The Letter on the Following Page Was Mailed to These Newspapers On

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. 11101 DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E . DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

March 25, 2004

Name Title Name of Newspaper Address

Dear -

On behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), I am pleased to enclose a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.

As you may know, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project is a multi-year study to explore options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge. Focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the Brooklyn- Queens Expressway from Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn to the Long Island Expressway interchange in Queens, the project will be a major public works effort. For this reason, we are asking you to join NYSDOT in reaching out to the public with information about the project. The enclosed FAQs, which we encourage you to re-print in its entirety, will provide your readers with basic facts and contact information.

Community outreach is the cornerstone of the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, and we would greatly appreciate any assistance you could provide. If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to call me at (718) 482-4526 or Lisa Kuhner, Assistant Director, Regional Government and Public Affairs at (718) 482-4002.

Thank you for your interest in this matter.

This letter was sent to the following newsp apers: Sincerely, America Oggi Bushwick Obse rver Greenlin e: The North Bro oklyn C ommunity News Greenpoint Gazette Greenpoint Star/Queens Ledger Jennifer Nelson Greenp oint-Willia msburg Gazette Director Hoy-New York Edition Regional Government and Public Affairs Polish Daily News NYSDOT, Region 11 Queens Chronicle Times Newsweekly Williamsburg News

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

April 2004

Dear Greenpoint Resident:

As a neighbor of the Kosciuszko Bridge, you may have heard about the proposed project to rehabilitate or replace the bridge and wondered how this will affect your home and community. On behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), I am pleased to provide the attached list of “Frequently Asked Questions,” which may answer some of your initial questions.

At this stage, there are twelve proposals (also known as alternatives) under consideration. These include a No Build (or “No Action”) alternative, 6 rehabilitation alternatives and 5 bridge replacement alternatives. This spring, several of these will be eliminated through a rigorous evaluation process. The remaining alternatives will be studied in detail in an Environmental Impact Statement.

Please note that any rehabilitation or new bridge construction is at least five years away. In the meantime, NYSDOT is taking several steps to inform and involve as many local residents and businesspeople as possible. One of our most important efforts has involved the establishment of a Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC is composed of residents, business interests, elected officials and representatives of civic organizations and community boards. It has provided NYSDOT with vital information about community concerns and has been strong in supporting the protection of residential properties. We encourage you to attend SAC meetings, which are generally held on the third Thursday of each month at Jennings Hall, 260 Powers Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. We would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your neighbors to provide a project update and to discuss your concerns.

We hope that you find the enclosed information useful. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at (718) 482-4683 or Denise Woodin, Helen Neuhaus & Associates (the project’s public outreach consultant), at (212) 532-4175.

Sincerely,

Robert Adams, P.E. Project Manager NYSDOT - Region 11

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

January 17, 2005

Dear Greenpoint Resident:

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will study several options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the Kosciuszko Bridge. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a brief update on the project and the opportunity to add your name to the project mailing list in order to receive future updates.

Last spring, NYSDOT, in partnership with the project’s Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), completed a 14-month Alternatives Analysis process. During this process, the original “Long List” of 26 alternatives was narrowed to a list of six, which include two alternatives that rehabilitate the existing bridge while building a new parallel bridge on one side of the existing structure; three alternatives that replace the existing bridge entirely; and a No Build (or No Action) alternative, which serves as a benchmark for comparison.

The EIS will examine these alternatives in great detail, evaluating the impact of each on the environment; traffic and transportation; historic and cultural resources; local and regional economy; character and integrity of adjacent neighborhoods; and community facilities, to name just a few of the topics that will be studied.

It is anticipated that the Draft EIS will be completed and circulated for agency and public review in the fall of 2005. Distribution of the document will be followed by an open comment period that will include public hearings in both Brooklyn and Queens. Please note that any construction is not expected to begin before 2010.

Throughout the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, NYSDOT has shown its commitment to an open, proactive, and responsive community outreach program in a variety of ways—through the involvement of the SAC, a working group consisting of local residents, community groups, business owners, elected officials and regional transportation organizations; in frequent meetings with concerned stakeholders; and with the distribution of informational materials. We encourage you to join us in this exciting project as we move ahead.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html Please return the coupon below or contact us by e-mail, fax or telephone. Once we receive your name and address, we will add your name to the project mailing list and send a copy of our most recent newsletter. In the meantime, please visit our website at the address listed at the bottom of the first page to learn more about the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Robert L. Adams, P.E. Project Manager

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

□ Yes! I would like to stay informed about the Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Please add my name to the project mailing list. (Please print clearly)

Name ______

Address ______

E-mail______Phone ______

Send this coupon by mail to Helen Neuhaus & Associates, 460 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 or by fax to (212) 532-7479. You may also request further information, a project briefing, or to be added to the mailing list by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or calling (212) 532-4175. STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

January 2005

Dear Queens Resident:

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Robert L. Adams, P.E. Project Manager

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

□ Yes! I would like to stay informed about the Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Please add my name to the project mailing list. (Please print clearly)

Name ______

Address ______

E-mail______Phone ______

Survey of Local Businesses

Business Name ______Building Location ______Mailing Address ______Phone ______Fax ______Email Address ______Business Owner/Manager ______Contact person during business hours ______Would you like to be added to the project mailing list? Yes No

Type and description of business Manufacturing Warehouse Waste Transfer Professional Services Restaurant Retail Parking Wholesale/Supply Distribution Storage Maintenance/Repair Services Import/Export Printing Food Processing Other ______Type of activities that occur at this location (if different): Manufacturing Warehouse Waste Transfer Professional Services Restaurant Retail Parking Wholesale/Supply Distribution Storage Maintenance/Repair Services Import/Export Printing Food Processing Other ______

Employees Total number of company employees ______Number of employees at this location ______

Business Hours Weekdays ______a.m. to ______p.m. Saturday ______a.m. to ______p.m. Sunday ______a.m. to ______p.m.

(Over)

Average Number of Average Number of Delivery Schedule Outgoing Shipments Incoming Deliveries A.M. A.M. Monday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Tuesday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Wednesday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Thursday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Friday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Saturday ______P.M. to P.M. A.M. A.M. Sunday ______P.M. to P.M.

Location of loading dock/area ______Typically, what local streets do trucks use to travel between your site and the highway? ______

Additional Information Please provide any additional information you think the project team should know about your business or operations. ______

Name of person completing survey ______Title ______

Please return the completed survey in the postage paid envelope provided. If you have any questions or require assistance completing the survey, please contact: Denise Woodin Helen Neuhaus & Associates 212-532-4175 Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Business Profile Template

Name of Business Address

Contact information Name Survey-based map showing relevant parcel and will be marked Address with loading docks, entry areas, employee/truck parking areas and Phone # any other business-critical areas. E-mail Company website

Employment Number of employees at this location: Total number of company employees: Description of Business:

Business Hours Weekdays: Saturday: Sunday:

Delivery Schedule

Local Streets Used

Contact with Kosciuszko Bridge Project [Meetings, telephone conversations, attendance at Open Houses, site visits, etc.]

Notes [Any other relevant information about the business]

Property Information Block and Lot: Land Area: Owner Information: Name Address Phone #/E-mail

Impact of Alternatives RA-5: RA-6: BR-2: BR-3: BR-5:

Relocation Considerations

Additional Information Desired

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REG IONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPU TY REGIONA L DIRECTOR

September 12, 2003

Name Title Business Address Brooklyn, NY 11222

Dear –

As a business located near the Kosciuszko Bridge, you may have heard about the proposed project to rehabilitate or replace the bridge and wondered how this project will affect your business. On behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), I am pleased to provide the attached list of “Frequently Asked Questions”, which may answer some of your initial questions.

While any rehabilitation or new bridge construction is at least five years away, we realize that some of your business decisions today may depend on future conditions in the area. We also know that many businesses are concerned with such issues as traffic flow, construction staging, and the possible acquisition of commercial property by NYSDOT. To address these and other concerns, we are taking the following steps:

● A Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), composed of residents, business interests, elected officials and representatives of civic organizations and community boards, was established in July 2002. The SAC has provided NYSDOT with vital information about local companies and has been strong in its support of the business community. We encourage you to attend SAC meetings, which are generally held on the third Thursday of each month.

● NYSDOT is working with the East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation (EWVIDCO) to reach out to businesses in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. EWVIDCO have helped the Department identify business concerns that are both directly and indirectly related to the Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Anthony Parra, EWVIDCO’s Industrial Park Manager, has been working closely with the project team and is a member of the SAC.

● In order to better understand the operational needs of each company, the project team has met with several business owners in Brooklyn and Queens; toured factories and warehouses; and walked the area, taking note of traffic patterns, loading docks and other important logistical matters.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html We hope that you find the enclosed information useful. We would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you, preferably at your business, so that we might learn more about your company’s specific needs and concerns. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at (718) 482-4683.

Sincerely,

Robert Adams, P.E. Project Manager NYSDOT - Region 11

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REG IONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Kosciuszko Bridge Project? The Kosciuszko Bridge Project is a multi-year study to explore options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge. The project involves several steps, including Public Scoping to determine the range of issues to be studied; Alternatives Analysis, a two-step process to screen all reasonable alternatives; and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will examine the economic, environmental, and community impacts of a range of alternatives.

Who are the Key Players? The project is being sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), working in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The project team also includes consulting engineers and community outreach professionals.

What Area does the Project Cover? The Kosciuszko Bridge Project is focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) from Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) interchange in Queens. Primary and secondary traffic study areas have also been established. The primary study area includes the BQE, the LIE, major avenues and cross streets and surrounding local streets between the LIE, Grand Avenue and the East River. The secondary study area includes much of Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Maspeth.

Why Do You Need to Do Anything? The Kosciuszko Bridge, opened in 1939 and rehabilitated in the late 1960s, has required frequent roadway and structural repairs since the late 1980s. The concrete deck is worn and the deteriorated steel structure needs repair. Despite three major construction contracts in the last 13 years, the bridge continues to require aggressive maintenance. Furthermore, the narrow lanes, steep grades, lack of shoulders and short merge/weave distances near ramps and interchanges do not meet current highway design standards. These shortcomings, combined with a high traffic volume (170,000 vehicles per day), have resulted in congestion and a greater number of accidents than on comparable highways in New York State.

What Types of Alternatives are Being Considered? The Long List of Alternatives, which was presented to the project’s Stakeholders Advisory Committee in March 2003, included 26 alternatives in five categories: No Build (or “Do Nothing”), Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes, Bridge Replacement, and Tunnel. The No Build alternative is the baseline condition against which all other options are compared and automatically passes through the Alternatives Analysis process into the Draft EIS.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

At the conclusion of the first level of screening in June 2003, 12 alternatives remained: No Build, 6 Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes alternatives, 4 New Bridge alternatives and 1 Tunnel alternative. This list will be further shortened after the second level of screening.

What Will Be the Impact on Local Homes and Businesses? NYSDOT will do everything possible to minimize impacts on residential and business properties, during both the construction period and in the permanent configuration of the project. The criteria used for screening include measures designed to eliminate alternatives that involve major impacts on the surrounding community. In addition, NYSDOT has committed to maintaining 6 open lanes on the bridge throughout construction, thereby minimizing the diversion of traffic onto local streets. However, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, under any alternative but the No Build, will be a major public works project. Therefore, it will involve some level of disruption, inconvenience and possible displacement. The nature of the impacts will be better understood during the EIS development phase.

How has NYSDOT Reached Out to the Public? Since the project’s beginning in late 2001, NYSDOT has conducted an extensive public involvement program, meeting with elected officials, residents, civic organizations, community board representatives and businesspeople. We have held Open Houses and Scoping Meetings in Brooklyn and Queens, participated in community-led bus tours of the project area and toured bridge-area businesses. NYSDOT has produced numerous informational documents, which are available to the public at repositories in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan as well as on the project website (http://www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html).

In addition, a Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) was established in the fall of 2002. Composed of neighborhood groups, residents, business interests, elected officials, community board representatives and regional transportation organizations, the SAC has been actively involved in developing the project’s Goals and Objectives and screening alternatives. As a key player in the process, the group also provides NYSDOT with vital information about community concerns. Meetings are open to the public; for further information, contact Robert Adams (see below).

NYSDOT will continue to keep the public informed through informational materials and community-wide meetings throughout the EIS process and beyond.

What is the Project Timeline? Study of Existing Conditions Late 2001 - Late 2003 Completion of the Alternatives Analysis Process End of 2003 Publication of the Draft EIS Late 2004 Draft EIS Public Hearing Early 2005 Publication of the Final EIS Mid-Late 2005 Record of Decision Late 2005 Start of Construction No Sooner than 2008

What are the Next Steps? As mentioned above, Alternatives Analysis is a two-step process. During Level 1 screening, when the alternatives are shown as little more than lines on a map, the purpose was to eliminate the “worst” options. In Level 2 screening, which will take place in the fall of 2003, alternatives will be further developed to show travel lanes; shoulders; bridge footprint; roadway and ramp grades; and each alternative’s relationship to existing residences, facilities and sensitive community areas. Following Level 2 screening, the remaining alternatives will be examined extensively in the Draft EIS.

Who Should I Contact if I have Questions or Comments? Contact: Robert Adams, P.E. Project Manager New York State Department of Transportation Hunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 482-4683 - phone (718) 482-6319 - fax [email protected] - e-mail

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

October 29, 2003

Name Title Business Address Maspeth, NY 11378

Dear –

● NYSDOT is working with two SAC members--Frank Principe, President of the West Maspeth Local Development Corporation, and Anthony Nunziato of the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce--to reach out to businesses in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. Both organizations have helped the Department identify business concerns that are both directly and indirectly related to the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

We hope that you find the enclosed information useful. We would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you, preferably at your business, so that we might learn more about your company’s specific needs and concerns. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at (718) 482-4683.

