PlanNYC: No. 7 Line Extension

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No. 7 Line Extension

As part of the proposal to redevelop the Hudson Yards area of Midtown West, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed construction and operation of an extension of the No. 7 line to serve the Hudson Yards area. On October 5, 2006, New York City and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority agreed on a $2.1 billion expansion for the No. 7 train as part of the development of the MTA's rail yards on the West Side of Manhattan. The 1.5-mile extension of the No. 7 line will take the subway further west from its current finish point at Times Square and continue it along 41st Street and 11th Avenue, and then south to a new terminal at 34th Street and 11th Avenue.

Supporters of the No. 7 line extension argue that Midtown West is lagging economically because of the lack of mass transportation. They also argue that the Javits convention center expansion will not succeed without it. Opponents point to existing rail infrastructure that could be redeveloped at a lower cost, allowing the MTA to invest in the Second Avenue Subway and East River Access projects instead.

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No. 7 Line 10th Avenue Station Will Not Be Built

Friday, September 19, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

Citing insufficient funding and lack of need for a station, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) let a Sept. 13 contract deadline pass for construction of a new subway station on the No. 7 line at 10th Avenue and 41st Street. The station was part of early plans for the extension of the No. 7 west of Times Square to the Jacob K. Javits Center at 11th Avenue and 34th Street. Critics of the decision say that the bypassed area is growing and requires access to the subway, particularly as the city works to develop the far west side of Manhattan.

Construction on Tunnel for 7-train Extention Begins

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Two large shafts are being dug on the West Side in Midtown in order to lower the machines which will bore the tunnels for the new Number 7 train extension. These machines will not be in the city until early next year, but work is expected to be completed, for the new station and train storage area on 34th Street and 11th Avenue, by 2013.

Hudson Yards Bonds Still Considered Secure Despite Project Setbacks

Monday, May 19, 2008 | Other | Topic: Finance

According to bond analysts, financing for repayment on the $2 billion in bonds issued in 2006 to help fund the number 7 subway line extension appears to be secure despite delays and setbacks in the development projects whose revenues were intended to back the notes. The bonds are backed primarily by revenue streams coming from the sale of development rights, development fees, and various payments in lieu of taxes within a special Hudson Yards Financing District that includes the 26-acre Hudson Railyards sites. Complications in negotiations of the sale of development rights for that site, as well as setbacks in other projects in the area like Moynihan Station and the Javits Center expansion, have some investors worried, but representatives from bond rating agency Standard & Poor’s insist that their ratings on the bonds were not linked to any particular development project and thus the ratings would not be affected. Mayor Bloomberg has set aside money in the City’s budget to cover debt payments on the bonds, but so far it has not been needed thanks to existing revenues coming in from smaller developments in the Hudson Yards Financing District.

Mayor Disagrees with Schumer's Plans for West Side

Monday, May 12, 2008 | Reuters UK Edition | Topic: General

Following comments made by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) about the future development on Manhattan's West Side, Mayor Mike Bloomberg warned the Senator that "we set the cities priorities – they don't come out of Washington." Schumer and Bloomberg disagree on what essential elements are needed to get the Hudson yards project back on track. Schumer contends that Moynihan Station should be the top project, while Bloomberg has emphasized the extension of the No. 7 Subway line. The elected officials also disagree on who should spearhead the Moynihan Station project – Schumer would like to see the port Authority in control and Bloomberg disagrees.

Redevelopment Plans for West Side in Jeopardy

Monday, April 14, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Economic Development

Due to a slowing economy, financial instability, logistical issues and setbacks with Penn Station and Javits Convention Center, Mayor Bloomberg’s overarching plans for redeveloping the West Side are in jeopardy. Several in the planning community believe that the City should use the delays as an opportunity to focus its efforts on rethinking the development plans for the area. Some urban planners argue that a less ambitious plan of establishing incremental developments toward the West Side would be more practical.

No. 7 Expansion Project Not Included in Capital Plan Review

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Transportation

Prompted by increasing costs and delays, the MTA recently conducted a financial review of their major capital projects. The No. 7 Subway line extension was omitted from the review despite concern from transit advocates that inflated costs on the project are very likely. According to MTA officials, it was not included because of continuing negotiations between the city and state regarding funding.

