REMARKS
Council Member Bottcher's remarks on the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project
0:14:19
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3 min
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 collaborative process with the community. He expresses support for the project while noting some remaining issues to be addressed.
- Emphasizes the current terminal's poor condition and the importance of its replacement
- Praises the new design for improving traveler experience, adding green space, and boosting local businesses
- Acknowledges the Port Authority's collaboration with the community, avoiding the use of eminent domain
- Mentions ongoing discussions regarding affordable housing and construction mitigation
Erik D. Bottcher
0:14:19
We are replacing the Port Authority bus terminal.
0:14:24
If the happiest place on earth is Disneyland, arguably one of the least happiest places has got to be the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
0:14:34
It's one of the busiest bus terminals in the world serving more than 7,200 buses and about 200,000 people each day.
0:14:46
It's an incredible feat that is pulled off by 1,000 of hardworking workers of the poor authority, of New York and New Jersey.
0:14:57
But let's face it.
0:14:58
Every New Yorkers know that the current bus terminal is gritty, dingy, maze like, far from what we deserve in a in a portal, a gateway to the greatest city in the world.
0:15:16
Today, we stand on the brink of a historic transformation.
0:15:21
The new bus terminal represents not just an upgrade in infrastructure, but a bold vision to turn a long standing urban blight into a shining example of modern design and functionality.
0:15:33
New Yorkers are going to get a terminal that's The new design will also enhance the traveler experience, but it'll also include vibrant dining and retail options.
0:15:56
This new facility will help improve the quality of life for the neighborhoods of Hell's Kitchen and the Garment District, bringing new green space, trees, and street level retail.
0:16:09
It'll create jobs and boost local small businesses.
0:16:14
This project is a culmination of years of hard work and planning, and I want to thank the team at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for your work on this.
0:16:24
I also want to thank you for collaborating closely with the community.
0:16:30
When this process got underway several years ago, there was a strong possibility that eminent domain would be used to gobble up parts of Hell's Kitchen.
0:16:42
And under the leadership of our congressman, Jerry Nadler, and my colleagues and the community board and hundreds of other community members, we were able to avoid that entirely.
0:16:53
The Port Authority has met with community board for dozens and dozens of times to collaborate on every aspect of this terminal, right down to the to the design, to the program mix, to the massing and other details, but there are still some points on which we need to reach agreement, such as the need to provide for affordable housing on Port Authority owned property and a solid plan to mitigate the effects of this construction on the surrounding community.
0:17:25
I'm looking forward to discussions with the Port Authority over the next couple weeks regarding these issues.
0:17:32
I wanna thank all my colleagues in government, congressman Jerry Nadler, state senator Brad Hoylman Siegel, assembly member Tony Symone, borough president Mark Levin, everyone at community board 4.
0:17:46
Let us embrace this opportunity to create a terminal that reflects the vibrancy and the greatness of New York City.
0:17:55
Together, we can turn this dream into a reality and make the new Port Authority Bus Terminal a true landmark of modern infrastructure.
