Aerial Gondola Could Link Manhattan To Governors Island: Report

GOVERNORS ISLAND, NY — New York City planners are again reviewing an idea to create an aerial gondola that would connect Manhattan and Governors Island, Crain's reports.

The city's Economic Development Corporation has hired the engineering firm AECOM to look into the feasibility of building a line between Manhattan and Governors Island, multiple anonymous sources told Crain's. City officials haven't commented on Crain's report.

In 2006, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration proposed a similar transportation system designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava had designed an aerial gondola that would connect Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Governors Island. The plan, estimated to cost up to $125 million, was later abandoned.

It's unclear whether an aerial gondola is more likely this time around, but Crain's report does come as the island is preparing for additional development, including a "glampground" for luxury camping and a possible rezoning of the island to allow for residential and commercial tenants.

You can read Crain's full report here.

Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images. Image caption: Elizabeth James of Australia paints New York Harbor from Governors Island with the Manhattan skyline behind her August 4, 2005 in New York City.