The NFTA has decided to put on hold, for now, deciding the future of the Small Boat Harbor and Gallagher Beach.
A private developer has made an offer, but that has run into a snag because of environmental concerns.
In the meantime, some are wondering aloud about the wisdom of selling a valuable piece of waterfront property to private interests.
"The board thought it would just make sense to take a 'time out,' let the issue settle out with the proposed purchaser and see if there are any public agencies (who may want the property)," said NFTA Acting Chair Henry Sloma.
"We're going to go out and renew the discussions with public agencies. Naturally, a public agency would be preferred."
But Sloma made it clear in an interview with reporters that the NFTA is getting out of the real estate business; and that the NFTA Board is not going to let the issue linger on the back burner.
He indicated the Board will likely make a decision sometime early this summer.