state of new york department of ......state of new york department of transportation hunters point...

DEPA

LO

March 25, 2004

DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E. REGIONAL DIRECTOR

PHILLIP ENG, P.E.

DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Name Title Name of Newspaper Address Dear - On behalf of the New York State Deparenclose a list of Frequently Asked Questio As you may know, the Kosciuszko Bridgerehabilitation or replacement of the bridgQueens Expressway from Morgan Aveinterchange in Queens, the project will beasking you to join NYSDOT in reachingThe enclosed FAQs, which we encourage with basic facts and contact information. Community outreach is the cornerstone ofappreciate any assistance you could provinformation, please do not hesitate to cDirector, Regional Government and Public Thank you for your interest in this matter.
STATE OF NEW YORK
RTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONHUNTERS POINT PLAZA

47-40 21ST STREET NG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. 11101

JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN COMMISSIONER

tment of Transportation (NYSDOT), I am pleased to ns (FAQ) regarding the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.

Project is a multi-year study to explore options for the e. Focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the Brooklyn-nue in Brooklyn to the Long Island Expressway a major public works effort. For this reason, we are out to the public with information about the project. you to re-print in its entirety, will provide your readers

the Kosciuszko Bridge Project, and we would greatly ide. If you have any questions or would like further all me at (718) 482-4526 or Lisa Kuhner, Assistant Affairs at (718) 482-4002.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Nelson

Director Regional Government and Public Affairs NYSDOT, Region 11

This letter was sent to the following newspapers: America Oggi Bushwick Observer Greenline: The North Brooklyn Community News Greenpoint Gazette Greenpoint Star/Queens Ledger Greenpoint-Williamsburg Gazette Hoy-New York Edition Polish Daily News 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

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

JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN

COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS A. CURREY, P.E.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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



LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN


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.


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.

mailto:[email protected]





JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN


REGIONAL DIRECTOR


January 2005

Dear Queens 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.

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.

(Over)

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.

Delivery Schedule Average Number of Outgoing Shipments

Average Number of Incoming Deliveries

Monday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________ A.M.

P.M. ________ ________

Tuesday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. P.M.

________ ________

Wednesday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. P.M.

________ ________

Thursday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. P.M.

________ ________

Friday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. P.M.

________ ________

Saturday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. P.M.

________ ________

Sunday ________ A.M. P.M. to ________

A.M. 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

Survey-based map showing relevant parcel and will be marked with loading docks, entry areas, employee/truck parking areas and any other business-critical areas.

Name Address Phone # 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 AlternativesRA-5: RA-6: BR-2: BR-3: BR-5: Relocation Considerations Additional Information Desired


UNTERS OINT LAZAH P P 47-40 21ST STREET


JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN


REGIONAL DIRECTOR

DEPU

PHILLIP ENG, P.E. TY REGIONAL 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.


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,




UNTERS OINT LAZAH P P 47-40 21ST STREET


JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN


REGIONAL DIRECTOR

HILLIP ENG, P.E. DEPU REGIONAL DIRECTOR

PTY

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.


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

http://www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

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






JOSEPH H. BOARDMAN


REGIONAL DIRECTOR


October 29, 2003 Name Title Business Address Maspeth, NY 11378 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 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.

● 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.


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,


20573Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2002 / Notices

industry. We believe that these concerns may be relieved by allowing DERs to approve data for major repairs and major alterations applicable to certain foreign-registered aircraft. In many cases this activity requires a disclaimer be used on the FAA Form 8110–3. We also see a benefit in allowing DERs to approve data for foreign-registered aircraft in instances where the foreign authority has no capability or system for generating the approval. However, this does not mean that any authority must accept DER approved data. Additional background and discussion are provided in the draft order.

Interim Implementation Since the current policy is silent

regarding when a DER may approve major repair or major alteration data specifically intended for use on foreign-registered aircraft, implementation of this proposed policy may change a past practice allowed by the FAA. We advise Aircraft Certification Offices to continue their currently established practice until this policy becomes official.

How To Obtain Copies

The proposed order will be available on the World Wide Web at http://av-info.faa.gov/dst/dernotice.htm. You can also request it from the office listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Issued in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2002. David W. Hempe, Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division.[FR Doc. 02–10180 Filed 4–24–02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

Environmental Impact Statement: Kings & Queens Counties, NY

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.ACTION: Notice of intent.

SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this Notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared for the rehabilitation or replacement of the Kosciusko Bridge, focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) from Morgan Avenue in Kings County to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) interchange in Queens County, both in New York State.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Arnold, Division Administrator,

Federal Highway Administration,

New York Division, Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building, 7th Floor, Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, Albany, New York, 12207 Telephone: (518) 431–4127.

or Joseph Brown, P.E., Project Director,

New York State Department of Transportation, Region 11, Hunters Point Plaza, 47–40 21St Street, Long Island City, New York 11101 Telephone: (718) 482–4683.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will study and document proposed improvements to the Kosciuszko Bridge, focusing on a 1.1-mile segment of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) portion of I–278, from Morgan Avenue in Kings County, to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) interchange in Queens County.

The Kosciuszko Bridge Project will address two primary problems identified with the bridge.

Traffic and Safety The bridge, built in the 1930’s, cannot

safely carry the present volume of traffic. The bridge’s narrow lanes (11 feet), steep grade (4 percent), lack of shoulders, and short merge/weave distances near ramps and interchange do not meet current highway design and safety standards. These design deficiencies, combined with approximately 170,000 vehicles using the bridge each day, result in the bridge operating at or near capacity during the AM and PM peak periods, severe congestion throughout much of the midday, heightened accident rates and the diversion of the highway traffic onto local streets.

Structural Conditions The structural condition of the bridge

is deteriorating. A number of interim repairs were completed by NYSDOT in recent years to correct identified problems and to extend the life of the bridge and viaduct. Recent inspections have indicated that, despite these aggressive maintenance efforts, the structural deficiencies are increasing. The frequent maintenance and repair efforts and their associated lane closures, while necessary to maintain the bridge, exacerbate the congestion and traffic diversion problems mentioned above, and do not provide a long-term solution to the structure’s underlying problems.

The Alternatives Analysis will consider a wide range of alternatives designed to address these needs. A long

list of alternatives will be developed during the public scoping process with input from all stakeholders. Each alternative will be screened for its ability to meet the project’s goals and objectives. The most promising alternatives will be forwarded for detailed evaluation in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). These alternatives are expected to fall into one of the following categories: no build; Transportation System Management (TSM); rehabilitation with or without additional capacity; and replacement. The DEIS will assess the effect of the project alternatives on: Traffic and transportation; noise; air and water quality; land use and neighborhood character; recreational, cultural, and historic resources; hazardous waste and visual resources.

Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed interest in this project. The DEIS will be available for public and agency review and comment.

To insure that the full range of issues related to the proposed action is addressed and all significant issues identified, a series of scoping activities will be conducted. Pre-scoping activities have included open houses, meetings with involved agencies, and presentations to local community boards. The formal scoping process will involve:

1. Public scoping meetings, to be held in May 2002, to provide the public with information about the project, and to assist in formulating the scope of the environmental studies in the DEIS. NYSDOT will provide information about the project and the scope of the DEIS. Comments on the project and on the scope of the DEIS will then be received from the public, and NYSDOT personnel will be available to answer questions. The public can submit written comments or give oral comments to an on-site stenographer. Written comments will be received by NYSDOT until 30 days after the date of the last scoping meeting (see addresses below).

2. Scoping discussions with other agencies, particularly those with a direct or indirect involvement in the proposed project’s corridor and project area.

The public scoping meetings are scheduled as follows:Date & Time: May 14, 2002, 3 p.m. 9

p.m. Location: Martin Luther High School,

60–02 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378

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20574 Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 80 / Thursday, April 25, 2002 / Notices

Date & Time: May 21, 2002, 3 p.m. 9 p.m.

