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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Matt Riker, Community and Business Development Manager at New York Waterway
1:53:00
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125 sec
Matt Riker, representing New York Waterway, expresses support for the Hudson Yards West proposal, emphasizing its potential benefits for transportation infrastructure, housing, and sustainable growth in New York City. He highlights the project's potential to provide revenue for the MTA, create housing, and leverage existing waterborne transit systems.
- Emphasizes the project's contribution to long-term infrastructure and sustainable growth
- Highlights the potential for expanded ferry service to benefit the area and alleviate car traffic
- Argues that the project represents integrated thinking necessary for building a stronger, more resilient city
Matt Riker
1:53:00
Good afternoon.
1:53:02
I'm Matt Ryker.
1:53:03
I'm the community and business development manager at New York Waterway with whom I'm speaking on behalf.
1:53:08
We provide ferry service along more than a dozen routes connecting numerous ferry facilities on the Hudson River, East River, and throughout New York Harbor.
1:53:16
Our intermodal services link transportation facilities and the associated communities across the region to Manhattan.
1:53:23
As someone who spent decades working on the front lines of regional transportation, I know for New York City to remain livable, competitive, and connected, we need to think seriously about long term infrastructure and sustainable growth.
1:53:35
That's why we support the Hudson Yards West proposal.
1:53:38
This project is not just about a new world class casino, and frankly, that's not what we're deciding on today.
1:53:43
This is about investing in the systems that keep New York moving.
1:53:47
With the MTA facing one of the most serious fiscal challenges in its history, Hudson Yards West offers a reliable stream of revenue that will help stabilize and strengthen our transit network for years to come.
1:54:00
It also delivers up to 4,000 much needed homes in a transit rich, job rich corridor.
1:54:06
This will expand access to opportunity and keep more New York New Yorkers connected to the city they love.
1:54:12
And it does all this while adding green space, a new public school, and direct community reinvestment.
1:54:18
We also believe the project is uniquely designed to benefit from an existing robust waterborne transit system that can and does link Hudson Yards with points throughout New York and New Jersey.
1:54:29
The increased service, which we anticipate will be needed as a result of this project, is achievable operationally with minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
1:54:38
Expanded service will not only benefit visitors to the area, potentially alleviating car traffic.
1:54:44
This expansion will be a reminder of all we have to gain by connecting and working together to create economic opportunity while minimizing the environmental impact of improved regional access.
1:54:56
This is the kind of big integrated thinking we need to build a stronger, more resilient city.
1:55:01
New York Waterway supports this project, and I encourage the council to advance it.
1:55:05
Thank you.