West Side Residents Question No. 7 Subway Financing

Thursday, February 21, 2008 | New York Observer | Topic: Finance

Community Board 4 has sent a letter to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the city opposing the continuation of No. 7 subway line extension until all financial questions are settled. With the MTA currently facing cost overruns on numerous transportation projects, the community board fears that unless a financing agreement is completed before the projects continues, it is possible that the planned subway extension may never be completed.

High Costs Force Delays and Cutbacks in Key Projects for MTA

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The East Side Access Project, 2nd Avenue Subway and the Number 7 Extension line will all be reviewed in the coming month by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in an effort to cut costs without compromising the Authority’s transportation goals. The MTA recently scaled back plans for the Fulton Street Transit Center glass entranceway because of costs. High construction and materials costs have lead recently to these transportation projects to be over budget and behind schedule. The three keys projects – East Side Access, 2nd Avenue Subway and the Number 7 Extension – have a combined budget of $12.5 billion. MTA Executive Director Eliot Sander has said that cutbacks will hopefully not directly affect riders.

MTA Capital Construction President Resigns

Wednesday, January 09, 2008 | New York Daily News | Topic: General

Mysore Nagaraja, president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Capital Construction Co., is leaving at the end of January to take a consultant position in the private sector. His projects included the LIRR extension to Grand Central Terminal, the Second Avenue subway, the Fulton St. Transit Center and the No. 7 train extension. MTA officials express concern about how Nagaraja's departure will affect delays and rising costs for these projects.

Officials Push for Second Stop on #7 Extension

Friday, December 21, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

Federal, State and Local officials are continuing to push for a 10th Avenue stop on the #7 train extension. The city cut the stop from their plans in order to stay within budget constraints. But many believe that the elimination of the stop will be a determinant to the proposed development on the West Side and that resources allocated for other projects could be used to build the subway stop. A spokesman for Mayor Bloomberg suggested that leaders in Albany and Washington should help secure the funding necessary for the 7 Line expansion. At a recent hearing on the West Side development, MTA Executive Director Lee Sander said that he hopes the MTA will pick a bid for the Hudson Yards project by March. Profits from the Hudson Yards site are expected to go into the MTA’s capital projects budget

Officials Celebrate No. 7 Extension; Second Stop Questions Remain

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

In a ceremonial groundbreaking, Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg revealed the new sign for the No. 7 subway expansion at the planned station at 34th St. and 11th Ave. Work will begin on extending the line to the Jacob Javits Convention Center stop next week. Despite calls from residents and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, there are currently no plans to build a second station at 41st St. and 10th Ave. The City says that the current planned station is vital for the Hudson Yards development, but Hells Kitchen is developing on its own.

Groundbreaking to Be Held for Number 7 Subway Extension

Monday, December 03, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

Officials from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the city are expected to participate in the groundbreaking of the Number 7 Subway extension today. The MTA awarded a contract in October for construction of a new 1.5 mile tunnel that will connect the Javits Center to Times Square. It remains unclear if a station at 10th Avenue and 41st Street which would service Hells Kitchen will be included in the expansion. The MTA continues to seek $450 million in funding for that station. The project is expected to be completed in 2013.

Schumer Asks City to Redirect Hudson Yards Money to No. 7

Saturday, December 01, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

In a letter to the City, Senator Chuck Schumer said that money budgeted to create a pedestrian boulevard at Hudson Yards should be redirected toward the No. 7 line extension. Schumer said that increasing the City’s infrastructure is the more important goal, and wants to see the money go to building a second No. 7 line station on 10th Avenue, a plan which has been scrapped for financial reasons. The City says that the money is already committed and that the pedestrian boulevard is a vital part of the plan for the economic redevelopment of Hudson Yards.

S3Tunnels Gets Contract For Number 7 Subway Extension

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 | Other | Topic: Transportation

A $1.14 billion joint contract between 3 firms has been signed for the construction of the Number 7 Subway extension project. The proposal includes extending the 7 subway line from Times Square to the West side of Manhattan. Included in the contract are J.F. Shea construction, Shiavone Construction Company, and Skanska. This conglomeration, S3 Tunnels, has experience working in New York City already.

MTA Approves $1.4 Billion for No. 7 Line Extension

Wednesday, October 24, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The MTA approved a contract yesterday to help finance the extension of No. 7 train. The $1.4 billion contract will fund digging the tunnels that will run from Times Square to the Jacob Javits Center. The City is sharing the costs of the project with the Authority, promising up to $2.1 billion. However, at this point it is unclear who willl bear the financial burden if the project exceeds $2.1 billion.