Location: St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 84 Herbert Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

At these meetings, attendees may review displays describing the project with project staff available to respond to questions. At 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., NYSDOT will make a brief presentation describing the project and its goals. Following each presentation, interested persons can make oral statements concerning the project, possible alternatives, and the scope of the DEIS. A stenographer will record all statements at the meeting for inclusion in the meeting record. Written statements may also be submitted at the meeting or sent to the addresses above. Any comments received within 30 days of the date of the last scoping meeting will be made part of the record.

In addition, a public hearing will be held after publication of the DEIS to obtain comments on that document. Public notice will be given of the time and place of the DEIS public hearing.

Throughout the scoping process, comments and suggestions are invited on the DEIS scope from any interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to NYSDOT or FHWA at the addresses provided above. Comments can also be faxed to Mr. Joseph Brown, P.E., Project Director, NYSDOT, at (718) 482–6319 or e-mailed to [email protected]

The proposed project would be funded in part through Federal programs which assist State transportation agencies in the planning and development of an integrated, interconnected transportation system important to interstate commerce and travel by constructing and rehabilitating the National Highway System, including the Interstate System. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbher 20.205, Highway Research Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372, which foster State and local government coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development, apply to this program).

Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123]

Issued on: April 18, 2002.

Douglas P. Conlan, District Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Albany, New York.[FR Doc. 02–10108 Filed 4–24–02; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9410–22–M

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[Docket No. NHTSA–2000–7657–3]

General Motors North America, Inc., Grant of Application for Inconsequential Noncompliance

In response to an appeal from General Motors North America, Inc. (GM), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is granting a GM petition for a determination that a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, ‘‘Power Operated Windows, Partitions, and Roof Panel Systems’’ is inconsequential to motor vehicle safety. This notice reconsiders NHTSA’s previous denial of the GM petition.

GM originally petitioned the agency on March 10, 2000. A notice requesting comment on the GM petition was published on August 7, 2000 (65 FR 48280). The agency initially denied the petition (66 FR 50496), and GM submitted an appeal to the agency on December 21, 2001. All documents relating to the GM application and appeal are contained in the associated docket, NHTSA–2000–7657.

GM determined that the noncompliance existed in some 1998–1999 model year GM and Isuzu light trucks equipped with Retained Accessory Power (RAP), a convenience feature designed to allow operation of electrical accessories such as the radio and power windows during a timed interval immediately following ignition key removal and that is turned off by the opening of one of the front doors. In those vehicles, manipulation of the hazard flasher switch had the potential to inadvertently activate the RAP of a parked car without the key. This condition failed to meet the requirements of paragraph S4 of FMVSS No. 118 because it was possible for the power windows and sunroofs of the affected vehicles to be enabled without any use of the ignition key.

FMVSS No. 118 sets limits on how and when power windows and sunroofs can be enabled, mainly by requiring the ignition key for their operation. The requirements in the standard are intended to ensure that a person in possession of the ignition key (presumably an adult) is present to supervise occupants, especially children, who might be injured if they were free to operate power windows and sunroofs without supervision.

In its original application for inconsequential noncompliance, GM reasoned that a series of specific,

unlikely events all would have to occur before an opportunity for injury from a power window or sunroof could exist in the affected vehicles. To wit, a child or children would have to be left unattended and unrestrained within the vehicle; the child or children would have to manipulate the hazard flasher switch on the top of the steering column in the requisite manner (which in some switches would require considerable bottoming force on the switch and/or considerable side force, in order for RAP activation to occur), or the service brake pedal would have to be pressed in conjunction with pressing on the hazard flasher switch (although in some vehicles, no amount of force on the switch would activate RAP); and the child or children would then have to operate a power window or sunroof in such a way as to be injured by it prior to opening a door (which deactivates the RAP), or before twenty minutes had elapsed from the time of initial RAP activation (the maximum time that RAP remains active), and also before a parent or other adult returned. GM presented data and arguments to support the unlikely nature of these events, and concluded that the overall likelihood of an injury occurring as a result of the noncompliance was exceedingly small.

NHTSA initially denied the GM application as discussed in the preceding Federal Register notice in this docket. On December 21, 2001, GM appealed NHTSA’s denial. In its appeal, GM requested that NHTSA reconsider for a number of reasons. One reason GM stated was that the denial was inconsistent with the agency’s prior decisions. Another reason used by GM was that, by the time it filed the appeal, an additional 19 months had elapsed, representing 1.5 million vehicle years, since it had first discovered the noncompliance, and no related incidents had been reported. The additional elapsed time brought the total vehicle-years that the noncomplying vehicles had been in the field without incident to 2.8 million.

A subsequent comment filed in the docket by Delphi Corporation, which manufactured the hazard flasher switches in the affected GM vehicles, cited a NHTSA final rule from May 5, 1983, in which the agency amended FMVSS No. 118 to permit the use of the RAP feature in motor vehicles. In that notice, the agency acknowledged the possibility that under rare circumstances power windows might be operational as a result of the RAP feature without the driver being present in the vehicle. At the same time, the agency also recognized that similar possibilities existed whether RAP was

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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.

The New York State Department ofTransportation (NYSDOT) is about to beginpreparation of an Alternatives Analysis/Environmental Impact Statement to identifythe best option to rehabilitate or replace theKosciuszko Bridge. The study will focus ona 1.1-mile section of the Brooklyn-QueensExpressway (BQE), from Morgan Avenuein Brooklyn to the interchange with theLong Island Expressway in Queens, whichincludes the Kosciuszko Bridge.

As part of Interstate 278, the BQE car-ries large numbers of commercial vehicles.It is a vital link in the region’s transportationnetwork, connecting Brooklyn and Queensand intersecting with the Long IslandExpressway, the region’s major east-westhighway.

The elevated segment of the BQE nearthe Kosciuszko Bridge, which crossesNewtown Creek, carries over 190,000 vehi-cles on a typical weekday. In some periods,up to 30 percent of traffic in this section istrucks. This segment of highway and itsentrance and exit ramps operate at or nearcapacity during the morning and afternoonrush hours.

Condition of the BridgeThe Kosciuszko Bridge, opened in 1939

and rehabilitated in the late 1960s, hasrequired frequent road and structural repairssince the late 1980s. The concrete deck isworn and the deteriorated steel structure ofthe bridge has needed constant repair.Despite three large repair contracts in thelast 12 years to address these problems, thebridge continues to require aggressivemaintenance.

The goal of this study is to identify the

best possible way to rehabilitate or replacethe bridge and this part of the BQE. Thismust be done while maintaining traffic onthe highway and avoiding major trafficdiversions to the local streets and surround-ing communities.

Traffic ConditionsRecognizing the worsening condition of

the bridge and the need for a long-termsolution, NYSDOT conducted a compre-hensive, in-depth study that explored sever-al rehabilitation concepts and their probableeffects on traffic.

The Traffic Operations Study, complet-ed in 1995, documented the high level ofcongestion on both the Kosciuszko Bridgeand on the nearby local streets. This is large-ly due to the high volume of traffic on thebridge and local streets and the design of thebridge and its ramps.

When the bridge was built, it wasdesigned to enable battleships and otherlarge ships to pass under. As a result, thebridge soars 120 feet above NewtownCreek, and the BQE rises sharply to meetthe bridge. This steep grade causes the largepercentage of trucks on the highway to slowdown substantially, which in turn causesbackups for commuter vehicles. BecauseNewtown Creek handles few large vessels,the 120-foot clearance may no longer berequired.

