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“We applaud the ambition that the Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough Express would bring to New York, but we must make sure they are built in a way that does not overburden and hurt the communities closest to these projects,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.
By Forum Staff
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), joined by fellow Queens elected officials – State Senator Joe Addabbo, Assembly Members Cathy Nolan, Andrew Hevesi and Brian Barnwell, and Councilman Bob Holden – sent a letter to Governor Hochul and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Rick Cotton asking them to ensure that the concerns of constituents are addressed regarding the Interborough Express and Cross Harbor Freight Program, initiatives that could potentially increase noise and traffic congestion in Maspeth, Ridgewood, Middle Village, and Glendale.
The lawmakers wrote to the Governor and Executive Director Cotton following the recent announcement that the Port Authority will resume preparation of a key environmental study (its Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement) for the Cross Harbor Program. This review will also examine how the project would work in concert with the Interborough Express, which the governor announced plans to move forward with in her 2022 State of the State address.
“We understand the significance of these projects as well as the potential benefits they may provide to our city, including decongesting our streets, expanding public transit, and reducing carbon emissions. But without prioritizing noise mitigation, these projects may prove detrimental to the health and quality of life of the surrounding communities,” the lawmakers said in their correspondence. “The Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough Express would drastically increase the train traffic through those already affected neighborhoods. In addition to the noise brought about by the freight trains, the subsequent truck traffic is concerning as well. While the Cross Harbor Freight Program would reduce the overall number of trucks on New York City’s streets, according to the Tier I Draft Environmental Impact Statement, it would drastically increase truck traffic in the communities we represent. These additional trucks have the potential to cause noise pollution, worsen traffic, and lower the local air quality. We must make sure they are built in a way that does not overburden and hurt the communities closest to these projects.”
These communities are familiar with the effects of noise pollution and earth-shaking vibrations caused by freight rail,” the letter added. “For years, our constituents have raised concerns regarding the effects of freight trains. In addition to the noise trains make as they pass, they also cause vibrations that can shake a home’s foundation throughout the night. This acute exposure to freight rail exceeds being an annoyance—it is unhealthy. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to train noise and vibration can have a negative impact on health; leading to mood, sleep, cardiovascular disorders, and more. As these plans are developed, the public health concerns as outlined must be taken into account.
We applaud the ambition that the Cross Harbor Freight Program and Interborough Express would bring to New York, but we must make sure they are built in a way that does not overburden and hurt the communities closest to these projects. That is why we respectfully ask that the concerns of Maspeth, Ridgewood, Middle Village, and Glendale be given full and fair consideration during the planning and execution of these new projects. We look forward to partnering as these projects move forward.”
