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New York City Council

Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises

Nov 12, 2024

·

11:00 AM

1 hr 58 min

Summary

A hearing on the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project in Manhattan.

Discussions focused on the $10 billion plan to modernize the terminal, including a new main terminal, staging/storage facility, ramp structure, and 3.5 acres of new public open space.

Key concerns raised included:

  • Construction impacts over the 10+ year timeline
  • Affordable housing needs
  • Community space allocation
  • Support for local businesses
  • Earlier implementation of green spaces
  • Mitigating effects on nearby buildings.

Features testimony from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Manhattan Community Board 4, local community organizations, and the public.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Riley introduces the subcommittee meeting and agenda

Council Member Kevin Riley, chair of the subcommittee on zoning and franchises, opens the meeting and introduces the agenda items. He welcomes attendees and acknowledges the presence of other council …

0:00:29

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56 sec

REMARKS

Public hearing on La Catrina Sidewalk Cafe application

Council Member Riley opens and closes the public hearing for the La Catrina Sidewalk Cafe application in Council Member Holden's district. He reads a statement from Council Member Holden expressing …

0:03:26

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158 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Kevin Riley introduces vote on Brooklyn Yards proposal and next speaker

Council Member Kevin Riley introduces a vote on items that have been laid over, specifically the Brooklyn Yards proposal. He outlines the details of the proposal and a modification to …

0:06:05

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62 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Susan Zhuang expresses support for the Brooklyn Yards project

Council Member Susan Zhuang discusses her support for the Brooklyn Yards project, highlighting the balance between developer desires and community needs. She emphasizes the project's commitment to affordable housing and …

0:07:08

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156 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Kevin Riley opens public hearing on Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project

Council Member Kevin Riley opens the public hearing on land use items related to the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project. He provides context for the project and instructions for …

0:13:03

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71 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Bottcher's remarks on the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project

Council Member Erik D. Bottcher provides his remarks on the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project, highlighting the need for the upgrade, the benefits of the new design, and the …

0:14:19

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Introduction and overview of the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project

Hersh Parekh from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey introduces the presentation on the bus terminal replacement project and the associated ULURP process. This chapter sets the …

0:19:20

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38 sec

PRESENTATION

Summary of requested land use actions for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Adam Taubman from Kramer Levin, land use counsel to the Port Authority, presents a summary of the three land use actions requested for the bus terminal replacement project. This chapter …

0:20:00

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81 sec

PRESENTATION

Current conditions and limitations of the existing Port Authority Bus Terminal

Hersh Parekh describes the current state of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, highlighting its limitations and the need for improvement. This chapter provides context for why the replacement project is …

0:21:22

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119 sec

PRESENTATION

Project objectives and community engagement process for the bus terminal replacement

Hersh Parekh outlines the key objectives of the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project and describes the extensive community engagement process that shaped the final proposal. This chapter highlights the …

0:23:21

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83 sec

PRESENTATION

Overview of the $10 billion enhanced build-in-place project for the Port Authority Bus Terminal

Hersh Parekh provides a comprehensive overview of the $10 billion enhanced build-in-place project for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement. This chapter details the key components and features of the …

0:24:46

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167 sec

PRESENTATION

Visual representations of proposed changes and improvements to the Port Authority Bus Terminal

Hersh Parekh presents a series of visual representations showcasing the proposed changes and improvements for the new Port Authority Bus Terminal. This chapter provides a visual tour of the project's …

0:27:33

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Detailed explanation of land use actions for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Adam Taubman provides a detailed explanation of the three land use actions requested for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project. This chapter delves into the specifics of each action …

0:31:03

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3 min

PRESENTATION

Project timeline, phasing plan, and funding aspects for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement

Hersh Parekh outlines the project timeline, phasing plan, and key funding aspects for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project. This chapter provides insight into the project's implementation strategy and …

0:34:41

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123 sec

PRESENTATION

Summary of project benefits for commuters, community, and New York City

Hersh Parekh concludes the presentation by summarizing the key benefits of the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project for commuters, the local community, and New York City as a whole. …

0:36:44

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49 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Riley introduces discussion on Port Authority Bus Terminal redesign

Council Member Kevin Riley opens the discussion by expressing appreciation for the Port Authority's investment in bus infrastructure and acknowledging the need for a redesign of the Port Authority terminal. …