New York State Department of TransportationJoseph H. Boardman, Commissioner Douglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director

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Fact SheetNumber 1 · April 2002

Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek

Mr. Joseph BrownNew York State Department of TransportationHunters Point Plaza 47-40 21st StreetLong Island City, NY 11101Phone: (718) 482-4683 Fax: (718) 482-6319Email: [email protected]

Get InvolvedWe welcome your comments. To develop the best possible alternatives, public inputis critical. To contact us or for more information, please write or call:

Be sure to watch your local paper for

advertisements of the public scoping

meetings coming up in May!!!

In addition, the wide range of speeds(from commuters traveling at the speedlimit to slow trucks creeping up to thebridge) leads to an unusually high numberof accidents. These accidents, and the high-way’s narrow lanes and the lack of shoul-ders where vehicles can pull over duringbreakdowns, create substantial congestionand delays. As a result, vehicles leave thehighway in favor of the local streets, whichcut through residential communities and arealready crowded.

The 1995 traffic study concluded thatthe local streets would not be able to accom-modate diverted traffic during any majorconstruction work on the bridge. To mini-mize diversions of traffic into the surround-ing communities and to maintain throughtraffic on the BQE, the study recommendedthat three lanes of traffic on the BQE, ineach direction, must be maintained duringthe day for construction to take place.

The current study will focus on findingsolutions to these traffic problems and to thebridge’s deteriorated condition.

The EIS ProcessAs a major transportation project, the

Kosciuszko Bridge Project is subject to theregulations of the National EnvironmentalPolicy Act (NEPA) and the New York StateEnvironmental Quality Review Act(SEQRA). Both laws require preparation ofan Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)to examine the project’s potential impacts tothe environment.

The EIS process will also include anAlternatives Analysis phase, whose goal isto ensure extensive public involvement inthe selection of the project alternatives.Scoping

The scoping process is designed todetermine the “scope,” or range, of issues tobe considered within the Draft EIS. As partof this process, the public may recommendadditional project alternatives for consider-ation in the Alternatives Analysis and Draft

EIS phases.NYSDOT will hold public scoping

meet-ings in Queens and Brooklyn toexplain the goals and objectives of the studyand allow members of the public—as wellas interested groups, elected officials, andagencies—to submit their ideas and com-ments.Alternatives Selection Process

To select the alternatives to be analyzedin the Draft EIS, NYSDOT has developed atwo-step alternatives selection process.

First, using feedback from the scopingprocess, NYSDOT will develop a broad listof potential alternatives. The types of alter-

natives likely to be considered include con-tinued maintenance, full rehabilitation,rehabilitation with increases in capacity(e.g., additional lanes), or an entirely newstructure, as well as other concepts broughtout in the public scoping process. Differentways to phase the construction to minimizeimpacts on surrounding communities willalso be considered.

The initial screen will eliminate thosealternatives that clearly could not meet theproject’s goals and objectives, as developedin the scoping process. The remaining alter-natives will undergo further engineering,transportation, and environmental analysesand a second round of screening to deter-mine which ones will be advanced for studyin the Draft EIS.Environmental Analysis

The Draft EIS will evaluate the projectalternatives for a wide range of potentialimpacts, including traffic and transporta-tion, environmental, and socioeconomic.After review of the Draft EIS by the public,NYSDOT will present the preferred alterna-tive in a Final EIS based on public com-ments and the findings of the EIS.

Public InvolvementThe public will have ample opportunity

to comment on the selection and analysis ofalternatives during this process. Publicinput will be gathered through open houses,public hearings, and meetings with commu-nity groups and elected officials.

In addition, a Stakeholders AdvisoryCommittee will be formed to help adviseNYSDOT on the development, selectionand evaluation of study alternatives, up tothe selection of the study’s preferred alter-native.

This committee will consist of represen-tatives from NYSDOT, the Federal High-way Administration, other involved agen-cies, local elected officials, civic and envi-ronmental organizations, and user groupsthat could be affected by the project.

KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE PROJECT TIMELINE

Project UpdateOctober 2003

In late 2001, the New York State Department ofTransportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway

Administration (FHWA) introduced the Kosciuszko BridgeProject to the public. A multi-year study to explore optionsfor the rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge, the proj-ect involves several steps: public scoping to determine therange of issues to be studied; Alternatives Analysis, aprocess toscreen all rea-sonable alter-natives; andpreparation ofan Environ-mental ImpactS t a t e m e n t(EIS), leadingto the selectionof a preferredalternative.

Opened in1939 and reha-bilitated in the late 1960s, the Kosciuszko Bridge today car-ries 170,000 vehicles a day over the Newtown Creekbetween Brooklyn and Queens. Decades of heavy use havetaken a toll. The concrete deck is worn and the steel struc-ture deteriorated. Despite three major rehabilitation con-tracts in the last 13 years, the bridge continues to requireaggressive maintenance. Furthermore, the bridge's narrowlanes, steep grades, lack of shoulders and shortmerge/weave distances near ramps and interchanges do notmeet current highway design standards. These shortcom-ings, combined with the high traffic volume, have resultedin congestion and a greater number of accidents than oncomparable highways in New York State.

From November 2001 through the Summer of 2002,NYSDOT met with elected officials, civic leaders, busi-nesspeople and residents to introduce them to the project.These early discussions not only provided the communitywith background information, but also allowed NYSDOTto hear local concerns related to the existing bridge.

Since that time, a great deal has happened to move the proj-ect forward. Apublic scopingprocess helpedidentify theissues to bestudied in theDraft EIS. AStakeholdersA d v i s o r yC o m m i t t e e(SAC), whichincludes rep-resenta t ivesfrom Brook-

lyn, Queens, and regional transportation groups, was estab-lished and has been actively involved in the process, work-ing with the project team to develop Goals and Objectivesand screen the Long List of Alternatives. An Inter-AgencyAdvisory Committee (IAAC) was created to encourage dia-logue between local, state and federal agencies and keyutilities. Traffic data has been collected. And additionalmeetings have been held with business representatives andresidents.

This newsletter will bring you up-to-date on the manysteps already taken, as well as current and future activities.The community is the cornerstone of the Kosciuszko BridgeProject. We hope that you will become involved!

Joseph H. Boardman, CommissionerDouglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director

Phillip Eng, P.E., Deputy Regional Director

New York StateDepartment of Transportation

State Studies Options For Kosciuszko Bridge

The Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek.

Alternatives AnalysisJan 2003-Feb 2004

Notice of IntentApril 25, 2002

Draft EISPublicationEarly 2005

Final EIS PublicationFall 2005

Record of DecisionEarly 2006

Earliest Date for ConstructionNot Before 2008

Scoping ProcessNov 2001-July 2002

Transportation Goals and Objectives

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

· Improve traffic operations in the corridor, reducing delays and increasing efficiency and reliability.

· Reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents in the corridor by eliminating non-standard elements on the bridge and associated highway sections and ramps.

· Minimize diversion of highway auto and truck traffic to local streets, both during construction and long-term.

· Substantially conform to established design criteria to ensure safe operation and a smooth flow of traffic.

· Be consistent with regional transportation plans in the I-278 corridor and any related highway, transit or freight plans potentially affected by decisions in the project corridor.

· Provide cost-effective solutions to problems in the corridor related to both capital construction costs and operation and maintenance expenses.

· Eliminate infrastructure deficiencies.· 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 respon-sive EIS process that includes a proactive, compre-hensive 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.

· Ensure that important but tangential issues that cannot be addressed by the EIS process are directed to the appropriate 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 par-ticipation 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.

Stakeholders HelpNYSDOT Set Goalsand ObjectivesOne of the first tasks of the newly formedStakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) [see articleon page 6] was to work with NYSDOT to establish acomprehensive set of project Goals and Objectives.These reflect community and NYSDOT priorities forboth the Kosciuszko Bridge and its surrounding neigh-borhoods and will guide decision-making throughoutthe Alternatives Analysis and EIS processes. TheGoals and Objectives were used to develop criteriafor evaluating each project alternative. As alterna-tives are screened against these criteria, those thatclearly do not meet the Goals and Objectives areeliminated from further consideration.

