Is the History of Italy the Future of Pier A?

The decades-in-the-making renovation of Pier A is now down to four proposals under consideration by the Battery Park City authority. The Times now reveals one of them, a wacky scheme of the sort we've come to expect from the city's proposed but, er, unsuccessful pier makeovers. The proposal, designed by "Jersey Boys" backer Joseph J. Grano Jr., calls for a $15 million museum devoted to Italian heritage. The museum would start with "an entrance flanked by a Roman chariot and a Ferrari," and include exhibits on Italian artists and composers, a database partnership with Ellis Island, an amphitheater, and space for private parties and events. (The tipline is open for any renderings.) So what if it didn't quite work for Leonardo at Pier 57? All the more pent-up demand!
· Italian Showcase Proposed for Battery Park Pier [NYT]
· Pier A coverage [Curbed]