Staten Island Ferry Project Facing Financial Struggles
It seems the Staten Island Ferry project involving Pete Davidson and Colin Jost may be in jeopardy.
The boat, nicknamed Titanic II, is accruing significant monthly port fees while it remains idle in New York harbor. Reports indicate it’s costing tens of thousands of dollars each month.
Additionally, there’s an unpaid bill of $13,500 to a law firm that supposedly assisted in managing the ferry’s ownership responsibilities.
Steve Kalil, president of Cadell Dry Dock & Repair, noted that the duo has been facing substantial rental costs since April 2022, with ambitions for innovative aquatic entertainment currently on pause.
Although the specific fees for the ferry’s dock have not been officially released, estimates suggest that the monthly port fee could be around $10,000, which might even be on the lower end.
The team is also reportedly still obligated to pay the downtown law firm that contributed to the initial docking and towing expenses when the ferry was acquired at a city auction in 2022.
A representative from the law firm mentioned they have yet to receive any response to their lawsuit or any payments regarding the situation.
The ferry, previously named the John F. Kennedy, was bought for $280,100 by the two celebrities and was intended to be transformed into a floating entertainment complex worth $34 million, complete with various dining options and accommodation facilities.
While the venture appears to be struggling, Jost and Davidson, both natives of Staten Island, have humorously reflected on their decision to purchase the ferry, indicating that it has been a bit challenging to manage from the start.
Jost humorously remarked on a talk show that it was indeed foolish and has expressed strong doubts about their investment.
Even with ongoing frustrations from the law firm about payment issues, Kalil described his dealings with the “Saturday Night Live” stars as largely positive, emphasizing that they are reliable tenants who pay a considerable amount in rent each month.
Kalil remained optimistic about the future, indicating that while things are slow, progress is being made. “These things take time,” he remarked, suggesting that with enough effort, the project may eventually come to fruition.
