location and this contributes measurably to their transportation
costs and to the final cost of their products.
It is essential that Long Island preserve and enhance its
manufacturing base. Freight service to Connecticut, provided it
16
could accommodate a significant number of tractor trailers, would
help accomplish this goal. It could reduce the transportation
costs of those manufacturers currently located in Suffolk County
and help attract other manufacturers that need access to our
skilled labor force but view Long Island's dead end geographic
status as a major negative.
Private financing of the ferry service with its associated
minimal risk to taxpayers alleviates the public cost without
diluting the pUblic benefit. As long as the private sector bears
the financial burden of the proposed Shoreham-New Haven ferry
route, there is no reason not to encourage the initiative.
The removal of government as a major financing partner from
the project shifts the burden of financial feasibility to the
private sector. The public sector can now focus on the public
need and desirability for improved and expanded ferry service and
the economic benefit associated thereto.
The associated impacts of development pressure and traffic
congestion on existing local roads can be identified and miti-
gated through the permitting process.
The LISSLP projects a property tax eXPense of a little more
than one half million dollars per year. The creation of new
taxable property will help to offset the devaluation of the tax
base caused by the decommissioning .of the Shoreham nuclear power
plant. Also, the siting of a ferry terminal on the site should
17
not preclude additional development by LILCO in the event that
more power generation is required in the future.
The only public benefits that might be utilized by the
designated ferry service company is fast tracking and credibility
in the financial markets. Financial credibility would result from
tax-exempt, private funding via an economic stimulator such as
the Urban Development Corporation or an Industrial Development
Agency. Fast tracking would be initiated by the town, county and
state by speeding up the permitting process.
A viable site has become available, advanced technology will
provide shortened travel time, and private financing is feasible.
The time is right for the development of a high speed ferry
service from Shoreham to New Haven.
18
~xcer~t: Proposal for Develoomenc and Opera~io~ of High Speed Ferr~ Service
Compatibility of Shoreham Terminal Site With Power Plant:
The exISting Inlet of the Shoreham site will be enlarged into a turning basin to
facilitate :e:minal operation and provide a protected haven for maneuvering of the
vessel. Surface effect vessels (SES) cause little or no wake and turbidity is greatly
reduced by water jet propulsion, therefore, there will be minimal effect on water
quality in the turning basin. The water intake for the anticipated continued Operatio1l
of the power plant will not be affected by the use of the proposed SES vessel.
Access and egress to and from the terminal will by-pass the plant and its main
entrance and, therefore, will not interfere with the anticipated continued operation of
the power facility.
Consiscency of New Haven Terminal Site Wit/I Existing Harbor Developmenr
The New Haven site expands on an existing operating shore facility. Development of
the site will be an upgrade to existing conditions.
Impact on Surrounding Environmenr
The New Haven site is presently an active terminal handling several hundred trucks
each day. Development of the ferry terminal facility will have little effect on present
traffic or possibly reduce truck traffic in the immediate area. The continued
commercIal use of the site will minimize any impact to the surrounding environment.
The Shoreham site has been undergoing major construction and alterations for the past
twenty years. The site has been exposed to considerably more heavy construction
equipment. noise pollution, etc. as a result of the present activity than it will be by the
proposed development and operation of a ferry terminal site. The permit process has
been designed to address such impacts.
Our design team includes services of experts in this area who will carry the permitting
through the design and development phases.
The anticipated permit requirements are listed below:
16
Proposal Excerpt P.l
^RMY (,ORI'S 01' ENGINI'ERS PERMIT Cor d.edSinS. bJeakwale. and/or
grOIn c~lcnston$. dockinB facilities. shoreline and interface fDCililics
including hulkheading pi1in8 3nd similar ilcli\'ilies. As part of the
process sisler I:cdcral/\gcnci&:s including lhe Environmental Protection
Agency, Unilcd Slalcs fish &. Wildlife Service and the United Slates
Fisheries Service will be part orlhe rCBulalory review and pennining;
proccssaoo Ihe NEPA process must be satisfied
Pennil Co. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FOR
CONSJRUC nON ACllVITIES iflhe silc is In acres or
larger
IHlEII^"
CT TKAHIC COMMISSION:
Permit required for parking and traffic of more than 200 cars.
NEW YORK STATE:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE:
US. CO^ST l1lJ^RD PERMIT roo nO\'igalionallish1ins.
A TOMIC ENERGY MlENCY . PERMIT. DE^CTIV A TION OF THE
NUCl.E^R roWER P1.ANT CORE REACTOR While Ihis is
normally the responsibility urlhe site owner .nd operalor, lhe chanae Dr
use oflhe in-waler Ufell and upland may involve a deaclivalion
aulhorizalion and working wilh Ihe Agency "sarding exisling pennit
cunl.Jilions as wellDS pUlcnlial new pcnnils.
COASTAL CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION: Co. d.edsing.
breakwaler and/or groin exlcnsions,l.Jocking facililies,
shoreline interface facililies including bulkhcading piling
and similar aClivities.
DEPARTMENT 01' ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
CONNECTICUT:
PERMIT for dredging, breakwater andlor groin exlensions,
dockinB facililics, shoreline inlerface facilities including
bulkheading piling and similar aClivilies including a
WATER QII^IITY CI:RTII'IC^TE
STATE:
'"
11
o
'"
o
Ul
PI
.....
CT DEMRTMENTOF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
!;l
n
III
.a
rt
COASTAL CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION .s well..
PERMIT(s) for dredging, wave allenualion,l.Jockina
facililies, shoreline interface facililies includina
bull,;hcading piling and similar ilctivilics along with a
W ^ TER Q\l^IITY CERTIFIC^ TE
In the evenl of upland disposal of dredged malcnals, the
NYSDEC will have 10 include sume
'"
In Ihe event of upland or in.water (wilhin CT Tenllori.1
Walen) disposal oC d.edsed male.ials. Ihe CTDEP will
have 10 mclude same alung wilh a W ^ rER QlJAI.ITY
CmrlFIC ^ 1'1'
The NYSDEC will also have to include approval for any
in upland construction activities within 100 feel of the
shoreline if such activities are at an elevation less Ihan 10
NGVn unless there is a lawfully man made stnu:lurc (~m;h
as a functional bulkhead, \\lull groin constructed prior In
8120/77 )
.