Sincerely,

Robert Adams, P.E. Project Manager NYSDOT - Region 11

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2002 / Notices 20573

industry. We believe that these concerns New York Division, Leo W. O’Brien list of alternatives will be developed may be relieved by allowing DERs to Federal Building, 7th Floor, Clinton during the public scoping process with approve data for major repairs and Avenue and North Pearl Street, input from all stakeholders. Each major alterations applicable to certain Albany, New York, 12207 Telephone: alternative will be screened for its foreign-registered aircraft. In many cases (518) 431–4127. ability to meet the project’s goals and this activity requires a disclaimer be or objectives. The most promising used on the FAA Form 8110–3. We also Joseph Brown, P.E., Project Director, alternatives will be forwarded for see a benefit in allowing DERs to New York State Department of detailed evaluation in the Draft approve data for foreign-registered Transportation, Region 11, Hunters Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). aircraft in instances where the foreign Point Plaza, 47–40 21St Street, Long These alternatives are expected to fall authority has no capability or system for Island City, New York 11101 into one of the following categories: no generating the approval. However, this Telephone: (718) 482–4683. build; Transportation System does not mean that any authority must SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Management (TSM); rehabilitation with accept DER approved data. Additional FHWA, in cooperation with the New or without additional capacity; and background and discussion are provided York State Department of replacement. The DEIS will assess the in the draft order. Transportation (NYSDOT), will prepare effect of the project alternatives on: an Environmental Impact Statement Traffic and transportation; noise; air and Interim Implementation (EIS) that will study and document water quality; land use and Since the current policy is silent proposed improvements to the neighborhood character; recreational, regarding when a DER may approve Kosciuszko Bridge, focusing on a 1.1- cultural, and historic resources; major repair or major alteration data mile segment of the Brooklyn-Queens hazardous waste and visual resources. specifically intended for use on foreign- Expressway (BQE) portion of I–278, Letters describing the proposed action registered aircraft, implementation of from Morgan Avenue in Kings County, and soliciting comments will be sent to this proposed policy may change a past to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) appropriate Federal, State, and local practice allowed by the FAA. We advise interchange in Queens County. agencies, and to private organizations Aircraft Certification Offices to continue The Kosciuszko Bridge Project will and citizens who have previously their currently established practice until address two primary problems expressed interest in this project. The this policy becomes official. identified with the bridge. DEIS will be available for public and agency review and comment. How To Obtain Copies Traffic and Safety To insure that the full range of issues The proposed order will be available The bridge, built in the 1930’s, cannot related to the proposed action is on the World Wide Web at http://av- safely carry the present volume of addressed and all significant issues info.faa.gov/dst/dernotice.htm. You can traffic. The bridge’s narrow lanes (11 identified, a series of scoping activities also request it from the office listed feet), steep grade (4 percent), lack of will be conducted. Pre-scoping activities under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION shoulders, and short merge/weave have included open houses, meetings CONTACT. distances near ramps and interchange with involved agencies, and do not meet current highway design and presentations to local community Issued in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2002. safety standards. These design boards. The formal scoping process will deficiencies, combined with involve: David W. Hempe, approximately 170,000 vehicles using 1. Public scoping meetings, to be held Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division. the bridge each day, result in the bridge in May 2002, to provide the public with [FR Doc. 02–10180 Filed 4–24–02; 8:45 am] operating at or near capacity during the information about the project, and to BILLING CODE 4910–13–M AM and PM peak periods, severe assist in formulating the scope of the congestion throughout much of the environmental studies in the DEIS. midday, heightened accident rates and NYSDOT will provide information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the diversion of the highway traffic onto about the project and the scope of the local streets. DEIS. Comments on the project and on Federal Highway Administration the scope of the DEIS will then be Structural Conditions Environmental Impact Statement: received from the public, and NYSDOT Kings & Queens Counties, NY The structural condition of the bridge personnel will be available to answer is deteriorating. A number of interim questions. The public can submit AGENCY: Federal Highway repairs were completed by NYSDOT in written comments or give oral Administration (FHWA), DOT. recent years to correct identified comments to an on-site stenographer. ACTION: Notice of intent. problems and to extend the life of the Written comments will be received by bridge and viaduct. Recent inspections NYSDOT until 30 days after the date of SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this have indicated that, despite these the last scoping meeting (see addresses Notice to advise the public that an aggressive maintenance efforts, the below). Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) structural deficiencies are increasing. 2. Scoping discussions with other will be prepared for the rehabilitation or The frequent maintenance and repair agencies, particularly those with a replacement of the Kosciusko Bridge, efforts and their associated lane direct or indirect involvement in the focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the closures, while necessary to maintain proposed project’s corridor and project Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) the bridge, exacerbate the congestion area. from Morgan Avenue in Kings County to and traffic diversion problems The public scoping meetings are the Long Island Expressway (LIE) mentioned above, and do not provide a scheduled as follows: interchange in Queens County, both in long-term solution to the structure’s Date & Time: May 14, 2002, 3 p.m. 9 New York State. underlying problems. p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Alternatives Analysis will Location: Martin Luther High School, Robert Arnold, Division Administrator, consider a wide range of alternatives 60–02 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth, NY Federal Highway Administration, designed to address these needs. A long 11378

VerDate Apr<19>2002 13:31 Apr 24, 2002 Jkt 197001 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM pfrm13 PsN: 25APN1 20574 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2002 / Notices

Date & Time: May 21, 2002, 3 p.m. 9 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION unlikely events all would have to occur p.m. before an opportunity for injury from a National Highway Traffic Safety Location: St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic power window or sunroof could exist in Administration Church, 84 Herbert Street, Brooklyn, the affected vehicles. To wit, a child or NY 11222 [Docket No. NHTSA–2000–7657–3] children would have to be left unattended and unrestrained within the At these meetings, attendees may General Motors North America, Inc., vehicle; the child or children would review displays describing the project Grant of Application for have to manipulate the hazard flasher with project staff available to respond to Inconsequential Noncompliance switch on the top of the steering column questions. At 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the requisite manner (which in some NYSDOT will make a brief presentation In response to an appeal from General switches would require considerable describing the project and its goals. Motors North America, Inc. (GM), the bottoming force on the switch and/or Following each presentation, interested National Highway Traffic Safety considerable side force, in order for RAP persons can make oral statements Administration (NHTSA) is granting a activation to occur), or the service brake concerning the project, possible GM petition for a determination that a pedal would have to be pressed in alternatives, and the scope of the DEIS. noncompliance with Federal Motor conjunction with pressing on the hazard A stenographer will record all Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. flasher switch (although in some statements at the meeting for inclusion 118, ‘‘Power Operated Windows, vehicles, no amount of force on the in the meeting record. Written Partitions, and Roof Panel Systems’’ is switch would activate RAP); and the statements may also be submitted at the inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. child or children would then have to meeting or sent to the addresses above. This notice reconsiders NHTSA’s operate a power window or sunroof in Any comments received within 30 days previous denial of the GM petition. such a way as to be injured by it prior GM originally petitioned the agency of the date of the last scoping meeting to opening a door (which deactivates the on March 10, 2000. A notice requesting will be made part of the record. RAP), or before twenty minutes had comment on the GM petition was elapsed from the time of initial RAP In addition, a public hearing will be published on August 7, 2000 (65 FR activation (the maximum time that RAP held after publication of the DEIS to 48280). The agency initially denied the remains active), and also before a parent obtain comments on that document. petition (66 FR 50496), and GM or other adult returned. GM presented Public notice will be given of the time submitted an appeal to the agency on data and arguments to support the and place of the DEIS public hearing. December 21, 2001. All documents unlikely nature of these events, and Throughout the scoping process, relating to the GM application and concluded that the overall likelihood of comments and suggestions are invited appeal are contained in the associated an injury occurring as a result of the on the DEIS scope from any interested docket, NHTSA–2000–7657. noncompliance was exceedingly small. parties. Comments or questions GM determined that the NHTSA initially denied the GM concerning this proposed action and the noncompliance existed in some 1998– application as discussed in the EIS should be directed to NYSDOT or 1999 model year GM and Isuzu light preceding Federal Register notice in FHWA at the addresses provided above. trucks equipped with Retained this docket. On December 21, 2001, GM Comments can also be faxed to Mr. Accessory Power (RAP), a convenience appealed NHTSA’s denial. In its appeal, Joseph Brown, P.E., Project Director, feature designed to allow operation of GM requested that NHTSA reconsider NYSDOT, at (718) 482–6319 or e-mailed electrical accessories such as the radio for a number of reasons. One reason GM to [email protected] and power windows during a timed stated was that the denial was interval immediately following ignition The proposed project would be inconsistent with the agency’s prior key removal and that is turned off by the funded in part through Federal decisions. Another reason used by GM opening of one of the front doors. In programs which assist State was that, by the time it filed the appeal, those vehicles, manipulation of the transportation agencies in the planning an additional 19 months had elapsed, hazard flasher switch had the potential and development of an integrated, representing 1.5 million vehicle years, to inadvertently activate the RAP of a interconnected transportation system since it had first discovered the parked car without the key. This important to interstate commerce and noncompliance, and no related condition failed to meet the incidents had been reported. The travel by constructing and rehabilitating requirements of paragraph S4 of FMVSS additional elapsed time brought the the National Highway System, including No. 118 because it was possible for the total vehicle-years that the the Interstate System. (Catalog of power windows and sunroofs of the noncomplying vehicles had been in the Federal Domestic Assistance Program affected vehicles to be enabled without field without incident to 2.8 million. Numbher 20.205, Highway Research any use of the ignition key. A subsequent comment filed in the Planning and Construction. The FMVSS No. 118 sets limits on how docket by Delphi Corporation, which regulations implementing Executive and when power windows and sunroofs manufactured the hazard flasher Order 12372, which foster State and can be enabled, mainly by requiring the switches in the affected GM vehicles, local government coordination and ignition key for their operation. The cited a NHTSA final rule from May 5, review of proposed Federal financial requirements in the standard are 1983, in which the agency amended assistance and direct Federal intended to ensure that a person in FMVSS No. 118 to permit the use of the development, apply to this program). possession of the ignition key RAP feature in motor vehicles. In that Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123] (presumably an adult) is present to notice, the agency acknowledged the Issued on: April 18, 2002. supervise occupants, especially possibility that under rare children, who might be injured if they circumstances power windows might be Douglas P. Conlan, were free to operate power windows operational as a result of the RAP District Engineer, Federal Highway and sunroofs without supervision. feature without the driver being present Administration, Albany, New York. In its original application for in the vehicle. At the same time, the [FR Doc. 02–10108 Filed 4–24–02; 8:45 am] inconsequential noncompliance, GM agency also recognized that similar BILLING CODE 9410–22–M reasoned that a series of specific, possibilities existed whether RAP was

VerDate Apr<19>2002 13:31 Apr 24, 2002 Jkt 197001 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25APN1.SGM pfrm13 PsN: 25APN1 NYSDEC Environmental Notice Bulletin April 17, 2002

REGION 2 NOTICES

Available at: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/enb2002/20020417/not2.html

Positive Declaration and Public Scoping Session

Kings and Queens Counties - The NYS Dept. of Transportation, as lead agency, has determined that the proposed Kosciuszko Bridge Project may have a significant adverse environmental impact and a Draft EIS must be prepared. Public scoping sessions will be held on May 14, 2002 at 3:00PM - 9:00PM, at the Martin Luther High School Cafeteria, 60-02 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378 and on May 21, 2002 at 3:00PM - 9:00PM at the St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church Gymnasium, 84 Herbert Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222. The Kosciuszko Bridge Project will study possible solutions for the rehabilitation or replacement of the Kosciuszko Bridge, focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway -- BQE), from Morgan Avenue in Kings County to I-495 (the Long Island Expressway --LIE) interchange in Queens County. North of the bridge, the BQE connects to the LIE, the Grand Central Parkway (GCP), which extends to LaGuardia International Airport, and across the Triborough Bridge leading into Manhattan and the Bronx. To the south, the BQE connects to the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges as well as the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, leading into Manhattan, and continues south as the Gowanus Expressway and across the Verrazano- Narrows Bridge, leading to Staten Island. As one of New York City's few north-south interstates, I-278 serves commuter and local traffic as well as a significant amount of truck traffic, which is prohibited from neighboring parkways. The Kosciuszko Bridge Project will address two primary problems identified with the bridge. The project is located along I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway -- BQE) from Morgan Avenue in Kings County to I-495 (the Long Island Expressway --LIE) interchange in Queens.

Contact: Joseph Brown, P.E., NYS Department of Transportation - Region 11, 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, phone: (718) 482-4683, fax: (718) 482-6319, e-mail: [email protected]

New York State Department of Transportation Kosciuszko Bridge Project

Repository Sites BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Borough President’s Office* Borough Hall 209 Joralemon Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 Attention: Michael Rossmy 718.802.3700

Community Board #1 435 Graham Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211-2429 Attention: Gerald Esposito, District Manager 718.389.0009

Brooklyn Public Library - Greenpoint Branch 107 Norman Avenue (at Leonard Street) Brooklyn, NY 11222 Attention: Mel Gooch, Branch Librarian 718.349.8504

Library Hours Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1-6 10-6 1-8 1-6 10-6 11-3 Closed

Brooklyn Public Library - Leonard Branch 81 Devoe Street (at Leonard Street) Brooklyn, NY 11211 Attention: Morris Denmark, Branch Librarian 718.486.3365

Library Hours Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1-8 10-6 10-6 1-6 1-6 11-3 Closed

MANHATTAN

Parsons* 100 Broadway New York, NY 10005 Attention: Steve Bennett 212.266.8481

QUEENS

New York State Department of Transportation* Hunter’s Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 Attention: Robert Adams 718.482.4683

Queens Borough President’s Office* Borough Hall 120-55 Queens Boulevard Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Attention: Mark Scott 718.286.2828

Community Board #2* 43-22 50th Street Woodside, NY 11377 Attention: District Manager 718.533.8773

Community Board #5* 61-23 Myrtle Avenue Glendale, NY 11385 Attention: Gary Giordano, District Manager 718.366.1834

Queens Borough Public Library – Maspeth Branch 69-70 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 Attention: Joseph Grosso, Branch Librarian 718.639.5228

Library Hours Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1-8 1-6 10-6 1-8 10-6 Closed Closed

Queens Borough Public Library – Sunnyside Branch 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue Long Island City, NY 11104 Attention: Branch Manager 718.784.3033

Library Hours Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1-8 1-6 10-6 1-8 10-6 10-5 Closed

All sites are handicapped accessible.

* Please call in advance to schedule an appointment.

New York State Department of Transportation Kosciuszko Bridge Project

Public Information Repository Table of Contents As of June 26, 2006

Volume I

List of Repository Sites

Fact Sheets and Newsletters Fact Sheet #1 – April 2002 Project Update – October 2003 Project Update – September 2004

Scoping Meeting Materials Draft NEPA Scoping Memorandum – English – April 2002 Draft NEPA Scoping Memorandum – Polish – April 2002 Draft NEPA Scoping Memorandum – Spanish – April 2002 Draft NEPA Scoping Memorandum – Italian – April 2002 Final NEPA Scoping Memorandum – English – May 2003 Queens Scoping Meeting Transcript – May 14, 2002 Brooklyn Scoping Meeting Transcript – May 21, 2002 Scoping Process Summary Report

Stakeholders Advisory Committee Materials SAC Operational Guidelines Minutes of the 9/19/02 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 10/17/02 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 11/19/02 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 1/16/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 2/20/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 3/27/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 4/24/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 5/15/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 6/19/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 7/24/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 9/18/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 10/16/03 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 1/22/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 2/19/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 3/18/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 4/15/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 5/20/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 6/17/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 9/22/04 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 1/20/05 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 4/21/05 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 6/16/05 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 9/22/05 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 10/20/05 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 1/19/06 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 2/16/06 SAC meeting, including attachments Minutes of the 4/20/06 SAC meeting, including attachments Revised Working Goals and Objectives SAC Membership List – June 2006

Miscellaneous Materials Brief Biography of Thaddeus Kosciuszko A Brief History of the Kosciuszko Bridge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document Meeting Report of the Brooklyn and Queens Open Houses – November 20th and December 2nd, 2003 Meeting Report of the Brooklyn and Queens Open Houses – October 19th and October 27th, 2004 Fall 2005 Open Houses flyer (English) Fall 2005 Open Houses flyer (Polish) Fall 2005 Open Houses Display Ad and List of Newspapers Fall 2005 Open Houses Letter of Invitation Meeting Report of the Brooklyn and Queens Open Houses – November 30th and December 5th, 2005 Synopsis of Community Outreach Program & Project Milestones Summary of Traffic Results What is an EIS?

Separate Documents Kosciuszko Bridge Traffic Operations Study – November 1995 Draft Long List of Alternatives Land Use Impacts maps Revised Level 1 Screening Criteria Traffic Primer Level 2 Screening document – February 19, 2004 Bridge Primer Highway and Transportation Design Issues – January 20, 2005 Highway and Transportation Design Issues – April 2005 DEIS Alternatives – September 2005 DEIS Alternatives – November and December 2005 Open Houses

Please do not remove any items from this binder. If you would like a copy of any items or have any comments or questions about the project, please contact Robert Adams, the Project Manager, at (718) 482-4683.

