Mayor Richard Thomas Tells MTA Board to “Cover Our Cut”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maria Donovan, mayorthomaspressoffice@gmail.com
Mayor Richard Thomas Tells MTA Board to “Cover Our Cut”
Thomas Testifies before MTA Board Meeting in Lower Manhattan
(Wednesday, October 25, 2017) — Today, Mayor Richard Thomas testified before the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting at the Authority’s lower Manhattan headquarters.
In his remarks, Thomas formally proposed to the Metropolitan Transit Authority that they cover the railroad cut that has bisected Mount Vernon since 1901. The plan, originated by Mayor August Petrillo’s administration in 1976 has renewed interest due to the city’s proposal in front of Amazon for consideration for the second world headquarters.
Over sixty percent of Metro-North riders come through Mount Vernon every day and two MTA subway lines originate here. Six major highways border our city.
Mayor Richard Thomas said, “The City of Mount Vernon is serious about partnering with the MTA to cover these tracks that have cut our city in half for far too long. Mount Vernon has room for quality housing and room to revitalize our parks. Covering the railroad cut is affordable to the MTA, approximately $56 million* which equates to a rounding error on the MTA’s balance sheet. We can build this new greenspace to soften the urban environment and reconnect Mount Vernon. Governor Andrew Cuomo said he’s looking for a new home for the old Tappan Zee Bridge; why not right here? We have room for jobs, and we are here to put a new priority on the MTA’s table. It’s time to remind the Board of the MTA to remember Mount Vernon as they consider new plans for infrastructure and capital investment and to correct the economic and social injustice of this cut.”
*Source: http://www.in2013dollars.com/1976-dollars-in-2017?amount=13000000, 1976 dollar value ($13 million) in 2017 terms
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF MAYOR THOMAS’ TESTIMONY
CLICK HERE FOR MOUNT VERNON’S AMAZON PROPOSAL.
Click here for an update on current bridge replacement projects in the city.
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