N.Y. Nav. Law § 110
The local governing body of each county or city in this state may grant licenses for keeping ferries in their respective counties and cities, to such persons as the respective local governing body may deem proper, for a term not exceeding five years. No license shall be granted to a person, other than the owner of the land through which that part of the highway adjoining the ferry shall run, unless the owner is not a suitable person or shall neglect to apply after being served with eight days' written notice from such person of the time and place at which he will apply for such license, or having obtained such license, shall neglect to comply with the conditions of the license or maintain the ferry. Every license shall be entered in the book of minutes of the appropriate local governing body by the clerk; and a certified copy thereof shall be delivered to the person licensed. When the waters over which any ferry may be used shall divide two counties or cities, or a county and city, a license obtained in either of the counties or cities shall be sufficient to authorize transportation of persons, goods, wares and merchandise, to and from either side of such waters.
N.Y. Nav. Law § 110