On Tuesday, December 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Center for New York City Affairs and Milano will join to host the first of the Port Authority Speaker Series, a panel discussion about the future of New York’s waterfront. The event will feature remarks by Christopher Ward, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The panel includes representatives from labor, community nonprofit organizations, and developers. These experts will address the need for long-term public policies that balance waterfront development with the changing priorities of the surrounding communities, and the short-term limitations on urban development and regional growth due to the financial crisis. The discussion will include issues such as limited space for new development, the commercial success of the import/export industry, the need to preserve and create jobs, and the seemingly competing priorities of providing open space and environmental protections to residents in the surrounding communities.

Christopher Ward, executive director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will make opening remarks. The following panel discussion includes Carl Biers, education director, International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1588, Carter Craft, former director of Programs, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, Venetia Lannon, senior vice president, Maritime Division, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Susan Bass Levin, deputy executive director, PANYNJ, Joshua Muss, president, Muss Development Company, Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director, United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park, and Greg David, editorial director, Crain’s New York Business.

The event is supported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with additional support provided by the Sirus Fund and the Milano Foundation. It will be held in Wollman Hall at the Eugene Lang Building at 65 West 11th Street on the 5th floor. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required by calling 212.229.5418, or emailing centernyc@newschool.edu.