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The project’s Goals and Objectives seek to protect com-munity resources including Calvary Cemetery in Queens(top) and homes such as these in Brooklyn (bottom).

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Social, Economic & EnvironmentalGoals and Objectives

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

· Protect and enhance existing open space and parkland. · Look for opportunities to create parks and open space in

order to mitigate project consequences.· Minimize adverse noise impacts and meet federal and state

air quality standards.· Protect existing wetlands and waterways. · Avoid impacts to federal and state rare, threatened, and

endangered species and other animal life.· Protect public recreational facilities and minimize adverse

impacts on their operation during construction. · Protect against adverse visual and light impacts.

Goal: Protect and/or enhance the integrity of residential neighborhoods.

· Protect residences and minimize adverse impacts on resi-dential properties during construction.

· Improve pedestrian safety.· Ensure that project impacts do not disproportionately affect

one neighborhood over another.· Preserve the integrity of neighborhoods. · Protect and preserve community character.

Goal: Maintain the viability of institutional and business communities.

· Protect commercial and industrial establishments and mini-mize adverse impacts on their operation during construction.

· Protect institutional facilities (religious, educational, etc.) and minimize adverse impacts on their operation during construction.

· Ensure safe pedestrian and vehicular access to institutions and businesses during construction.

Goal: Protect and/or enhance cultural, historic and archeological resources.

· Protect and/or mitigate adverse impacts on cultural and his-toric resources that have been locally designated; identified as eligible for the State or Federal Register; or listed on the State or Federal Register.

· Avoid disturbances to archeological resources.

Goal: Recognize the interrelationships between land use and transportation.

· Consider the impact on land use created by any transpor-tation improvement.

· Be consistent with existing and committed transportation, community development, and land use plans and projects.

What is anEnvironmental ImpactStatement (EIS)?

An EIS is a comprehensive document that evaluatesthe social, environmental, and economic impacts of

federally-funded projects, in accordance with theNational Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thecore of an EIS is its technical analyses, which examinea full range of areas in order to identify and evaluateissues that are significant; eliminate issues that are notsignificant; and propose mitigation for significantimpacts that are identified. Issues to be evaluated inthe Kosciuszko Bridge EIS will include, but not be limit-ed to, the following:

·Traffic, specifically access, mobility and safety formotorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists

·Air quality·Water quality·Noise, specifically changes in noise levels at sen-

sitive locations·Visual impacts, including light, sight lines, and

design and aesthetic issues ·Historic, cultural, archeological and community

resources·Open space and recreational resources·Natural resources·Endangered species·Navigable waters·Character and integrity of adjacent neighborhoods·Compatibility with land use policies, plans, and

regulations·Infrastructure·Economic and fiscal considerations·Contaminated waste sites·Construction period impacts

page 3

Sgt. DoughertyPark, a commu-nity resourcethat will beassessed in theEIS.

Map showing the location of the Kosciuszko Bridge,the project limits, and the limits of the primaryand secondary traffic study areas (bounded by thered dashes and the blue dashes, respectively).

Scoping ProcessIdentifies Key Issues

NYSDOT launched its community outreach programand the EIS process with intensive public scoping that

began in late 2001. Designed to identify the project’s pur-pose and need, range of alternatives, and significant issuesto be addressed in the EIS, scoping creates opportunities forall interested individuals and organizations to participate inthe earliest phases of decision-making. It encourages thepublic to raise issues and options that should be consideredin the EIS before work has progressed to a point whereincorporating new ideas is difficult. By identifying keyconcerns, the scoping process may also serve to focus theEIS and make it a more efficient document.

The Kosciuszko Bridge scoping process included smallgroup meetings, briefingsof elected officials andcommunity board repre-sentatives, bus tours, openhouses and formal scopingmeetings. These activitiesboth introduced membersof the public to the projectand allowed them to voicetheir ideas about the futureof the bridge and the issuesthat should be studied inthe EIS.

Comments received dur-ing the scoping processranged from complaintsabout truck traffic to con-cerns about property tak-ings and requests for a newpedestrian walkway acrossthe bridge. Some people

suggested replacing the bridge with a tunnel, a new double-decker bridge or a draw bridge, while others called for reha-bilitation of the existing bridge or filling in Newtown Creekfor an at-grade crossing. By the conclusion of the officialpublic scoping process, more than fifty people had weighedin with more than 100 recommendations, observations andcomments about the Kosciuszko Bridge and its surroundingcommunity. A final scoping report, which summarizes theprocess and all comments received, is available for reviewat project repositories and on the project website.

page 4

Who are the key players?The project is being sponsored by the New York StateDepartment of Transportation (NYSDOT), working inpartnership with the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA). The project team also includes consulting engi-neers, planners, and community outreach professionals.

When the Kosciuszko Bridge was built, it was designed to enable battleships andother large vessels to pass underneath. As a result, the bridge soars 125’ aboveNewtown Creek, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) rises sharply to meetit, resulting in a steep roadway slope. Because Newtown Creek now handles few largeships—the tallest tugboats are 65’ high—the 125-foot clearance may no longer beneeded. NYSDOT anticipates that any new structure would be built with a lowerclearance, pending approval from the United States Coast Guard.

Will the bridge be lowered?

In March 2003, the Kosciuszko Bridge Project team pre-sented its draft "Long List of Alternatives" to the SAC.

Based on input from the general public, information gath-ered during NYSDOT's 1995 traffic study; and brainstorm-ing among team members, the Long List included 26options in the following five categories:

No Build (or “Do Nothing”): The baseline against whichall other alternatives are evaluated.

3 Rehabilitation alternatives: Alternatives that fully re-habilitate the bridge, but leave the structure as it is now.

7 Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes alternatives: Alternatives that fully rehabilitate the bridge and includethe addition of lanes between entrance and exit ramps bywidening the bridge or building a parallel structure.

12 New Bridge alternatives: New structure on thesame alignment, or slightly north or south of the existingbridge.

3 Tunnel alternatives: New underground facility on thesame alignment, or slightly north or south of the existingbridge.

The list of build alternatives was developed with twoguiding principles: maintain at least six lanes of traffic dur-ing construction in order to avoid diverting traffic onto localstreets and avoid significant property impacts to homes andbusinesses near the bridge.

Alternatives Analysis Narrows Options For Bridge

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Alternatives Analysis generally involves two steps: Thefirst, Level 1 screening, evaluates roughly developed alter-natives (often represented by only a line on a map, as shownbelow) using broad criteria. The purpose of Level 1 screen-ing is to eliminate the worst alternatives. Working with theSAC at its May and June 2003 meetings, the project teamevaluated each alternative on the Long List using criteriabased on the Goals and Objectives.

At the end of Level 1 screening, the following 12 alterna-tives remained: No Build, six (6) Rehabilitation withAuxiliary Lanes alternatives, four (4) Bridge Replacementalternatives and one (1) Tunnel alternative. All of thesewould allow continuous operation of the BQE and wouldmaintain Newtown Creek as a navigable waterway. Mostwould improve traffic operations and safety by providing atleast two of the three following elements: one or more aux-iliary lanes, reduced grades and new shoulders and/or stan-dard lane widths. And all would minimize the diversion oftraffic onto local streets during construction by maintainingsix lanes of traffic.

During Level 2 screening, which will begin this Fall, theremaining alternatives will be analyzed in greater depth, usingcriteria that are more quantitative and that cover a broaderrange of issues. Level 2 screening will include the develop-ment of more detailed plans. The alternatives left after Level 2screening will receive thorough examination in the Draft EIS.

The Long List of Alternatives and the results of Level 1screening may be found on the project website and at theproject repositories. Copies may also be obtained by callingHelen Neuhaus, Helen Neuhaus & Associates. (See backpage for contact information.)