Fact Sheet Number 1 · April 2002

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is about to begin preparation of an Alternatives Analysis/ Environmental Impact Statement to identify the best option to rehabilitate or replace the Kosciuszko Bridge. The study will focus on a 1.1-mile section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), from Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn to the interchange with the Long Island Expressway in Queens, which includes the Kosciuszko Bridge. As part of Interstate 278, the BQE carries large numbers of commercial vehicles. It is a vital link in the region’s transportation network, connecting Brooklyn and Queens and intersecting with the Long Island Expressway, the region’s major east-west highway. The elevated segment of the BQE near the Kosciuszko Bridge, which crosses Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek Newtown Creek, carries over 190,000 vehi- and rehabilitated in the late 1960s, has best possible way to rehabilitate or replace cles on a typical weekday. In some periods, required frequent road and structural repairs the bridge and this part of the BQE. This up to 30 percent of traffic in this section is since the late 1980s. The concrete deck is must be done while maintaining traffic on trucks. This segment of highway and its worn and the deteriorated steel structure of the highway and avoiding major traffic entrance and exit ramps operate at or near the bridge has needed constant repair. diversions to the local streets and surround- capacity during the morning and afternoon Despite three large repair contracts in the ing communities. rush hours. last 12 years to address these problems, the bridge continues to require aggressive Traffic Conditions Condition of the Bridge maintenance. Recognizing the worsening condition of The Kosciuszko Bridge, opened in 1939 The goal of this study is to identify the the bridge and the need for a long-term solution, NYSDOT conducted a comprehensive, in-depth study that explored several rehabilitation concepts and their probable

r effects on traffic.

v i The Traffic Operations Study, complet-

New N L ed in 1995, documented the high level of e on wt g Calvary ow n C Cem etary congestion on both the Kosciuszko Bridge r Isl M e an ek d

c t G and on the nearby local streets. This is large- s 278 u . a i -, n E n Calvary ly due to the high volume of traffic on the e

s e nu Cem etary E ve xp Mt. Zion A ress bridge and local streets and the design of the t L way Cem etary Greenpoin IRR bridge and its ramps. B Kosciuszko l v 495 d Bridge -,. When the bridge was built, it was . designed to enable battleships and other Project large ships to pass under. As a result, the ay Limits w bridge soars 120 feet above Newtown ss M McCarren re o p r Park x g Creek, and the BQE rises sharply to meet E a n

the bridge. This steep grade causes the large

s n e A e u v nue Q e ve percentage of trucks on the highway to slow n A W u i e lliam down substantially, which in turn causes sbu Traffic Br rg idge and Study Area backups for commuter vehicles. Because n Gr y l k Newtown Creek handles few large vessels, o o r B the 120-foot clearance may no longer be required.

New York State Department of Transportation Joseph H. Boardman, Commissioner Douglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director In addition, the wide range of speeds natives likely to be considered include con- (from commuters traveling at the speed tinued maintenance, full rehabilitation, limit to slow trucks creeping up to the rehabilitation with increases in capacity bridge) leads to an unusually high number (e.g., additional lanes), or an entirely new of accidents. These accidents, and the high- structure, as well as other concepts brought way’s narrow lanes and the lack of shoul- out in the public scoping process. Different ders where vehicles can pull over during ways to phase the construction to minimize breakdowns, create substantial congestion impacts on surrounding communities will and delays. As a result, vehicles leave the also be considered. highway in favor of the local streets, which The initial screen will eliminate those cut through residential communities and are alternatives that clearly could not meet the already crowded. project’s goals and objectives, as developed The 1995 traffic study concluded that in the scoping process. The remaining alter- the local streets would not be able to accom- natives will undergo further engineering, modate diverted traffic during any major transportation, and environmental analyses construction work on the bridge. To mini- and a second round of screening to deter- mize diversions of traffic into the surround- mine which ones will be advanced for study ing communities and to maintain through in the Draft EIS. traffic on the BQE, the study recommended Environmental Analysis that three lanes of traffic on the BQE, in The Draft EIS will evaluate the project each direction, must be maintained during alternatives for a wide range of potential the day for construction to take place. impacts, including traffic and transporta- The current study will focus on finding tion, environmental, and socioeconomic. solutions to these traffic problems and to the After review of the Draft EIS by the public, bridge’s deteriorated condition. NYSDOT will present the preferred alternative in a Final EIS based on public com- The EIS Process ments and the findings of the EIS. As a major transportation project, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project is subject to the Public Involvement regulations of the National Environmental The public will have ample opportunity Policy Act (NEPA) and the New York State to comment on the selection and analysis of Environmental Quality Review Act alternatives during this process. Public (SEQRA). Both laws require preparation of EIS phases. input will be gathered through open houses, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) NYSDOT will hold public scoping public hearings, and meetings with commu- to examine the project’s potential impacts to meet-ings in Queens and Brooklyn to nity groups and elected officials. the environment. explain the goals and objectives of the study In addition, a Stakeholders Advisory The EIS process will also include an and allow members of the public—as well Committee will be formed to help advise Alternatives Analysis phase, whose goal is as interested groups, elected officials, and NYSDOT on the development, selection to ensure extensive public involvement in agencies—to submit their ideas and com- and evaluation of study alternatives, up to the selection of the project alternatives. ments. the selection of the study’s preferred alter- Scoping Alternatives Selection Process native. The scoping process is designed to To select the alternatives to be analyzed This committee will consist of represen- determine the “scope,” or range, of issues to in the Draft EIS, NYSDOT has developed a tatives from NYSDOT, the Federal High- be considered within the Draft EIS. As part two-step alternatives selection process. way Administration, other involved agen- of this process, the public may recommend First, using feedback from the scoping cies, local elected officials, civic and envi- additional project alternatives for consider- process, NYSDOT will develop a broad list ronmental organizations, and user groups ation in the Alternatives Analysis and Draft of potential alternatives. The types of alter- that could be affected by the project. Get Involved We welcome your comments. To develop the best possible alternatives, public input is critical. To contact us or for more information, please write or call:

Mr. Joseph Brown New York State Department of Transportation Hunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 Be sure to watch your local paper for Phone: (718) 482-4683 Fax: (718) 482-6319 advertisements of the public scoping Email: [email protected] meetings coming up in May!!! Project Update October 2003

New York State Joseph H. Boardman, Commissioner Department of Transportation Douglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director Phillip Eng, P.E., Deputy Regional Director State Studies Options For Kosciuszko Bridge n late 2001, the New York State Department of From November 2001 through the Summer of 2002, ITransportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway NYSDOT met with elected officials, civic leaders, busi- Administration (FHWA) introduced the Kosciuszko Bridge nesspeople and residents to introduce them to the project. Project to the public. A multi-year study to explore options These early discussions not only provided the community for the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge, the proj- with background information, but also allowed NYSDOT ect involves several steps: public scoping to determine the to hear local concerns related to the existing bridge. range of issues to be studied; Alternatives Analysis, a Since that time, a great deal has happened to move the proj- process to ect forward. A screen all rea- public scoping sonable alter- process helped natives; and identify the preparation of issues to be an Environ- studied in the mental Impact Draft EIS. A Statement Stakeholders (EIS), leading Advisory to the selection Committee of a preferred (SAC), which alternative. includes rep- Opened in resentatives The Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek. 1939 and reha- from Brook- bilitated in the late 1960s, the Kosciuszko Bridge today car- lyn, Queens, and regional transportation groups, was estab- ries 170,000 vehicles a day over the Newtown Creek lished and has been actively involved in the process, work- between Brooklyn and Queens. Decades of heavy use have ing with the project team to develop Goals and Objectives taken a toll. The concrete deck is worn and the steel struc- and screen the Long List of Alternatives. An Inter-Agency ture deteriorated. Despite three major rehabilitation con- Advisory Committee (IAAC) was created to encourage dia- tracts in the last 13 years, the bridge continues to require logue between local, state and federal agencies and key aggressive maintenance. Furthermore, the bridge's narrow utilities. Traffic data has been collected. And additional lanes, steep grades, lack of shoulders and short meetings have been held with business representatives and merge/weave distances near ramps and interchanges do not residents. meet current highway design standards. These shortcom- This newsletter will bring you up-to-date on the many ings, combined with the high traffic volume, have resulted steps already taken, as well as current and future activities. in congestion and a greater number of accidents than on The community is the cornerstone of the Kosciuszko Bridge comparable highways in New York State. Project. We hope that you will become involved! KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE PROJECT TIMELINE Alternatives Draft EIS Final EIS Record of Earliest Date Scoping Process Notice of Intent Analysis Publication Publication Decision for Construction Nov 2001-July 2002 April 25, 2002 Jan 2003-Feb 2004 Early 2005 Fall 2005 Early 2006 Not Before 2008 Stakeholders Help Transportation Goals and Objectives Goal: For all modes of transportation, improve mobility, safety and access and reduce congestion within the NYSDOT Set Goals study area. · Improve traffic operations in the corridor, reducing delays and Objectives and increasing efficiency and reliability. · Reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents in the One of the first tasks of the newly formed corridor by eliminating non-standard elements on the bridge Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) [see article and associated highway sections and ramps. on page 6] was to work with NYSDOT to establish a · Minimize diversion of highway auto and truck traffic to comprehensive set of project Goals and Objectives. local streets, both during construction and long-term. These reflect community and NYSDOT priorities for · Substantially conform to established design criteria to both the Kosciuszko Bridge and its surrounding neigh- ensure safe operation and a smooth flow of traffic. borhoods and will guide decision-making throughout · Be consistent with regional transportation plans in the I-278 the Alternatives Analysis and EIS processes. The corridor and any related highway, transit or freight plans Goals and Objectives were used to develop criteria potentially affected by decisions in the project corridor. for evaluating each project alternative. As alterna- · Provide cost-effective solutions to problems in the corridor related to both capital construction costs and operation and tives are screened against these criteria, those that maintenance expenses. clearly do not meet the Goals and Objectives are · Eliminate infrastructure deficiencies. eliminated from further consideration. · Provide a secure transportation infrastructure. · Improve opportunities for pedestrian/bicycle travel in the corridor. · Increase the effectiveness of mass transit in the corridor. · Address the needs of emergency response personnel and vehicles. · Enhance opportunities for the efficient movement of freight.

Public Participation Goals and Objectives

Goal: Provide an open, inclusive, transparent and responsive EIS process that includes a proactive, comprehensive and ongoing public participation program. · Create a process that embraces the principles of context sensitive design, fosters innovation and considers all ideas. · Create a process that meets or exceeds federal and state requirements. ©2002 David Sailors The project’s Goals and Objectives seek to protect com- · Ensure that important but tangential issues that cannot be munity resources including Calvary Cemetery in Queens addressed by the EIS process are directed to the appropriate (top) and homes such as these in Brooklyn (bottom). entity for action. · Create a process in which data are accessible and in which any models used are understandable and the assumptions are clearly defined. (This could include conducting modeling workshops.) · Provide a variety of forums to solicit broad public participation from a wide range of perspectives. · Ensure that opportunities for public input are widely communicated. · Facilitate cross-communication between agencies, groups and individuals. · Develop written and graphic project materials that can be understood by the broadest possible audience. ©2002 David Sailors page 2 Social, Economic & Environmental Goals and Objectives What is an Goal: Protect and/or enhance the environment, including Environmental Impact natural resources and open space. · Protect and enhance existing open space and parkland. Statement (EIS)? · Look for opportunities to create parks and open space in order to mitigate project consequences. n EIS is a comprehensive document that evaluates · Minimize adverse noise impacts and meet federal and state Athe social, environmental, and economic impacts of air quality standards. federally-funded projects, in accordance with the · Protect existing wetlands and waterways. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The core of an EIS is its technical analyses, which examine · Avoid impacts to federal and state rare, threatened, and a full range of areas in order to identify and evaluate endangered species and other animal life. issues that are significant; eliminate issues that are not · Protect public recreational facilities and minimize adverse significant; and propose mitigation for significant impacts on their operation during construction. impacts that are identified. Issues to be evaluated in · Protect against adverse visual and light impacts. the Kosciuszko Bridge EIS will include, but not be limit- ed to, the following: Goal: Protect and/or enhance the integrity of residential ·Traffic, specifically access, mobility and safety for neighborhoods. motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists · Protect residences and minimize adverse impacts on resi- ·Air quality dential properties during construction. ·Water quality · Improve pedestrian safety. ·Noise, specifically changes in noise levels at sen- · Ensure that project impacts do not disproportionately affect sitive locations one neighborhood over another. ·Visual impacts, including light, sight lines, and · Preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. design and aesthetic issues · Protect and preserve community character. ·Historic, cultural, archeological and community Goal: Maintain the viability of institutional and business resources communities. ·Open space and recreational resources · Protect commercial and industrial establishments and mini- ·Natural resources mize adverse impacts on their operation during construction. ·Endangered species · Protect institutional facilities (religious, educational, etc.) ·Navigable waters and minimize adverse impacts on their operation during ·Character and integrity of adjacent neighborhoods construction. ·Compatibility with land use policies, plans, and · Ensure safe pedestrian and vehicular access to institutions regulations and businesses during construction. ·Infrastructure Goal: Protect and/or enhance cultural, historic and ·Economic and fiscal considerations archeological resources. ·Contaminated waste sites · Protect and/or mitigate adverse impacts on cultural and his- ·Construction period impacts toric resources that have been locally designated; identified Sgt. Dougherty as eligible for the State or Federal Register; or listed on the Park, a commu- State or Federal Register. nity resource · Avoid disturbances to archeological resources. that will be assessed in the Goal: Recognize the interrelationships between land use EIS. and transportation. · Consider the impact on land use created by any transportation improvement. · Be consistent with existing and committed transportation, community development, and land use plans and projects.

page 3 YSDOT launched its community outreach program Scoping Process Nand the EIS process with intensive public scoping that began in late 2001. Designed to identify the project’s purpose and need, range of alternatives, and significant issues Identifies Key Issues to be addressed in the EIS, scoping creates opportunities for all interested individuals and organizations to participate in the earliest phases of decision-making. It encourages the public to raise issues and options that should be considered in the EIS before work has progressed to a point where incorporating new ideas is difficult. By identifying key concerns, the scoping process may also serve to focus the EIS and make it a more efficient document. The Kosciuszko Bridge scoping process included small group meetings, briefings of elected officials and community board representatives, bus tours, open houses and formal scoping meetings. These activities both introduced members of the public to the project and allowed them to voice their ideas about the future of the bridge and the issues that should be studied in the EIS. Comments received during the scoping process ranged from complaints about truck traffic to concerns about property takings and requests for a new pedestrian walkway across the bridge. Some people Map showing the location of the Kosciuszko Bridge, suggested replacing the bridge with a tunnel, a new double- the project limits, and the limits of the primary and secondary traffic study areas (bounded by the decker bridge or a draw bridge, while others called for reha- red dashes and the blue dashes, respectively). bilitation of the existing bridge or filling in Newtown Creek for an at-grade crossing. By the conclusion of the official public scoping process, more than fifty people had weighed Who are the key players? in with more than 100 recommendations, observations and The project is being sponsored by the New York State comments about the Kosciuszko Bridge and its surrounding Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), working in community. A final scoping report, which summarizes the partnership with the Federal Highway Administration process and all comments received, is available for review (FHWA). The project team also includes consulting engineers, planners, and community outreach professionals. at project repositories and on the project website.

Will the bridge be lowered? When the Kosciuszko Bridge was built, it was designed to enable battleships and other large vessels to pass underneath. As a result, the bridge soars 125’ above Newtown Creek, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) rises sharply to meet it, resulting in a steep roadway slope. Because Newtown Creek now handles few large ships—the tallest tugboats are 65’ high—the 125-foot clearance may no longer be needed. NYSDOT anticipates that any new structure would be built with a lower clearance, pending approval from the United States Coast Guard. page 4 Alternatives Analysis Narrows Options For Bridge n March 2003, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project team pre- Alternatives Analysis generally involves two steps: The Isented its draft "Long List of Alternatives" to the SAC. first, Level 1 screening, evaluates roughly developed alter- Based on input from the general public, information gath- natives (often represented by only a line on a map, as shown ered during NYSDOT's 1995 traffic study; and brainstorm- below) using broad criteria. The purpose of Level 1 screening among team members, the Long List included 26 ing is to eliminate the worst alternatives. Working with the options in the following five categories: SAC at its May and June 2003 meetings, the project team evaluated each alternative on the Long List using criteria · No Build (or “Do Nothing”): The baseline against which based on the Goals and Objectives. all other alternatives are evaluated. At the end of Level 1 screening, the following 12 alternatives remained: No Build, six (6) Rehabilitation with · 3 Rehabilitation alternatives: Alternatives that fully re- Auxiliary Lanes alternatives, four (4) Bridge Replacement habilitate the bridge, but leave the structure as it is now. alternatives and one (1) Tunnel alternative. All of these would allow continuous operation of the BQE and would · 7 Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes alternatives: maintain Newtown Creek as a navigable waterway. Most Alternatives that fully rehabilitate the bridge and include would improve traffic operations and safety by providing at the addition of lanes between entrance and exit ramps by least two of the three following elements: one or more aux- widening the bridge or building a parallel structure. iliary lanes, reduced grades and new shoulders and/or standard lane widths. And all would minimize the diversion of · 12 New Bridge alternatives: New structure on the traffic onto local streets during construction by maintaining same alignment, or slightly north or south of the existing six lanes of traffic. bridge. During Level 2 screening, which will begin this Fall, the remaining alternatives will be analyzed in greater depth, using · 3 Tunnel alternatives: New underground facility on the criteria that are more quantitative and that cover a broader same alignment, or slightly north or south of the existing range of issues. Level 2 screening will include the develop- bridge. ment of more detailed plans. The alternatives left after Level 2 screening will receive thorough examination in the Draft EIS. The list of build alternatives was developed with two The Long List of Alternatives and the results of Level 1 guiding principles: maintain at least six lanes of traffic dur- screening may be found on the project website and at the ing construction in order to avoid diverting traffic onto local project repositories. Copies may also be obtained by calling streets and avoid significant property impacts to homes and Helen Neuhaus, Helen Neuhaus & Associates. (See back businesses near the bridge. page for contact information.)

