Press Releases

$8 million FEMA-funded investment reconstructs damaged portions of the marina, restoring safe and sustainable public use of the facility

$2.2M capital investment, from Buster’s Marine Bronx Marina, brings restored pier buildings, cafe upgrades, public restroom replacements, expanded outdoor facility for public fishing, and increased amenities for boaters

NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Councilmember Vickie Paladino, Community Board 11 Representative Joseph Marziliano, and members of the community to cut the ribbon on newly revitalized and renovated Bayside Marina in Queens. This celebration marks the reopening of the marina after the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Following an $8 million FEMA-funded reconstruction project, Bayside Marina is now restored and open for safe public use.

In addition, the ribbon cutting marks the welcoming of Bayside Marina’s new concessionaire, Buster’s Marine Bronx Marina (“Buster’s”), led by David Schmitt, who invested more than $2.2 million in capital funds on restorations and enhancements to Bayside Marina’s many public amenities.

"Today marks a milestone in waterfront restoration and community-driven investment," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "The completion of our nearly $8 million FEMA-funded reconstruction project has not only repaired the damage left by Hurricane Sandy, but has made Bayside Marina stronger and more resilient than ever before. Combined with Busters impressive $2.2 million capital investment in facility upgrades, we've created a sustainable world-class waterfront destination for Queens residents to enjoy for years to come.”

"We're blessed in Queens to be surrounded by water on three sides, and it is incumbent on us as a borough to ensure that our waterfront is not only publicly accessible but a hub of community and culture. By revitalizing the Sandy-ravaged Bayside Marina, Northeast Queens families now have an exciting place to boat, fish, eat and enjoy the sights of Little Neck Bay," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "We're proud to welcome Buster's to Bayside and we're thrilled to have worked with NYC Parks, Council Member Vickie Paladino and all our partners on restoring the marina to glory."

“For as long as I can remember, Bayside Marina has been a landmark for this community, and that’s why I’m so proud of the work that’s been done here to revitalize it,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “I know this gem of our district is in good hands with David Schmitt and his team, and we’re looking forward to many years of enjoyment and success here. Places like this are what truly make District 19 special, and the best is yet to come, thanks to projects like this.”

“I am truly honored to partner with the NYC Parks Department on the revitalization of Bayside Marina and the launch of DJ’s at Bayside,” said Owner of Bayside Marina & DJ’s at Bayside David Schmitt. “I want to thank NYC Parks for their support and collaboration throughout this process. Together, we have transformed this site into a vibrant destination for the community — and I am especially proud to introduce DJ’s at Bayside the first waterfront quick-serve restaurant in Bayside. Our goal is to create a welcoming place where residents and visitors can enjoy the water, great food, and a true sense of community. DJ’s at Bayside, named after my son, is where you can bring your friends and family and feel like part of our family”

The marina reconstruction project included a new 8-foot ADA compliant gangway, 3,000 square feet of new floating docks with new 100-foot long piles designed to FEMA’s 100-year flood zone, a replaced concrete boat ramp, substructure repairs to piles and bracings on the pier, and a new 300-foot concrete retaining wall to prevent future erosion.

In addition, the funding supported a clear separation between the greenway and parking lot, an extension of the acceleration lane onto the Cross Island Parkway, the implementation of one-way vehicular traffic, new asphalt pavement on both the greenway and parking lot, and improved signage and safety features—including rumble strips and thermoplastic striping.

In 2024, Buster’s was awarded the concession license at Bayside Marina investing $2.2 million in in enhancements including renovations to both pier buildings, upgrades to DJs at Bayside, a new cafe with all-electric appliances, replacements of the public restrooms, an expanded outdoor facility for public fishing, and increased amenities for boaters including restrooms with showers.

Open seven days a week, Buster’s maintains access to Bayside Marina’s public boat launch and offers a store with boating supplies, bait and tackle, and fishing pole rentals. The new café, DJs at Bayside, is open to the public and serves as a fast-casual restaurant offering a variety of fried and grilled seafood dishes, including baskets, platters, and sandwiches. Soups such as clam chowder and lobster bisque are also available, along with salads featuring seafood options.

Buster’s also operates another NYC Parks concession at Locust Point Marina in the Bronx, along with its adjacent restaurant, Dakota’s on the Cove. In their first year of operation at Locust Point, Busters increased utilization by selling out all of the usable dock slips, started a loaner life jacket program with the auxiliary Coast Guard, and worked with Cornell University and Sea Green to pioneer the Clean Green Marina program to certify marina facilities' sustainable practices.

Additional Mayoral and City Council funds were provided to redesign and upgrade the parking lot which has improved safety for vehicle and greenway users. This $8 million project was funded with $4.3 million from FEMA, $3.4 million from the Mayor’s Office, and $200,000 from the City Council.

Bayside Marina is located at the east end of 28th Avenue and Cross Island Parkway, Queens and is convenient to residents of Bayside, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck, and many other surrounding communities.

In the last two fiscal years, NYC Parks registered a record-high $219 million in concession contracts, ranging from established major companies to individual entrepreneurs. In the same two fiscal years, Parks concessions accounted for more than $112 million in revenue, marking the two highest fiscal years of concession revenue ever collected by Parks.