N
"
"
~-----.------ -.---- -- ---.
~
'"
t1
o
'"
o
..
III
I-'
Ii'
"
II
t1
'"
rt
'"
...
PERMIT for STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FOR
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES .fthe sile is 10 acres or
I;u~cr
willcmng. rUiuJ btuldmg aoJ/ur rchUlltJlIlg. OldL:4IM1C
sc\~agc capaclly ;JIIJ :iallllOlry 1111.:111111':::'
CITY 01' NLW III< VLN
TOWN OF BROOKHA VEN:
Exact rcquiremcnls are not known lInld ,he scupe ofllle PIOJCf.:1
has been dCII:nnmc:d. However. on a prchnun:Jry bitslS,
accnrding 10 Zoning Director Phillip UIII.Jm: urahe Clly Plan
Ollicc Ihe: folluwing approvals may be alltl arc comldcrcd 10
prubahl}' be rCljulrcd
Exact requiremenls are nol known untillhc scope orlhe prOjcCI
has been determined. However, on. preliminary basis,
according 10 Commissioner Carole SWick of Planning and
[nviromncnlal Dcvclopmcnllhc lollowlnC approvOils may be and
are conSidered 10 probably be required:
Zoning Change: liom Ihe lJoard 01' Alderman
Planning Commission. Coaslal Sile Plan Review
'Iarhor Commission. Review ami RCl:UUlmClUlalions
WETLANDS PERMIT for the in-water ood shoreline
interface: activities includina the dredgina.
breakwater and/or groin exrensions, docking
facililies, bulk heading pilioS and similar activities.
II is anticipated Ihat a fuUl::nvlronnu:nlallmpacl
Slatc:menl will Ix: reqUired thai will a~d.rcss all the
features dist:ussetl above alnny with certain
speeilics In Ihe Cily urNew Ilavelllhal \..'uul~
probably inclu~e either a change in Ihe pcmlule~
uses ofa zonint: change or both sim;e ~XISlilll:;,
zoninl:;, laws arc silenl regar~lng fen)' scrvll.:es in
the harbor A~dilional cOllsi~cralion Ii.n Ihe I)'pe of
lune Ihal wouM be deemed .IPPWllfi,lte sllL:h as a
Mixed Planned Development Dlslrict or a Slale
~IIIIIICIII;llllbllllelllk\,,,-'ltllllllellt ,\,1.11111111..1
consideralton lIIust be given Iu IralJil.: IIIlerms uf
Ihe replaeemenl oflhe Que IIndge, L-apacilY all~
tranie conflicls as well as obtilllling II SUle Trame
Commisslun PermU due In Ihe creallun nfparklllg
antllrallie lilr mOle limn 2110 ",dudes The
Planning Comnll::isiun rel.Julrcs bulh a prdllUlnary
Conceptual Approval and bier a DclallcJ .\ppro\lal
under Iheir (\);Islal SlIe Ilbll He...lew
SITE PLAN APPROVAL from the PLANNING BOARD
incl"'inl Ihc: possibili!)' 0'" PUD MASTER PLAN
APPROVAL
VARIANCES and/or Special Pemilliom Ihc: ZONING
BOARD OF APPEALS.
TOWN BOARD for any needed zoninl chao....
As pan oflhe approval process within Ihe Town and New York
S..le SEQR (the S.... Enyoronmcnial Qual.!)' Reyiew Act)
will have to be complied wilh which will require the
dClcnninalion ofa lead agency. coordinalion uf all NYS
involved agencies, Ihe preparalion ofbom a l.ung I=onn
Environmental Assessment Fann and a comprehensive
Environmenlallmpacl Slaternent which will have to
address the impacts of all of the proposed aClivilies as
slilh=d ahu\lc a~ well as adJre~sinH Irunie. fUl1tl
improvements including signalization, eXlcnsiuns,
20
19
APPENDIX
Bibliography, Long Island Sound Ferry Studies
Synopsis: crossina the Sound, Tri State Regional Planning
Commission, 1975
Excerpt: Crossina the Sound, Tri State Regional Planning
Commission, 1975, pp. 40-46.
Synopsis: LI Sound Ferrv Service Imorovement StudY, NYS and CT
Department of Transportation, 1981
Excerpt: LI Sound Ferrv Service Imorovement studY, NYS and CT
Department of Transportation, 1981, pp. 8-9.
Jamesport Site location map
MEMORANDUM, November 5, 1993 Suffolk County Department of
Public Works, Traffic Control and Engineering Division
Zoning Map - Shoreham site and Surrounding Area, Town of
Brookhaven and Town of Riverhead
Excerpt: Prooosal for Develooment and Ooeration of Hiah
Sneed Ferrv Service, Long Island Sound Shuttle Limited
Partnership, 1993, pp. 16-20.
19
Bibliography:
A~enc':
Tri State RPC
Tri State RPC
Tri State RPC
Tri State RPC
Tri State RPC
NYSDOT
NYSDOT
NYSDOT
NYSDOT
NYSDOT
CONNDOT
NYSDOT
LIRPB
SCDPW
McLean Assoc.