This graphicshows one ofthe proposedalternatives,rehabilitationof the existingbridge andconstruction ofa new parallelbridge.

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Early in the project, NYSDOT made a commitment toform a Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC) that

would advise the project team throughout all aspects of theEIS process. Because the Kosciuszko Bridge links two bor-oughs and several distinct neighborhoods, NYSDOT want-ed to establish a diverse, yet cohesive, committee thatwould be small enough to work effectively as a team, yetstill represent everyone potentially affected by the project.In order to be an integral part of the planning process, theSAC would begin to meet before any studies moved for-ward and long before any designs were produced or analternative selected.

After consulting with local leaders, including theBrooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents' Offices,NYSDOT developed a list of SAC invitees that includedfederal, state and local elected officials; community boardchairs; business interests; civic organizations; residents; andregional transportation groups.

In its first year as a committee, the SAC has assisted theDepartment with the development of project Goals andObjectives and screening criteria; provided input on theLong List of Alternatives; participated in screening theLong List; and offered valuable insights on community con-cerns. While the initial meetings were not always easy—mistrust of government, a Brooklyn-Queens divide and alack of confidence in their ability to address technical mat-ters made some members wary of the process—the SAChas become the effective, unified group originally envi-sioned by NYSDOT. Many SAC members now feel com-fortable talking with their neighbors about the project andasking probing questions about the EIS process, bridgeengineering and other issues. As SAC member and QueensCommunity Board #5 Chairman Vincent Arcuri observed,“What we’ve learned through this process is that theBrooklyn side and the Queens side have to work together onall of the problems facing our communities, and we need tocontinue this work beyond the Kosciuszko Bridge Project.”

page 6

The SAC at work screening the Long List of Alternatives in May 2003.

Robert Adams, New York State Department of TransportationMuhammad Afzal, New York City Department of TransportationVincent Arcuri, Queens Community Board #5Gayle Baron, Long Island City Business Development

CorporationThomas Breslin, Federal Highway AdministrationStephen Cooper, Queens Community Board #2New York State Senator Martin ConnorRosemarie Daraio, COMETNew York State Senator Martin Milave DilanGerald Esposito, Brooklyn Community Board #1Philip Galasso, Sagres Partners, LLCNew York City Councilman Eric GioiaMary Gottlieb, Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street

AssociationMike Hofmann, Greenpoint Waterfront Association

for Parks and PlanningChristine Holowacz, Greenpoint Property OwnersNew York City Councilwoman Melinda KatzIrene Klementowicz, Concerned Citizens of GreenpointAnnette LaMatto, Brooklyn ResidentNew York State Assemblyman Joseph LentolNew York State Assemblyman Vito LopezNew York State Senator Serphin MalteseNew York State Assemblywoman Margaret MarkeyBrooklyn Borough President Marty MarkowitzQueens Borough President Helen Marshall Christopher McBride, Automobile Association of AmericaBarbara Mihelic, Noble Street Block AssociationNew York State Assemblywoman Catherine NolanAnthony Nunziato, Queens ResidentNew York State Senator George OnoratoJon Orcutt, Tri-State Transportation CampaignAnthony Parra, East Williamsburg Valley Industrial

Development CorporationFrank Principe, West Maspeth Local Development CorporationJoe Reemer, OUTRAGENew York City Councilwoman Diana ReynaJoseph Ruzalski, United Forties Civic AssociationMarc Teich, Acme SteelCongresswoman Nydia VelazquezNew York City Councilman David YasskyMaryAnna Zero, Maspeth Chamber of Commerce

Project Team FormsPartnerships withStakeholders, AgenciesSAC Members

Since the project's beginning, NYSDOT has con-ducted an extensive public involvement pro-

gram, meeting with elected officials, residents,civic organizations, community board representa-tives and businesspeople from both Brooklyn andQueens. The project team has participated in over45 site visits, tours, open houses, and SAC meet-ings, including the following:

2 Public Scoping Meetings

24 Community Meetings and Presentations

3 Bus Tours

3 Open Houses

3 Business Tours

11 SAC meetings

Extensive OutreachKeeps Public InvolvedIn Project

page 7

Two SAC members—one each from Brooklyn andQueens—also participate in the Inter-Agency AdvisoryCommittee (IAAC) that was established to foster effectivecommunication and coordination between NYSDOT,FHWA, other agencies and major utilities in the area. TheIAAC initially met on June 24, 2003 and will meet at proj-ect milestones to provide guidance and input on technicaland procedural issues based on the expertise of the thirtyentities that were invited to participate. These include: theNew York City Fire and Police Departments, theDepartments of Environmental Protection, Transportation,Sanitation, Parks and Recreation, and City Planning; theNew York State Department of EnvironmentalConservation; the Port Authority of New York & NewJersey; the Metropolitan Transportation Authority; theUnited States Coast Guard; the United States Army Corpsof Engineers; KeySpan; and Con Edison.

The project team, with SAC member AnthonyParra, at Durr Mechanical in Greenpoint,Brooklyn (left); residents attend an OpenHouse in Queens (top).

Looking Ahead

Following completion of Level 2 screening, the remain-ing construction alternatives, along with the No Build

alternative, will be thoroughly scrutinized in the Draft EIS.It is anticipated that this document will be completed andcirculated for agency and public review in early 2005.Distribution of the Draft EIS will be followed by a commentperiod that will include hearings to obtain input from thepublic. All comments will be reviewed prior to the selectionof a preferred alternative, which will be detailed in the FinalEIS. The EIS process, which began with FHWA's publica-tion of a Notice of Intent, will conclude with its issuance ofa Record of Decision announcing the selected alternative. Itis expected that the Record of Decision will be issued inearly 2006.

Documents related to the Kosciuszko Bridge Project areavailable for review on the project website and at the

locations listed below. (Please call for hours.) New materialswill be added as they become available.BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Borough President's Office*Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street(718) 802-3700Community Board #1*435 Graham Avenue(718) 389-0009Brooklyn Public Library – Greenpoint Branch107 Norman Avenue (at Leonard Street)(718) 349-8504Brooklyn Public Library – Leonard Branch81 Devoe Street (at Leonard Street)(718) 486-3365

MANHATTANParsons* 100 Broadway(212) 266-8481

QUEENSNew York State Department of Transportation*Hunters Point Plaza47-40 21st Street(718) 482-4683Queens Borough President's Office*Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard(718) 286-2828Community Board #2*43-22 50th Street(718) 533-8773Community Board #5*61-23 Myrtle Avenue(718) 366-1834Queens Borough Public Library – Maspeth Branch69-70 Grand Avenue(718) 639-5228Queens Borough Public Library – Sunnyside Branch43-06 Greenpoint Avenue(718) 784-3033

All sites are handicapped accessible.* Please call in advance to schedule an appointment.

Project DocumentsAvailable to the Public

SAVE THE DATE!For Upcoming

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSESDate: Thursday, November 20, 2003Location: Martin Luther High School

60-02 Maspeth AvenueMaspeth, NY

Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2003 Location: Automotive High School

50 Bedford AvenueBrooklyn, NY

Time (for both meetings):6:30 P.M. Open House—informational dis-

plays and informal discussion with project team.

7:00 P.M. Presentation—project update, tobe followed by Question and Answer session.

Learn about project activities, review the alternatives, and more. Meet project staff, ask questions, and share your thoughts.

Light refreshments will be served.