Bloomberg Will Request Additional Funds for No. 7 Train Extension

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

Mayor Bloomberg will ask the state for another $450 million to fund the extension of the No. 7 train line, since cost constraints have limited the project to only one station. The City, which is currently funding the project in its entirety, is requesting help from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA says that it is giving funding priority to other projects, such as the 2nd Avenue Subway line.

No. 7 Plans Scaled Back in Face of Budget Shortfall

Saturday, October 20, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The MTA has eliminated the construction of a “shell” station at 10th Ave. and 41st St from its No. 7 extension plan in order to stay within the $1.14 billion budget of the expansion's first phase. Some critics are concerned that any further work could push the budget of the project beyond the $2.1 billion the city has committed and shortchange other MTA projects.The board will vote to approve the rewritten contract next week.

Service Increase for No. 7 Subway Line

Thursday, October 18, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is increasing service to the No. 7 subway line in response to both rider surveys and residential growth in areas serviced by the line. Starting in December, riders will experience a 9% increase in service during morning rush hour and a 25% increase in night trains.

Light Rail Link to Penn Station Proposed by Bidder

Tuesday, October 02, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

A proposal by developer Durst Organization, who is currently a major bidder for development of the West Side rail yards, includes an automated light rail line that would connect the yards to Penn Station. The “people mover” would also connect with the planned extension of the No. 7 subway line. The developer, which would be responsible for managing the light rail line, claims that the train could move 20,000 people per hour. The cost of this project has yet to be reported.

No. 7 Line Extension Attracts One Bidder

Thursday, September 20, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

The $2 billion budget for the No. 7 line extension has only attracted Skanska to bid for the 1.5 mile extension. Skanska is no stranger to New York City and has worked on several projects in the region, including PATH, Croton Water Filtration Plant, and the Delaware Aqueduct water tunnel. Skanska and its partners in this bid, Schiavone Construction and J.F. Shea Construction, have also submitted a bid for the tunneling of the Second Avenue Subway. Despite the fact that Skanska is the only bidder for the No. 7 line extension, both the Mayor's Office and the New York Transit Riders Council have expressed optimism for the success of the project.

MTA Fare Increase in the Works?

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 | Bloomberg.com | Topic: Transportation

The MTA may be seeking a fare increase for subway and bus riders in order to help fill a budget shortfall of over $800 million. Fares have not been raised since 2005. The fare increase would also help pay for capital projects such as the Second Avenue Subway, a link between LIRR and Grand Central Terminal, and the No. 7 subway extension.

Catalyst for Growth: A Failed Olympic Bid

Sunday, March 18, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

New York's loss to London in its attempt to host the 2012 Olympics has steered the city onto a path of economic development and rebuilding, according to Crain's New York Business. The article details how many current development projects in New York, particularly those situated on prime waterfront property and suited for transportation sites and housing, are fruits of the failed bid. Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, who worked with Yale urban planner Alex Garvin, engineered a plan to redevelop underutilized land in the city for the Olympics. The plan, according to Doctoroff, is now informing the city's sustainable growth plan for the year 2025.

City Anticipates Funding Problems with Big Transportation Projects

Friday, March 16, 2007 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff expressed concern yesterday that construction of the Second Avenue Subway, a two-way line from the East Side of Manhattan to 125th Street, might not begin shortly after the project's groundbreaking ceremony in a few weeks. Doctoroff's apprehension is due to funding uncertainties, especially with the MTA's capital budget dwindling in the next few years. Capital budget projections for the MTA include deficits from 2008 to 2010: $800 million in 2008, $1.4 billion in 2009, and $1.8 billion in 2010. Worries about completion of large subway projects also apply to the construction of the No. 7 line extension, whose current budget will likely produce cost overruns beyond the $2.1 billion allotted to it. The city has vowed that the MTA must pay the bill for the No. 7 line extension should it run over budget.

City Comptroller Asks for Transparency in City Contracts

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Finance

In the second part of an interview with NY Metro, City Comptroller Willam Thompson declared that it is important for the city to stay on its $2 billion budget for the No. 7 line extension. While he agrees that the level of the MTA's core capital plan is the lowest it has been in 20 years, he believes that the city is following a unique policy in funding major transportation projects like the 7 line extension by itself. In addition, he used the interview to criticize Mayor Bloomberg's rule change proposal to limit the public review period for projects before the Franchise and Concession Review Committee.