PANY&NJ
Long Island Sound Ferry Studies
~
~
L.I. Sound Ferry Study - Preliminary Waterways Assessment Sept/74
15 Potential Ferrv Routes
Shortest time - Pt. Washington/Rye
Sunken Meadow State Park/Sherwood Island
State Park
East Marion/Fenwick
East Marion/Saybrook Point
L.I. Sound Ferry Study - Land Access Feasibility Report
5 Site Evaluation
Cost Alternatiaves
L.I. Sound Ferry Service - An Economic Analysis of Ferry
Service Across L.I. Sound
10 Possible Crossings
East Marion/Fenwick Lowest Cost
Crossing the Sound
9 Route Evalautions
New Haven/Wading River, Centerville/Guilford
L.I. Sound Ferry Study - Technical Supplement
L.I. Sound Bridge Study - Vol XII - Ferry Service
Old Saybrook/East Marion
L.I. Sound Ferry Service Improved Study
7 Site Evaluations
L.I. Sound Ferry Service Improvement Study - Environmental
Considerations
L.I. Sound Ferry Service Improvement Study - Summarv of
Findings
7 Site Evaluations
June/75
June/75
Dec/75
May/76
Dec/79
Dec/80
Jan/81
Feb/81
L.I. Sound Ferry Improvement Study Apr/81
8 Site Evaluations
Improvements to Pt. Jefferson/Bridgeport & Orient Point/
New London
Study New Haven/Shoreham
L.I. Sound Ferry Service Improvement Study - Conclusions
of the Policy Advisory Committee Members
L.I. Comprehensive Plan - Transportation Element
Shore ham/New Haven Support
Ferry Study
Shoreham Recommendations
Town of Brookhaven Transportation Plan
LILCO Site Recommendation
Shoreham-New Haven Ferry Feasibility Study
Feasible with Deficit
Apr/81
Jan/90
Nov/90
Mar/91
Mar/91
/:
Tri-State Regional Planning
SYNOPSIS: Crosslna the Sound,
Commission, 1975
The cross-Sound bridge option has been virtually eliminated by
local opposition and lack of appropriate sites, but the transporta-
tion need is still unmet. A new ferry would ease the difficulty of
travel across the Sound at a much lower construction cost than a
bridge.
The 1975 Study evaluated the following factors, for each of
the eleven potential sites:
1. Potential economic performance
2. Highway access, impact and feasibility
3. Shoreline site access, impact and feasibility
4. Terminal location and construction impact and feasibility
5. Overall feasibility
The results, with 17-knot, 100-vehicle vessels carrying
500,000 vehicles per year, are as follows:
Crossina
Overall Feasibilitv Ratina
1-
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lloyd Point-Stamford
Sunken Meadow-Sherwood Point
Port Jefferson-Bridgeport (current)
Port Jefferson-Bridgeport (Fayerweather IS.)
Wading River (Shoreham)-New Haven
Poor
Very Poor
Fair *
Very Poor
Fair *
1975 Synopsis. P.l
6. Wading River (Shoreham)-East Haven Fair *
7. Centerville (Baiting HOllow)-Guilford Fair *
8. Hashamock Beach (Southold)-Westbrook Poor
9. Greenport-New London Poor
10. East Marion-Saybrook Point Poor
11- Orient Point-New London Good *
* - Feasible
Based on this analysis, no clearly desirable sites emerged for
large-scale ferry service. Using lOO-vehicle capacity vessels,
only the East Marion-Saybrook Point route shows projected revenues
which are greater than costs. Unfortunately, the most attractive
sites from an economic point of view have severe problems with
feasibility of land access and the environmental impact of ferry
terminals.
The crossings on the North Fork were determined to have the
highest potential savings for travelers.
In Port Jefferson, major improvements would have to be made to
accommodate a ferry serving just 200,000 vehicles per year. Port
Jefferson's roads could not tolerate the 200,000 or more vehicles
which would use a major ferry service.
For the Sunken Meadow-Sherwood Point sites, land access is not
feasible on the Connecticut side. There is good highway access to
Sunken Meadow via the Sunken Meadow State Parkway, but very poor
site access due to the presence of state parks on the Long Island
and Connecticut sides.
1975 Synopsis. P.2
The worst: feature of the potential Shoreham crossings was
their potential economic performance.
The highest land access costs, exclusive of land acquisition,
exist in the following locations: East Marion-Saybrook, orient
Point-New London, Port Jefferson-Bridgeport, Wading River
(Shoreham)-New Haven, and Sunken Meadow-Sherwood Point.
Minimal additional increases in population and employment from
a new 17-knot ferry (generally less than 1% in 30 years). were
projected. Use of the ferry for commuting to work is not likely in
large numbers because of the costs and time involved. The ferry
would cause only a slight (less than 2%) reduction in travel on the
Throgs Neck and Whitestone bridges. The ferry service would reduce
fuel use and air pollution emissions slightly. A high-speed ship
and Hovercraft would add to fuel and emissions because they would
burn considerably more fuel per vehicle than it takes to drive
around the Sound.
The most significant environmental impact of the ferry is the
traffic that will be generated on local access roads. Also, some
limited services to travelers might develop at the terminal sites
themselves.
A possible alternative to a new ferry site is to improve
service on the two existing ferry lines, possibly with the help of
the states.
1975 Synopsis. P.3
Excerpts
:.ro~ ~rOSSi!12 T~:e Sound. 1973 (T=i-State :.{el!ional ~l.:lnning Commission)
IV SITE-BY-SITE .~~ALYSIS
=1e econo:ic performance of each of the ferry services was sucmarized
:rr .~;les :~a and IXb. A decision on implementing ferry service must
also take :~e following other factors into account:
1) Highway Access, Impact and Feasibility--Impact of ferry
1 traffic on local roads, and feasibility of making needed
improvements.
Z) Site Access, Impact and Feasibility-Problems involved in
providing access from the local roads to the shoreline.
3) Terminal Location and Construction Impact and Feasibility.
4) Overall Feasibility.
SIn: tv ALUATION:
Stamford - Lloyd Pt.
500,000 Vehicles per Year - by 100-Vehicle Vessels
CR!::?IA
RAU:>G
REASON
Economic ?e~formance
POOR
Benefits ~ costs - .703
Impact 0. Feasibility of:
High'..ay Access
POOR
Tbe Long Island site is located far
from major highways. Extensive
improvements would have to be made.
Site access
FAIR
No detailed study has been made.