For More Information:Robert Adams, P.E.Project ManagerNew York State Department of TransportationHunters Point Plaza47-40 21st StreetLong Island City, NY 11101phone: (718) 482-4683fax: (718) 482-6319email: [email protected]

Helen Neuhaus Outreach ConsultantHelen Neuhaus & Associates Inc.460 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10016phone: (212) 532-4175fax: (212) 532-7479email: [email protected]

www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

Project UpdateSeptember 2004

Working closely with community members, elected officials and otherinterested stakeholders, the New York State Department of Transportation

(NYSDOT) is moving closer to selecting an alternative for rehabilitating orreplacing the Kosciuszko Bridge. Since our October 2003 Project Update,NYSDOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), hascompleted the Alternatives Analysis process; reached out to hundreds ofresidents, businesses and civic leaders; and started work on a DraftEnvironmental Impact Statement (DEIS). All of this was accomplished with thedirect involvement of the project's Stakeholders Advisory Committee (SAC),which has met regularly for two years to provide input on everything fromscreening criteria to DEIS traffic studies. The SAC has also played a vital role inpublic outreach, bringing information about the project back to itsconstituencies and relaying neighborhood concerns to the project team. Theresult? A range of alternatives that reflects the goals and objectives of bothNYSDOT and the local community.

As NYSDOT, FHWA and the SAC moveforward with the DEIS, this newsletter willbring you up-to-date on the activities of thepast year and will hopefully encourage youto become involved in future phases of theKosciuszko Bridge Project.

Joseph H. Boardman, CommissionerDouglas A. Currey, P.E., Regional Director

Phillip Eng, P.E., Deputy Regional Director

New York StateDepartment of Transportation

Progress and Partnership Mark the Kosciuszko Bridge Project

The Kosciuszko Bridge over Newtown Creek.

SAVE THE DATE!

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES

Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2004Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.Location: Martin Luther High School

60-02 Maspeth AvenueMaspeth, NY

Date: Wednesday, October 27thTime: 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 thealternatives, meet project staff, askquestions, and share your thoughts.

This Spring, the SAC and the project team marked the successful completion of theAlternatives Analysis process. After 14 months of presentations, discussions and

thorough evaluation of more than two dozen alternatives, the original "Long List" wasnarrowed to the No Build, two Rehabilitation with Auxiliary Lanes (RA) and three BridgeReplacement (BR) alternatives. (As required by federal regulations, the No Build [or NoAction] alternative will serve as the benchmark against which all other alternatives arecompared throughout the DEIS process.)

To reach this point, the project team and the SAC conducted a two-step AlternativesAnalysis process. The first step (Level 1 screening) evaluated 26 roughly developedalternatives using broad criteria. Those options that clearly did not meet the project's Goalsand 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 intoLevel 2 screening.

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

After completing Level 2 screening atthe April 2004 SAC meeting, fivebuild alternatives were selected forfurther development and detailedstudy. The DEIS will examine theimpacts, both positive and negative,of these alternatives and the NoBuild alternative, on trafficoperations, environmental resourcesand the surrounding community.

The following pages provide anoverview of each alternative,including diagrams of possible laneconfigurations and elevation views.

“Short List” of Alternatives Moves into DEIS

The project team and SAC screen Level 2 alternatives.

Page 2

NEWTOW

N CREEK

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

No Build Alternative

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

RA-5 Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Eastbound Side

NEWTOW

N CREEK

Alternative RA-5 rehabilitates the existing bridge and constructs a new parallel bridge on the eastbound side. The parallelbridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

Page 3

Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE)


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

Alternative RA-6 rehabilitates the existing bridge and constructs a new parallel bridge on the westbound side. The parallelbridge would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

RA-6 Rehabilitation with New Parallel Bridge on Westbound Side

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

BR-2 New Bridge on Same Route - Option 1

NEWTOW

N CREEK

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

Page 4



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

Alternative BR-3 replaces the existing bridge by building new parallel bridges on both sides of the existing bridge. Thenew bridges would be built at a lower elevation to allow for lower grades.

BR-3 New Bridge on Same Route - Option 2

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

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

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An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a compre-hensive document that evaluates the environmental,

social, and economic impacts of federally funded projects,in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of1969. The core of the EIS is its technical analyses, whichexamine a full range of technical areas in order to identifyand evaluate issues that are significant; eliminate issuesthat are not significant; and propose mitigation forsignificant impacts that are identified.

The following studies are among those being conducted aspart of the Kosciuszko Bridge Project. Information regard-ing other studies will be included in future Project Updates.

Traffic studies help planners and engineers evaluatehow well the bridge and nearby roadways are currentlyoperating, how traffic would change in the future andhow effectively each alternative would handle thosefuture traffic volumes. Information from traffic analysesis also used to assess how each alternative would affectair quality and noise in the surrounding communitiesand to develop strategies to construct the project in theleast disruptive way.

Air Quality analysis will be conducted at specificlocations adjacent to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway(BQE) and on potential traffic diversion routes within thestudy area. Each alternative will be assessed based onits projected compliance with state and federalstandards for carbon monoxide and particulate matter.Any alternative that exceeds these standards must bemodified or discarded. In addition, the New YorkMetropolitan Transportation Council will include projectdata in its regional evaluation of ozone levels.

In order to evaluate how each alternative wouldaffect traffic conditions in the project study area,

information must be collected regarding currentoperations. The following studies have been, or willbe, conducted as part of the Kosciuszko BridgeProject:

Traffic Counts of the number and type of vehiclesusing specific sections of roadway were taken usingboth Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs) andManual Counts. ATRs use a rubber tube laid acrossthe road to continuously count the number ofvehicles passing by. Manual traffic counts weretaken by survey crews in order to collect data atlocal intersections.

Classification Counts were taken to determinethe mix of vehicles (cars, taxis, buses, motorcyclesand various types of trucks). Trucks and otherlarge vehicles need more space than cars andtherefore must be accounted for in the trafficanalysis. This data will also be used for air qualityand noise analysis, since different vehicles emitdifferent amounts and types of pollutants and makemore or less noise.

Occupancy Counts were taken to assess thenumber of people in cars at several locationswithin the project study area. Because a greateruse of buses and car pools on a roadway cansignificantly increase its "people handling capacity"without increasing vehicular volume, this informa-tion is very important.

Pedestrian Counts were taken at intersectionswith high numbers of pedestrians, mainly alongstreets leading to community facilities (schools,hospitals, parks), businesses, subway stations andlarge apartment complexes. As part of the DEISprocess, traffic engineers will look at ways toimprove pedestrian safety in the study area.

Travel Time Runs are used to measure theaverage traffic speeds along key roadways. For thisproject, survey crews drove along selected road-ways, traveling at the speed of surrounding traffic.They noted the amount of time it took to travelbetween specific points and the causes of delay.

High Accident Locations will be determined bydocumenting and analyzing the number and type ofaccidents in the study area and by comparing thatinformation to statewide averages for comparableroadways. This information will be used to designfuture roadway improvements to reduce the likeli-hood of accidents.

Traffic Data Collection The Air that We Breathe ...

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Land use on both sides of the Kosciuszko Bridge will bestudied in the DEIS.

Page 6

EIS Begins Analysis

Noise will be monitored at specific locations to establishexisting levels. Factors that contribute to elevated noiselevels along highways include: increased traffic volumes(especially trucks), higher speeds, decreased distancebetween the roadway and receiver, and deterioratedroadway surfaces. The noise analysis section of theDEIS will identify outdoor activities and locations thatwould benefit from reduced noise levels. For eachalternative, future noise levels will be projected andabatement measures considered, where appropriate.

Land Use studies examine existing conditions in theproject study area, including current usage andzoning. This section also looks at socioeconomic issues, such as population; local business and employment;regional population and employment trends andforecasts; and state, regional, local and communityplans.

It is anticipated that the DEIS for the Kosciuszko BridgeProject will be completed and circulated for agency andpublic review in Fall 2005. Distribution of the document willbe followed by an open comment period that will includehearings to obtain input from the public. All comments willbe reviewed prior to the selection of a preferred alternative,which will be detailed in the Final EIS (FEIS). The EISprocess, which began with FHWA's publication of a Noticeof Intent, will conclude with its issuance of a Record ofDecision announcing the selected alternative. It is expect-ed that the Record of Decision will be issued in mid 2006.

