PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jack Connors, Research and Communications Associate from Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA
3:39:29
·
105 sec
Jack Connors from the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA testifies in support of the Penn Access project and the associated rezoning plan for the East Bronx. He emphasizes the benefits of improved transit access, affordable housing, and job creation.
- Highlights the need for affordable housing near new transit stations
- Calls for expansion of Fair Fares program to make transit more accessible
- Urges the council to implement the plan for a more equitable New York
Jack Connors
3:39:29
Hello.
3:39:30
Hi.
3:39:31
Good afternoon.
3:39:32
I'm Jack Connor's Research And Communications associate at the permanent Citizens Advisory Committee.
3:39:37
To the MTA, PCAC.
3:39:38
Thank you for the opportunity to testify this afternoon.
3:39:41
The Penn Access project will bring reliable regional service to many communities in the East Bronx for the first time in a century, allowing hundreds of thousands of working New Yorkers to get to and from work.
3:39:51
Cultural amenities, and recreation without the expense and inconvenience that comes with car ownership or the excessive delays that plague our bus system in part due to the mayor's failure to implement the streets plan.
3:40:03
As we brought in access to transit in an area that has traditionally been bypassed, we must ensure that those who stand to benefit the most from the project have the opportunity to live near the sunset they depend on.
3:40:13
This plan is a major step in the right direction towards Echol.
3:40:17
By allowing Gentledensity around the Parkchester Van Ness and Morris sorry.
3:40:22
By allowing Gentle density around Parkchester Van Ness and Morris Park, This plan will produce nearly 7500 units of housing, including some 1900 permanently affordable units, generating more than 10, 000 jobs in the process 6.
3:40:36
Expanding fair fairs is also critical so that low income New Yorkers can afford the fair.
3:40:41
We commend Speaker Adams and Mayor Adams raising the eligibility threshold to 145 percent of the federal poverty level in the most recent city budget, but continue to call for expansion to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and to the commuter rail routes, which better reflects the high cost of living in New York City as well as peer cities with similar programs.
3:41:01
Expanding commuter rail discounts like city ticket will also ensure that more people can afford to access faster travel on Metro North.
3:41:08
Affordable housing and affordable transit or RSP for a more equitable New York.
3:41:12
On behalf of MTA riders, we urge the council
Michael Kaess
3:41:14
to implement this plan.