A highly criticized project has new critics among staffers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Clayton Guse reports: "Gov. Cuomo’s resignation led to an outcry among Port Authority staffers who want the agency’s top officials to halt his controversial proposal to build an AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport."
The opposition was voice in a letter sent to Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation, effective in two weeks, on television yesterday. "Tuesday’s letter was penned by Port Authority staffers who, out of fear of retaliation, asked to remain anonymous until Cuomo’s resignation is finalized," according to Guse.
The letter states in no uncertain terms that the project, approved last month by federal officials, was a symptom of Cuomo's leadership style—not good planning.
"For too long, Gov. Cuomo and his staff have repeatedly pushed the agency to make non-transparent, politically motivated decisions, including decisions that squander the trust and money of our bondholders, customers, and the general public," reads the letter, according to Guse.
As a prescription, the letter recommends that the Port Authority Inspector General investigate "whether Cuomo exerted 'undue influence' that prompted agency officials to 'manipulate the federally-mandated Environmental Impact Statement process' to approve the LaGuardia AirTrain over proposed alternatives like a subway extension or dedicated bus lanes to the airport," according to Guse.
FULL STORY: Cuomo’s departure leads Port Authority staffers to demand agency halt his LaGuardia AirTrain plan
FAA Approves Circuitous, Controversial LaGuardia AirTrain Proposal
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, almost driven out of office by scandal earlier this year, has won a legacy project six years in the making.
LaGuardia AirTrain, Pet Project of Ousted Governor, Paused by Successor
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has instructed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to rethink the plan for the $2.1 billion LaGuardia AirTrain, a contentious plan championed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Overnight Subway Service Returning in New York City
A big piece of the process of reopening New York City for business is scheduled for May 17, but numerous challenges remain in getting the city that never sleeps back on track.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie