This week, as stakeholders await the release of the Tappan Zee Bridge project’s final environmental impact statement, New York State’s informational campaign continues with two more community meetings about the span.
Since the bridge project was fast-tracked in October 2011, community members and elected officials have raised concerns about its inadequate transit component, the state’s questionable cost calculations, the lack of a funding plan, and the public process itself. These meetings are a good start towards a better public process, but there is no guarantee that the project’s final environmental impact statement—which is expected to respond to roughly 3,000 submitted comments—will fully address the community’s concerns. This week’s community meetings provide an ideal opportunity for citizens to continue to express these concerns to New York State, and let the state know that transit must be a central part of the project.
The first meeting will take place today at 6pm at Yonkers City Hall, and will be hosted by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and City Council President Chuck Lesnick. The second will be held at 7pm on Thursday, August 2nd, and will take place at SUNY Rockland Community College. For specific location information, click here.
