New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Apr 03, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 6 min
Summary
A hearing on the JFK Airport redevelopment program, a $19 billion investment aimed at transforming JFK. Discussions focused on ensuring transparency, equity, and accountability throughout the process, the city's lease agreement with the Port Authority, efforts to meet the 30% MWBE contracting goal, community engagement, addressing impacts like noise pollution and traffic congestion on surrounding neighborhoods, and reviewing progress reports on challenges like inefficient terminals and limited transit access. Features testimony from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), public officials, and the public
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Amanda Farías Opens Joint Hearing on JFK Redevelopment
Council Member Amanda Farías, chair of the Committee on Economic Development, initiates the joint hearing on the JFK Airport redevelopment program. - Farías emphasizes the $19 billion initiative to transform …
0:00:52
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3 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Opens Joint Hearing on JFK Redevelopment Program
Council Member Brooks Powers opens a joint hearing focusing on the JFK Redevelopment Program to discuss its progress and community impact. - Powers emphasizes JFK's role in regional economy and …
0:04:25
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5 min
Jennifer Sun on the Economic Impact and Governance of JFK Airport Redevelopment
Jennifer Sun testifies about the New York City Economic Development Corporation's involvement in the JFK Airport redevelopment, underlining its economic significance and governance structure. - Sun details JFK International Airport's …
0:10:12
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7 min
What are the key outcomes of the 2004 lease agreement and the recent lease extension for the city?
Jennifer Sun highlights the city's achievements from the recent lease extension, including MWBE participation goals, local business contracts, environmental sustainability, and community initiatives focused on aviation industry exposure for high …
0:18:18
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115 sec
Has the rent to the city changed following the 2021 lease extension?
The city's rent payment has increased by $5,000,000 annually due to the 2021 lease extension, amounting to a total of $183,000,000. - The New York City Economic Development Corporation confirms …
0:20:13
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50 sec
Have there been any adjustments to the rent paid by the Port Authority outside of the 2021 extension, and how are the funds used?
No lease adjustments have been made to the rent paid by the Port Authority since 2021, and funds go to the city's general fund. - The inquiry references section 4.10 …
0:21:03
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31 sec
What are the Economic Development Corporation's remedies if the Port Authority defaults on rent payments, and who is responsible for lease agreements?
The discussion clarifies that while the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) could default the Port Authority for non-adherence to lease terms, the city itself, not the EDC, is the lease signatory …
0:21:49
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62 sec
Who is responsible for RFPs related to JFK's redevelopment and capital investment?
Jennifer Sun explains that the Port Authority, not the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), is responsible for Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to the redevelopment and capital investment of JFK. - …
0:22:52
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22 sec
How is the Economic Development Corporation collaborating with the Port Authority per their lease agreement?
Jennifer Sun explains that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has held two meetings with the Port Authority, receiving reports on terminal projects, awards, payments, and outreach initiatives. - The EDC …
0:23:16
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94 sec
Why are quarterly reports from the Port Authority not emailed to the EDC, and what are the efforts to improve communication?
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about the transmission of quarterly reports from the Port Authority to the EDC and the efforts to improve this process. - Jennifer Sun states the …
0:24:50
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3 min
Has the position of airport board director been filled?
The previously vacant aviation director position at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has been filled. - The position in question is referred to as the aviation director …
0:28:15
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41 sec
How does the JFK redevelopment program incorporate sustainability and resiliency measures?
The JFK redevelopment program emphasizes sustainability by mandating electric vehicles and barge service use, alongside requiring LEED Silver certification for new terminals. - The Port Authority mandates the transition to …
0:28:57
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58 sec
What are the specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and increasing renewable energy use in the project?
The port authority aims to transition airport operations to low emissions by 2050, but details are best provided by them. - The port authority has established specific goals for the …
0:29:57
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21 sec
Are the 2017 projections on JFK's capacity and economic impact still accurate?
Jennifer Sun highlights the necessity of reviewing the 2017 projections with the Port Authority to determine their current accuracy. - The projections estimate significant economic losses and job impacts per …
0:30:52
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46 sec
What actions can the city take if the Port Authority fails to meet vision plan obligations?
The city plans to enhance engagement with the Port Authority to ensure shared priorities on the JFK redevelopment project, including economic access, community benefits, and environmental sustainability. - The city …
0:31:38
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103 sec
How has the EDC enhanced community and council engagement with the airport board, and what are the roles of the Community Advisory Council and Port Authority?
The chapter discusses the New York City Economic Development Corporation's (EDC) efforts to engage the community and council in the airport board and the operational aspects of the Community Advisory …
0:34:49
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7 min
Can a community representative serve on the EDC board, and how does this compare to other boards like Health and Hospitals?
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) discusses the structure and administration of its board in relation to community representation and compares it to other city boards. - The …
0:42:06
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4 min
Who is responsible for generating new standards for environmental sustainability at the airport?
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) explains that it's not the airport board's responsibility to generate new standards for environmental sustainability and community impact, but rather the port …
0:47:25
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3 min
What are the New York Economic Development Corporation's recommendations for ground transportation improvements?
The New York Economic Development Corporation has discussed issues relating to the Taxi and Limousine Commission and improving ground transportation at the airport, but specific recommendations are not detailed. - …
0:51:07
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57 sec
What initiatives are in place to ensure job opportunities are available to individuals from diverse backgrounds?
Jennifer Sun discusses the partnership with the Council for Airport Opportunity and the involvement of the Aviation Director to enhance community outreach and local hiring initiatives. - The Port Authority …
0:52:38
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138 sec
How will the JFK redevelopment program tackle noise impacts, and are there mitigation plans for affected buildings?