This graphic shows one of the proposed alternatives, rehabilitation of the existing bridge and construction of a new parallel bridge.

page 5 arly in the project, NYSDOT made a commitment to Project Team Forms Eform a Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) that would advise the project team throughout all aspects of the Partnerships with EIS process. Because the Kosciuszko Bridge links two bor- oughs and several distinct neighborhoods, NYSDOT want- Stakeholders, Agencies ed to establish a diverse, yet cohesive, committee that would be small enough to work effectively as a team, yet still represent everyone potentially affected by the project. SAC Members In order to be an integral part of the planning process, the SAC would begin to meet before any studies moved for- Robert Adams, New York State Department of Transportation ward and long before any designs were produced or an Muhammad Afzal, New York City Department of Transportation Vincent Arcuri, Queens Community Board #5 alternative selected. Gayle Baron, Long Island City Business Development After consulting with local leaders, including the Corporation Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents' Offices, Thomas Breslin, Federal Highway Administration NYSDOT developed a list of SAC invitees that included Stephen Cooper, Queens Community Board #2 federal, state and local elected officials; community board New York State Senator Martin Connor chairs; business interests; civic organizations; residents; and Rosemarie Daraio, COMET regional transportation groups. New York State Senator Martin Milave Dilan Gerald Esposito, Brooklyn Community Board #1 Philip Galasso, Sagres Partners, LLC New York City Councilman Eric Gioia Mary Gottlieb, Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Association Mike Hofmann, Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks and Planning Christine Holowacz, Greenpoint Property Owners New York City Councilwoman Melinda Katz Irene Klementowicz, Concerned Citizens of Greenpoint Annette LaMatto, Brooklyn Resident New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol New York State Assemblyman Vito Lopez New York State Senator Serphin Maltese New York State Assemblywoman Margaret Markey Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Queens Borough President Helen Marshall The SAC at work screening the Long List of Alternatives in May 2003. Christopher McBride, Automobile Association of America Barbara Mihelic, Noble Street Block Association In its first year as a committee, the SAC has assisted the New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan Department with the development of project Goals and Anthony Nunziato, Queens Resident Objectives and screening criteria; provided input on the New York State Senator George Onorato Long List of Alternatives; participated in screening the Jon Orcutt, Tri-State Transportation Campaign Long List; and offered valuable insights on community con- Anthony Parra, East Williamsburg Valley Industrial cerns. While the initial meetings were not always easy— Development Corporation Frank Principe, West Maspeth Local Development Corporation mistrust of government, a Brooklyn-Queens divide and a Joe Reemer, OUTRAGE lack of confidence in their ability to address technical mat- New York City Councilwoman Diana Reyna ters made some members wary of the process—the SAC Joseph Ruzalski, United Forties Civic Association has become the effective, unified group originally envi- Marc Teich, Acme Steel sioned by NYSDOT. Many SAC members now feel com- Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez fortable talking with their neighbors about the project and New York City Councilman David Yassky asking probing questions about the EIS process, bridge MaryAnna Zero, Maspeth Chamber of Commerce engineering and other issues. As SAC member and Queens Community Board #5 Chairman Vincent Arcuri observed, “What we’ve learned through this process is that the Brooklyn side and the Queens side have to work together on all of the problems facing our communities, and we need to continue this work beyond the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.” page 6 Two SAC members—one each from Brooklyn and Queens—also participate in the Inter-Agency Advisory Extensive Outreach Committee (IAAC) that was established to foster effective communication and coordination between NYSDOT, FHWA, other agencies and major utilities in the area. The Keeps Public Involved IAAC initially met on June 24, 2003 and will meet at project milestones to provide guidance and input on technical In Project and procedural issues based on the expertise of the thirty entities that were invited to participate. These include: the ince the project's beginning, NYSDOT has con- New York City Fire and Police Departments, the Sducted an extensive public involvement pro- Departments of Environmental Protection, Transportation, gram, meeting with elected officials, residents, Sanitation, Parks and Recreation, and City Planning; the civic organizations, community board representa- New York State Department of Environmental tives and businesspeople from both Brooklyn and Conservation; the Port Authority of New York & New Queens. The project team has participated in over Jersey; the Metropolitan Transportation Authority; the 45 site visits, tours, open houses, and SAC meet- United States Coast Guard; the United States Army Corps ings, including the following: of Engineers; KeySpan; and Con Edison. 2 Public Scoping Meetings

24 Community Meetings and Looking Ahead Presentations 3 Bus Tours ollowing completion of Level 2 screening, the remain- 3 Open Houses Fing construction alternatives, along with the No Build alternative, will be thoroughly scrutinized in the Draft EIS. 3 Business Tours It is anticipated that this document will be completed and circulated for agency and public review in early 2005. Distribution of the Draft EIS will be followed by a comment 11 SAC meetings period that will include hearings to obtain input from the public. All comments will be reviewed prior to the selection of a preferred alternative, which will be detailed in the Final EIS. The EIS process, which began with FHWA's publication of a Notice of Intent, will conclude with its issuance of a Record of Decision announcing the selected alternative. It is expected that the Record of Decision will be issued in early 2006.

The project team, with SAC member Anthony Parra, at Durr Mechanical in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (left); residents attend an Open House in Queens (top).

page 7 Project Documents SAVE THE DATE! Available to the Public ocuments related to the Kosciuszko Bridge Project are For Upcoming Davailable for review on the project website and at the locations listed below. (Please call for hours.) New materials PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES will be added as they become available. Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003 BROOKLYN Location: Martin Luther High School Brooklyn Borough President's Office* 60-02 Maspeth Avenue Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street (718) 802-3700 Maspeth, NY Community Board #1* 435 Graham Avenue Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2003 (718) 389-0009 Location: Automotive High School 50 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn Public Library – Greenpoint Branch Brooklyn, NY 107 Norman Avenue (at Leonard Street) (718) 349-8504 Time (for both meetings): Brooklyn Public Library – Leonard Branch 6:30 P.M. Open House—informational dis- 81 Devoe Street (at Leonard Street) plays and informal discussion (718) 486-3365 with project team. MANHATTAN 7:00 P.M. Presentation—project update, to Parsons* be followed by Question and 100 Broadway Answer session. (212) 266-8481 QUEENS Learn about project activities, review the New York State Department of Transportation* alternatives, and more. Meet project staff, Hunters Point Plaza ask questions, and share your thoughts. 47-40 21st Street (718) 482-4683 Light refreshments will be served. Queens Borough President's Office* Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard (718) 286-2828 For More Information: Community Board #2* Robert Adams, P.E. 43-22 50th Street Project Manager (718) 533-8773 New York State Department of Transportation Community Board #5* Hunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street 61-23 Myrtle Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 366-1834 phone: (718) 482-4683 Queens Borough Public Library – Maspeth Branch fax: (718) 482-6319 69-70 Grand Avenue email: [email protected] (718) 639-5228 Helen Neuhaus Queens Borough Public Library – Sunnyside Branch Outreach Consultant & 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue Helen Neuhaus Associates Inc. 460 Park Avenue South (718) 784-3033 New York, NY 10016 All sites are handicapped accessible. phone: (212) 532-4175 * Please call in advance to schedule an appointment. fax: (212) 532-7479 email: [email protected] www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html Project Update September 2004

New York State Joseph H. Boardman, Commissioner Department of Transportation Douglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director Phillip Eng, P.E., Deputy Regional Director

Progress and Partnership Mark the Kosciuszko Bridge Project

orking closely with community members, elected officials and other Winterested stakeholders, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is moving closer to selecting an alternative for rehabilitating or replacing the Kosciuszko Bridge. Since our October 2003 Project Update, NYSDOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has completed the Alternatives Analysis process; reached out to hundreds of residents, businesses and civic leaders; and started work on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). All of this was accomplished with the direct involvement of the project's Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), which has met regularly for two years to provide input on everything from screening criteria to DEIS traffic studies. The SAC has also played a vital role in public outreach, bringing information about the project back to its constituencies and relaying neighborhood concerns to the project team. The result? A range of alternatives that reflects the goals and objectives of both NYSDOT and the local community.

As NYSDOT, FHWA and the SAC move forward with the DEIS, this newsletter will SAVE THE DATE! bring you up-to-date on the activities of the past year and will hopefully encourage you PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES to become involved in future phases of the Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Location: Martin Luther High School 60-02 Maspeth Avenue Maspeth, NY

Date: Wednesday, October 27th Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Location: St. Cecilia’s Church - Gym 84 Herbert Street (Enter gym on North Henry Street) Brooklyn, NY

Learn about project activities, review the alternatives, meet project staff, ask questions, and share your thoughts. The Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek. “Short List” of Alternatives Moves into DEIS

his Spring, the SAC and the project team marked the successful completion of the TAlternatives Analysis process. After 14 months of presentations, discussions and thorough evaluation of more than two dozen alternatives, the original "Long List" was narrowed to the No Build, two Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes (RA) and three Bridge Replacement (BR) alternatives. (As required by federal regulations, the No Build [or No Action] alternative will serve as the benchmark against which all other alternatives are compared throughout the DEIS process.)

To reach this point, the project team and the SAC conducted a two-step Alternatives Analysis process. The first step (Level 1 screening) evaluated 26 roughly developed alternatives using broad criteria. Those options that clearly did not meet the project's Goals and Objectives were eliminated from further consideration. The remaining 12 alternatives, which included the No Build, six RA, one Tunnel (TU) and four BR alternatives, moved into Level 2 screening.

While the purpose of Level 1 screening was to weed out the "worst" alternatives, the purpose of Level 2 was to select a representative range of options that best reflected the Goals and Objectives. To that end, the 11 build alternatives were further developed, showing possible lane configurations (including the location of ramps and shoulders) and details about the staging required to maintain traffic during construction. The alternatives were then analyzed in greater depth, using criteria that were more quantitative and covered a broader range of issues. Basic traffic modeling was used to estimate each alternative's operational performance. Level 2 screening also considered such issues as opportunities to improve pedestrian and bicycle access, future maintenance requirements, and construction duration.

After completing Level 2 screening at the April 2004 SAC meeting, five build alternatives were selected for further development and detailed study. The DEIS will examine the impacts, both positive and negative, of these alternatives and the No Build alternative, on traffic operations, environmental resources and the surrounding community.

The following pages provide an overview of each alternative, including diagrams of possible lane configurations and elevation views. The project team and SAC screen Level 2 alternatives.

Page 2 No Build Alternative The No Build Alternative makes no physical or operational improvements to the Kosciuszko Bridge, but continues NYSDOT's aggressive maintenance program. The existing bridge, with its steep grades, would remain as it is today.

NEWT

OWN CREEK

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

RA-5 Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Eastbound Side Alternative RA-5 rehabilitates the existing bridge and constructs a new parallel bridge on the eastbound side. The parallel bridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

NEWT

OWN CREEK

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

When completed, the new bridge would carry three lanes of eastbound traffic and have standard lane widths and shoulders. The existing bridge would continue to carry six lanes of traffic (2 eastbound, 4 westbound), maintaining the existing narrow lane widths and non-standard (narrow) shoulders. Page 3 RA-6 Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Westbound Side Alternative RA-6 rehabilitates the existing bridge and constructs a new parallel bridge on the westbound side. The parallel bridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

When completed, the new bridge would carry three lanes of westbound traffic and have standard lane widths and shoulders. The existing bridge would continue to carry six lanes of traffic (4 eastbound, 2 westbound) maintaining the existing narrow lane widths and non-standard (narrow) shoulders.

BR-2 New Bridge on Same Route - Option 1 Alternative BR-2 replaces the existing bridge by building new parallel bridges on both sides of the existing bridge - one temporary, one permanent. The new bridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

NEWTOWN CREEK

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

When completed, the new bridge would carry five lanes of eastbound traffic and four lanes of westbound traffic and have standard lane widths and shoulders. The old bridge would be demolished. Page 4 BR-3 New Bridge on Same Route - Option 2 Alternative BR-3 replaces the existing bridge by building new parallel bridges on both sides of the existing bridge. The new bridges would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

When completed, the new bridges would carry five lanes of eastbound traffic and four lanes of westbound traffic and have standard lane widths and shoulders. The old bridge would be demolished.

BR-5 New Bridge on Same Route - Option 4 Alternative BR-5 replaces the existing bridge by building a new permanent, parallel bridge on the eastbound side of the existing bridge. The new bridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)

When completed, the new bridge would carry five lanes of eastbound traffic and four lanes of westbound traffic and have standard lane widths and shoulders. The old bridge would be demolished. Page 5 Traffic Data Collection The Air that We Breathe ... n order to evaluate how each alternative would EIS Begins Analysis Iaffect traffic conditions in the project study area, information must be collected regarding current n Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a compre- operations. The following studies have been, or will Ahensive document that evaluates the environmental, be, conducted as part of the Kosciuszko Bridge social, and economic impacts of federally funded projects, Project: in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The core of the EIS is its technical analyses, which X Traffic Counts of the number and type of vehicles examine a full range of technical areas in order to identify using specific sections of roadway were taken using and evaluate issues that are significant; eliminate issues both Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs) and that are not significant; and propose mitigation for Manual Counts. ATRs use a rubber tube laid across significant impacts that are identified. the road to continuously count the number of vehicles passing by. Manual traffic counts were The following studies are among those being conducted as taken by survey crews in order to collect data at part of the Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Information regard- local intersections. ing other studies will be included in future Project Updates.

X Classification Counts were taken to determine Traffic studies help planners and engineers evaluate the mix of vehicles (cars, taxis, buses, motorcycles · how well the bridge and nearby roadways are currently and various types of trucks). Trucks and other operating, how traffic would change in the future and large vehicles need more space than cars and how effectively each alternative would handle those therefore must be accounted for in the traffic future traffic volumes. Information from traffic analyses analysis. This data will also be used for air quality is also used to assess how each alternative would affect and noise analysis, since different vehicles emit air quality and noise in the surrounding communities different amounts and types of pollutants and make and to develop strategies to construct the project in the more or less noise. least disruptive way.

X Occupancy Counts were taken to assess the Air Quality analysis will be conducted at specific number of people in cars at several locations · locations adjacent to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway within the project study area. Because a greater (BQE) and on potential traffic diversion routes within the use of buses and car pools on a roadway can study area. Each alternative will be assessed based on significantly increase its "people handling capacity" its projected compliance with state and federal without increasing vehicular volume, this informa- standards for carbon monoxide and particulate matter. tion is very important. Any alternative that exceeds these standards must be modified or discarded. In addition, the New York X Pedestrian Counts were taken at intersections Metropolitan Transportation Council will include project with high numbers of pedestrians, mainly along data in its regional evaluation of ozone levels. streets leading to community facilities (schools, hospitals, parks), businesses, subway stations and large apartment complexes. As part of the DEIS process, traffic engineers will look at ways to improve pedestrian safety in the study area.

X Travel Time Runs are used to measure the average traffic speeds along key roadways. For this project, survey crews drove along selected roadways, traveling at the speed of surrounding traffic. They noted the amount of time it took to travel between specific points and the causes of delay.