MTA Continues Discussions on No. 7 Line Costs

Thursday, March 01, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Transportation

The MTA has continued discussions with Bloomberg Administration on liability for potential cost overruns on the No. 7 line extension, although a final solution has not yet been reached. The Bloomberg Administration wants to make the MTA responsible for cost overruns in order to create incentives for the organization to negotiate the best price possible with contractors when bids come in at the end of March. The MTA will go ahead with the process of accepting bids and beginning negotiations, but does not want to end up bearing the brunt of costs if they are higher than estimated.

Potential Stalemate on No. 7 Line Extension

Friday, February 23, 2007 | Queens Courier | Topic: Transportation

The City and the MTA are currently in discussions over the fate of funding for the No. 7 line extension to the Javits Convention Center on the West Side of Manhattan. Originally, the City had agreed to foot the $2.1 billion bill with the understanding that the MTA would be responsible for the project's construction. Some recent projections estimate that the project costs will exceed the agreed amount, creating tension between the MTA and the City. Elliot Sander, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the MTA, maintains that his agency is "under no legal obligation to absorb any additional costs or overruns." The Bloomberg Administration has stated publicly, on the other hand, that "a deal is a deal."

Using Public-Private Partnerships to Finance State Projects

Sunday, February 18, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Finance

Governor Spitzer's expressed willingness to create more public-private partnerships has inspired a movement among investment bankers to propose buying state assets to finance those projects. So far, discussions have occurred between private firms and government agencies, like the Thruway Authority, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Private ownership of public infrastructure has grown nationally in recent years, as states like Illinois, Indiana, and California have sold their toll roads to the private sector. Proponents believe that public-private partnerships improve project efficiency and quality, while opponents fear that such deals exclude the public and the ability to change course. Only the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has not entered into discussions.

MTA Head Considers Cost-Saving Policies

Friday, February 16, 2007 | Staten Island Advance | Topic: Transportation

Elliot Sander, new Executive Director of the MTA, outlined a plan yesterday before the New York State Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to close the state agency's looming budget gap, which is expected to exceed $1.79 billion in 2010. Sander claimed that 40% of the MTA's current costs of its $10 billion annual operating budget are controllable. In particular, he suggested consolidating the human resources of all seven MTA agencies and combining the three bus companies -- New York City Transit, MTA Bus, and Long Island Bus. Commenting on the increase in major construction projects, Sander said that he would investigate ways to finance the projects most efficiently.

No. 7 Line Extension May be Delayed unless Cost Issues Resolved

Thursday, February 15, 2007 | Newsday.com | Topic: Transportation

The Chief Executive of the MTA announced that that No. 7 line extension will be delayed unless the MTA and City Hall agree on a new funding plan which covers the cost overruns expected by the MTA. The MTA is estimating that costs may run more than $1B over budget, while City Hall does not want to pay more than the original $2.1 billion price. The subway line extension is important to new projects being planned on West Side. Construction was originally scheduled to begin this December with bids from contractors due in April, so the City and MTA have a little less than three months to negotiate a solution.

Additional Costs on 7 Line Extension Could Hurt Other Projects

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

Rising construction costs will make the extension of the 7 train even more expensive, rising $1 billion more than expected. As a result, other critical MTA projects may be put on hold, including the Second Avenue Subway, the East Side Access, and the crucial repairs to the system. Head of the MTA, Elliot Sander, declined to say that the project is on hold, but registered his hesitation to award construction contracts until a deal is negotiated. The city, largely under the leadership of Mayor Bloomberg and Deputy Mayor Doctoroff, agreed to pay for the $2.1 billion project in exchange for development rights to the West Side yards. The city has no obligation, however, to pay for additional costs.

MTA Will Avoid Cutting any Major Projects Despite Cost Overruns

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

While concerns of large cost overruns among the MTA’s many construction projects have some worried about the continuation of funding on some of the agency’s projects, the MTA has stated that it does not plan to cut any major projects. A panel has been organized to review the timing and costs of all major projects and attempt to find areas in which costs can be cut. They will be reporting results of their review in sixty to ninety days, and may become a permanent watchdog panel within the MTA.

