Governors Island Is A Step Closer To Adding Hotels, Dorms: Report

GOVERNORS ISLAND, NY — Governors Island is one step closer to being a full-time space for New Yorkers, as island management continues the slow-moving process to rezone parts of the island to allow for residential and commercial tenants, according to a new report.

The island, which spans 172 acres in the middle of the New York Harbor, has become a popular destination for tourists and New Yorkers alike looking to escape the city for the island's miles of walking and bike paths, public art and other attractions. Now, the island's governing body is pushing forward with plans to develop parts of the island for year-round use.

The Trust for Governors Island held its first meeting this week to discuss rezoning part of the space for development, Crain's reported. Although space on the island is already zoned for residential use, building is prevented by a 2003 agreement with the federal government. Instead, the island's trust is looking to rezone the area to allow for buildings hotels and offices.

A master plan from 2010 earmarked 33 acres of the 172-acre-island for additional development.

"We are going forward with a proactive plan that is publicly defined, rather than one that is simply reacting to market conditions,” Michael Samuelian, president of the trust, said during the meeting.

The trust plans to seek out public input before launching the formal public review process in December, according to Crain's.

The island is closed to the public between November and May. Students at the Harbor School and other year round tenants have access throughout the year.

Note: This article was updated to clarify that the island could be rezoned for hotels, dorms and other buildings.

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.