I have submitted an scenic lookout point which has been rejected by AI two times.
I’ve read that there are differing opinions on Lookout points, this does not have a bench or sign so wanted to get some advice on whether this would be considered a good/valid wayspot, and if so worthy of an appeal, or resubmitting with a specific type/angle of photo? Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
This lookout point is along a very popular pedestrian and exercise route on a wide, paved esplanade on the Hudson River. It has safety rails on both sides, is publicly accessible 24/7 and encourages exploration highlighting a great spot on the promenade.
This specific point is an outlook path that extends into the Marina (so not just a sidewalk view) and provides unobstructed views of the Jersey City sky line in front of it, the marina boats and mega yachts that dock there, and the large glass Winter Garden building behind it.
Below is the info on the rejection and submission:
DESCRIPTION:
A scenic paved lookout on the edge of the North Cove Marina offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Jersey City skyline. This spot provides a peaceful place to pause along the Battery Park City Esplanade, encouraging exploration, photography, and outdoor relaxation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO:
This nomination highlights the publicly accessible paved lookout area located on the outskirts of the North Cove Marina. It connects directly to the Battery Park City Esplanade, a major pedestrian route along the Hudson River. The lookout features open space and permanent railings for safety with unobstructed waterfront views—ideal for sightseeing and community recreation. The location can be clearly verified through satellite and street view imagery.
LOCATION:
(40.712542, -74.017810)
In my first submission that was also declined by AI, I used these photos:
I would consider appealing this. It’s a really significant structure that is easy to identify and I think it looks like a great place to explore.
I think @TrungLatias nominated something pretty similar recently (a curved area overlooking the water) and also had some initial rejection issues but it was accepted later
If you appeal, use the one with the correctly oriented photos. The supporting image being angled is not good, even though it won’t be used for the wayspot.
Your options are appeal or keep trying, making sure you use different photos (even if similar) each time. I can’t immediately see a photo that would work better than these for getting past ML to reviewers.
@MrJNYC You can use an badly orientated photo for the supporting photo, just not the main photo. The main photo looks great, imo.
I also have to wonder about the title, as there are 2 viewpoints at this marina, with one having the title of 1 WTC/Brookfield Place Viewpoint on Google Maps. Is is possible that both the north and south have the same title. 1 WTC isn’t far from here, as is the Brookfield Place ferry terminal, and this would be a great place to view 1 WTC, I’d imagine (can see it on Street view for the north and south viewpoints).
With this in mind, you may want to resubmit and point out some more of the places that one may be able to view, like 1 WTC, which is culturally relevant since it replaced the Twin Towers. Nothing against the harbor or Jersey City, but if one can view a tall building like 1 WTC from here, it may be worth mentioning. If your main or supporting photo can show 1 WTC in the background, that might be helpful as well. You may want to use the title on Google Maps as well, but note which is the north and south viewpoints to make them distinct.
@DTrain2002 thanks, yeah both points have similar views and are also are in separate unoccupied cells so either/both could potentially work. The Southern point is more popular because it has a wider open area and seating adjacent to it and a volleyball court so I figured I’d try that one first as the better nomination spot.
Wow, that’s really cool thanks for sharing that @Xenopus ! Will be really helpful having the exact spot in that article photo & movie… if I ever get past ML on this one lol
I would disagree in this case, as the main focus of the photo is the viewpoint, the small pier. It’s clearly the center of the photo. Plus, we don’t know why ML rejected this, and we never will, as staff won’t divulge that info.
@MrJNYC If you do resubmit, you may want to consider using the new web submission, where you can include up to 5 supporting photos. The extra supporting photos, from a few different directions, may be helpful. If you don’t know about it yet, more info can be found here:
Just wanted to clear up some info that may not be accurate.