NEW YORK CITY—Calling transportation in and around New York the “circulatory system that makes the city work,” Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday several improvements he plans to make this year to the area's airports during an Association for a Better New York meeting in Midtown. The Governor also pledged to reduce this year the tax burden faced by area businesses.
In his biggest announcement, Cuomo revealed plans to create a new Air Train that will connect LaGuardia airport to the number seven subway line—which is currently being extended from Queens into Manhattan's far West Side—and to the Long Island Rail Road in Willets Point, Queens. The 1.5-mile line will run along the Grand Central parkway, the Governor said, adding, “It's long overdue.” Cuomo did not cite a price for the project but Crain's New York Business reports that this train will cost $450 million. The Governor said he was unable to determine a timetable for the transportation just yet as the planning is only in its earliest stages.
Planned future LGA improvements include a hotel and business center, more efficient use of the marine air terminal, a personal rapid transit system and “we're seeking a high-speed ferry terminal,” according to Cuomo.
Meanwhile, to determine what changes are needed at John F. Kennedy International Airport, a seven-person committee has been convened to review the many proposals to revamp the terminal that have been set forth. Among the committee members are Amanda Burden, a principal at Bloomberg Associates who presided over City Planning under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, along with John Zuccotti, a real estate developer and the namesake of Zuccotti Park. Leading the effort will be Dan Tishman, vice chairman, AECOM Technology Corp and chairman and CEO of Tishman Construction Corp.
Proposals to upgrade the facility have “reimagined the entire footprint,” according to Cuomo. They also have included a “world class hotel,” better mass transit and more easily accessible parking around the terminal.
Turning his attention to regional airports, Cuomo revealed his intention to make the areas around both Stewart International Airport in Orange County and Republic Airport on Long Island tax free zones while transforming the former terminal into a cargo destination. The latter terminal will move into the hands of a private operator, according to Cuomo, enabling it offer commuter flights to and from Long Island as well as space for private planes.
In addition, the governor said, “I want to keep lowering taxes because the engine for the city is a strong private sector economy, nothing works without that.”
He plans to cut property taxes by $1.7 billion while reducing the small business income tax from 6.5% down to 2.5%. “That would make it it the lowest it's been in 100 years.”
Seguing to mass transit and improvement efforts being made by the MTA, Cuomo indicated an interest in other forms of transportation. “We could do a lot more with a high-speed ferry system, if we take the time to do it and if we invest. We are exploring it.”
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Rayna Katz
Rayna Katz is a seasoned business journalist whose extensive experience includes coverage of the lodging sector, travel and the culinary space. She was most recently content director for a business-to-business publisher, overseeing four publications. While at Meeting News, a travel trade publication, she received a Best Reporting award for a story on meeting cancellations in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