Needed Transit Projects Might be Derailed Due to Costs

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | New York Times | Topic: Transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), in the midst of a five-year, $21 billion capital campaign to expand and improve its transit system, might have to delay or eliminate necessary projects because of surging costs. According to one estimate, the MTA is already $1.4 billion over budget. Transit projects in jeopardy include long-awaited renovation to subway and commuter train stations, repairing old signal systems, and purchasing new buses and subway cars. Also in doubt are featured mega projects like the Second Avenue subway, a Long Island Rail Road link to Grand Central Terminal, and an extension of the No. 7 subway line. Some attribute the situation to rising construction costs, a weak dollar, and a reduction in the number of contractors for project bids.

Critics Decry Lack of West Side Stops for No. 7 Line Extension

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 | AM New York | Topic: Transportation

The MTA’s current plan to extend the subway’s No. 7 line west from Grand Central Terminal without including a functional station at 10th Avenue and 41st Street is frustrating to some West Side residents, including some members of the MTA board and the New York City Transit Riders Council. Citing costs of $200 million for a station at that location, the existing plans call for a “shell” of a station to be fully developed at a later time. Critics believe, however, that the cost of such a station will only rise in the future. The No. 7 line extension, which is set to finish in 2012, includes 10th Avenue and 34th St. as its only stop on the West Side of Manhattan.

MTA Executive Director Outlines Plans for Future

Sunday, January 21, 2007 | Metro New York | Topic: Transportation

Elliot Sander, Governor Spitzer’s appointment to the position of MTA Executive Director, has outlined his priorities for the organization over the next several years. These include improving labor relations, expanding the Bus Rapid System, and creation of the 2nd Avenue Subway as the beginning of new major subway line. Sander has promised organizational changes to improve efficiency but believes the MTA can avoid layoffs in the process.

Large Developments Underway at Hudson Yards

Sunday, January 14, 2007 | Crain's New York Business | Topic: Economic Development

Sparked by the rezoning of Hudson Yards in 2005, the area currently has 5 million square feet of new housing under construction. Several new hotel projects and potential office buildings are also in the planning stages. Along with the rezoning, redevelopment is also being encouraged by the extension of the No.7 subway line and potential construction of new Moynihan Station. Prospective office space developers have some concerns about how competition with new construction at Ground Zero could reduce the number of available tenants.

No. 7 Line Extension Ignoring Riders Needs?

Thursday, January 11, 2007 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

Critics of the No. 7 line extension have argued that the current plans, which only call for a one-stop extension out to 34th St. and 11th Ave, are ignoring riders’ needs by not completing a station at 41st St. and 10th Ave. Current plans call for only a shell station at that location, to be completed at a local date. The city did not include a working station in the plans in an attempt to stay within the planned $2.1 billion budget. However opponents argue the station will actually cost more if its completion is delayed, and that many riders would benefit from the addition of the second station.

Port Authority Invests $2 Billion in NYC Transportation

Friday, December 15, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

The Port Authority has announced an investment of $4 billion in mass transit in New York and New Jersey as part of its ten-year capital plan. While $2 billion will be devoted to a rail tunnel under the Hudson River benefiting New Jersey commuters, the other half will go towards New York projects. Discretionary spending of that investment is mostly up to Governor-elect Spitzer, who has intimated that the investment will finance critical transit projects like the East Side Access, the Long Island Rail Road Link to Grand Central, the Second Avenue subway, and the Number 7 line extension.

Mayor Bloomberg Outlines Sustainability Plan Through 2030

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 | GlobeSt.com | Topic: Politics & Government

Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday an outline of the City’s ongoing sustainability plan through the year 2030 that deals with three critical areas facing the City in future years: 1) population growth, 2) infrastructure, and 3) transportation. The process, Plan-Y-C, flows out of the newly created Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability. Bloomberg focused especially on the City’s crucial need for affordable housing, highlighting his New Housing Marketplace Plan, an initiative to create 500,000 affordable units by 2013. The Mayor also addressed the ongoing extension of the Subway’s No. 7 line, the need to increase ridership of public transportation, and an ambition to create a park within 10-minutes of every New Yorker’s home.

