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The Grand Junction, CO-based Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) -- the cable system designer that won the SIEDCs competition launched in January -- proposed aerial connections to Manhattan, Brooklyn and Bayonne. After a presentation by LPOA, the jury -- comprised of architects, engineers, planners, media and academics -- choose an Elm Park to Bayonne route. (Courtesy of LPOA)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Want to see what it's like to ride in an aerial gondola?
In an effort to gain interest in an aerial gondola concept that would transport commuters via the sky from the borough to Bayonne, the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC) will unveil a cabin car that will travel around the community during April.
According to the SIEDC, an aerial gondola would create a 33-minute commute from Staten Island to downtown Manhattan.
It's estimated that the trip from Elm Park to the World Trade Center PATH train would take 33 minutes with the inclusion of a six-minute gondola trip. Gondolas would depart every minute, according to the proposal.
The SIEDC is working to secure funding for a feasibility study of the project. While the project itself is estimated to cost $60 million, it would be constructed without public funds, according to the SIEDC.
The agency contends that aerial cableways, and specifically gondola systems, are quickly becoming a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable method of urban transportation across the globe.
Aerial cableways exist in various cities worldwide, including Rio de Janeiro and London.
The design by Leitner-Poma of America (LPOA) -- the cable system developer that won the SIEDC's competition launched in January, 2016 -- created a route that would connect commuters to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system on the New Jersey side.
LPOA won 20,000 worth of free publicity for coming up with the winning proposal.
During the week of April 20, Staten Island residents will get a sneak peak of a gondola cabin that is touring the Island, making its final stop at the SIEDC Business Conference on April 27.
Viewing opportunities include:
April 20: The cabin will drive through St. George, Tompkinsville and Stapleton for public viewing, 7 a.m to 10 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
April 21, College of Staten Island, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
April 22: Staten Island Mall, (East Pacific/Chase Back Parking Lot), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 23: Father Capodanno Boardwalk (Sand Lane parking lot), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 24: St. John's University Staten Island Campus, 10 a.m.-noon, and Wagner College, noon to 2 p.m.
April 25: The cabin will drive through the "SIEDC Neighborhood Development towns" of Richmond Road, New Dorp, Huguenot, and Richmond Valley for public viewing, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 27: SIEDC Business Conference at Hilton Garden Inn, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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