Battery Park Brouhaha Gets Hotter as Pols Protest Ferry Fence

“If you build it, he will come.” This famous quote from 1989 baseball movie “Field of Dreams” might very well apply to the brouhaha in Battery Park, where a view-obstructing security fence has roused all manner of politicians to come to the southern tip of Manhattan, to see and to be seen, and to ask the National Park Service, isn’t there a better way?

And so, on the crisp sunny morning of Monday April 6, they came: Congressman Dan Goldman; Council Member Christopher Marte; Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal; and State Assembly members Grace Lee and Charles Fall. They were joined by, among others, two of the park’s most vocal advocates, Community Board 1 Chairperson Tammy Meltzer and the Battery Park Conservancy President Paula Recart.

The first elected official to address the issue back in late March was Goldman, whose bi-borough 10th New York Congressional District includes most of Manhattan below 14th Street as well the Brooklyn neighborhoods which connect with Battery Park’s two adjacent subway stations: South Ferry / Whitehall Street and Bowling Green. Goldman’s interest, and his hoped for intervention, makes sense, as he’s Battery Park’s man in Washington D.C. and this is a federal matter.

At issue was a black chain link fence, and other fencing, erected by the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police to control security for the Statue City Cruises ferries to Liberty and Ellis Islands. To be clear, nobody questions the need for such security—that’s not in dispute. Just as one must empty their pockets and screen their bag to enter most city and state buildings, and the nearby, Smithsonian-run National Museum of the American Indian, they must do so here.

The problem is the persnickety layers of security fencing that keeps sightseers from the waterfront when the ferry ships are operating. This hadn’t recently been an issue but the partial completion of the South Battery Park Resiliency Project brought with it changes to the ferry boarding process.

For its part, Statue City Cruises—which has previously allied itself with Battery Park boosters over the activities of aggressive ferry and other tourist ticket scammers— is remaining deferential, noting that “The planning and placement of fencing related to security screening activities in Battery Park is solely under the purview of the National Park Service and the United States Park Police. Statue City Cruises does not determine the security procedures at the Battery. Any comments or questions related to the fencing or security screening should be referred to the National Park Service.”

Swing for the Fences

Goldman, the organizer of the rally, first offered an appeal to history, noting “The Statue of Liberty has welcomed the world to our shores for generations, and the view of Lady Liberty from Battery Park is one of the most iconic in the country.”

“While ensuring that all visitors are safe and secure,” he continued, “they deserve to enjoy that view as much as possible, which requires an alternative security arrangement than currently in effect. I have been in communication with the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police and urge them to implement an alternative proposed by the NYC Department of Parks.”

That there was previously both robust security and much greater waterfront access at this same location gives credence to Goldman’s claims, while the National Park Service’s reasons for the changes remain opaque.

“The current fencing at Battery Park mars one of Manhattan’s most treasured views, the Statue of Liberty,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “For generations, New Yorkers and visitors alike have been able to experience this iconic symbol of freedom from the Battery, free and open to all. No one should have to peer through a fence to see Lady Liberty.” Hoylman-Sigal, who’s taken to his Beep position with enthusiasm, also made an explanatory Instagram post about the fencing.

“Fencing at the Battery in front of the Statue of Liberty doesn’t just block the view—it betrays what she stands for. We can do better,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I’m proud to support this proposal that addresses legitimate security needs while restoring public access to this waterfront and the view of one of our most iconic American landmarks.”

Speaking with a striking Chilean accent, Paula Recart said, ”At The Battery Conservancy we speak on behalf of the public experience. What people want is simple. They want to reach the water, stand at the railing, and see the Statue of Liberty without obstruction. And yes—many want to take a photo with the icon of freedom behind them, without a fence in between. That is a reasonable expectation. And it is one we can—and should—meet.”

At press time, that expectation has been met only a little. Posting on Instagram with an accompanying video, the Battery Park Conservancy wrote, “Today a small segment of the fence was opened. To be precise, 4% of it. This is not enough.”