2012 Waterfront Conference in Pictures

Eco-tourism in Jamaica Bay? It's not such a far-fetched idea, according to the crowd at MWA's 2012 Waterfront Conference. 

 That and other provocative ideas were discussed by more than 600 political, business and civic leaders at the May 18 and 19 event. At left, Paul Goodman, CEO of BillyBey Ferry, with Capt. Jim DeSimone, Deputy Commissioner & COO, NYCDOT Staten Island Ferry, after the morning plenary.

At the Waterfront Project Workshop, sponsored by the Harbor Coalition, nearly 200 people convened by Congressional district and poured over maps provided by the Regional Plan Association. At left, focusing on water quality issues, Rep. Rangel's constituents marked combined sewer outlet locations. Below, Rep. Serrano's constituents looked at opportunities to connect parks to the water and to greenways.

With Congressional staffers from 14 NY and NJ districts participating, more than 130 projects were identified at the Waterfront Project Workshop.

For many, the conference offered great networking and socializing opportunities. At left, Paul Mankiewicz, executive director of the Gaia Institute, with Franco Montalto, conference panelist and president of eDesign Dynamics.

At right, Kent Barwick, MWA Trustee and former Municipal Art Society president, with Linda Cox, executive director of the Bronx River Alliance.

At the end of a long, productive day, conference-goers were rewarded with a sensational cruise on the triple-decker Hornblower Hybrid, above. At left, Ron Javer from McLaren Engineering Group with Kara Gilmour, from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. 

One more half day of waterfront work awaited conference-goers, and on Saturday morning, about 100 people arrived at Pier 66 Maritime for panel discussions al fresco, below. 

Photos by Paul Margolis, Kevin McGrath, and Alison Simko