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Researching Waterfront ...

Sewage Overflows Caused By Sandy
Superstorm Sandy caused 11 billion gallons of partially or untreated sewage - the equivalent of Central Park stacked 41 feet high - to leak into rivers, lakes, and waterways, according to this report by Climate Central. New York City reported six sewage spills larger than 100,000,000 gallons, and 28 larger than 1 million gallons. New York authorities estimate it will cost nearly $2 billion to repair flood damaged sewage treatment facilities. Sewage overflow is common in the city, although not on this scale, and climate change will only make things worse, the group warns: "Climate change is making sewage treatment plants more vulnerable to major failures and overflows due to rising seas, more intense coastal storms, and increasingly heavy precipitation events." (April 30, 2013)

Infrastructure budget drops
According to an analysis by the New York Building Congress, 2010 was the capital investment peak of the Bloomberg Administration, with spending at $10.5 billion. Spending dropped to $9.5 billion in '11, and the city is on target to spend $9.1 billion in the current fiscal year. But the $7.2 billion of projected spending in '16 is a reduction of $3.3 billion from the '10 peak. (July 17, 2012)

Beach Water Quality
New York state ranks 19th in the nation for the quality of its beachwater this year, with 9 percent of samples exceeding national standards in 2010, according the NRDC. (June 30, 2011)

Enhancing the Waterfront
The Planning Department recently released this draft report of recommendations on how to enhance the city's waterfront and waterways. It outlines goals and policies for the entire city and for individual segments. (October 8, 2010)

Report Card on Beaches
With warm weather finally here, New Yorkers for Parks has released its report card on New York's seven city beaches. The report found conditions improved somewhat since 2007 but said "New York City's 14 miles of public beaches still need additional maintenance attention." (August 14, 2009)

NYC Swim
This site lists swimming events in the New York area.
New York City Community Sailing Association
A not-for-profit providing affordable public access to New York City's waterways. NYCCSA provides sail training and non-instructional sailing. They also provide instruction to public high school students at a nominal cost. The association operates from Pier 25 in Tribeca.
Floating the Apple
A NYC non-profit that builds historic Whitehall gigs. Volunteer crews periodically row the vessels from boathouse sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Coastal Resources
New York Department of State Division of Costal Resources links to specific waterfront areas and plans around the city, including Fresh Kills
Hudson River Park Trust
The "Trust" is a governmental entity reposible for building a park on the west side of Manhattan in the area bounded by West Street, Battery Park, Battery Park City and West 59th Street. It's Board is appointed and largely controlled by the Governor and the Mayor.