0:37:33

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42 sec

Q&A

Port Authority explains stakeholder engagement process for bus terminal redesign

Port Authority representatives discuss the extensive stakeholder engagement process that informed the redesign of the bus terminal. They explain how community feedback prompted them to pause and reformulate their approach …

0:38:16

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139 sec

Q&A

Discussion on construction timeline and community communication for bus terminal project

Council Member Riley inquires about how the construction timeline will be communicated to the community. Port Authority representatives emphasize their commitment to ongoing community engagement and transparent communication throughout the …

0:40:35

·

58 sec

Q&A

Impact on bus services during Port Authority Bus Terminal construction

Port Authority representatives explain how bus services will be maintained during the construction of the new bus terminal. They outline plans to minimize disruption and maintain continuous service throughout the …

0:41:33

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155 sec

Q&A

Financing plan for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project

Port Authority representatives provide a detailed breakdown of the $10 billion financing plan for the bus terminal replacement project. They discuss various funding sources and the critical nature of securing …

0:44:09

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3 min

Q&A

Operational improvements and benefits of the new Port Authority Bus Terminal

Port Authority representatives discuss the various operational improvements and benefits that the new bus terminal will offer. They highlight sustainability features, improved efficiency, and enhanced passenger experience. - Introduction of …

0:47:31

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5 min

Q&A

Establishing a construction task force for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Council Member Bottcher inquires about the establishment of a construction task force for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project. The Port Authority representatives commit to creating a task force modeled …

0:53:19

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86 sec

Q&A

Minimizing night work during Port Authority Bus Terminal construction

Council Member Bottcher asks about commitments to minimize night work from midnight to 7 AM during the Port Authority Bus Terminal construction. Port Authority representatives explain that while some night …

0:54:46

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106 sec

Q&A

Public safety and social services plan during Port Authority Bus Terminal construction

Council Member Bottcher inquires about the Port Authority's plans for public safety and social services during the multi-year construction project. Port Authority representatives emphasize the importance of public safety and …

0:56:33

·

140 sec

Q&A

Mitigating impacts on small businesses during Port Authority Bus Terminal construction

Council Member Bottcher asks about provisions for small businesses on Ninth Avenue to mitigate business interruption during construction. Port Authority representatives outline their plans to support affected businesses. - No …

0:58:55

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94 sec

Q&A

Potential relocation of Hudson Guild Head Start program during construction

Council Member Bottcher inquires about the possibility of relocating the Hudson Guild Head Start program at Metro Baptist Church during construction. Port Authority representatives respond to the concern. - Port …

1:00:29

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54 sec

Q&A

Maintenance of new green spaces created by the Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Council Member Bottcher asks about the maintenance of new green spaces created by the project. Port Authority representatives discuss their plans for maintaining these spaces and potential partnerships. - Port …

1:01:26

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4 min

Q&A

Temporary relocation of Astros dog run during construction

Council Member Bottcher inquires about the timeline for the temporary relocation of Astros dog run during construction. Port Authority representatives address the question. - Port Authority has identified a location …

1:05:27

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38 sec

Q&A

Plans for additional green space and lane closures in the Port Authority Bus Terminal project area

Council Member Bottcher asks about plans for additional green space and lane closures in the project area. Port Authority representatives provide details on their discussions with the Department of Transportation …

1:06:07

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3 min

Q&A

Potential for affordable housing on Port Authority-owned lots

Council Member Bottcher raises the possibility of using Port Authority-owned lots for affordable housing in the future. Port Authority representatives discuss their stance on this proposal. - Port Authority acknowledges …

1:09:27

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3 min

Q&A

Addressing the impact of construction on Metro Baptist Church

Council Member Bottcher raises concerns about the impact of the Port Authority Bus Terminal project on Metro Baptist Church. Port Authority representatives discuss their approach to mitigating these impacts. - …

1:12:53

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6 min

Q&A

Plans for greening the roof and allocating community facility space in the new Port Authority Bus Terminal

Council Member Bottcher inquires about plans to green the roof of the future Port Authority Bus Terminal and the allocation of community facility space. Port Authority representatives provide updates on …

1:19:20

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107 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Julia Campanelli, President of Hell's Kitchen Block Association

Julia Campanelli, President of Hell's Kitchen Block Association, presented requests and suggestions for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project on behalf of her community. She emphasized the need for a …

1:22:04

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141 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Joan Greenfield, Building Owner at 402 West 40th Street, on Port Authority Bus Terminal Project Impact