X High Accident Locations will be determined by documenting and analyzing the number and type of accidents in the study area and by comparing that information to statewide averages for comparable Land use on both sides of the Kosciuszko Bridge will be roadways. This information will be used to design studied in the DEIS. future roadway improvements to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Page 6 and Other Community Concerns Project Milestones of Technical Issues

Noise will be monitored at specific locations to establish Scoping Process 2001 · existing levels. Factors that contribute to elevated noise Begins (Nov 01) levels along highways include: increased traffic volumes (especially trucks), higher speeds, decreased distance Public Open Houses 2002 between the roadway and receiver, and deteriorated (Feb and Mar 02) roadway surfaces. The noise analysis section of the Notice of Intent DEIS will identify outdoor activities and locations that (Apr 02) would benefit from reduced noise levels. For each alternative, future noise levels will be projected and Public Scoping abatement measures considered, where appropriate. Meetings (May 02) Scoping Process Ends Land Use studies examine existing conditions in the (Jul 02) · project study area, including current usage and First SAC Meeting zoning. This section also looks at socioeconomic issues, (Sept 02) such as population; local business and employment; regional population and employment trends and forecasts; and state, regional, local and community Alternatives Analysis 2003 plans. begins (Jan 03) Level 1 Screening It is anticipated that the DEIS for the Kosciuszko Bridge Process Completed Project will be completed and circulated for agency and (Jun 03) public review in Fall 2005. Distribution of the document will First IAAC Meeting be followed by an open comment period that will include (Jun 03) hearings to obtain input from the public. All comments will Public Open Houses be reviewed prior to the selection of a preferred alternative, (Nov and Dec 03) which will be detailed in the Final EIS (FEIS). The EIS process, which began with FHWA's publication of a Notice of Intent, will conclude with its issuance of a Record of Level 2 Screening 2004 Decision announcing the selected alternative. It is expect- Process Completed ed that the Record of Decision will be issued in mid 2006. (Apr 04) Public Open Houses (Oct 04) IAAC Fosters Agency Coordination

n June 16, 2004, NYSDOT held the second meeting of 2005 Publication of DEIS Othe Kosciuszko Bridge Project's Inter-Agency Advisory (Fall 05) Committee (IAAC). Established to facilitate coordination Public Hearings and information sharing, the IAAC includes city, state, (Fall 05) regional and federal-level agencies and relevant utilities. The June meeting was scheduled to provide IAAC members with an update on the Alternatives Analysis/EIS process and 2006 Publication of FEIS to gather input on developments--pending or proposed-- (Early 06) that might impact traffic in the project study area. Agencies Record of Decision and utilities represented at the meeting included the United (Mid 06) States Coast Guard; FHWA; New York City Departments of Transportation, Sanitation, Environmental Protection, Police, Health and City Planning; New York Metropolitan 2009 Construction (Earliest Transportation Council; KeySpan; Con Edison; and the Possible Start Date) Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents' Offices. In addition, the SAC was represented at the meeting by Christine Holowacz, Greenpoint Property Owners, and Anthony Nunziato, Maspeth Chamber of Commerce. While the IAAC is expected to meet on an annual or semi-annual basis, NYSDOT will consult with individual agencies and utilities regularly as the DEIS moves forward. Page 7 Building Bridges Through Community Outreach n three bitterly cold days last December, members of residential property takings in Brooklyn. Two Open Houses Othe project team and SAC set out to survey --one each in Brooklyn and Queens--will be held this Fall to businesses in the Greenpoint and Maspeth industrial areas. update the community on project activities, including the Part of a broader effort to reach out to businesses located start of the DEIS. (See page 1 for details.) in the vicinity of the bridge--which had included site visits and meetings with owners and managers--the survey The SAC sought to gather information about each company's Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the SAC continues to operations in order to minimize impacts during construction play a vital role in moving the project forward. Composed and in the final build condition. The project team also of neighborhood groups, residents, business interests, hoped that the surveys would foster ongoing dialogue elected officials, community board representatives and between the businesses and NYSDOT about the project regional transportation organizations, the SAC was actively and specific local concerns. involved in the Alternatives Analysis process. Committee

In the end, project team members visited 22 businesses and completed 14 surveys. The information contained in these surveys contributed to the development of the criteria used to screen alternatives and, during the DEIS process, will be used to help assess each alternative's impact on the business community.

Ongoing Outreach This type of hands-on, proactive outreach has been the cornerstone of the Kosciuszko Bridge Project from the beginning. Since late 2001, the project team has held 32 meetings with community organizations, elected officials, and businesspeople; 3 neighborhood bus tours; 2 Public Scoping Meetings; 5 Open Houses and 25 site visits to SAC member Vincent Arcuri discusses project alternatives businesses (including the survey effort described above). with community members at a Public Open House. The two most recent Open Houses, held in November and members assisted with the development of the Long List, December 2003, provided members of the public with an the project Goals and Objectives, and Levels 1 and 2 update on the Alternatives Analysis/EIS process and gave screening criteria and carefully evaluated alternatives them a glimpse of the 12 alternatives that remained after during each level of screening. They have participated in Level 1 screening. Both meetings opened with an informal discussions about traffic studies and other DEIS topics and session at which people could view informational displays have served as ambassadors to the community at large, and speak with members of the project team, and ended taking information back to neighbors and constituents and with a lively Question and Answer period. Major issues relaying local concerns to the project team. raised in Queens included traffic flow, the impact of each alternative on residential properties, and the effect of other The Kosciuszko Bridge Project's outreach program will projects on the community and on the Kosciuszko Bridge continue through construction of a new or rehabilitated Project. The single biggest concern among Brooklyn bridge. It will include public meetings, small group attendees was the impact of each alternative on briefings, informational materials, and informal discussions. commercial and residential properties. Project team For further information, or if you would like to schedule a members assured the audience that there would be no briefing, contact Helen Neuhaus (see below).

For further information about the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, please contact: Robert Adams, P.E. Helen Neuhaus New York State Dept. of Transportation Helen Neuhaus & Associates (718) 482-4683 (212) 532-4175 [email protected] [email protected] www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 DOU GLAS A. CURREY, P.E. THOMAS J. MADISON, JR. REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUT Y REGIONAL DIRECTOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the Project Funded? The project is being funded with 80% federal and 20% state dollars.

Why Does the Bridge Need Rehabilitation or Replacement? The Kosciuszko Bridge, opened in 1939 and rehabilitated in the late 1960s, has required frequent roadway and structural repairs since the late 1980s. The concrete deck is worn and the deteriorated steel structure needs repair. Despite three major construction contracts in the last 15 years, the bridge continues to require aggressive maintenance. Furthermore, the narrow lanes, steep grades, lack of shoulders and short merge/weave distances near ramps and interchanges do not meet current highway design standards. These shortcomings, combined with a high traffic volume (170,000 vehicles per day), have resulted in congestion and a greater number of accidents than on comparable highways in New York State.

How Was the List of Alternatives Developed? In March 2003, the project team presented a draft “Long List of Alternatives” to the SAC. Based on input from the general public, information gathered during NYSDOT’s 1995 traffic study, and brainstorming among team members, the Long List included 26 alternatives in five categories: No Build (the baseline against which all other alternatives are evaluated), Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes, New Bridge, and Tunnel.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html From March 2003 through May 2004, the project team and SAC conducted a two-step Alternatives Analysis process to narrow the Long List. The first step, Level 1 screening, evaluated conceptually developed alternatives using broad criteria. Alternatives that did not meet the project’s Goals and Objectives were eliminated from further consideration. At the conclusion of Level 1 screening, 12 alternatives remained: No Build, 6 Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes alternatives, 4 New Bridge alternatives and 1 Tunnel alternative.

During Level 2 screening, these alternatives were further developed and evaluated using more detailed, quantitative criteria. The purpose of Level 2 screening was to select a representative range of options that best reflected the Goals and Objectives. The result was the following “short list” of alternatives, which are currently being studied as part of the Draft EIS (DEIS):

• No Build (or “No Action”). • RA-5: Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Eastbound Side. • RA-6: Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Westbound Side. • BR-2: Bridge Replacement with Permanent Eastbound Bridge and Temporary Westbound Bridge. • BR-3: Bridge Replacement with Permanent Bridges on both Eastbound and Westbound Sides. • BR-5: Bridge Replacement with Permanent Bridge on Eastbound Side.

What Will Be the Impact on Local Communities? NYSDOT will do everything possible to minimize impacts on local communities, during both the construction period and in the permanent configuration of the bridge. For example, six lanes will remain open on the BQE throughout construction, thereby minimizing the diversion of traffic onto local streets. Overhead construction and adjustment of column locations will reduce ground level interference. And, any impacts to public parkland will be mitigated through improvements to existing parks and the development of new open space.

Nevertheless, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, under any alternative but the No Build, will be a major public works project that will involve significant impacts, including the partial acquisition of Sergeant Dougherty Playground and the relocation of businesses in both Brooklyn and Queens. The project will also affect residential properties in the industrial area of Maspeth, Queens.

NYSDOT is continuing to meet with potentially affected businesses and residents, openly answering questions about the alternatives under consideration, anticipated project impacts and relocation procedures.

Will there be any Community Amenities? The development of community amenities is an important part of the planning and design for a new or rehabilitated Kosciuszko Bridge. Toward this end, a SAC subcommittee has been formed to discuss opportunities for enhanced streetscapes; new and renovated parkland; and waterfront access along Newtown Creek. In addition, NYSDOT is consulting with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation on plans to mitigate impacts to Sergeant Dougherty Playground.

Will a Bikeway/Walkway be Added to the Bridge? A bikeway/walkway is being considered for each of the build alternatives. This amenity would be located on the eastbound side of the new bridge under Alternative RA-5 and on the westbound side under Alternatives BR-2, BR-3 and BR-5. However, the construction of a bikeway/walkway is unlikely under Alternative RA-6 because it would impact Calvary Cemetery on the westbound side and require an addition to the existing bridge on the eastbound side. Neither of these is practical.

2 How will DEIS Information be Made Available to the Public? The DEIS will be available to the public at the project repositories, posted on the project website, and be mailed to elected officials and public agencies. It will also be available to individuals upon request. An Executive Summary of the DEIS, along with information about the public hearings, will be mailed to everyone on the project mailing list.

How can the Public Comment on the DEIS? Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the DEIS during a public comment period that will include opportunities to provide testimony at public hearings and written comments before and after the hearings. Public testimony will be a significant factor in selecting the preferred alternative, which will be identified in the Final EIS. FHWA will then prepare a Record of Decision, which will document the conclusions of the EIS process, identify the selected alternative, and discuss proposed funding methods and mitigation commitments.

What is the Project Timeline? ● Start of DEIS: January 2004 ● Publication of DEIS: expected Spring 2006 ● Public Hearings: expected Fall 2006 ● Publication of Final EIS: expected early 2007 ● Record of Decision: expected Spring 2007 ● Earliest possible start of construction: 2010

Who Should I Contact if I have Questions or Comments? Robert Adams, P.E. Project Manager New York State Department of Transportation Hunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 482-4683 - phone (718) 482-6319 - fax [email protected] - e-mail

Is there a Project Mailing List? Yes. To add your name to the project mailing list, contact Helen Neuhaus & Associates at (212) 532-4175 or [email protected].

STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 DOU GLAS A. CURREY, P.E. THOMAS J. MADISON, JR. REGIONAL DIRECTOR COMMISSIONER

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPUT Y REGIONAL DIRECTOR

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the Project Funded? The project is being funded with 80% federal and 20% state dollars.

What are the Project Goals? Working closely with the project’s Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC), NYSDOT established a comprehensive set of Goals and Objectives. These reflect community and NYSDOT priorities for both the Kosciuszko Bridge and its surrounding neighborhoods and have guided decision-making throughout the EIS process. The Goals are listed below.

• For all modes of transportation, improve mobility, safety and access and reduce congestion within the study area.

PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

• Provide an open, inclusive, transparent and responsive EIS process that includes a proactive, comprehensive and ongoing public participation program.

• Protect and/or enhance the environment, including natural resources and open space.

• Protect and/or enhance the integrity of residential neighborhoods.

• Maintain the viability of institutional and business communities.

• Protect and/or enhance cultural, historic and archeological resources.

• Recognize the interrelationships between land use and transportation.

A full list of the Goals and Objectives may be found in the Final Scoping Memorandum or in the October 2003 Project Update. These documents are in the project repositories (see page 4) and on the project website (www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html).

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)? An EIS is a comprehensive document that evaluates the social, environmental, and economic impacts of federally-funded projects, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The core of an EIS is its technical analyses, which examine a full range of areas in order to identify and evaluate issues that are significant; eliminate issues that are not significant; and propose mitigation for significant impacts that are identified.

What Studies are Included in the EIS? The issues being evaluated in the EIS include: • Transportation - Highway/Local Streets - Public Transportation - Pedestrians/Bicyclists • Social - Affected Populations - Neighborhood Character - Community Facilities - Emergency Services - Property Acquisitions • Economic - Regional and Local Economy - Established Business Districts - Business Relocations • Environmental - Air - Noise - Contaminated/Hazardous Materials - Surface Waters/Wetlands - General Ecology and Wildlife - Historic and Cultural Resources - Parks and Recreational Facilities - Visual Resources - Construction Impacts

How Was the List of Alternatives Developed? In March 2003, the project team presented a draft “Long List of Alternatives” to the SAC. Based on input from the general public, information gathered during NYSDOT’s 1995 traffic study, and brainstorming among team members, the Long List included 26 alternatives in five 2 categories: No Build (the baseline against which all other alternatives are evaluated), Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes, New Bridge, and Tunnel.

From March 2003 through May 2004, the project team and SAC conducted a two-step Alternatives Analysis process to narrow the Long List. The first step, Level 1 screening, evaluated conceptually developed alternatives using broad criteria. Alternatives that did not meet the project’s Goals and Objectives were eliminated from further consideration. At the conclusion of Level 1 screening, 12 alternatives remained: No Build, 6 Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes alternatives, 4 New Bridge alternatives and 1 Tunnel alternative.

How has NYSDOT Reached Out to the Public? Since the project’s beginning in late 2001, NYSDOT has conducted a comprehensive public involvement program that has included both interactive and informational components.

Interactive components have included large public forums, community bus tours, small group meetings and presentations, regular meetings of the SAC, and outreach to potentially affected businesses. Informational components include regular updates of the project website and widespread distribution of materials—including two project newsletters and a fact sheet to a mailing list of several hundred individuals and organizations. Additional materials, including an earlier version of these FAQs, were distributed to residents and businesses in the vicinity of the Kosciuszko Bridge. All project materials are available on the project website and at the project repositories:

3 Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn Brooklyn Community Board #1, 435 Graham Avenue Brooklyn Public Libraries - Greenpoint Branch, 107 Norman Avenue (at Leonard Street) - Leonard Branch, 81 Devoe Street (at Leonard Street) Parsons, 100 Broadway, Manhattan NYSDOT, Hunter’s Point Plaza, 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City Queens Borough President’s Office, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens Queens Community Board #2, 43-22 50th Street, Woodside Queens Community Board #5, 61-23 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale Queens Borough Public Libraries – Maspeth Branch, 69-70 Grand Avenue, Maspeth – Sunnyside Branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City

The cornerstone of the outreach program has been the SAC. Established in the fall of 2002, this committee is composed of neighborhood groups, residents, business interests, elected officials, community board representatives and regional transportation organizations. It has played a vital role in all aspects of the EIS process, assisting NYSDOT with the development of Goals and Objectives and Alternatives Analysis, and reviewing DEIS studies. As a key player, the group also provides NYSDOT with important information about community concerns. Meetings are open to the public; for further information, contact Robert Adams, P.E., Project Manager (see page 5).

NYSDOT will continue to keep the public informed through informational materials, small group meetings, and the official DEIS public hearings.

How will DEIS Information be Made Available to the Public? The DEIS will be available to the public at the project repositories, posted on the project website, and be mailed to elected officials and public agencies. It will also be available to individuals upon request. An Executive Summary of the DEIS, along with information about the public hearings, will be mailed to everyone on the project mailing list.