Bonds Issued For Seven Train Extension

Thursday, December 07, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

Investors have purchased bonds totaling $2 billion for the extension of the 7 train to the far West Side, clearing the way for construction to begin in late spring. According to Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, due to high demand for the bonds, the interest rate dropped about 2 points lower than had been expected, resulting in a savings of $1 billion in interest payments over the 40-year life of the bonds.

Hudson Yards Project to Advance with Bond Selling in December

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 | GlobeSt.com | Topic: Finance

New York City is set to sell $1.5 billion worth of Hudson Yards Infrastructure Corp. (HYIC) bonds on December 4 to generate revenue to extend the No. 7 subway line west and south of its current terminus at Times Square Station at Seventh Avenue and 41st Street. The City is obligated to pay interest on up to $3 billion of HYIC bonds if project revenues are insufficient. Financial experts expect, however, that strong demand in Midtown for commercial and residential development will support the bonds.

West Side Railyard Moving Forward

Wednesday, October 11, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Transportation

Last month, the MTA board signed off on plans to develop its West Side Rail Yards in partnership with the city. Most of the initial investment will go toward extending the number 7 subway line to Eleventh Avenue and 34th Street. Condemnation of buildings needed to make way for the number 7 is expected to move forward over the following months.

MTA Board Wants Private Bids but City Still Gets Control

Thursday, September 28, 2006 | NY1 | Topic: Politics & Government

MTA board unanimously approved a plan Thursday to put the West Side Rail Yards site out to bid to private developers. The MTA will receive bids in the spring. The city will not become the developer of the site as had been considered, but will be able to set planning and design guidelines for the site and use tax revenue from whatever’s built to cover the $2.1 billion costs of extending the 7 subway.

Critics of City's Offer Want Private Developers to Bid

Friday, September 15, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Land Use

At a public hearing yesterday, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky grilled MTA chairman, Peter Kalikow, over the wisdom of accepting the city's bid of $500 million. The City defends the offer by citing additional benefits to the MTA like support for the No. 7 subway extension.

Cool Subway Stations

Friday, August 04, 2006 | Reuters US Edition | Topic: Transportation

The Second Avenue subway, an extension of the No. 7 line and a new station in lower Manhattan will be outfitted with the cooling systems, which include special "air chillers'' and fans.

Critics Ready To Weigh In On Tax Incentives

Thursday, August 03, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

At a hearing today, critics will question the city's plan to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to help develop a new office district on the far West Side of Manhattan. Some say improving the area's transportation by extending the no. 7 subway line and the recent rezoning of the neighborhood should be enough to entice developers.

Union Challenges MTA on West Yards Deal

Monday, July 24, 2006 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

Roger Toussaint, President of Local 100 TWU, and the staff attorney for the Straphangers Campaign, Gene Russianoff, are concerned about the low selling price of West Yards, and they have asked the MTA chairman, Peter Kalikow to postpone the deal.

Private Sector Financing for the 7 Line Extension

Monday, July 24, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

The economy is strong, Manhattan real estate values are at an all-time high and, as a result, the rights for property to be developed on the far West Side can more than cover the cost of a subway connection from Grand Central Station to 11th Ave. and down to 34th St.

7 Train Extension Headed for Final Approval

Monday, June 26, 2006 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

The extension of the number 7 subway line is expected to be approved next month at a meeting of the MTA's board. If approved, officials expect construction to begin by the end of the year.

Good News for MTA

Friday, May 26, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Transportation

A court ruled yesterday to give the city and the MTA the authority necessary to seize several properties that they need in order to extend the No. 7 subway line.

New York's Subway System Starting Its Expansion

Monday, May 01, 2006 | Other | Topic: Transportation

A summary and update of the major MTA transportation projects in New York City. From subway line expansions, new subway lines, and station upgrades, the MTA has lots to accomplish and lots of funding to secure.

WTC and West Side Development Competition

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 | New York Post | Topic: Economic Development

A top downtown building official expresses concern about the competing downtown developments and the potential underutilization of the WTC site.

Bloomberg Still Pushing for West Side Development

Monday, February 06, 2006 | Other | Topic: Economic Development

The mayor's newest budget plan, unveiled last week, retains the unusual financing plan, previously approved by the City Council, for extending the No. 7 train line from Times Square to a new terminus at West 34th Street and Eleventh Avenue and making other improvements.