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is interested in understanding more about noise mitigation measures for the JFK redevelopment program, although they do not have specific details on …
0:54:56
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145 sec
How can JFK workers be incentivized to use mass transit, and what are the plans to address traffic congestion?
Representatives from the NYC Economic Development Corporation acknowledge the issue of incentivizing JFK workers to use mass transit but cite limitations due to their roles. - Mikelle Adgate indicates the …
0:59:13
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4 min
How are environmental studies conducted for airport upgrades, and what strategies are addressed for managing project congestion?
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) discusses the process for monitoring air quality and managing emissions during the JFK terminal redevelopment and explores congestion management strategies for large-scale …
1:03:23
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4 min
Is the airport board subject to open meetings law, and how is transparency ensured?
The airport board is not subject to open meetings law due to its formation by mayoral and Port Authority appointees, but efforts for transparency are highlighted, particularly through the JFK …
1:07:53
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4 min
What initiatives has the Port Authority undertaken to meet the 30% Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contracting goal?
Jennifer Sun highlights initiatives by the Port Authority to achieve the 30% Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contracting goal, based on conversations at the Community Advisory Council. - The …
1:12:42
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44 sec
What led to the lease extension negotiations for JFK airport, and why was the lease term extended to 2060?
The renegotiation of the lease for JFK airport to extend until 2060 was driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including international travel restrictions and global supply chain challenges. …
1:13:35
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4 min
How does the Port Authority report MWBE utilizations to EDC, and what enforcement mechanisms exist for compliance?
The Port Authority shares MWBE awards and payment rates on JFK redevelopment projects with the EDC, but no specific enforcement mechanisms exist for compliance with MWBE goals. - The Port …
1:17:44
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6 min
Have terminal developers committed to community benefits in the redevelopment?
Jennifer Sun states she is unaware of any community benefits agreements negotiated with the developers. - Council Member Brooks Powers questions the existence of community benefits agreements from terminal developers. …
1:24:44
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48 sec
What efforts are being made by EDC to address community needs related to the airport?
EDC has been reestablishing community advisory council meetings and addressing specific community concerns as efforts to meet community needs related to the airport. - EDC has restarted the community advisory …
1:25:40
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169 sec
What is the current status of the scholarship commitment?
Council Member Brooks Powers asks about the current status of the scholarship commitment, and Jennifer Sun points to an upcoming update from the port authority. - Jennifer Sun, Executive Vice …
1:28:44
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21 sec
Has the Economic Development Corporation discussed noise mitigation or monitoring with the Port Authority?
Mikelle Adgate confirms that the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has not yet discussed noise mitigation or monitoring with the Port Authority. - Adgate mentions the EDC's role in amplifying community …
1:29:19
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125 sec
What challenges does the EDC face in providing JFK redevelopment project reports?
The response explains that the EDC's ability to report on JFK redevelopment projects is dependent on the cooperation of the Port Authority. - The Port Authority's mixed feedback complicates the …
1:31:24
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73 sec
What reports does the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) submit to NYC and how does intro 134 differ from current reporting practices?
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) submits various reports to the city council, including the NYC Ferry Report, annual investment report, and participates in the mayor's management report. - The NYC …
1:32:39
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118 sec
How can the council and state legislators assist EDC with lease responsibilities, compelling port authority transparency?
Mikelle Adgate, representing the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), acknowledges the complexity of providing specific support methods for EDC's lease responsibilities and the need for further discussion on …
1:35:34
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3 min
What actions have been taken to ensure the Port Authority's accountability after the 2017 Comptroller's audit?
The NYC Economic Development Corporation cannot address actions taken after a 2017 Comptroller's audit showed non-compliance by the Port Authority. - The question was raised by Council Member Brooks Powers, …
1:39:08
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41 sec
How does the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) maintain records for lease agreements?
Council Member Brooks Powers raises concerns regarding the record-keeping practices of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for lease agreements, stressing the importance of historical perspective in preventing …
1:39:50
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6 min
Rabbi Garth Marchant from the Queens Jewish Community Council on Addressing Airplane Pollution and the Difficulty of Securing Local Minority Contracts
Rabbi Garth Marchant raises concerns about airplane pollution and the exclusion of local minority businesses from contracts. - Marchant details the noise and environmental pollution from low-flying airplanes over residential …
1:48:58
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3 min
Bernard Garrett from Queensbridge Cleaning on Overcoming Business Challenges and the Revenue Limit for Minority Business Enterprises at JFK Airport
Bernard Garrett discusses his journey as a cleaning contractor at JFK airport, overcoming initial challenges, and addressing revenue limits for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). - Garrett shares his beginnings with …
1:52:23
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119 sec
Ron Rivera, Driver and Driver Advocate, TLC on the Challenges Faced by TLC Drivers Relating to JFK, Transparency, and Equity
Ron Rivera testifies to express the frustrations and challenges TLC drivers face regarding JFK, transparency, and access to council members. - Rivera voices concerns about the lack of protection for …
1:54:32
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141 sec
Khaleel Anderson on Transparency and Compliance Issues in the JFK Redevelopment Process
Khaleel Anderson, State Assembly Member, addresses transparency and compliance issues in the JFK Airport redevelopment process. - Anderson criticizes the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for its …
1:57:33
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138 sec
Evadelia Boyd on Insufficient Details from Port Authority and EDC on JFK Redevelopment Impacts
Evadelia Boyd expresses disappointment over the absence of specifics from Port Authority and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on job opportunities and noise mitigation related to JFK's redevelopment. - Boyd …
2:00:13
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162 sec
Felipe Ventegeat on Challenges and Opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in JFK Redevelopment
Felipe Ventegeat discusses the difficulties and possibilities for minority and women-owned businesses in participating in the JFK Airport redevelopment project. - Ventegeat shares insights on previous projects and their setups …
2:03:43
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137 sec