How can the Public Comment on the DEIS? Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the DEIS during a public comment period that will include opportunities to provide testimony at public hearings and written comments before and after the hearings. Public testimony will be a significant factor in selecting the preferred alternative, which will be identified in the Final EIS. FHWA will then 4 prepare a Record of Decision, which will document the conclusions of the EIS process, identify the selected alternative, and discuss proposed funding methods and mitigation commitments.

Is there a Project Mailing List? Yes. To add your name to the project mailing list, contact Helen Neuhaus & Associates at (212) 532-4175 or [email protected].

KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE PROJECT

MAILING LIST

AGENCIES

Vincent V. Abate* Gerry Bogacz Chairperson Assistant Director Brooklyn Community Board #1 New York Metropolitan Transportation Council

Bernard Adams Abaj Braimah Patrol Borough Queens North Bureau of Legal Affairs New York City Police Department New York City Department of Sanitation

Muhammad Afzal* Steve Brown New York City Department of Transportation Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Aizaz Ahmed Richard Bruno New York Metropolitan Transportation Commanding Officer Council New York City Police Department – 94th Precinct Doris Alexander District Manager Michael E. Bryan Brooklyn Community Board #8 Commanding Officer New York City Police Department – Vincent Arcuri* 108th Precinct Chairperson Queens Community Board #5 Marjorie Bryant Traffic Planning Joann Ariola New York City Department of Transportation Mayor's Community Assistance Unit Amanda M. Burden Robert Arnold Director Division Administrator New York City Department of City Planning Federal Highway Administration – New York Division David Burney Commissioner Rick Backlund* New York City Department of Design and Federal Highway Administration Construction

Richard Beers Edward Campbell Area Engineer Deputy Director Federal Highway Administration – Office of Construction Mitigation and New York Division Coordination – Highways New York City Department of Transportation Adrian Benepe Commissioner Joseph Cannisi New York City Department of Parks and Deputy Commissioner Recreation Division of Roadway Repair and Maintenance New York City Department of Transportation Wayne E. Bennett Superintendent of State Police Edward T. Cannon Division of New York State Police Deputy Chief Commanding Officer Traffic Control Division New York City Police Department

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Yon-Oun Cao Natalie Custache New York State Department of Transportation Queens Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning Philip Caponegro* Brooklyn Community Board #1 Walter A. Czwartacky Director of Special Projects James Carbonaro New York City Department of Sanitation Highway Patrol New York City Police Department Vinny DiPolo Superintendent Salvatore J. Cassano New York City Department of Sanitation – Chief of Operations Brooklyn North, District 1 New York City Fire Department Sybil Dodson Shaminder Chawla Community Planning/Development New York State Department of Environmental New York City Department of Design and Conservation Construction

Alice Cheng John J. Doherty Director of Intermodal Planning Commissioner New York City Economic Development New York City Department of Sanitation Corporation Evans Doleyres Charles Chin New York City Department of Design and Queens Borough Engineer Construction New York City Department of Transportation Gregory Donofrio Alex Chmeleski Program Analyst Field Supervisor New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & United States Fish and Wildlife Service Historic Preservation

Nancy Clark David Dunn New York City Department of Health New York City Department of Transportation

Tom Cocola Marilyn Elseroad* Assistant Commissioner Chairperson, Transportation Committee Public Affairs Office Queens Community Board #2 New York City Department of Transportation Kevin Emsworth Joseph Conley* Deputy Borough Chief Chairperson New York City Department of Sanitation – Queens Community Board #2 Brooklyn North

Steven Costas Gerald A. Esposito* Borough Chief District Manager New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn Community Board #1 Queens West Joseph J. Esposito Frank Croce New York City Police Department Highway Patrol New York City Police Department

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Terrell Estesen John F. Gilmartin New York City Department of Environmental Deputy Chief Protection Office of Technology and Systems New York City Police Department Joel P. Ettinger Executive Director Gary Giordano* New York Metropolitan Transportation District Manager Council Queens Community Board #5

Anthony J. Fasulo Frances Gomillion First Deputy Commissioner Traffic Supervisor GO3 New York City Department of Transportation New York City Police Department

Ernie Feemster Peter Gordon United States Coast Guard Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations New York City Department of Environmental Allen Foster Protection Traffic Control Agents New York City Police Department Stanley Gorski Area Coordinator Paul E. Francis Habitat and Protected Resources Division Director of the Budget National Marine Fisheries Service New York State Division of the Budget Matthew Gorton Thomas R. Frieden, M.D. Queens Director Commissioner Mayor's Community Assistance Unit New York City Department of Health C. Peter Goslett Lauren Gallagher Director, Community Affairs Project Manager Queens Borough Commissioner's Office Bureau of Environmental Planning and New York City Department of Transportation Assessment New York City Department of Environmental Larry Gould Protection Director of Operations and Analysis Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New Jim Garin York City Transit Chief, Division of Capital Program Development & Planning Maisie Grace New York City Department of Environmental Regional Council Protection Federal Transit Administration

Gary Geiersbach Doug Greeley, P.E. Director Deputy Commissioner Mayor's Office of Construction Bureau of Wastewater Treatment New York City Department of Environmental Anthony George Protection New York City Department of Sanitation – Queens West Frank Gulluscio District Manager Queens Community Board #6

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Bernard Haber, P.E. Sadguna Jhaveri Chairman New York City Department of Design and Queens County Traffic Safety Board Construction

Dalila Hall Celeste Johnson Brooklyn Borough Commissioner's Office Director New York City Department of Transportation Metropolitan Regional Office New York State Department of Health Chris Hardej New York Metropolitan Transportation George Joseph Council New York City Department of Design and Construction Michael Harnett Chief Borough Engineer Jennifer Kao Queens Division New York City Department of Parks and New York City Department of Transportation Recreation

Kei Hayashi Gary Kassof Deputy Executive Director Bridge Program Administrator New York City Industrial Development United States Coast Guard Agency First Coast Guard District

Abul Hossain Seth Kaye Director Senior Vice President Bureau of Engineering Review and Support New York City Economic Development New York City Department of Transportation Corporation

Betsy Imershein Richard Kearns Director Deputy Regional Director Maspeth Industrial Business Zone New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Historic Preservation Manufacturing Businesses Raymond W. Kelly Yakov Isakov Commissioner Division of Bridges New York City Police Department New York City Department of Transportation George Kern Jay Jaber Director Capital Planning Bridge and Tunnel Operations New York City Department of Transportation New York City Department of Transportation

Richard Jacobs Robert R. Kulikowski, PhD. Brooklyn Borough Office Director New York City Department of City Planning New York City Office of Environmental Coordination Ted Jankowski Commanding Officer Susan L. Kupferman Fire Engine Company 216 President New York City Fire Department Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Jim Larsen Maura McCarthy Manager Queens Borough Commissioner Air Cargo Programs New York City Department of Transportation Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Kyle McGraw Julie Lawrence Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Chairperson – Waterfront Committee Long Island Rail Road Brooklyn Community Board #1 B. C. McKenna Naomi Leisman Highway Patrol #2 Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Police Department Bridges and Tunnels Chris McKnight Adam Levine Commanding Officer Public Information Officer Engine 238, Ladder 106 New York State Departmen of Transportaton – New York City Fire Department Region 11 Edna Mesnick Dorothy Lewandowski Office of Community Affairs Queens Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation New York City Department of Parks and Recreation President Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Angela Licata Long Island Rail Road Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Environmental Planning and President Assessment Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Department of Environmental New York City Transit Protection Robert A. Millus Detective John Lisa Vice President, Compliance Department New York City Police Department – New York City Economic Development 94th Precinct Corporation

Emily Lloyd Thomas Milora Commissioner Chief of Staff New York City Department of Environmental New York City Department of Sanitation Protection Joseph Mondillo Ellen Macnow Design Quality Assurance Bureau Interagency Planning Coordinator New York State Department of Transportation New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Dorothy Morehead Chairperson Debra Markell* Environmental Committee District Manager Queens Community Board #2 Queens Community Board #2 Art Mullen Robert Matthews Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Chairperson Long Island Rail Road Brooklyn Community Board #8

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Regina Myer Sola Olajide Director Brooklyn Borough Engineer Brooklyn Borough Office New York City Department of Transportation New York City Department of City Planning Jill A. Olin Frank Nammour Fish and Wildlife Biologist New York City Department of Design and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Construction Louis Oliva Mousa Nazif* Acting Regional Director New York City Department of Transportation New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Donald Nesbitt Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Joseph Palmieri New York City Transit Brooklyn Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Bina Parikh Department of Buses Commissioner Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York State Department of Environmental New York City Transit Conservation Frank Pasquale Larry Nikunen Director of Public Affairs Commanding Officer Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Police Department – Bridges and Tunnels 90th Precinct Henry D. Perahia Joe Noto Deputy Commissioner/Chief Bridge Officer Director New York City Department of Transportation Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination Karen Perritt New York City Department of Transportation Resource Center Federal Highway Administration Bob Nyman Regional Coordinator John J. Peruggia Harbor Estuary Program Chief in Charge United States Environmental Protection Emergency Medical Service Command Agency New York City Fire Department

TSII Elease Oakley Eric Peterson Queens Tow Pound Park and Recreation Manager New York City Police Department New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Patrick O'Brien Chairperson Joseph F. Picciano, P.E. City Services Committee Deputy Regional Director Queens Community Board #2 Federal Emergency Management Agency Region II

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Paul Poon Brian O. Rowback, P.E. Division of Bridges Chairman New York City Department of Transportation TRANSCOM

Philip Powerstein Cruz C. Russell New York City Department of Design and Director Construction Office of Policy & Planning Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Michael Primeggia Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Operations Rocco Sabatella New York City Department of Transportation New York City Department of Sanitation – Cleaning and Collection Daphne Prodis Community Outreach and Notification Nick Saggese New York City Department of Design and Borough Commissioner Construction New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn North Jeannette Rausch Vice President Gina Santucci New York City Economic Development Director of Environmental Review Corporation New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Giovanna Reid District Manager Patrick Sbano Queens Community Board #3 Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels Bert Roberts Health Services Manager John Schell* New York City Health Department Vice Chairman Transportation Services Committee James J. Roberts Queens Community Board #5 Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations Jack Schmidt New York City Department of Environmental Director Protection Transportation Division New York City Department of City Planning Rosemary Rosa Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Nicholas Scoppetta New York City Transit Commissioner New York City Fire Department Tony Rosa New York City Department of Parks and Joe Scotti Recreation Highway Patrol New York City Police Department N. Rossini Superintendent Millard L. Seay New York City Department of Sanitation – Senior Vice President, Department of Buses Brooklyn North, District 3 Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Joseph J. Seebode Alan J. Steinberg Supervisor, Environmental Engineer Regional Administrator Harbor Program Division United States Environmental Protection United States Army Corps of Engineers Agency – Region 2

Erik Seims William Stenger Transportation Division Highway Patrol New York City Department of City Planning New York City Police Department

Roz Silver David A. Stilwell Brooklyn Borough Office Field Supervisor New York City Department of City Planning Fish and Wildlife Service United States Department of the Interior Juddie Simms Engineering Department Karl Stricker New York City Comptroller's Office General Superintendent Special Operations Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Marla Simpson New York City Transit Director Mayor's Office of Contract Services Moshe Strum* Office of Construction Mitigation and Jennifer Sinclair Coordination Chief Transportation Officer New York City Department of Transportation Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Letitia Thompson Regional Administrator George C. Sinnott Federal Transit Administration Executive Director New York State Bridge Authority Robert B. Tierney Chair Jackie Snyder New York City Landmarks Preservation Executive Director Commission New York City Art Commission Richard Tomer Julius Spiegel Chief, Regulatory Branch Brooklyn Borough Commissioner United States Army Corps of Engineers – New York City Department of Parks and New York District Recreation Carl Tramontana George Stafford Emergency Medical Service Command Director New York City Fire Department Division of Coastal Resources New York State Department of State George Tsoukaris Highway Patrol #2 Charles Stagnitta New York City Police Department Associate Director New York City Economic Development Nick Varone Corporation Project Manager Communications/Planned Operations New York City Fire Department

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate AGENCIES

Lou Venech Office of Policy and Planning Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

Robert Weinman Public Transportation and Safety Liaison New York City Fire Department

Bill Wheeler Planning Director Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Joshua Winter New York City Department of Transportation

Gerry Wren City Planning Desk – Brooklyn New York City Fire Department

Tony Wu New York State Department of Transportation

Peter Xelas Queens Division New York City Department of Transportation

John Young Director Queens Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Queens Chamber of Commerce Darryl Hollon, Director of Membership Bill Egan

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Queens County Overall Economic Development Karen Young Corporation Seth Boynstein Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation Joan G. Bartolomeo, President Queens County Overall Economic Development Corporation East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Spencer Ferdinand, Executive Director Development Corporation Jose Leon, Director Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce Lily Gavin East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation Anthony Parra*

East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation Emmett Pickett Empire Zone Coordinator

Fresh Pond Road Chamber of Commerce Michael Addeo

Grand Street Business Improvement Distric Max Javier, Executive Director

Industrial Technology Assistance Corporation Stefanie Feldman Director of Sustainable Business Development

Local 86 – Bridge Painters Lance Myck

Long Island City Business Development Corporation Gayle Baron,* Executive Director

Long Island City Business Development Corporation Calvin Johnson*

Maspeth Chamber of Commerce Anthony Nunziato*

Maspeth Chamber of Commerce MaryAnna Zero*

New York Industrial Retention Network Adam Friedman

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESSES

546 Morgan Corporation Apexx Omni Graphics, Inc. Michael Lydon Edwards Peters, President

546 Morgan Corporation ASCO Steel Engineering Company Patrick Lydon Astoria Carting, Inc. Acme Architectural Products Pat Nehme Hilda DeJesus Atlas Down Company, LLC Acme Architectural Products Mark Gothelf Auric Ventures, Ltd. Beth L. Goldberg, President Acme Architectural Products Mildred Olsen AWISCO New York Corp./The Welding Depot Lloyd Robinson, President Acme Architectural Products Steve Martin* Bellcap, LLC

Acme Architectural Products Ben-Jo Trucking, Inc. Jack Teich Kenneth Yashian, President

Acme Architectural Products Best Flowers Marc Teich* Blue Leopard Trading A. Haupt, Inc. Mark Tarnofsky, President/CEO BQE International Trading

AiRactor, Inc. Brooklyn Processing Paul S. Pizem, President Builders Assistance Corporation A. J. McNulty & Company, Inc. Mr. Jacob Lawrence Weiss, President C & B Marble Corporation Akiyama, Inc. Jhonny Cardona, Manager K. Akiyama Calvary Cemetery Alfa Piping Corporation Ken Czak Sidney Holland, President Calvary Cemetery American Compressed Gases, Inc. Joseph Giulietti, Superintendent Michael Agusta Castle Sanitation Corporation American Compressed Gases, Inc. Anna and Carlo Casalino Joe Puzzo, General Manager Choice Circulation American Compressed Gases, Inc. Keith A. Randall City Lights

Andrea Realty, LLC City Recycling Luiccana Casagrande Robert & Vivian Andruk

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESSES

City Rooster I El Gran Pan de Quesa Carlos Arturo Aldana, President Citywide Demolition & Rubbish Michael Iacono Elite Promotion System

Citywide Demolition & Rubbish Emil Realty, Inc. Sandra Savocchi Michael & Joe Vecchio

Community Consulting Services Exxon Mobil Brian Ketcham Steve Trifiletti

Conch USA, Inc. Fatima Brothers, Inc. Jing Li, Manager F. H. Von Damm, Inc. Con Edison Carol Conslato Brian M. Flynn Manager, Queens Public Affairs FMC Company Con Edison Fred Carillo, President Carl Lee Paul Gajeski Coyne Family Service Station Patrick Coyne, Jr. Good Flowers

Crane's, Inc. Gotcha Auto Salvage Manny Zacoone Green Lake Produce & Seafood Corporation Davis & Warshow, Inc. Henry Uy Frank Finkel, President Haley Trucking Corporation Demfon International Trading Bob Haley Farah Norr, President HDR/Daniel Frankfurt, P.C. Display Systems, Inc. Joe McGough Ben Weshler, President IESI New York Corporation DMC Realty Company Don Kerik, Site Manager

