The vote came on the heels of approvals from boards in the two other community districts, 9 in Kew and 10 in Ozone Park, that will be affected by the project. Although the City Planning Commission and the City Council have the final say, the Port Authority's win in all three community boards marks a big victory for the controversial proposal.

The rail plan had sparked vocal opposition in the Queens neighborhoods. Although the boards' approval of the project is contingent on the PA addressing community concerns like traffic congestion, air quality, and noise, the fact that all three community boards approved the project has surprised residents who thought the plan would travel a rougher road through the city's approval process.

If the plan receives a final thumbs up from the city, the rail line could be up and running by 2003.