Imagine a Greater Rockaway...

... where there is awareness and support from public agencies and elected officials.

... where the community is engaged in efforts to improve public services and access.

...where local residents and visitors can access New York City's premier waterfront.

 
Greater Rockaway Waterfront Vision 2020 is a community-driven plan that has been the blueprint for the City of New York's planning efforts since 2010. The plan was initiated by RISE (formerly known as Rockaway Waterfront Alliance) and brought together local insight from hundreds of local stakeholders to enhance eleven miles of one of New York City's more diverse and vibrant coastal communities. 

RISE has worked closely with community members, local stakeholders, and government agencies through a series of design charettes and listening sessions to establish "A Greater Rockaway: Waterfront Vision Plan." This plan has laid the groundwork for phased capital projects and programs along the peninsula that address transportation initiatives, economic development, programming, and management strategies for improved waterfront access along the Rockaways and Jamaica Bay.

From the Nassau County line to the tip of Breezy Point is an eleven-mile stretch of land that makes up the Rockaway peninsula, the longest stretch of public waterfront in the City of New York. This waterfront was protected under NYC Waterfront Revitalization Plan and Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to encourage public participation in historical, educational, and recreational programs.

Yet the Rockaway community has rarely been afforded an opportunity to receive such support by any of the city, state, or federal agencies that manage it. Issues over lack of lifeguards, public education, and safety along the waterfront have created concern among the community that there is a clear need for planning that is led with the needs of the community in mind.

Through local partnerships, our mission has been to identify priorities for investing in open space, environmental conservation, and economic growth for the benefit of the greater Rockaway community.