Project Milestones

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IAAC Fosters Agency Coordination

On June 16, 2004, NYSDOT held the second meeting ofthe Kosciuszko Bridge Project's Inter-Agency Advisory

Committee (IAAC). Established to facilitate coordinationand information sharing, the IAAC includes city, state,regional and federal-level agencies and relevant utilities.The June meeting was scheduled to provide IAAC memberswith an update on the Alternatives Analysis/EIS process andto gather input on developments--pending or proposed--that might impact traffic in the project study area. Agenciesand utilities represented at the meeting included the UnitedStates Coast Guard; FHWA; New York City Departments ofTransportation, Sanitation, Environmental Protection,Police, Health and City Planning; New York MetropolitanTransportation Council; KeySpan; Con Edison; and theBrooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents' Offices. Inaddition, the SAC was represented at the meeting byChristine Holowacz, Greenpoint Property Owners, andAnthony Nunziato, Maspeth Chamber of Commerce. Whilethe IAAC is expected to meet on an annual or semi-annualbasis, NYSDOT will consult with individual agencies andutilities regularly as the DEIS moves forward.

Notice of Intent(Apr 02)

Public ScopingMeetings (May 02)

First SAC Meeting(Sept 02)

Scoping ProcessBegins (Nov 01)

Scoping Process Ends(Jul 02)

Public Open Houses(Feb and Mar 02)

2002

2001

2003Alternatives Analysisbegins (Jan 03)

Level 1 ScreeningProcess Completed

(Jun 03)First IAAC Meeting

(Jun 03)Public Open Houses

(Nov and Dec 03)

2004Level 2 ScreeningProcess Completed

(Apr 04)

Public Open Houses(Oct 04)

2005 Publication of DEIS(Fall 05)Public Hearings(Fall 05)

Publication of FEIS(Early 06)Record of Decision(Mid 06)

Construction (EarliestPossible Start Date)

2006

2009

Page 7

and Other Community Concernsof Technical Issues

For further information about the Kosciuszko Bridge Project,please contact:

Robert Adams, P.E. Helen NeuhausNew York State Dept. of Transportation Helen Neuhaus & Associates(718) 482-4683 (212) [email protected] [email protected]

On three bitterly cold days last December, members ofthe project team and SAC set out to survey

businesses in the Greenpoint and Maspeth industrial areas.Part of a broader effort to reach out to businesses locatedin the vicinity of the bridge--which had included site visitsand meetings with owners and managers--the surveysought to gather information about each company'soperations in order to minimize impacts during constructionand in the final build condition. The project team alsohoped that the surveys would foster ongoing dialoguebetween the businesses and NYSDOT about the projectand specific local concerns.

In the end, project team members visited 22 businessesand completed 14 surveys. The information contained inthese surveys contributed to the development of thecriteria used to screen alternatives and, during the DEISprocess, will be used to help assess each alternative'simpact on the business community.

Ongoing OutreachThis type of hands-on, proactive outreach has been thecornerstone of the Kosciuszko Bridge Project from thebeginning. Since late 2001, the project team has held 32meetings with community organizations, elected officials,and businesspeople; 3 neighborhood bus tours; 2 PublicScoping Meetings; 5 Open Houses and 25 site visits tobusinesses (including the survey effort described above).

The two most recent Open Houses, held in November andDecember 2003, provided members of the public with anupdate on the Alternatives Analysis/EIS process and gavethem a glimpse of the 12 alternatives that remained afterLevel 1 screening. Both meetings opened with an informalsession at which people could view informational displaysand speak with members of the project team, and endedwith a lively Question and Answer period. Major issuesraised in Queens included traffic flow, the impact of eachalternative on residential properties, and the effect of otherprojects on the community and on the Kosciuszko BridgeProject. The single biggest concern among Brooklynattendees was the impact of each alternative oncommercial and residential properties. Project teammembers assured the audience that there would be no

residential property takings in Brooklyn. Two Open Houses--one each in Brooklyn and Queens--will be held this Fall toupdate the community on project activities, including thestart of the DEIS. (See page 1 for details.)

The SACLastly, and perhaps most importantly, the SAC continues toplay a vital role in moving the project forward. Composedof neighborhood groups, residents, business interests,elected officials, community board representatives andregional transportation organizations, the SAC was activelyinvolved in the Alternatives Analysis process. Committee

members assisted with the development of the Long List,the project Goals and Objectives, and Levels 1 and 2screening criteria and carefully evaluated alternativesduring each level of screening. They have participated indiscussions about traffic studies and other DEIS topics andhave served as ambassadors to the community at large,taking information back to neighbors and constituents andrelaying local concerns to the project team.

The Kosciuszko Bridge Project's outreach program willcontinue through construction of a new or rehabilitatedbridge. It will include public meetings, small groupbriefings, informational materials, and informal discussions.For further information, or if you would like to schedule abriefing, contact Helen Neuhaus (see below).

Building Bridges Through Community Outreach

SAC member Vincent Arcuri discusses project alternativeswith community members at a Public Open House.

www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

STATE OF NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HUNTERS POINT PLAZA 47-40 21ST STREET


PHONE: (718) 482-4683 FAX: (718) 482-6319 E-MAIL: [email protected]

THOMAS J. MADISON, JR. COMMISSIONER




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 preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is currently underway.

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.

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

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, Woodside and Maspeth.

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.

WEBSITE: www.dot.state.ny.us/reg/r11/kosciuszko/kosciuszkohome.html

2

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.

3

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



THOMAS J. MADISON, JR. COMMISSIONER




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 preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is currently underway.

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.

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

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, Woodside and Maspeth.

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.

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.

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• 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

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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. 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.

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:

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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.

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.

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

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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].


KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE PROJECT

MAILING LIST

AGENCIES

* Stakeholders Advisory Committee Member / Alternate

Vincent V. Abate* Chairperson Brooklyn Community Board #1 Bernard Adams Patrol Borough Queens North New York City Police Department Muhammad Afzal* New York City Department of Transportation Aizaz Ahmed New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Doris Alexander District Manager Brooklyn Community Board #8 Vincent Arcuri* Chairperson Queens Community Board #5 Joann Ariola Mayor's Community Assistance Unit Robert Arnold Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration – New York Division Rick Backlund* Federal Highway Administration Richard Beers Area Engineer Federal Highway Administration – New York Division Adrian Benepe Commissioner New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Wayne E. Bennett Superintendent of State Police Division of New York State Police

Gerry Bogacz Assistant Director New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Abaj Braimah Bureau of Legal Affairs New York City Department of Sanitation Steve Brown Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Richard Bruno Commanding Officer New York City Police Department – 94th Precinct Michael E. Bryan Commanding Officer New York City Police Department – 108th Precinct Marjorie Bryant Traffic Planning New York City Department of Transportation Amanda M. Burden Director New York City Department of City Planning David Burney Commissioner New York City Department of Design and Construction Edward Campbell Deputy Director Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination – Highways New York City Department of Transportation Joseph Cannisi Deputy Commissioner Division of Roadway Repair and Maintenance New York City Department of Transportation Edward T. Cannon Deputy Chief Commanding Officer Traffic Control Division New York City Police Department

AGENCIES


Yon-Oun Cao New York State Department of Transportation Philip Caponegro* Brooklyn Community Board #1 James Carbonaro Highway Patrol New York City Police Department Salvatore J. Cassano Chief of Operations New York City Fire Department Shaminder Chawla New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Alice Cheng Director of Intermodal Planning New York City Economic Development Corporation Charles Chin Queens Borough Engineer New York City Department of Transportation Alex Chmeleski Field Supervisor United States Fish and Wildlife Service Nancy Clark New York City Department of Health Tom Cocola Assistant Commissioner Public Affairs Office New York City Department of Transportation Joseph Conley* Chairperson Queens Community Board #2 Steven Costas Borough Chief New York City Department of Sanitation – Queens West Frank Croce Highway Patrol New York City Police Department