Ter::rral Location &
Construct:':::.
VERY POOR
The harbor in Stamford is too narrow
for the use of large ferry vessels.
Extensive interference with local
boating would occur in Lloyd Harbor.
Overall Feasibility
POOR
40
1975 Excerpts, P.1
SIn: :::v,u.UAIIO:\,: Sunken iieadow - Sherwood Pt.
500,000 Vehi~les per year - 100-Vehi~le Vessels
CRL.:.:.L\
RAn~G
REASON
E~ono~~ ?erforman~e
FAIR
Benefits - Costs - .806
lcpa~" & Feasibility of:
Highway Access
GOOD
Bath sites can be reached by 11m1ted
access roads. 'truex. at Sunken Meadaw
would have to use Route 2SA.
r
Site Ac~eSB
VEIl.Y POOR
tha term1l:1al access roads in both CC1lDIIcti-
CUI: and Long IslaDd would be local:ed in
Bl:ate ~arks ~r would require exeens~ve
ilxcava:ion.
Ter:1nal Location
and Construcl:ion
VERY POOR
the term1l:1al sites would have to be
88:abl1shed on park laDd.
Overall Feasibility VERY POOR
SIn: EVALUAtION: Bridgeport (C=ent sica) - Port Jefferson
500,000 Vehicles per Year - 100-Vehicle Veseels
CRI'ItRIA
RAtnlG
REASON
Economic Performance
POOR
Benefits ~ COSl:s . .715
lmpac" & Feasibil1"y of:
Highway Access
VERY GOOD (CONN)
POOR (NY)
The site in Bridgeporl: is adjacenl: to
1-95 and within walking disl:ance of the
bue and l:rain l:ermi.. ~ 1 Q. Local roads
to PorI: Jefferson are alrJadv congested.
tmprovemants are feasible but would have
to overcome strong local opposition.
Truck access may not be pOSSible at the
currenl: site.
Si"e A~~ess
GOOD
Modifications would have to be made
to handle trucks in Bridgeporl:.
Ter--1nal Location
and Construcl:ion
GOOD
Both sites are located in nal:ural harbors.
Overall Feasibility FAIR
41
1975 Excerpts, 1'.2
SI:E ~;AL:~:ION: Bridgepor" (Fayerwea"her Isl8Qd) - ?or" Jeffers~n
500,000 Vehicles per Year - lOO-Vehicle Vessel
CRI:::::.!.\.
RATING
REASON
Economic Performance
POOR
Benefits 4 Costs - .72
Impact & Feasibility of:
Highway Access
GOOD (CONN)
POOR (NY)
The site in Bridgeport is located
near I-95.
Local roads in Port Jefferson are already
congested. Improvements are feasible but
would have to overCDlllll local opposition.
Site Access
POOR (CONN)
GOOD (NY)
The Fayerweather 1s18Qd access road would
have to go through part of SeaSide Park
in Bridgeport.
Terminal Location and
Construction
VERY POOR
GOOD (NY)
(CONN)The Fayerweather 1s18Qd terminal would
require extensive dredging in oyster
bays. Operation of the terminal loTould
interfere with pleasure boating.
Overall Feasibility
VERY POOR
SIn: EVALUATION: New Haven - Wading River
500,000 Vehicles per Year - 100 Vehicle Capacity Vessel
CRIInIA
RATING
REASON
Economic Performance
POOR
Benefits 4 Costs - .672
Impact & Feasibility of:
Highway Access
VERY GOOD
Easy access to 1-95 in Connecticut.
Easy access to William Floyd
Parkway in Long 1s18Qd.
.
Site Access
FAIR
The Long Island site is an alternate
site for a nuclear power plant. This
may preclude the introduction of a
ferry terminal. Access is good at
the New Haven site.
Terminal Location and
Construction
FAIR
A one-half mile pier would have to be
built on Long Is18Qd.
Overall Feasibility FAIR
42
1975 Excernts. P.3
SIn: EVALt:.;:r:::ON: East Haven - Wading River
500,000 Vehicles per Year - laO-Vehicle Vessels
CRL1:.KIA
RATING
REASON
Economic Performance
FAIl!.
Benefits. Costs. .822
IlII;lacl: 50 Feasibility of:
High....ay Access
GOOD
Improvements to local roads ....ould be
required in East Haven. Easy acc:ua
to William Floyd Parlalay on Lang Ialazui.
Site Access
FAIl!.
The Long Island site is an alternate
site for a nuclear paver plant. 'rhia
may preclude tbe inl:roaucl:ion of a
ferry t,......~~"'l!, I
Terminal Location &
COllStruction
FAIl!.
A one-half mile pier would have to b.
built on Long Island.
Overall Feasibility FAD.
SIn: EVALUATION: Guilford -Centerv1ll11
SOO,OOO Vehicles per Year - laO-Vehicle Vessels
CRI'1'tRIA
RATI~:G
REASON
Economic Performance
FAIR
Benefits ~ Costs. .925
Impact 50 Feasibility of:
High....ay Access
POOR
Eztansive ilIlprcvemenl:s ....ould have to be
made to roads in residential areas on
SachBIII Head in COllnecticul:.
,
Site Access
GOOD
No particular problems were apparent.
Terminal Location and
Construction
FAIl!.
A 600-foot pier would have to be built
in Connecticut and a l400-foot pier
on Long Island.
Overall Feasibility FAIl!.
43
1975 Excerpts, P.4
SITE EVALUATIO~: Westbrook - Hashamock Beach
500,000 Vehicles per Year - lOa-Vehicle Vessels
CRITERIA
RATING
REASON
Economic Performance
GOOD
Benefits ~ Costs - 1.394
Impact & Feasibility of:
Highway Access
POOR
Road improvements would have to be made
through dense residential development
in Connecticut.
Site Access
FAIR
'QIe shoreline is used for bathing in
~.nnecticut and New York.
