PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Maddie DeCerbo, Representative of the Real Estate Board of New York on Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement Project
1:50:07
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89 sec
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 transit hub and accommodating increasing ridership.
- The project includes a modern bus terminal, storage and staging facilities, a new ramp system, and plans for two commercial office buildings above the terminal.
- The new facility will meet net zero emission standards, support electric buses, and add 3.5 acres of public green space.
- REBNY commends the commitment of future tax revenue from new commercial developments towards the $10 billion project.
Maddie DeCerbo
1:50:07
Hi.
1:50:07
My name is Maddie DeCerbo and I'm here on behalf of the Real Estate Board of New York.
1:50:11
We are pleased to support the Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement Project.
1:50:14
We commend the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for taking essential steps to enhance this critical regional transit hub which is vital for accommodating increasing ridership.
1:50:23
The proposed project involves several land use actions to facilitate facilitate the development of the existing midtown bus terminal alongside adjacent properties resulting in a modern bus terminal, bus storage, and staging facilities, and new ramp system.
1:50:37
Furthermore, the project includes plans for 2 private commercial office buildings above the terminal, a critical component necessary for the financial health of the project.
1:50:45
As bus ridership is projected to grow in the coming years, the need for a new facility becomes increasingly urgent.
1:50:51
The current terminal, a 73 year old structure, is no longer adequate for today's larger buses and lacks the infrastructure necessary for electric bus operations.
1:50:59
The new facility will be designed to meet net zero emission standards, support all electric buses, and enhance capacity to meet rising demand.
1:51:07
Importantly, the project will also create an additional 3 and a half acres of publicly accessible green space, enhancing the urban environment.
1:51:14
Revenue recognizes the significance of this initiative for New York City's economy, commends the city and state for committing future tax revenue from the 3 new commercial developments toward the $10,000,000,000 project.
1:51:26
Improving our regional transit hub is imperative and we appreciate the ongoing engagement with local community property owners as, a project of this scale and scope moves forward.
1:51:36
Thank you.
