After over a decade of damage and disuse caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Bayside Marina in Queens, New York, has officially reopened. On Thursday, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, along with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Vickie Paladino and local community representatives, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of an $8 million USD reconstruction project and welcome a new concessionaire.
Located at the east end of 28th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway, Bayside Marina now offers upgraded amenities for fishers, boaters and local residents. The marina’s revitalisation includes 279 metres (3,000 sq ft) of new floating docks, a two-metre (eight ft) disability accessible gangway, a reconstructed concrete boat ramp, pier substructure repairs and a new 91-metre (300 ft) concrete retaining wall aimed at preventing future erosion.
The reconstruction was funded by $4.3 million from FEMA, $3.4 million from the mayor’s office and $200,000 from the city council. According to NYC Parks, the project also introduced a clearer separation between the greenway and parking area, improved traffic flow with one-way vehicular lanes and enhanced safety through new signage, thermoplastic striping and rumble strips.
A key feature of the reopening was the introduction of Buster’s Marine Bronx Marina as the new concessionaire. Led by David Schmitt, Buster’s has invested $2.2 million in capital improvements at the site. Enhancements include renovated pier buildings, expanded fishing areas, upgraded restrooms with showers for boaters and a new café.
David Schmitt, the owner of Bayside Marina and the newly opened DJ’s at Bayside café, said: “Together, we have transformed this site into a vibrant destination for the community – and I am especially proud to introduce DJ’s at Bayside, the first waterfront quick-serve restaurant in Bayside.”
DJ’s at Bayside, named after Schmitt’s son, operates as a fast-casual restaurant offering seafood baskets, platters, sandwiches, clam chowder, lobster bisque and salads. The café uses all-electric appliances and is open to the public seven days a week.
Buster’s also provides marina-related services such as bait and tackle, fishing pole rentals and boating supplies. Access to the public boat launch remains available, and additional amenities include outdoor areas for fishing.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards remarked: “By revitalising the Sandy-ravaged Bayside Marina, Northeast Queens families now have an exciting place to boat, fish, eat and enjoy the sights of Little Neck Bay.”
The reopening follows Buster’s previous work at Locust Point Marina in the Bronx, where similar efforts led to full dock occupancy, environmental initiatives with Cornell University and Sea Green, and the establishment of a Clean Green Marina programme.
In a statement, Council Member Vickie Paladino said: “I know this gem of our district is in good hands with David Schmitt and his team, and we’re looking forward to many years of enjoyment and success here.”
Additional improvements to the parking area, funded through city and council allocations, have aimed to enhance overall accessibility and safety for both vehicle drivers and greenway users.
NYC Parks, which reported record concession revenues in the past two fiscal years totalling over $112 million, continues to support public-private partnerships to manage city recreational spaces.
