ELECTED OFFICALS SPEAK TO MEDIA REGARDING THE CLOSING OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE BUS TERMINAL

 

Marking the first day of the yearlong shut down of the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, elected officials hold presser informing community of impact of construction to surrounding area

  New York, NY- After years of stalled construction, today the George Washington Bus Terminal shut down for a yearlong renovation estimated to cost $183 Million. As the area prepares to be engulfed by the construction, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and Senator Adriano Espaillat held a presser to speak on both the impacts and benefits that the renovation will bring to the community.

 

The presser comes in response to community concerns regarding increase in truck traffic, road detours, added noise and congestion; the loss of access to the 175th St. subway stop from the Port Authority and the loss of access to the second floor of the terminal.

 

Council Member Rodriguez and Senator Espaillat have been working to ensure the necessary resources are being put in place to mitigate the potential quality of life concerns that have been raised by the community. An important aspect of their plan to deal with the ongoing construction during the duration of the project is to maintain an open line of communication with both the Port Authority and the developers.

 

This reconstruction project is set to be the largest since the terminal was open in January 1963 bringing with it a boom of economic stimulus to Northern Manhattan, including over 300 new jobs and 120,000 square feet of retail space within the terminal.

  

"We are excited to finally see the start of the long awaited renovations of the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal. This is a major renovation that promises to bring with it much needed economic stimulus to Northern Manhattan. As we embark in this yearlong reconstruction, I will be working diligently to ensure that the work does not hinder the quality of life of area residents," said NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. We will continue to have conversations with both the Port Authority and developer during this process, to address outstanding concerns regarding securing 10,000 square feet of community space, and reasonable hiring considerations for local minority and women-owned businesses."

  

We're thrilled that this long-stalled project is moving forward, and that our fight to bring more than 500 jobs to Upper Manhattan is finally nearing completion," said Senator Adriano Espaillat. "While there are significant unresolved questions: when the traffic study promised by the Port Authority will be completed, what the size of the promised community space will be, and what local and minority-owned businesses will be hired, this is an important first step. The GWB's Bus Terminal has been virtually abandoned for years, and what could be a terrific neighborhood asset has become an eyesore and a magnet for crime. We will continue to stay vigilant to ensure this project stays on track." 

 

 

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