A web of politics, lobbying, and profit motives have developers scrambling in support of a rail link that could have a significant impact on the economy of New York City and state.
"In fact, according to real-estate sources, leaders of the Real Estate Board of New Yorkâ€"the city's powerful trade association for developers and property ownersâ€"have been active in donating and soliciting donations from fellow members, often citing the J.F.K. rail link as the reason why. It's not clear to what extent they did so under the official guise of REBNY, however, and how much on their own. REBNY members referred questions to president Steve Spinola, who did not return phone calls before deadline."
"'It's not just a New York City issue,' said Mr. Weisbrod, who was president of lower Manhattan's business-improvement district until about a year ago, but has not contributed to the Reynolds campaign. 'It's not just a lower Manhattan issue. This is important for the city's economy and therefore the state's economy as a whole."
FULL STORY: Downtown Developers Lobby for Rail Link

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.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie