Weekend ferry plan from Manhattan to Point Pleasant Beach blocked by town leaders
Town leaders voted 3-2 during a meeting Tuesday night to reject a measure that would have allowed a trial run of the weekend ferry service.
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A planned ferry service from Manhattan to Point Pleasant Beach has been put on hold after a divided vote by local officials.
In a stunning 3-2 vote, the borough council dropped anchor on plans to bring Seastreak to the Jersey Shore.
“You're supposed to go to the zoning, put an application in, have professionals look at it, they make a determination,” said Councilman John Dixon.
Those who voted “no” say that while they’re not against a ferry in town, Seastreak bypassed procedures.
“I don't think this is fair to the public for process. It's not even whether I agree or disagree. Making this amendment and fast-tracking it goes against our own council process. It goes against the processes put in town. I love the idea of Seastreak,” said Councilwoman Kitty Stillufsen.
Seastreak partnered with local businessman Bill Cleary for nine weekends of service. Mayor Doug Vitale made his support for the ferry clear prior to the vote.
"The process wasn't followed. And I get it. And I think Mr. Cleary and Seastreak learned their lesson that, ‘Hey, maybe you should talk to people before assuming something,’ but we're presented a great opportunity in town. This is a great opportunity we're going to squander if we don't think logically about this,” said Vitale.
In a statement to News 12, Seastreak says that without this pilot program up and running, there's no way to test for demand or the economic feasibility of the ferry to Point Pleasant Beach. Seastreak said travel time would have only taken an hour and fifteen minutes compared to two and a half hours by train.
“They were wrong not to go through the proper channels, but they absolutely should try to come back,” said Pat Estavanik, of Middletown.
Refunds are being issued for the dozens of now-cancelled trips.
