Community leaders are advocating to change the Liberty and Ellis islands’ entryway.

The gateway to access Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from New York City is currently in The Battery. 

“We have transformed these historic 25 acres over the last 28 years. It was basically a dust bowl, and this was the first or second impression people from around the world have of us as New Yorkers,” said Warrie Price, founder and president of The Battery Conservancy.

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Since Sept. 11, visitors who wish to visit those monuments have to go through a security screening in a tent surrounded by metal gates. 

“The structures that were erected were ‘temporary’ – large, what I call ‘monstrosities of vinyl’ and became a blockage to the magic of this harbor vista,” says Price.  

Their solution? To move the screenings to the now empty Pier A in Battery Park City – a  structure they say has both cultural and historical significance. It used to house the Pier A Harbor House restaurant, which closed in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Howard Teich, who is involved with America 250 – the celebration of the country's  250th birthday, says there would be a lot more opportunities if the site was moved to Pier A, in addition to the security screenings, such as a museum..

As for their progress, leaders note they’ve been in contact with city and state governments and are hoping to continue the dialogue, especially when the building becomes available for use. 

News 12 reached out to the National Park Service and the Battery Park City Authority for comment.

The National Park Service said in a statement:

"The National Park Service is committed to finding a long-term solution for security screening, ferry embarkation, and a more appropriate gateway to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis island for millions of our annual visitors."

The Battery Park City Authority declined comment.