DMJM Harris Independence Carting, Inc. Charles Manning JP Realty, Inc. Dry Ice Corporation Adam Conrad, General Manager J. Pinz Metals Company Mike Pinz E. & J. Caputo, LLC Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. E. & J. Caputo, LLC John Belo Al Caputo Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. Eldorado Coffee, Ltd. Richard Kaplon Segundo Martin, President

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESSES

Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. Yu Reng Lin Richard Lichaw, Vice President, Marketing Lion Pavilion, Ltd. Karp Associates, Inc. Yang Jian Adam D. Gold Vice President & General Counsel Lu Transport Perry Szozda Karp Associates, Inc. Gerry Gorman, President and CEO Maharaja Foods Alex Chacko Karp Associates, Inc. George Kosser, Vice President of Operations Ronald & Carmen Mariani

K-D Frame & Door Corporation Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Martin Sklar, President Ken Bravmann

KeySpan Corporation Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Eric Aprigliano, Gas Engineering Department Mark Buller

KeySpan Corporation Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Eileen Cifone, Government Relations Office Frank Missano, Operations Manager

KeySpan Corporation Marlin Beverage Tom Dejesu Roland Korn Director, Government Relations Marly Building Supply KeySpan Corporation Kim Kun Ma, President April Dubison Maspeth Recycling, Inc. KeySpan Corporation Joseph Cipilone Michael McGovern McDonald’s KeySpan Corporation Paul Goodman, Owner Michael McGrath Midwood Management Corporation KeySpan Corporation Kevin G. Cornell, Executive Vice President Frank Murphy, Legal Department Midwood Management Corporation KeySpan Corporation Paul D. Mandel, Director of Construction Ronald Thompson Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. KeySpan Corporation Jane S. Gitlin, Vice President, Marketing Al Wiltshire Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. Laurel Hill Properties Stephanie Gitlin

Lee's Stone Supply, Inc. Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. Vinson Lei, Owner William Soghor

Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, P.C. Miller Method, LLC Dolores Buckenberger Richard Kaplon

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESSES

Mortimer Korchin 1998 Family Trust Route Messenger Services Robert Kurtzer, President M. Parisi & Son Construction, Inc. Joseph Parisi, President Roux Associates, Inc. Andrew Baris Musco Foods Corporation Philip P. Musco, President Roux Associates, Inc. Justin Kennedy National Land Building Corporation Roux Associates, Inc. New Style Recycling Corporation Christopher J. Proce, Project Hydrogeologist Michael Cristina, President Sagres Partners, LLC New York Acquisition Philip Galasso*

New York Custom Woodworking, Inc. Sagres Partners, LLC Dan Torchio* Oriental Trading, Inc. Samuel Schwartz PLLC Paint Applicator Corporation of America Samuel Schwartz, P.E., President

Peerless Importers Sharon Flowers Jessica Arlia Sass Sheena Phelps Dodge Refining Corporation Soren Suver Siegel Brothers Supply Jay Siegel Phillips Nizer, LLP Kenneth K. Fisher Signs & Decal Corporation Ali Khalfan Planet Development Corporation Signs & Decal Corporation Planet Realty Babu Khalfan Niall Reilly Sincerity Noodles Premier Poultry, Inc. Mr. Lee Jaleel Mohamed, Manager Sino Trading NY, Inc. R & S Holding Corporation Starcross Roofing and Sheet Metal Redwood Contracting Bill Douglas, Owner Mary Iovino Stone Depot Importers and Distributors Richter & Ratner Contracting Corporation David Su, President Charles & Louis Ratner Strategic Urban Solutions Judith Robinson Martha Holstein

Rosenthal Wine Merchant (NY), LTD Strocchia Iron Works Ralph Strocchia, Jr.

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate BUSINESSES

Techno Acoustics, Inc. Dennis Anderson, Manager

Techno Acoustics, Inc. William Fox

Techno Acoustics, Inc. Mike O'Sullivan

Tempo Imports, Ltd.

Triangle Equities Brett Goldman, Director of Acquisitions

TW Smith Corporation Janusz Patalita

Upgrade Contracting Company, Inc. Joe McCallion

Verizon Jim Dickens Network Planning Interoffice Trunk Engineer

V. J. Marrian Trucking Corporation Jack Galetta & Dennis Vicquery

Waste Management Tara J. Hemmer, Market Area Engineer

Waste Management John Sullivan

WB Trading

The Weeks-Lerman Group, LLC Marsha Estrella

Win Sing Trading Andy Cheung

World Casing Corporation Steve Feinstein, President

Mei Reng Wu

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

40 Block Association East Woodside Neighborhood Coalition Lula Braner M. S. Stella

51st Avenue Block Association Farmers Oval Civic Association Gilda Incantalupo Graham Avenue Block Association American Center Vincent Lomonte V. Gazarlen Grand Old Party Republican Club Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de NY Juventina Duran Greenpoint Avenue/West Street Block Artistic Director Association Barbara Vetell Brooklyn Slovak American Citizen's Club, Inc. Tom Suchs Greenpoint Property Owners Director Christine Holowacz*

Catholic War Veterans Post 870 Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks Jerry Olt and Planning Michael* & Laura* Hofmann Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Joan M. Delar Humboldt Street Block Association Patricia Ferris Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Rosemary Felle* Independent Friends of McCarren Park, Inc. President Arthur Steier

Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Juniper Park Civic Association Mike Fordunski Lillian & Michael Cyran

Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Juniper Park Civic Association Ernest Swain* Robert Holden President Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Lucille Winsko Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside Joanne Billharz Concerned Citizens of Greenpoint Irene Klementowicz* Long Island City/Sunnyside Civic Association Gertrude McDonald Concerned Citizens of Withers Street Theresa & Guido Cianciotta Maspeth Plateau Civic Association Ann Griffin Concerned Citizens of Withers Street A. Piecoro Maspeth Town Hall, Inc. Eileen Reilly Concerned Citizens of Withers Street Executive Director Louise Spoto Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block Concerned Citizens of Withers Street Association The Torre Family Madeline* & Bruce Donach

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block People's Civic Association of Maspeth Association Ed McGowan Mary Gottlieb* Phipps Gardens Tenant Association Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block Mayo Boardman Association Noemi* and Steven* Tiniski Polish & Slavic Center Beata Duchnowska Metropolitan Houses Marie Leanza Polish & Slavic Center Zygmunt Perkowski Morgan Avenue Block Association Maryann Arlia Polish National Alliance of Brooklyn Christine McMullan Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee Christine Hinkelday Polish National Home Antoni Chroscielewski Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee Dorothy Swick* Polonians Organized to Minister to Our Community, Inc. Noble Street Block Association Eva Kornacka Rita Layden Executive Director

Noble Street Block Association Precinct Community Council Barbara Mihelic* New York City Police Department – 108th Precinct North Brooklyn Greens Diane R. Ballek George A. Sempepos President

Oak Street Block Association RMNH Block Association Edmund Michaleski Mildred Leogrande

OUTRAGE (Williamsburg/Greenpoint RNHY Block Association Organizations United for Trash Reduction and Walter Steffen Garbage Equity) Alison Cordero* Roosevelt Court Tenants Association Lew Story OUTRAGE Jim Fibute Save Our Street Sal Cantelmi OUTRAGE Ray Kairys Save Our Street Joe Slattery OUTRAGE Joe Reemmer* Seigel Court Block Association Walter Buchelli OUTRAGE Rebecca White Seigel Court Block Association Lucy Plaza Park Moms Kelly Shields

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Sons of Union Veterans United Forties Civic Association Donald Steinmaker Catherine McNamara

Staten Island Future United Forties Civic Association Richard Gualtieri Dorothy Neary

St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation United Forties Civic Association Corporation Joseph Ruzalski* Michael F. Rochford Executive Director United Republicans of Western Queens J. & A. Surad St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2348 Zully Rolan Joseph Stewart Commander St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation West Maspeth Civic Association Carol Samol Ray Beiersdorfer Deputy Director, Planning & Development President

Sunnyside Drum Corps West Queens Independent Democratic Club T. Lana

Tenants of Perc Plaza Association B. Murphy

United Forties Civic Association Gus Amato*

United Forties Civic Association Vanessa Branco

United Forties Civic Association F. J. Conway

United Forties Civic Association Margaret Flanagan

United Forties Civic Association Agnes Hentschel

United Forties Civic Association Walter Iwachiw

United Forties Civic Association Cathy Keeshan

United Forties Civic Association William Lewis

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate ELECTED OFFICIALS

Naftali Ausch* Welland M. Fuller, P.E.* Office of New York State Senator Martin Office of New York State Assemblywoman Connor Margaret Markey

Diane Ballek* The Honorable Dennis Gallagher Office of New York State Assemblywoman New York City Council Catherine Nolan The Honorable Eric Gioia* The Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg New York City Council Mayor of the City of New York Alvin Goodman* Jay Bond* Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Office of New York City Councilwoman Markowitz Melinda Katz Robert Gottheim Thomas Campagna* Office of United States Congressman Jerrold Office of Queens Borough President Helen Nadler Marshall Alison Hirsh* Reginald Caphart Office of New York State Assemblyman Vito J. Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Lopez Markowitz Rosemarie Iacovone* Theresa Cianciotta* Office of New York State Senator Serphin R. Office of New York State Assemblyman Joseph Maltese Lentol Matt Ides* The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton Office of New York City Councilman David United States Senate Yassky

The Honorable Martin Connor* The Honorable Melinda Katz* New York State Senate New York City Council

The Honorable Joseph Crowley The Honorable Joseph Lentol* United States Congress New York State Assembly

Evelyn Cruz* The Honorable John Liu Office of United States Congresswoman Nydia New York City Council Velazquez The Honorable Vito J. Lopez* Dennis Deahn New York State Assembly Office of United States Congressman Joseph Crowley Peter Lutz* Office of Queens Borough President Helen Zoe Epstein* Marshall Office of New York City Councilman Eric Gioia The Honorable Martin Malave Dilan* New York State Senate Luis Espinoza Office of New York City Councilwoman Diana The Honorable Carolyn Maloney Reyna United States Congress

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate ELECTED OFFICIALS

The Honorable Serphin R. Maltese* Roel VanDerkoor New York State Senate Office of New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan The Honorable Margaret Markey* New York State Assembly The Honorable Nydia Velazquez* United States Congress The Honorable Marty Markowitz* Brooklyn Borough President The Honorable Anthony Weiner United States Congress The Honorable Helen Marshall* Queens Borough President The Honorable David Yassky* New York City Council The Honorable Catherine Nolan* New York State Assembly San Vargas Office of New York State Assemblywoman The Honorable George Onorato* Catherine Nolan New York State Senate Anna Zak* Kim Petersen Office of New York State Senator Martin Office of New York City Councilman Dennis Malave Dilan Gallagher

Geri Reilly Office of New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan

The Honorable Diana Reyna* New York City Council

Michael Rossmy* Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz

The Honorable Charles Schumer United States Senate

Mark Scott* Office of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall

The Honorable Helen Sears New York City Council

The Honorable Anthony Seminerio New York State Assembly

Leora Skolnik* Office of New York City Councilwoman Melinda Katz

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate HEALTH & HOSPITALS

Brookdale Hospital Medical Center David P. Rosen President & CEO

Elmhurst Hospital Dario Antracelli

Manhattan Avenue Health Center Dr. John Szlyiga

Woodhull Hospital Dr. Edward Fishkind

Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center Steven Bohlen Public Affairs Director

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate HEALTH & HOSPITALS

Brookdale Hospital Medical Center David P. Rosen President & CEO

Elmhurst Hospital Dario Antracelli

Manhattan Avenue Health Center Dr. John Szlyiga

Woodhull Hospital Dr. Edward Fishkind

Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center Steven Bohlen Public Affairs Director

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate HISTORIC PRESERVATION GROUPS

Greater Astoria Historical Society Bob Singleton President

Greater Ridgewood Historical Society

The Greenpoint Monitor Museum Committee Janice Lauletta Founder and Director

Greenpoint Renaissance Society Thomas Betterley

The Kosciuszko Foundation Thomas J. Pniewski Director of Cultural Affairs

McGolrick Park Historic Preservation Partners R. J. Leddick

Sunnyside Foundation for Community Planning and Preservation Dorothy Morehead Director

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate INDIVIDUALS

Ahmad Ahed Jeffrey & Julie Ann Carter

William F. Alex Manuel Caruana

Joan A. Armstrong Michael Cava

Dorothy Augustine Patrick Cavlin

Anna Bajadek Wladyslaw Chaber

Leonel Batista Virginia Charles

Catherine Bauer Michele Chesnicka

John J. Behnken Akhtar Choudri

Helen & Thomas Bentrewicz Tes Choudri

Karen Berenger W. Cleary

Luis Bermudez George Cogliano

Jairo Bernal Dorothy & John Colasanti

Mr. & Mrs. John A. Blakitis The Coleman Family

J. Blickhahn Joe Conley

Paul Boscoe Beau Conlon

Marcy Boyle Kevin Coyne

Fran & Tina Brancato Andrew Cunningham

Dennis Branco Aurora Cunningham

Tony Branco M. Dadiego

Arthur Brigis Betty Dantzler

Laleta Bruneo Julie De Luca

Jennie Bulger Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deignan

Lisa Byros Lourdes Delgado

Mr. & Mrs. Cajas Fred & Joan DeLuca

Maria Calle Elizabeth Demm

Rolf Carle Mary DeStefano

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate INDIVIDUALS

Jackie Devlin R. J. Gaba

Noreen Devrni Ruth Gates

John Di Esso Gerard M. Gaynor

George Diacumakos Lori George

Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Diaz T. G. Gibbon

Bill Dobranski Elizabeth Gifford

Colleen Dockery Bruno Gilewski

E. Dusa James Glynn

Arthur J. Englebertor M. Grullon

Bernard Ente Andrzej Gruszka

A. Esposito Gloria Gumero

Alfred Esposito Maria Guzman

R. Esposito Marie Hampl

Rosa Estevez Agnes Hentichel

John Falco Barbara Hertel

John P. Farkas Barbara Howe Bulger

Omar Fermin Duncan Imrie

Marie Ferzola Andrzej Januszewski

A. Filosa Al Jordan

Thomas & Eileen Flynn Martin Kaiser

Margaret Formato Edward Kampermann

Lu Ann Fortunato Eamon Kiernan

Rose Fortunato Stanislaw Kolinowski

John Foti Tadeusz Kurdziel

Carl Fox Patrick and Nora Laffey

Eleanor & Edward Fox Annette LaMatto*

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate INDIVIDUALS

Mary B. Leahy John Murphy

Tadeusz Lesniewski Sylvia Nappi

Marie Lew Antoinette Natale

JoAnn & Anne Lilly C. Nawaz

M. Livrerio Lou Nazzaro

Anthony Lombardo Jeanette Nilsson

Vincent Lomonte Anthony Nunziato, Jr.