$2.8 Billion in Bonds to Finance Hudson Yards Development Plans

Sunday, December 18, 2005 | Journal News | Topic: Politics & Government

The Hudson Yards Development Corp. met for the first time this week. Despite the failed stadium plan, big financing plans are underway for development that include a subway extension, parks, commercial space, and housing.

City Counsel Approves $1.3 Billion For West Side Development

Thursday, October 27, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Economic Development

The City Counsel overwhelmingly approved a plan to spend $1.3 billion over the next 40 years to develop the West Side. "Payments in lieu of taxes" (PILOTS) will go fund infrastructure development such as the extension of the number 7 subway line.

MTA considers future of Hudson Yards

Wednesday, June 08, 2005 | New York Newsday | Topic: Land Use

The rejection of the West Side stadium has cast a shadow over other big projects in the area, including the extension of the 7 train and area's overall redevelopment.

The state budget's $38.5 billion transportation program

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 | Gotham Gazette | Topic: Finance

Bruce Schaller breaks down the state's $38.5 billion transportation budget. He's pleased that the budget funds the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access and keeps the transit system in working order. He's worried about 2010, though, when capital financing for the megraprojects runs out. And he's concerned that the budget accelerates MTA's debt burden.

Alternate plans surface on No. 7 Line

Wednesday, April 06, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Transportation

This story comes from the new York Sun via NewYorkGames.org. Transit advocates are asking the MTA to reconsider alternatives to the No. 7 line extension that use existing infrastructure. One plan uses existing Long Island Rail Road tracks from Pennsylvania Station to the West Side rail yards for a subway shuttle that would reach the planned West Side stadium. Another idea is to use a track below Eighth Avenue and then connect west from Penn Station. Proponents say these plans provide a majority of subway riders with easy access to the far West Side for around $150 million, a fraction of the extension's current price tag of $2.1 billion. It would also allow the MTA to focus on the East Side Access project.

Senator Schumer criticizes West Side Stadium

Sunday, April 03, 2005 | New York Post | Topic: Politics & Government

After months of silence on the issue, Senator Charles Schumer openly questioned the financial sense of building a stadium over the Hudson Rail Yards according to the New York Post.

MTA links stadium bid to rail extension

Saturday, April 02, 2005 | New York Times | Topic: Finance

When an extension of the No. 7 subway line to the Far West Side became a serious possibility in 2001, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman said the authority would not pay any of the cost. But on Thursday, the subway extension suddenly became a central reason cited by authority board members for their decision to award the Jets the right to build a stadium over the West Side railyards.

Albany is next stop for Jets' bid

Friday, April 01, 2005 | New York Sun | Topic: Politics & Government

With the New York Jets' plan to build a 75,000-seat domed stadium approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the quest to develop the West Side rail yards moves north to Albany, where it faces an uncertain future at the Public Authorities Control Board. The PACB, as it is known, is controlled by Governor Pataki, who has been a champion of the Jets' plan, and by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who have not. Unanimity of the three voting members will be needed for the plan to pass.

How not to develop the West Side

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 | City Journal | Topic: Economic Development

Steven Malanga argues that rather than forcing megaproject development on the West Side the city should "create the conditions for the marketplace to build on those 60 blocks of garages, parking lots, and other ramshackle structures" by rezoning the area and extending the no. 7 subway line into the district.

Mike still likes No. 7 extension

Saturday, March 26, 2005 | New York Daily News | Topic: Transportation

The $2 billion extension of the No. 7 subway line "still may be possible" if the MTA awards Cablevision the site of the proposed West Side stadium, according to Mayor Bloomberg.

RPA Report: "The Far West Side: An Urban Design Analysis"

Thursday, April 01, 2004 | Regional Plan Association | Topic: Urban Design & Architecture

This paper reviews the City's plan for the area and several alternatives, and considers their ability to make this vision a reality. The report concludes that the City's overall urban design and zoning proposal has many strong elements, including an appropriate overall density, excellent public spaces, and improved transit access. Two elements of the plan require further discussion. First, the Javits Center expansion must succeed in energizing its surroundings and re-connecting to the city and the waterfront on all four sides. Second, the report outlines the criteria that should be used to evaluate whether the most controversial element of the plan, the proposed Jets Stadium, should proceed. RPA is concerned that the stadium could jeopardize the broader goals for revitalizing the Far West Side.

A service of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University

A capstone project of the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

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