Compared to buzz surrounding hearings for other major transportation capital projects, NYC EDC’s series of scoping hearings for the cross-Harbor freight tunnel was a sleeper. New Jersey hearings drew five commentators, Brooklyn a half dozen, three in the Bronx and two in Queens.

In Jersey City, the city’s planning staff urged consideration of   environmental justice impacts of the Jersey City-Brooklyn alignment, spotlighting sites that noise and diesel exhaust from locomotive engines are likely to impact. In Elizabeth, Union County staff testified that the County was generally supportive of the project.  It has been pursuing rejuvenation of rail lines for short-haul freight movement for some time.

Among the handful who testified in NYC were representatives of the Bronx and Brooklyn Borough Presidents, Adolfo Carrion, Jr. and Marty Markowitz.  Both BP’s were enthusiastic about increasing freight transport by rail.  They referred to reduction of truck dependence as “vital”  to the environmental and economic health of NYC, though they raised some concerns about the project.

Markowitz called for close examination of  truck impacts in neighborhoods that will host rail yards including Sunset Park, Greenpoint and Maspeth. He stressed this point as it relates to waste handling. Carrion stressed improvement of clearances between Selkirk and the Bronx as well as along the Bay Ridge and Montauk lines.  He suggested electrifying freight lines to reduce pollution, and wants the study to look at cumulative and local impacts of the project. Most testimony by individuals in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx echoed these sentiments.

Negative criticism at Staten Island (see MTR #349) and Elizabeth hearings focused on the Staten Island-Brooklyn alignment.  Union County noted that if it were chosen, it would have severe traffic impacts because trains would traverse seven grade crossings between Linden and Cranford Jct. A spokesperson for Water watch urged greater attention to several habitat, species and other environmental studies. That, plus community opposition to double-stack trains along Staten Island’s north shore (see MTR# 350) may tip the balance toward the Jersey City alignment.

Although the generally positive comments may indicate general support, some watchdogs wonder if lack of strong public awareness will be a problem when the project competes for funding. New Jersey views its top tunnel priority as a second passenger rail tunnel to Manhattan.  The study for the passenger tunnel dismissed the freight option as not viable years ago.

Cross Harbor Freight EIS Begins this Month (Jan. 7, 2002) 

EDC's Cross Harbor  Project Website

MTR search facility and back issues:

Search our database of all past issues of Mobilizing the Region since Fall, 1994.

Go to index of all Mobilizing the Region back issues