Joan Greenfield, a building owner at 402 West 40th Street, expressed concerns about the Port Authority Bus Terminal project's impact on her property and the surrounding area. She highlighted the …

1:24:30

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157 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kate Barnhart, Executive Director of New Alternatives for Homeless LGBT Youth

Kate Barnhart, Executive Director of New Alternatives for Homeless LGBT Youth, expressed concerns about the Port Authority Bus Terminal project's impact on their organization and clients. She highlighted issues related …

1:27:14

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157 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Bottcher thanks panelists and comments on testimony

Council Member Erik D. Bottcher expresses gratitude to the panelists and provides comments on their testimonies. He acknowledges Julia's experience with overnight construction and mitigation, praises Kate's work with New …

1:29:54

·

56 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ian Acriche, Associate to President of Regional Plan Association (RPA), on Port Authority Bus Terminal Rehabilitation

Ian Acriche from the Regional Plan Association (RPA) expressed strong support for the rehabilitation of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He highlighted the project's alignment with RPA's vision for a …

1:31:40

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127 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jesse Bodine, District Manager of Manhattan Community Board 4, on behalf of Jean Daniel Nolan, Co-Chair of Hell's Kitchen Land Use Committee

Jesse Bodine, representing Manhattan Community Board 4, reads testimony from Jean-Daniel Noland regarding the Port Authority Bus Terminal project. The testimony recounts the historical context of infrastructure projects displacing communities …

1:34:08

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121 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Joe Restuccia, Co-chair of Housing Committee at Manhattan Community Board 4, on Port Authority Bus Terminal Project

Joe Restuccia, representing Manhattan Community Board 4, provided testimony on the Port Authority Bus Terminal project. He acknowledged improvements in the project but emphasized the need for concrete commitments on …

1:36:12

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77 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kathleen Treat, Member of Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Association

Kathleen Treat from the Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Association testified about the need for open green space in Hell's Kitchen in light of the Port Authority Bus Terminal project. She emphasized …

1:37:46

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71 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Bottcher expresses gratitude and optimism for the Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Council Member Erik D. Bottcher thanks the panel for their partnership and work in improving the Port Authority Bus Terminal project. He expresses optimism about the project's future impact on …

1:39:04

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39 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Brian Weber, Member of Manhattan Community Board 4, on Port Authority Bus Terminal Project

Brian Weber, a community resident and member of Manhattan Community Board 4, testified about the Port Authority Bus Terminal project's impact on the local community. He expressed concerns about the …

1:40:18

·

134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christine Berthet, Co-chair of Transportation Planning Committee at Manhattan Community Board 4

Christine Berthet, representing Manhattan Community Board 4, acknowledges the Port Authority's exceptional partnership but expresses concerns about the 10-year construction phase of the bus terminal project. She highlights the potential …

1:42:39

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129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Chad Purkey, Interim Executive Director of Association For A Better New York (ABNY)

Chad Purkey, representing the Association For A Better New York (ABNY), testifies in support of the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement application. He emphasizes the current terminal's inadequacies and highlights …

1:44:51

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100 sec

Q&A

Discussion on green spaces and community plans for Port Authority Bus Terminal project

Council Member Bottcher inquires about the green spaces mentioned earlier, specifically asking about the Dyer Avenue stretch. Brian Weber from Manhattan Community Board 4 confirms this and provides additional information …

1:46:47

·

57 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jessica Chait, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 4

Jessica Chait, chair of Manhattan Community Board 4, expresses support for the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project while emphasizing the need for mitigation measures to address the significant impacts …

1:48:15

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102 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Maddie DeCerbo, Representative of the Real Estate Board of New York on Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement Project

Maddie DeCerbo, representing the Real Estate Board of New York, expresses support for the Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement Project. She highlights the project's importance in enhancing a critical regional …

1:50:07

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89 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rev. Tiffany Triplett Henkel, Pastor of Metro Baptist Church and Chair of Hell's Kitchen South Coalition, on Port Authority Bus Terminal Project Impacts

Rev. Tiffany Triplett Henkel, representing Metro Baptist Church and the Hell's Kitchen South Coalition, expressed concerns about the Port Authority Bus Terminal project's impact on their community. While acknowledging the …

1:51:43

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3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Megan Wylie, Director of Government Relations at New York Building Congress

Megan Wylie, representing the New York Building Congress, strongly supports the Port Authority's Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Program. She highlights the project's benefits including modernization, sustainability, job creation, and community …

1:55:35

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106 sec

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