Pier/Seawall Evaluation and Ferry Feasibility Study, Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, New York

Langan Engineering and Environmental Services

Fort Wadsworth, located on the eastern tip of Staten Island overlooking the Verrazzano Narrows strait at the mouth of the New York harbor, was a strategic location in the defense of the New York harbor from the Revolutionary War era through World War II. Remains of the military land use consist of two granite stone fortifications, Fort Tompkins and Battery Weed, and numerous stone gun batteries constructed into the landscaped slope of the eastern shoreline of the Narrows. The principle defense system for New York City during the 1800's and early 1900's was the ominous presence of both Fort Tompkins, situated some 140 feet up from the shore of the Narrows, and Battery Weed built along the eastern shoreline of the Narrows. Battery Weed is surrounded by a 1,000 foot long granite seawall constructed to provide protection of the Battery Weed from the natural wave action of the Narrows. Along the northern side of the Battery Weed seawall is a granite stone pier which was used throughout the history of the base, including as a deployment area for torpedo mines during World War I. With the modernization and technological advances of our nation's military forces, the need for these forts diminished and over time the structures were allowed to deteriorate. With the transfer of ownership to the National Park Service, the long term goals is to rehabilitate these structures to provide the visiting public a unique opportunity to experience the history of coastal defense in this area through historic interpretation trails, exhibits and tours. The National Park Service is in the process of evaluating the historical resources at this facility and classifying their condition. The NPS is also in the process of developing a long range site management plan to transform Fort Wadsworth into one of the premier national park areas in the Eastern United States. The purpose of this site plan would be to guide long-term National Park Service use and site management, provide a basic management philosophy for the site, and describe strategies for addressing resource protection, visitor facilities, and other programs and issues facing the opening of the site to the public.