The building boom of the late 1980’s came to the shoreline of Oyster Bay in the form of a proposal for 78 condominiums, a four-story office building, and a 252 slip marina on two parcels of land totaling only 7.5 acres.  Concerned about the impact this development would have on the valuable natural resources of Oyster Bay Harbor, the community came together to fight this proposal.  The not-for-profit group, Friends of the Bay, was created to lead a campaign against the commercial development of the property.

Numerous community leaders came together to form the Western Waterfront Steering Committee.  The committee, chaired by New York State Senator Carl Marcellino, sought the public’s input and developed a plan through community meetings and other forums.  The cornerstone of the public’s vision was a community environmental education facility.  To this end, the WFC was established as an independent not-for-profit organization.

The WaterFront Center has worked hard to fulfill its obligation to the community.