Development on the Waterfront

New York City is in a constant state of development, and nowhere is this more visible than on our waterfront. On June 16, join Open House New York for a sunset boat tour to explore the transformation of New York City's waterfront during the 21st Century. A combination of zoning changes, powerful public-private partnerships, and large-scale coastal resiliency projects have changed entire stretches of the waterfront over the past 25 years, reshaping who lives, works, and recreates along the water's edge. 

The tour will travel along the west side of Manhattan, examining the policy changes and investment decisions behind Hudson Yards, the High Line, and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan. From there, the tour will explore the western edge of Queens and Brooklyn, from Long Island City to Sunset Park, offering a sweeping view of a waterfront in the midst of reinvention. Participants will see the adaptive reuse of industrial sites into mixed-use developments, learn about the growth of green manufacturing amid a changing industrial sector, and witness a billion-dollar investment in coastal resiliency. 

The tour will be led by urban planner and licensed New York City tour guide Moses Gates, who will unpack some of the city's most visible planning debates. With the harbor as the vantage point, participants will learn about the zoning, policy, and planning decisions that have reinvented our waterfront over the past 25 years—and gain an inside look at what’s to come. 

Moses Gates is Regional Plan Association’s Vice President for Housing and Neighborhood Planning, leading the organization’s efforts in affordable housing, economic development, and urban design. Prior to joining RPA, Moses was Director of Planning and Community Development for the Association for Neighborhood Housing Development, where he led the organization’s housing development policy and planning work and initiated New York City’s first Community Development Fellowship program. He serves on the board of directors for Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, is the author of the memoir ​“Hidden Cities” (Tarcher/Perigee 2013), and was a volunteer at OHNY’s first-ever Open House New York Weekend festival in 2003.

Guests utilizing wheelchairs can access the first level of the boat. Other levels are accessible by stairs only. The tour narration will be audible on speakers throughout the boat.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No, Circle Line’s policy prohibits outside food and beverages. There is a snack bar with options including hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, and a full bar and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

Does my child need a ticket?

All persons, including children and infants, require a ticket to board the boat. Email info@ohny.org for information on purchasing discounted tickets for children 12 and under.

What happens in inclement weather?

Boat tours are rain or shine. The boat has indoor seating in the event of rain. Bring a poncho or a raincoat—open umbrellas are not allowed on outdoor decks. There will be no refunds for inclement weather, except in the very rare instance when the cruise must be cancelled entirely.

Can I cancel my ticket?

All ticket sales are final. There will be no refunds for bad weather, tardiness, unforeseen route modifications, or any other reason except in the extremely rare instance where the cruise must be cancelled entirely. If you have purchased a ticket but can no longer attend, we can donate your ticket to a community partner.

May I bring my pet?

Animals are not permitted on Circle Line boats, except for certified service animals. Service animals in training cannot be accommodated per Circle Line policy.

Is smoking permitted?

No smoking or vaping is permitted aboard the boat.