The Bloomberg administration will take control of Governors Island from the state, moving forward with ambitious plans to turn the 172-acre former Coast Guard base into a major tourist destination with its dramatic views of New York Harbor, idyllic green pastures and large canvas for cultural events.
The deal announced yesterday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. David Paterson is similar to one they inked last month for Brooklyn Bridge Park, and will allow the city to plow ahead on the new master plan for 87 acres of open space on the island, including improving its 2.2 mile promenade. Construction is expected to begin in 2012.
The island already hosts art and music festivals — including this summer’s 12-hour marathon production of Dostoyevsky’s “The Demons” — offers biking and kayaking, and will be home to a city public high school come fall.
