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In what will be the first step towards transforming the historic Canarsie Pier, Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY-10 -Brooklyn), Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D–NY9-Queens and Brooklyn) and Dave Taft, Coordinator of the Jamaica Bay Unit of the National Park Service, announced a plan to revitalize the Brooklyn landmark by attracting vendors to propose plans for the site’s use.
At the urging of both Towns and Weiner, NPS recently released a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for applicants to submit plans for the creation of a new restaurant. The current dilapidated building, formerly a restaurant called Abbracciamento on the Pier, has been unused since 2002.
Earlier this month, National Parks Service formally announced it would host an open house in May for interested vendors, who will be touring the building as part of the process for revitalizing the 5,500-square foot space.
“This is an important first step in ensuring that Canarsie Pier becomes the cultural and recreational hub it once was,” Weiner said. “Rep. Towns and NPS have been crucial in moving this project forward, and I look forward to working with them to ensure that the pier is transformed into a destination spot for all New Yorkers. Brooklyn residents have been waiting far too long for this.”
“The development of Canarsie Pier is an important component in the revitalization of Brooklyn,” Towns said. “As a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and the largest urban park in the country, this site is both significant as community recreational area, as well as a symbol of the nation’s attitude towards national parks. I am looking forward to continued progress in Canarsie Pier’s development.”
Originally built in the 1920s, Canarsie Pier was intended as a commercial pier but has mainly been used as a recreational fishing location since it opened. NPS acquired the pier in 1973 as part of the creation of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and the facility was a full-service restaurant from 1976 until 2002. The RFEI process is the first step in reopening this building to the public.
