David defeated Goliath (Cuomo and all his pay-to-play special interest people such as consultants construction contractors and unions who sent him campaign contributions hoping for a piece of the $2 billion LaGuardia Air Train project) which Gov. Kathy Hochul has put on hold.
Since Cuomo failed to deliver, will they now ask Cuomo for refunds from the $18 million campaign reelection fund that he no longer needs?
In our new COVID-19 world, airlines, the Port Authority, NYC Transit subway and bus, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads all have to re-evaluate anticipated future ridership growth projections.
Who has seen the updated anticipated ridership figures for the LaGuardia Air Train? Was there really going to be 9,000 daily riders? Is there an independent cost-benefit analysis to justify the cost of this project? Who would first travel to a local LIRR Station, wait for a train, change at Jamaica, then again at Woodside for a Port Washington train to Mets Willets Point to reach the Air Train?
Most would drive, take a car service, Uber or taxi, which would be faster and more convenient.
Hochul should also cancel Cuomo’s proposed Penn Station “Empire Station Complex” managed by the Empire State Development Corporation. It faces many financial, legal and operational conflicts and issues.
This $16 billion project, just like the Port Authority $10 billion new 42nd Street Manhattan bus Terminal, is both counting on the sale of air rights as a source for billions to help defray construction costs.
There is a glut of surplus office space in Hudson Yards and other Manhattan neighborhoods Both projects are located on the west side of midtown Manhattan only eight blocks apart. They will be competing against each other for tenants.
If the air rights sale generates less than anticipated revenue, the shortfall could be billions. This deficit will have to be made up by ESDC – the project sponsor.
They will look toward the states of New York and New Jersey, the MTA and New Jersey Transit for a bailout.
This means higher MTA and Port Authority bridge tolls, fare increases for NJ Transit, LIRR and NYC Transit subway riders along with other tax increases and user fees.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.
