MTR 203, JFK Air Train Makes Progress

Mobilizing the Region

Issue 203

January 15, 1998

JFK Air Train Makes Progress

Two of the three Queens community boards affected by the planned JFK Airport-Jamaica rail link project recently voted to support the plan, surprising some who took local opposition to the project for granted. Community Board 9 in Kew Gardens and CB 10 in Ozone Park approved the Port Authority's controversial "Air Train" plan as first steps in the project's review under New York City land use approval procedures.

CB 9's vote was close, but Board 10 backed construction unanimously. The Board 9 resolution approving the link requested that the Port Authority lessen construction impacts. "I was really surprised the board would not represent the voice of the community," said the chair of Board 9, who opposes the project.

CB 12 in Jamaica will vote on the matter next week. Residents there have been extremely vocal in opposition of the project, citing traffic, aesthetic concerns, and claim that the train will be minimally used.

PA says that the train over the Van Wyck Expressway will reduce traffic and promote jobs.

Final city approval rests with the the City Planning Commission and the City Council. If the plan receives a final thumbs up from the city process, the project could be up an running by 2003.