John Lydon Wanda O'Leary

The Lydon Family Joe Oleszczuk

Jo-Ann Mahoney Bob Olmsted

John A. Maier Patricia Ottati

Carmel & Chris Maloney Michael Padden

Carmela Mannetta Thomas Paino

Audrey March Danny & Kath Paolucci

The Matechak Family Olga & Jack Pappas

Marilyn McCauley L. Pasach

Mary McGovern Donald Passantino

Mike McSweeney Lou Pastina

Blanca & Abraham Medino William & Cheryl Paz

V. Mendoza Jane Pedota

The Mills Family Carissa Pelleteri

Dorothy & Valerie Minieri George L. Perez

Christal Molina Frances & Alice Perrotto

John E. Morrow Diana Pesantez

Teri Muroff Donna Petrowski

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate INDIVIDUALS

Alfonso Pettenato Rosemary Smith

Dorothy Pienkos Martin Soraire

Andrew J. Poma Kevin Strasheim

Martin Price Tony Su

Mr. & Mrs. T. Pugliese Brian Sullivan

C. & N. Rescigna Peter Susol

Leonides Reyes Henry Swita

The Riordan Family Pauline Szturma

Carmen & Angel Rios Walter G. Szulecki

Fabio Rodriguez Morgana Toglia

Jose Rodriguez Suzanne Tomatore

Gerald Rosner Andrea & Anne Torre

J. & M. Ryan Daniel Trembinski

Ignatius Rzeznik Mary Jane Trevizan

AnnMarie & Michael Sacharsky E. Tusa

Philomena Salvato John & Joan Tusa

Mike & Linda Santora Hanna & Lukasz Tyka

Alma Savoia Dorothy Ustaski

Donald W. Schroeder Stanley Vendittelli

Gabrielle Shelton Vincent & Anthony Vespole

Paul Sheridan Gladys Villafane

George Siebor Al Volpe

Jay Siegel Irene Wahlberg

Zina V. Sisto John & Maureen Wallace

Paul Slapikas Rosalie Washaek

Maria & Steve Smith Mrs. Michael Weaver

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate INDIVIDUALS

Peter Webner

Ed Wexell

Tim White

Alice Wilkowski

Denise Woodin

Elizabeth F. & Daniel Woodruff

Michael Yazinsky

Mary York

Chris Zapantis

Bernice Zarubski

Jeffrey M. Zupan

Eugene Zych

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate LIBRARIES

Brooklyn Public Library – Greenpoint Branch Mel Gooch Branch Librarian

Brooklyn Public Library – Leonard Branch Morris Denmark Branch Librarian

Queens Borough Public Library – Maspeth Branch Usha Pinto, Community Library Manager

Queens Borough Public Library – Sunnyside Branch Anne Bagnall, Community Library Manager

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate MEDIA

America Oggi New York Post Andrea Mantineo, Editor-in-Chief Jesse Angelo, Editor

Brooklyn Paper Publications New York Times Gersh Kuntzman, Editor John Landman, Metro Editor

Brooklyn Star NY1 News Phil Guie Arthur Chin

Bushwick Observer NY1 News Ken Kern, Editor Yogi Colon

Greenline: The North Brooklyn Community Polish Daily News News Edwa Kern, City Editor Genia Gould, Editor Queens Chronicle Greenline: The North Brooklyn Community Robert Brodsky News Zak Vreeland Queens Chronicle Colin Gustasson, Editor Greenpoint Gazette Virginia Bednarek, Editor-in-Chief Queens Courier Ayala Ben-Yehuda Greenpoint Star Hector Flores Queens Courier Pete Davis Greenpoint Star Shane Miller, Managing Editor Queens Courier Liz Zazo Greenpoint Star Marlene Peralta Queens Ledger Nik Kovac Greenpoint-Williamburg Gazette Maria Bednarek, Editor-in-Chief Queens Ledger Walter Sanchez, Editor Hoy Pablo Scarpilli, News Editor/Editor-in-Chief Queens Public Television Francine Tobias, Public Outreach Manager Newsday – Queens Edition Carl McGowan, Researcher Queens Times Jim Lisa, Publisher New York Daily News Don Bertrand Super Express Newspaper Malgorrzata Juszczak New York Daily News Martin Dunn, Editor-in-Chief Times Ledger Dustin Brown, Reporter New York Daily News – Queens Edition Maxine Simpson Times Ledger Alex Ginsberg

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate MEDIA

Times Newsweekly Michael Efthimiodes

Times Newsweekly Bill Mitchell, Managing Editor

Times Newsweekly Robert Pozarycki

Times Newsweekly Maureen Walthers, Editor and Publisher

Village Voice David Blum, Editor-in-Chief

Western Queens Gazette Tony Barzamian, Publisher

Western Queens Gazette Thomas Cogan

Western Queens Gazette Jeremy Miller

Western Queens Gazette Linda Wilson, Editor

Western Queens Tribune Brian Rafferty, Managing Editor

Western Queens Tribune Andy Wolf

Williamsburg News Raymond Peguero

WNBC Justin Laub

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate PROJECT TEAM

Robert Adams, P.E.* Peter King New York State Department of Transportation New York State Department of Transportation – – Region 11 Region 11

Tom Breslin, P.E.* Dave Kurcharsky Federal Highway Administration – Parsons New York Division Robert Laravie Luis Calderon, P.E. New York State Department of Transportation – Structures Supervisor Region 11 New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Anthony Lee Parsons Douglas A. Currey, P.E. Regional Director Joseph Mendez New York State Department of Transportation Parsons – Region 11 Angela Miraglia Phillip Eng, P.E. Supervisor of Acquistions New York State Department of Transportation New York State Department of Transpsortation – Region 11 – Region 11

Elizabeth Federico Bruce Neiger, P.E. Parsons Parsons

Harold Fink, P.E. Helen Neuhaus New York State Department of Transportation Helen Neuhaus & Associates – Region 11 Brian O'Donnell, P.E. Anthony Greene Vollmer Associates Acting Regional Right-of-Way Supervisor New York State Department of Transportation Charles O'Shea – Region 11 New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Richard Hart Environmental Planning & Management, Inc. Leslie Peoples Vollmer Associates Sara Hearn Parsons Dan Prevost Parsons Matthew Herschfeld Environmental Planning & Management, Inc. Helder Rendon Vollmer Associates Tom Higgins Vollmer Associates Lauren Shurtleff Helen Neuhaus & Associates Nelson Ines Parsons Joyce Sowinski New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate PROJECT TEAM

Robert Spinak Vollmer Associates

Norik Tatevossian, P.E. New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11

Robert Vassall New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11

Anita Wright Helen Neuhaus & Associates

Carol Wynperle, P.E. Vollmer Associates

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Automobile Association Mark Kulewicz Transportation Engineer

American Automobile Association Christopher McBride* Assistant Community Traffic Specialist

Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance Carter Craft Director

Regional Plan Association Robert D. Yaro President

Riverkeeper Basil Seggos Chief Investigator

Transportation Alternatives Noah Budnick Projects Director

Tri-State Transportation Campaign Jon Orcutt Executive Director

Tri-State Transportation Campaign Teresa Toro* New York City Coordinator

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Church of the Ascension

Congregation Ahavath Israel of Greenpoint Synagogue Adam Perlmutter

St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church Monsignor Patrick O'Toole

St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church Rosalie Washack

St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church Pastor Roman Gorwski

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate SCHOOLS

The City College of New York University Transportation Research Center Ellen Thorson, Senior Research Fellow

LaGuardia Community College Karen McKeon Coordinator of College and Community Events

Martin Luther High School Gary Fredericksen

Pratt Institute Center for Community and Environmental Development Marnie McGregor

P.S. 78 Robert F. Wagner, Jr. School

P.S. 111 Jacob Blackwell School

St. Cecilia's School Sister Miriam Daniel

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate Kosciuszko Bridge Project Synopsis of Community Outreach Program & Project Milestones

JANUARY 2007

Open Houses (9) (4 sets)

Purpose: to introduce the project to the public. Queens Open House (Long Island City) February 21, 2002 Brooklyn Open House February 27, 2002 Queens Open House (Woodside) March 21, 2002

Purpose: to provide an update on the project through Level 1 screening. Queens Open House November 20, 2003 Brooklyn Open House December 2, 2003

Purpose: to provide an update on the project through Level 2 screening. Queens Open House October 19, 2004 Brooklyn Open House October 27, 2004

Purpose: to provide an update on the project, including review of alternatives and status of Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies. Brooklyn Open House November 30, 2005 Queens Open House December 5, 2005

Scoping Meetings (2) Purpose: earliest opportunity for the public to be involved in preparation of the Draft EIS. Scoping meetings included presentations on the project and its goals, and allowed the public to comment on the project’s goals and objectives; help determine the scope of issues to be considered in the Draft EIS; and review and recommend alternatives.

Queens Scoping Meeting May 14, 2002 Brooklyn Scoping Meeting May 21, 2002

Small Group Community Meetings (40)

Queens Community Board #2 (w/ District Manager) November 13, 2001 Queens Community Board #5 (w/ District Manager) November 15, 2001 Brooklyn Community Board #1 (w/ 2 Board Members and November 19, 2001 local resident) Newtown Creek Community Liaison Office December 5, 2001 Public Officials Presentation (representatives of city, state and January 14, 2002 federal-level agencies; Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan; Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez; Queens & Brooklyn Borough Presidents’ Offices; United Forties Civic Association) Maspeth Chamber of Commerce January 16, 2002 West Maspeth Local Development Corporation January 24, 2002 Brooklyn Community Board #1 (w/ District Manager) February 7, 2002 Brooklyn Community Board #1 District Service Cabinet February 21, 2002 Queens Community Board #2/United Forties Civic Association March 19, 2002 Queens Community Board #5 Transportation Committee March 26, 2002 Assemblyman Joseph Lentol/Brooklyn Community Board #1 March 28, 2002 Queens Community Board #2 Transportation Committee April 9, 2002 Queens Borough Cabinet April 16, 2002 Brooklyn Community Board #1 (w/ District Manager) April 18, 2002 Assemblywoman Margaret Markey April 18, 2002 Councilman David Yassky April 26, 2002 Residents of Cooper Park Houses May 15, 2002 Central Williamsburg Coalition May 23, 2002 OUTRAGE June 12, 2002 Brooklyn Borough Board October 1, 2002 Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks and Planning October 2, 2002 (GWAPP) Annual Meeting Newtown Creek Alliance June 26, 2003, July 7, 2003, September 3, 2003, and July 25, 2006 Councilwoman Diana Reyna February 17, 2004 Annette LaMatto February 18, 2004 Queens Community Board #2 Transportation Committee April 13, 2004 Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan, Assemblyman June 9, 2004 Joseph Lentol, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey Councilwoman Diana Reyna, OUTRAGE and EWVIDCO August 26, 2004 Sass Sheena November 5, 2004 Bruce and Madeline Donach and neighbors November 12, 2004 Choudri Family November 15, 2004, August 18, 2005 and March 27, 2006 Mary Gottlieb and neighbors February 2, 2005 Riverkeeper May 11, 2005 Assemblyman Vito Lopez December 1, 2006 Congressman Joseph Crowley December 11, 2006

Meetings and Site Visits to Businesses (33)

Meeting with East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development January 10, 2002 Corporation (EWVIDCO) Site visit to Acme Architectural Products September 27, 2002 Meeting with EWVIDCO and Brooklyn businesses May 14, 2003 Site visits to Brooklyn businesses July 23, 2003 Site visits to Queens businesses August 5, 2003 Meeting with Philip Galasso, Sagres Partners October 15, 2003 Brooklyn Business Survey December 3, 2003 and

2 December 19, 2003 Queens Business Survey December 12, 2003 Meeting with EWVIDCO and Acme Architectural Products March 31, 2004 Meeting with Maspeth Industrial Commercial Owners May 13, 2004 Local Development Corporation Meetings with Astoria Carting/Brooklyn Processing November 8, 2004 and July 8, 2005 Meetings with Waste Management December 7, 2004 and November 2, 2005 Meeting with EWVIDCO and Cherry Street businesses February 18, 2005 Meetings with IESI Corporation May 9, 2005 and June 6, 2005 Meeting with Marly Building Supply May 13, 2005 Meeting with Upgrade Contracting/Emil Realty May 13, 2005 Meeting with Milgo/Bufkin May 16, 2005 Meeting with Conch Umbrella May 17, 2005 Meeting with Dry Ice Corporation/American Compressed Gases May 24, 2005 Meeting with Mobil Gas Station June 14, 2005 Meeting with Stone Depot June 23, 2005 Meeting with Techno Acoustics July 13, 2005 Meeting with Castle Sanitation Corporation July 13, 2005 Meeting with McDonald’s August 3, 2005 Meeting with KeySpan August 11, 2005 Meeting with Premier Poultry March 28, 2006 Meetings with Karp Associates April 11, 2006 and November 6, 2006 Meeting with Midwood Management August 2, 2006

Meetings with Agencies (26)

New York City Economic Development Corporation February 1, 2002 New York City Economic Development Corporation June 26, 2002 New York City Economic Development Corporation June 13, 2003 New York City Economic Development Corporation September 16, 2003 New York City Economic Development Corporation January 21, 2004 New York City Department of City Planning August 23, 2004 New York City Department of Environmental Protection August 24, 2004 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation December 20, 2004 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation January 4, 2005 New York City Department of Transportation January 26, 2005 New York City Economic Development Corporation February 3, 2005 New York City Department of Transportation March 15, 2005 New York City Department of Sanitation March 16, 2005 New York Metropolitan Transportation Council April 14, 2005 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation April 20, 2005 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation May 6, 2005 U.S. Coast Guard/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 12, 2005 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation June 6, 2005

3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency June 21, 2005 New York City Mayor’s Office of Industrial and July 26, 2005 Manufacturing Businesses New York City Department of City Planning October 14, 2005 New York City Fire Department November 3, 2005 New York City Department of Parks & Recreation January 5, 2006 New York City Department of Transportation April 10, 2006 New York City Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses November 6, 2006 New York City Department of Sanitation December 14, 2006

Bus Tours (3)

Brooklyn Bus Tour April 24, 2002 Queens Bus Tour June 27, 2002 United Forties Civic Association Bus Tour July 15, 2002

Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) (Members include Queens Community Boards (CB) #2 and #5; Brooklyn CB #1; city, state and federal-level elected officials; residents; and representatives of business interests, civic groups, and regional transportation organizations.)

Formed July 2002 Number of members (organizations and residents): 39 1st meeting: September 2002 Number of meetings (through January 2007): 32

Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (IAAC) (Established to facilitate coordination and information sharing; members include city, state, regional and federal-level agencies and utilities.)

1st meeting: June 24, 2003 2nd meeting: June 16, 2004 3rd meeting: November 10, 2005

Newsletters (2)

October 2003 September 2004

Other Informational Materials

● Fact Sheet – April 2002 ● Project Website – posted July 2002 - 1st Update: July 2003 - 2nd Update: October 2003 - 3rd Update: March 2004 - 4th Update: June 2004

4 - 5th Update: September 2004 - 6th Update: January 2005 - 7th Update: May 2005 - 8th Update: August 2005 - 9th Update: November 2005 - 10th Update: January 2006 - 11th Update: March 2006 - 12th Update: May 2006 - 13th Update: October 2006 ● Repositories established – December 2002 Locations: - Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 - Community Board #1, 435 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211-2429 - Brooklyn Public Library - Greenpoint Branch, 107 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 - Brooklyn Public Library - Leonard Branch, 81 Devoe Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 - Parsons, 100 Broadway, New York, NY 10005 - New York State Department of Transportation, Hunters Point Plaza, 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - Queens Borough President’s Office, Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11424 - Community Board #2, 43-22 50th Street, Woodside, NY 11377 - Community Board #5, 61-23 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385 - Queens Borough Public Library – Maspeth Branch, 69-70 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378 - Queens Borough Public Library – Sunnyside Branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11104 ● Letters and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document to Brooklyn and Queens businesses – September and October 2003, respectively ● Letter and FAQs to community and foreign language newspapers – March 2004 ● Letter with informational materials to residents/property owners in the Maspeth Industrial Area – March 2004 ● Letter and FAQs – nearly 1,000 copies hand-delivered to Greenpoint residents – April 2004 ● Letter, FAQs, and translation request form to Brooklyn and Queens businesses – July 2006 ● Letter with mailing list coupon to 1,700+ Greenpoint residents – January 2005 ● Letter with mailing list coupon to 700 Queens residents – January 2005

Project Milestones

● Notice of Intent: April 25, 2002 ● Public Scoping Process: November 2001 – July 2002 ● Creation of SAC: July – November 2002 ● Alternatives Analysis Process: November 2002 – May 2004 - Draft Long List of Alternatives presented to SAC: March 2003 (26 alternatives)

5 - Level 1 Screening with SAC: May and June 2003 (12 alternatives, including No Build, at the end of Level 1 screening) - Level 2 Screening with SAC: March and April 2004 (6 alternatives, including No Build, at the end of Level 2 screening) ● Start of Draft EIS: Summer 2004 ● Publication of Draft EIS: February 2007 ● Public Hearings: April 2007 ● Publication of Final EIS: expected Fall 2007 ● Record of Decision: expected late 2007 ● Earliest possible start of construction: 2011