Terminal Location and
Cons truc tion
POOR
A 900-foot pier would have to be
built in Connecticut in an area of
heavy pleasure boating.
Overall Feasibility
POOR
SITE EVALUATION: New London - Greenport
SOO,OOO Vehicles per Year - 100-Vehicle Vessels
CRITERIA
RATING
REASON
Economic Performance
POOR
Benefits
Costs .. .706
Impact & Feasibility of:
Highway Access
GOOD (CONN)
POOR (NY)
Extensive highway improvements are
required to handle ferry traffir.
over 200,000 vehicles oer year.
Site Access
GOOD
~~ problems are apparent.
Terminal Location and
Construction
GOOD
No problems are apparent.
Overall Feasibility
POOR
44
1975 Excerpts, P.5
SIn: ZVALt'Arrm:: Saybrook Pt. - East lIarien
500,000 Vehi~es per Year - 100-Vehi~1e Vessel
CRI1'!RI.\.
RATING
REASON
Economi: ?erformance
GOOD
Benefits ~ Costs. 1.216
IlIlpa~t :. :easibllity of:
Highvay .~cceS8
GOOD
Extensive imprcv_u ":Jould have eo
be made on the North Fork to h....oil.
ferry traffic of over 500,000 vehicles
per year.
Site A~cess
VERY POOR
At Saybrook Pt. in COmlecticut a caua_
way would have to be built through lazId"
protected by the establishment of the
Coa:ecti~ut River Gateway Zone.
Terminal l.ocatien
& COt1Str::::tien
VERY POOll
'rha term1nal facility would. have .
streng visual impact on lazId i....)ml.d.
for preservation in the Couaecticut
liver Gataway Zone.
Overall :easibility POOR
SIn: EVALUAnO::: New Lond.en - Orient Pt.
500,000 Vehicles per Year - lOa-Vehicle Vessels
CRI1'!RIA
RATING
REASON
Economic ?erformance
FAIR
Benefits ~ Costs - .929
Impact & :easibility of:
Highvay Ac~eSB
GOOD
Good. ac~ess" to I-95 in Connecticut.
Il1gbway 1lllprovementB would. have to
be mad.e on the North Fork to hand.le
ferry traffic of over 500,000
vehicles per year.
No problems anticipated. at either site.
Ferry terminals have been established.
at both sites.
Site Access
GOOD
Terminal r.ccaticn and
ConBtru~tion
GOOD
Overall :easibility GOOD
45
1975 Excerpts, P.6
~
'"
.
OVERALL EVALUATION OF FERRY SERVICE
500,000 Vehicle Service - using 100-Vehicle Vessels
IMPACT AND FEASIBILITY
ECONOMIC HIGHWAY SITE TERMINAL OVERALL
PERFORMANCE ACCESS ACCESS LOCATION FEASIBII.ITY
S T A"FrIA'" -ll fly 0 PT - Poor Poor Fair Very Poor .. Poor
SU~IK PI "EAI)- SIlWfJ PT. - Fair Good Very Poor Very Poor Very Poor
.,FFF I CURR"'",' - . Poor Fair Good Good Fair
RPI - PT
PT JE,F F-RPr 'F'WTHR 1 S.II- Poor Fair Fair Poor Poor
NEW "AVFN-,jAOI'lr, RIVER - Poor Very Good Fair Fair Poor
FAST IlAVFN-IIAOrNr. RIVF" - Fair Good Fair Fair Fair
l- . .
r,UILFnoO-rF~rEAvILlF - Fair Poor Good Fair Fair
WI'S T flAK HRQ-HASH4'lOHUC( - Good Fair Very Poor Very Poor Poor
NEil LONOfl~-GAEENPORT - Poor Poor Good Good Poor
f ASI "AIIIO'l-S AYBI{OOI( PT.- Good Good Very Poor Very Poor Poor
NEW LONOO'l-OR lENT PT. - Fair Good Good Good Good
,
TABLE XI
-
'"
...,
l.n
'"
X
n
l1>
"
d
rt
III
."
...,
SYNOPSIS: L.I. Sound Ferrv Service Imorovement Studv, NYS and CT
DOT, 1981
The major alternatives for ferry service corridors and
terminal locations have been widely established over decades of
cross-Sound transportation improvement studies, and by the
geographic location of natural harbors, urban concentrations, and
on-land facilities already in place. All major potential cross-
Sound ferry service corridor and terminal location alternatives
were identified and examined for this study.
Little public support or technical evidence has been found in
favor of the corridor alternatives to the west of Port Jefferson-
Bridgeport. Those western alternatives could also significantly
and adversely impact the present locally supported private Port
Jefferson ferry service.
No location clearly emerged on all counts as the most
desirable alternative to pursue. However, of those alternatives,
the Shoreham-New Haven crossing appears to offer the most promise
(p.24). Its terminal locations have the best land access
connections of all alternatives identified. This is an important
factor in providing services for trucks, and for the need to
consider shifting a portion of longer range and potentially much
greater cross-sound vehicle and truck travel away from the existing
cross-Sound service locations to avoid possibly significant adverse
environmental or community impacts. But this corridor is the
longest and potentially one of the most expensive to implement.
The investment required for a "major improvement" in cross-
1981 Synopsis. P.l
-:d
Sound ferry services would equal 6.67 percent of the average
estimates of investment required for a new bridge. Cross-Sound
ferry services at this time are a matter of primarily private
sector concern and ini tiati ve. Formal public invol vement is
essentially limited to federal safety and operating authority
controls, and to general governmental concern with such matters as
traffic control, municipal harbor facilities and the environment,
principally regarding dredging. The two State Departments of
Transportation, together with local officials, should provide
technical assistance and serve evaluation and coordination roles in
the ferry project.
A combination of crossing locations - especially with a
possible third centrally located service - will provide the best
potential for service improvements and traveler and economic
benefits. The two existing crossing corridors appear best to meet
the overall study objectives of economic feasibility and broad
local support. still, study forecasts indicate that the additional
overall regional cross-Sound travel demand can be served
conveniently, and in some cases with a positive revenue-cost
relationship, by a set of three rather than two ferry services.
