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Maisel Hints Dusk-To-Dawn Pier Closing Plan May Be Rescinded
"We attended a hearing about a month ago and made it quite clear to Gateway that this proposal is not acceptable," said Maisel. "Officials said closing the pier overnight is to eliminate problems stemming from vandalism. But if you've been to the pier lately, it's not badly maintained - they just need money to fix the lights." Maisel said that he recently spoke with Congressman Anthony Weiner, whose Brooklyn/Queens district includes the pier, and learned that he told Gateway National Recreation Area manager Barry Sullivan that this plan is not acceptable. "Basically, what's happening is, Gateway is shortchanging Canarsie Pier and they figure they can close the parking lot and not have to worry about repairs," Maisel said. He explained that he asked the state to use capital construction money to repair the lights, but was informed, "it's very unusual for the state to give the federal government money." When the legal aspects are worked out, Maisel he would designate $50,000 to repair the parking lot lights while remaining funds could be used for other pier improvements. While he said the plan to close the pier parking lot from dusk to dawn seems to be extinguished, another proposal - to close the pier from midnight until 6 a.m. - may be suggested. "It's still not acceptable to fisherman who want to be there at two or three o'clock in the morning. But now that the summer is over, Gateway doesn't really have to make a decision," Maisel said.
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