TESTIMONY
by Kathryn Wylde
PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW YORK CITY
New York, New York
April 28, 2010
press release (PDF 67K)Testimony Submitted to the Empire State Development Corporation and the Moynihan Station Development Corporation
Public Hearing on The Moynihan Station
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of Phase I of the New York State Empire State Development Corporation’s (ESDC) General Project Plan for Moynihan Station in New York City.
The Partnership for New York City represents leadership of international and regional businesses that are headquartered in New York. Our members employ 775,000 people in New York City and contribute over $140 billion to the annual Gross City Product.
The nation’s economic recovery will be accelerated by strategic investments in key infrastructure projects such as Moynihan Station. The availability of modern and efficient transportation hubs is central to our competitive advantage in attracting jobs and business investment. Nowhere is this more important than in urban centers like the New York City Metro Region that depend heavily on public transit.
Redevelopment of Moynihan Station will have a significant impact on the region’s economy. Once completed, the new Moynihan Station will create a vibrant center for commuters, with grand public space, retail and amenities akin to Grand Central Terminal. It will also reinforce two other major transportation projects on the drawing board on the Far West Side of Manhattan: the extension of the No. 7 line, which will serve to further open up the Far West Side, and a much needed second commuter rail tunnel underneath the Hudson, known as Access to the Region’s Core (ARC). With Amtrak’s announcement to use the proposed terminal, the new Moynihan Station will also be the regional hub for long distance train travel on the eastern seaboard.
Taken together, these three projects will help open up the last great frontier for development on the island of Manhattan—for offices, residences, tourism and conventions. Combined with the planned expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the Far West Side promises to become the logical extension of the largest central business district in the country.
With the US Department of Transportation $83 million award, implementation of Phase I of the Plan will represent a critical first step in developing Moynihan station. Phase I will allow for new access points, reduced platform congestion, and greater safety and security; all of which will provide NYC and its commuters with much needed amenities.
It is for these reasons that the Partnership supports the plan for Moynihan Station—a station that will become a key component of the city’s and region’s economic recovery and future growth.