The user demand, cost, and revenue estimates developed by this
study are generally encouraging for the private sector to take the
initiative in cross-Sound ferry service improvements, financing,
and operations.
1981 Synopsis, P.2
Excerpts
From Long Island Sound Ferrv Service Improvement Study, 1981 (NYS & CT DOT)
I. Orient Point-New Lonlion
2. Pen Jefferson-Bric1geport
3. Gr=port-New Lolllion
4. SW1k= Meac1ow-Bric1gepen
S. Huntington Bay-Norwalk
6. Ori=t Point-Old Saybrook
7. East MarionlOrie:1t-Old Saybroolc (North
Cove)
8. East MarionlOri=t-Old Saybrook (Ferry
Point)
9. Shoreham-New Haven
10. Shoreham-East Haven (Lighthouse Pt.)
11. Shoreb.am-West Haven
Con, usage, and revenue estimates associated
with each of these cross-Sound ferry service
corridor.terminal alternatives are given in subse-
quent sec:ions of this report. Other sigllifi=
consideratiollS and srwiy findings, including
evidence of local or public SUppOrt for each of
these corridor alt=3%ives, may be summarized as
follows: .
1. Orient Point-New London: These termmi
of the princi.,ar existing cross-Sound ferry
service corridor have harbor and land ac-
cess i~Jities generally adequate ior major
service and usage in=es, and enjoy loc:ti
support ior =t and l:."tpaCded service.
Parlcing and staging ar= and passenger
terminals are available, and = be readily
Uilancied. ~linimum. if any, community or
enviro=ental impacts are I:.'tPec".ed to be
associated with service or iacilitY im-
provements. Corridor c:ossing ciistance is
about 14 nautical miles. with relatively little
in-harbor mal1e'.1VerU1g and related tl'3.vel
time penalties.
2. POrt J effe,t'soQ.Bridgeport: Also termini of
existing ferry service (if only seasonal of
1imite:i capacity), harbor areas are ade.
quate. but dock. parldng and S".agU::g. cd
immediate land ac= iacilities require im-
prove:n=ts beiore they = handle e'Ien
moderate ca12acity and service im-
prove:nents. This is partic-.1lariy trUe for
use by heavy commercial trUcks at
BridgepOrt. wl1ere the existing ferry ter-
minal is adjac= to train and bus naaollS
and the Conn=--..C".1t Turn.,ike. F:w if any
community or othe: impacts are ~ecte:i
to a=mpany se:vice and usage increases
or careiuIly designe:i improvements. Local
suppOrt for service UilansiollS is evident,
including support, CSl'ecially in Bridgeport.
for heavy comme:cial truck capacitY now
lacIting. Cotridor crossing distance is jun
over 12 nautical miles. but speed penalties
for in-harbor operation are encountered at
both t=mini.
3. Green.,ort-New London: The Mascony
Ferry and Tra.lISilort Com.,any Inc. has
proposed to Cl'C'ate on this cross-Sound
corridor. wbich is longest of the alter-
Datives ,"".,,";"= in terms of crossing
diVtlnro: (almOst 20 nautical miles). That
company has not pined a terminal site or
smerallocal SUppOrt at Greenport. where
in-harbor speed delays and pot=tial con-
t1icts with the Shelter Island Ferry would be
encountered.
8
1981 Excerpts, P.l
J.. Sunke:l Meadow-Bridge;:ort: A new har-
bor. or haif-..me: off-shore: trestle:. as well
as ter::limti and parking facilities. wouid be:
required at Sunken Mead.ow, which :s a
major seashore re..eation and park facili-
tY. Automobile ac= is good. but ac:ess
for !l=.vy :0==-'..:.1 =:ks wouid be :iii-
ficmt and! or :irt:-.Iitous at beth te.-;"i.
Ther: is no evide:lce of local suppor. at
Sunken Meadow, and major service
facilities and operations would be =x;:e::ed
to have significant cmuptive and en-
viro===.:aJ. :cpac:s. Corr.dor c:'ossin"
. "
distance wouid be slightly more than 13
nautiQ[ miles but. with an off-shore trestle
at Sunken Me:adow. cembined in-harbor
time pe:-.aities would be lessened.
5. Huntin;:on-Norwalk: Probably the most
western c:'oss-Sounti corridor that couid
support fe.'Tf service, even with fast vessels,
due to proxiI::ir:y to e:cisting bridges, these
termini present major harbor development
or operations problems and probable in-
harbor spe::i delays, especially at Norwalk.
Harbor. terminal. and land access im-
provements would be required at both ter-
mini and could be expec:ed to have signifi-
cant co=unir:y and environmental im-
pacts. partic:1larly from extensive dredging
requirements at both termini and from a
1/3-1/2 mile pier at Huntington. Corridor
crossing distance is somewhat less than 10
nautical miles. exclusive of in-harbor
operations. There is some evidence of sup-
port at Norwalk. but little co none at Hun-
tington.
6- East MarionlOrient-Qld Saybrook (North
8. Cove. Ferry Point), and Orient Point.Old
Saybrcok: The fint twO of these cross-
Sound corridor alternatives would offer by
far the shortest corridor crossing distance,
at 71/2 miles (and thus m;";,.,,i..,= time and
operating cost per tri;l), but, as with the last
above corridor alternative, would require
the creation of new harbor, terminal. and
land ac= facilities (on the Long island
side), and these plus dre::!ging and in-
harbor time pe:lalties for Old Saybrook ter-
minus. Significant e:lvironme:lw iI::1paC"..s
could be expected at all llew te:::ninal-
harbor fac'Jities_ None of these c:'ossing-
corridor alternatives are sup pOrte:: locally.
and opposition co a fer="J ope.ooation a.'1d
facilities at all !lote:ltial Old Saybrook sites
is very s::-ong.
9- Shoreham - New Haven. West Haven,
11. East Have:l (Lighthouse P':li:lt): Tnese sets
of cross-Sound corridor alter""..atives 'Nouid
have the longest corridor c:'ossing distances
(16 to almOSt 19 nautical miles) of any
alternatives srudied exc::pt for Gr=;:or.-
New London. Some dredging and traffic
im;lt"Ove:::==.ts would be required for the
Connec:iC'.lt sites, and an en:'.r:!y new har-
ber or 1/2 mile-long pier, t:::minai. and im-
meCiate land access facilities wouid be
ne::ied. at Shoreham. Possibly significant
environmental impacts may be associated.
with such im;lrovements. There is local
SU;lport for the New Haven t=inalloca.
lion. which would have very good access to
Interstate highways. There is both strong
seneral business sU;lport ana signifi=t
local opposition to the Shoreham terminal
sites, which could have very good access to
major highways.
9
Jamesport Site
.....'
\
.;
....
.....
,;
~'\\~
\
-".
co
./
;\ ,~(/
c'.
SUFFOLK COUlrTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Traf:ic Control and Engineering Division
MEMORANDUM .' "
~ u ,~
November 5, 1993
'.
u
. iiiJ: !;,;.'
.
TO: Steve Jones, Director of Planning
FROM: Matthew T. Rankel, P.E.,
Director of Traffic Safety
RE: TRAFFIC VOLUMES ON WILLIAM FLOID PARlIHAY, CR 46
The following Table indicates 1992 AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) on
William Floyd Parkway from the LIE north to Route 25A. Peak hour volumes are
also included.
TRAFFIC VOLUMES
AM PEAK PM PEAK
ON CR 46 1992 AADT NB SB NB SB
between north C-D and Longwood Rd. 25,100 946 913 1050 961
Longwood Rd. to Rte. 25 15,400 447 899 755 415
Rte. 25 to Rte. 25A 9,600 353 626 552 377
We estimate capacity on CR 46 (LOS E) to be 2400 vehicles per hour (vph)
per direction. Therefore, there is significant reserve capacity over existing
volumes.
While North Shore Properties will add substantial volumes to CR 46 as its
developed, we would expect appropriate "mitigation measures to accommodate the
additional generation.
Should you require any additional information on this matter, please do
not hesitate to contact this office.
1:~~"
By:
MTR:RCM:dpr
p;-:-
r:::-; :::
~
mIl
m1I2
=-co:':-nl':!::
~ - I j:I€~lCENCE
: - 2 R€SICENCE
~ - 5 PESIOENCE
- - 10 RESIDENCE
3 - t j:I
_ F=:SIDENCE
~. RES!OEtl:::E
. ~_l I:I~':'CE~'':E
illm!:l
rnEL:
I (POCf
1++ +1
KI:.
~
-
Zoning ~a?
LEGEND - Town '
MF _ Z R' ot Brookhaven
SIDEUCE
NH RESIOEW" mJI
.. ~
PRC RESIDENCE ~
I( BUSINESS ..
J BUSINESS ~
J - I eUSINESS ~
J~2 eUSINESS ~
..,.,..."
J ~ 3 BUSINESS
J .. BUSINESS
J -5 BUSINESS
J -6 eUSINEcS
~ - I I NOUST~Y
_ -4 INOUST"CIY
2-al-No DE
'"lea VEL.OPMEIlT
RPORATE~ VILLAGE
Town of '<i
~ _""_' -=- verhead
~_.........,..
~ :;;;;-~ ..-. - =--
iin!!" _. ' -. """,,1 -~
~ ;:""_ ~ _. 7777:__
~n_ ~
,~ -_.-:~
~ ii5!.L - ..., -
--.: -.
~_.
~-= .-;::"-::::::-
E;:::
t
- -,
~
1
-~
\)
>
=<' I
,
.~,
)
( In ( '5'
~''''''~''''':'I;''''''''
I"""
I ."
~. '- j "
/;-'
I
.'
,/ f':'
)
<,
-.
~~cer~r: Pronosal cor Develonment and Onerario~ or High Sneed Ferr\' Service
Companbiliry of Shoreitam Terminal Site With Power Plant:
,
The eXIsting mlet of the Shorenam site will be eniarsreci into a turning basin to
facilitate :erminal operanon and provide a protected haven for maneuvering of the
vessel. Surface effect vessels (SES) cause little or no wake and turbidity is greatly
reduced by water Jet propulsion, therefore, there will be minimal effect on water
quality In the turning basin. The water intake for the anticipated continued operari~n
of the power plant will not be affected by the use of the proposed SES vessel.
Access and egress to and from the terminal will by-pass the plant and its main
entrance and, theretore, will not interfere with the anticipated continued operation of
the power facility.
Consisrency of New Haven Terminal Site Wit/J Existing Harbor Developmenr:
The New Haven site expands on an existing operating shore facility. Development of
the site will be an upgrade to existing conditions.
Impact on Surrounding Environmenr:
The New Haven site is presently an active terminal handling several hundred trucks
each day. Development of the ferry terminal facility will have little effect on present
traffic or possibly reduce truck traffic in the immediate area. The continued
commercIal use of the site will minimize any impact to the surrounding environment.
The Shoreham site has been undergOing major construction and alterations for the past
twenty years. The site has been exposed to considerably more heavy construction
equipment. noise pollution, etc. as a result of the present activity than it will be by the
proposed development and operation of a ferry terminal site. The permit process has
been designed to address such impaCts.
Our design team includes services of experts in this area who will carry the permitting
through the design and development phases.
The anticipated permit requirements are listed below:
Proposal Excerpt P.l
16
. !
ARMY l"ORI'S 01' F.NGlNF.F.RS rF.RMIT for dredgin8. breakwaler and/or
groin extensions. docking facilities. shoreline and inlenact facilities
including bulkheading piling :and similar activities. As pan of the
process sisler J:cdcral Agencies including the Environmcnlal Protection
Agency, United Slales Fish &. Wildlife Service Bnd the United Slates
Fisheries Service will be pan orahe resulalory review and pennininB
process aoo the NEPA process must be satisfied.
