State Senator Jessica Ramos held a Town hallAt the Worlds Fair Marina, Corona, Tuesday, March 22, 2018, to discuss transit access to LaGuardia Airport.
Officials, including Ramos have been exploring alternative transit options for months after Governor Kathy Hochul pulled the proposal to build the $2.1 million AirTrain to LaGuardia Airport. Ramos said she never disagreed about the AirTrain’s concept.
Ramos stated that LaGuardia Airport must have better access. But, Ramos stressed that we cannot ignore those who live around the airport.
Representatives from the Port Authority stated that they are currently evaluating 14 different modesThere are several ways to get to LaGuardia. One of these is by a Ferry optionDonovan Richards, Queens Borough President, was recently supported. Ramos stated that she will not endorse any option until she hears feedback from the community.
The ferry would link Manhattan’s East Side with the ferry landings at Bowery Bay and Flushing Bay. This option supports the state’s goal of reducing the number of cars on roads.
It is a goal of reducing car traffic around the airport, stated Hersh Parekh (director of government and community relations at Port Authority). It is a benefit not only to those who use Grand Central Parkway for transportation, but also to East Elmhurst residents, who are also affected by traffic congestion at the airport.
One resident stated that the state doesn’t care about the environment because they built the airport. He believes this contributes to the high rates of asthma in the surrounding communities.
This area is called ‘Asthma Alley,’ why? Because of the airport. You care about the environmental? This is a joke to my mind. Are you sure everyone is stupid?
Queens transit organizer and another Queens resident agreed that the state should invest in high-speed rail and provide dedicated bus lanes to reduce traffic.
We should really be developing because of the urgency of the climate crisis [a]The resident stated that there is a long-term plan to close the airport while we build high-speed rail. However, we must reduce car use to get to the airport. This makes dedicated bus lanes a no-brainer.
MTA representatives also attended the meeting to discuss Interborough Express, which would help expand transit access to LaGuardia. It connects Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Jackson Heights. Representatives of the MTA said that the project is in its very early stages and could include bus rapid transit or light rail.
