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
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
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