Pennil for STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FOR
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES iflhc sile is 10 acres or
larger
IHJEIM!..
CT TRAFFIC COMMISSION:
Permit required for parking and traffic of more than 200 cars.
NEW YORK STATE:
us. COAST GlIARD PERMIT tilr n:l\'ig3Iionallighting.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE:
ATOMIC I'NF.RGY AGENCY. PERMIT - DEACTIVATION OF THE
NUCI.F.AR POWER PlANT CORE REACTOR While Ibi. i.
nonnalty the resp<Hlsibility of the site owner and operator, the change or
use of the in-waler urea and upland may involve a deaclivation
aulhorizalion and workinS wilh Ihe ^sency regardins exislins pennil
condilions us well os pOlenlial new pennils.
COASTAL CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION: for dredgin8.
breakwaler and/or groin eXlensions, dockins facilities,
shoreline interface facilities including bulkheading piling
and similar aelivilies.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
CONNECTICUT:
PERMIT for dredging, breakwater and/or groin extensions,
docking facililies, shoreline inlcrface fseililies including
bulkheading piling and similar &clivilies including a
WATER Ql1ALlTY CERTIFICATE
STATE:
d
1
)
j'
)
,
,
~
CT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
"
~
1
,
1
,
.
COASTAL CONSISTENCY CERTIFICATION as well..
PERMIT(s) for dredgins. wave allenuslion, docking
facililies, shoreline inlerface facililies including
bul~heading piling and similar activities along wilh a
WATER Ql1AUTY CERTIFICATE
In Ihe evenl of upland disposal of dredged materials, the
NYSDEC will have 10 include same,
d
In the event of upland or in.water (wilhin CT Terrilorial
Walers) disposal of dredged malerials, Ihe CTDEP will
have 10 include same along wilh a WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATE
The NYSDEC will also have 10 include approval for any
in upland construction aClivilies wilhin 300 feet of the
shoreline if such aclivilies are at an e1evalion less than 10
NOVO unless Ihere is a lawfully man made struclure (~uch
as a Cunctional bulkhead, wall groin eonSlJUcled prior to
8120177)
"
"
II
PERMIT ror STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FOR
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES If the site is 10 acres or
huger
wulcnUl~. mad buddmg "nJ/m rdlluldmg. ,ukllllillC
sc".agl.: ~araclly and S.II11IOU)' li.!.:lllll..:::.
CITY or NLW IIAVLN
TOWN OF BROOKHAVEN:
Exact requirements are not known untillhc scope oflhe project
has been detennincd. However. on a preliminary basis,
according 10 Commissioner Carole Swick of Planning and
[nvironmcnlul OcvclopmcI111hc liJllowlIIg approvals may be and
are considered to probably be required:
EXilel rcquircmcnls are nol known unllllhc scope of the pruJCCI
has been dclcnnmed. Ilowcycr, on a preliminary baSIS,
accnrdinc to Zoning Director Phillip BulJoc urlhe Clly Plan
om!.:c Ihe followillg approvals may he and arc consldereJ lu
plUb'lbly be rcqum:d
WETLANDS PERMIT for ,he in-wa'er and shoreline
interface activilies includina the drcdgina.
breakwaler and/or groin eXlensions, docking
facililies, bulkhcading piling and similar activilies.
Zoning Change from Ihe Soard of Alderman
Planning Commission ~ Coastal Sue Plan Rcvlew
J J;.lrhor CommbsiulI - Rcview aull Reemmlll::lldations
SITE PLAN APPROVAL from Ihe PLANNING BOARD
Includinslhe possibility of a PUD MASTER PLAN
APPROV AL
It is anllcipated Ihat a lUll Environmenlallmpacl
Stalement will be required thai Will address alllhe
fcalures discussed ahove along with certain
speeilic:> hI Ihe ell)' llf New II:lvl.:u lhat WllllIlJ
prohably indtu..lc cither a chan"c in the permuted
uses of a zoning change or bUlh since eXlsling
zoning laws ,Ire sdelll regarding rerry servll;es 10
Ihe harhor Additional c;omillcralinn Illr Ihe type of
zune Ihal would he deemed .lpplUpriale sllch a:> a
Mixed Planned Dcvclopmenl Olslrict Of n Slnlc
fl.hlllu.::1Ilal 1'1;111111.:11 Ik\'dullllll.:1l1 i\~hhll'"I.11
cOllsiderallOlllllu:>1 be given to trallil.: IIlleuns or
Ihe replacement oflhe Que Bridge, capaCity and
IratTie COnnielS as well as oblaming a Slate Trallie
Commlsslllll Pcrnut Jue III thc r.:;n::almll ufpalkll1g
and trallie fur more than 200 vehides The
Planl1ill~ l'omI1USSiOIl requires buill OJ prdlllUnary
Conceplual Approval ;)nJ Ialer a DeladeJ Approval
under Iheir {'ll;I~lal Sile I'hm !tI.:VICW
VARIANCES and/or Special Penm, from the ZONING
BOARD OF APPEALS.
TOWN BOARD for any needed zoning chahges.
'd
...
o
'd
o
OJ
III
I-'
As pan orlhe approval process wilhin the Town and New York
S.... SEQR (lhe S..'e Environmen"l Quality Review Act)
will have 10 be complied wilh which will require Ihe
determination of ulcad ogcncy. coordinalion of all NYS
involved agencies, Ihe preparation ofbolh a long Fonn
Environmental Assessment Fonn and a comprehensive
Environmental Impact Statemenl which will have 10
address Ihe impacts of all arlhe proposed aClivilies as
staled ahuve as wetl ilS m.htres:oillH Irullie, WUII
improvements incluJing signalization, extensiuns,
l<'
n
lD
...
'd
rt
"
'0
'"
.....