Eco Docks

For a region surrounded by water, there are surprisingly few places where boats can legally and affordably dock. A series of simple town docks can be adapted for a variety of uses including visitor drop-off and pick-up, community programs, and connecting a region-wide water trail to interesting upland destinations.

Community Eco Docks are floating docks that rise and fall with the tide, making them accessible to all types of vessels at all times during the day and night. Their flexibility, cost-effectiveness to build and maintain, environmental benefits and potential to promote local economic development make them almost universally approved by city agencies such as the New York City Departments of Environmental Conservation, Parks and Recreation and Planning, and by community organizations, businesses and New York City residents alike.

In partnership with other organizations, MWA is spearheading work to construct a minimum of two and up to five Community Eco Docks at waterfront locations in New York City. MWA’s work in 2009 includes managing site selection with a dock location study and determination of site ownership; due diligence, with a maritime and upland analysis; schematic design of the Community Eco Dock facility; and community organizing.