Natalie Custache Queens Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning Walter A. Czwartacky Director of Special Projects New York City Department of Sanitation Vinny DiPolo Superintendent New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn North, District 1 Sybil Dodson Community Planning/Development New York City Department of Design and Construction John J. Doherty Commissioner New York City Department of Sanitation Evans Doleyres New York City Department of Design and Construction Gregory Donofrio Program Analyst New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation David Dunn New York City Department of Transportation Marilyn Elseroad* Chairperson, Transportation Committee Queens Community Board #2 Kevin Emsworth Deputy Borough Chief New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn North Gerald A. Esposito* District Manager Brooklyn Community Board #1 Joseph J. Esposito New York City Police Department

AGENCIES


Terrell Estesen New York City Department of Environmental Protection Joel P. Ettinger Executive Director New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Anthony J. Fasulo First Deputy Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Ernie Feemster United States Coast Guard Allen Foster Traffic Control Agents New York City Police Department Paul E. Francis Director of the Budget New York State Division of the Budget Thomas R. Frieden, M.D. Commissioner New York City Department of Health Lauren Gallagher Project Manager Bureau of Environmental Planning and Assessment New York City Department of Environmental Protection Jim Garin Chief, Division of Capital Program Development & Planning New York City Department of Environmental Protection Gary Geiersbach Director Mayor's Office of Construction Anthony George New York City Department of Sanitation – Queens West

John F. Gilmartin Deputy Chief Office of Technology and Systems New York City Police Department Gary Giordano* District Manager Queens Community Board #5 Frances Gomillion Traffic Supervisor GO3 New York City Police Department Peter Gordon Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations New York City Department of Environmental Protection Stanley Gorski Area Coordinator Habitat and Protected Resources Division National Marine Fisheries Service Matthew Gorton Queens Director Mayor's Community Assistance Unit C. Peter Goslett Director, Community Affairs Queens Borough Commissioner's Office New York City Department of Transportation Larry Gould Director of Operations and Analysis Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Maisie Grace Regional Council Federal Transit Administration Doug Greeley, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Wastewater Treatment New York City Department of Environmental Protection Frank Gulluscio District Manager Queens Community Board #6

AGENCIES


Bernard Haber, P.E. Chairman Queens County Traffic Safety Board Dalila Hall Brooklyn Borough Commissioner's Office New York City Department of Transportation Chris Hardej New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Michael Harnett Chief Borough Engineer Queens Division New York City Department of Transportation Kei Hayashi Deputy Executive Director New York City Industrial Development Agency Abul Hossain Director Bureau of Engineering Review and Support New York City Department of Transportation Betsy Imershein Director Maspeth Industrial Business Zone Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses Yakov Isakov Division of Bridges New York City Department of Transportation Jay Jaber Capital Planning New York City Department of Transportation Richard Jacobs Brooklyn Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning Ted Jankowski Commanding Officer Fire Engine Company 216 New York City Fire Department

Sadguna Jhaveri New York City Department of Design and Construction Celeste Johnson Director Metropolitan Regional Office New York State Department of Health George Joseph New York City Department of Design and Construction Jennifer Kao New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Gary Kassof Bridge Program Administrator United States Coast Guard First Coast Guard District Seth Kaye Senior Vice President New York City Economic Development Corporation Richard Kearns Deputy Regional Director New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Raymond W. Kelly Commissioner New York City Police Department George Kern Director Bridge and Tunnel Operations New York City Department of Transportation Robert R. Kulikowski, PhD. Director New York City Office of Environmental Coordination Susan L. Kupferman President Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels

AGENCIES


Jim Larsen Manager Air Cargo Programs Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Julie Lawrence Chairperson – Waterfront Committee Brooklyn Community Board #1 Naomi Leisman Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels Adam Levine Public Information Officer New York State Departmen of Transportaton – Region 11 Dorothy Lewandowski Queens Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Angela Licata Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Environmental Planning and Assessment New York City Department of Environmental Protection Detective John Lisa New York City Police Department – 94th Precinct Emily Lloyd Commissioner New York City Department of Environmental Protection Ellen Macnow Interagency Planning Coordinator New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Debra Markell* District Manager Queens Community Board #2 Robert Matthews Chairperson Brooklyn Community Board #8

Maura McCarthy Queens Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Kyle McGraw Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Long Island Rail Road B. C. McKenna Highway Patrol #2 New York City Police Department Chris McKnight Commanding Officer Engine 238, Ladder 106 New York City Fire Department Edna Mesnick Office of Community Affairs New York City Department of Transportation President Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Long Island Rail Road President Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Robert A. Millus Vice President, Compliance Department New York City Economic Development Corporation Thomas Milora Chief of Staff New York City Department of Sanitation Joseph Mondillo Design Quality Assurance Bureau New York State Department of Transportation Dorothy Morehead Chairperson Environmental Committee Queens Community Board #2 Art Mullen Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Long Island Rail Road

AGENCIES


Regina Myer Director Brooklyn Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning Frank Nammour New York City Department of Design and Construction Mousa Nazif* New York City Department of Transportation Donald Nesbitt Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Larry Nikunen Commanding Officer New York City Police Department – 90th Precinct Joe Noto Director Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination New York City Department of Transportation Bob Nyman Regional Coordinator Harbor Estuary Program United States Environmental Protection Agency TSII Elease Oakley Queens Tow Pound New York City Police Department Patrick O'Brien Chairperson City Services Committee Queens Community Board #2

Sola Olajide Brooklyn Borough Engineer New York City Department of Transportation Jill A. Olin Fish and Wildlife Biologist United States Fish and Wildlife Service Louis Oliva Acting Regional Director New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Joseph Palmieri Brooklyn Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Transportation Bina Parikh Department of Buses Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Frank Pasquale Director of Public Affairs Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels Henry D. Perahia Deputy Commissioner/Chief Bridge Officer New York City Department of Transportation Karen Perritt Resource Center Federal Highway Administration John J. Peruggia Chief in Charge Emergency Medical Service Command New York City Fire Department Eric Peterson Park and Recreation Manager New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Joseph F. Picciano, P.E. Deputy Regional Director Federal Emergency Management Agency Region II

AGENCIES


Paul Poon Division of Bridges New York City Department of Transportation Philip Powerstein New York City Department of Design and Construction Michael Primeggia Deputy Commissioner for Traffic Operations New York City Department of Transportation Daphne Prodis Community Outreach and Notification New York City Department of Design and Construction Jeannette Rausch Vice President New York City Economic Development Corporation Giovanna Reid District Manager Queens Community Board #3 Bert Roberts Health Services Manager New York City Health Department James J. Roberts Deputy Commissioner Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations New York City Department of Environmental Protection Rosemary Rosa Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Tony Rosa New York City Department of Parks and Recreation N. Rossini Superintendent New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn North, District 3

Brian O. Rowback, P.E. Chairman TRANSCOM Cruz C. Russell Director Office of Policy & Planning Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Rocco Sabatella New York City Department of Sanitation – Cleaning and Collection Nick Saggese Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Sanitation – Brooklyn North Gina Santucci Director of Environmental Review New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Patrick Sbano Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Bridges and Tunnels John Schell* Vice Chairman Transportation Services Committee Queens Community Board #5 Jack Schmidt Director Transportation Division New York City Department of City Planning Nicholas Scoppetta Commissioner New York City Fire Department Joe Scotti Highway Patrol New York City Police Department Millard L. Seay Senior Vice President, Department of Buses Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit

AGENCIES


Joseph J. Seebode Supervisor, Environmental Engineer Harbor Program Division United States Army Corps of Engineers Erik Seims Transportation Division New York City Department of City Planning Roz Silver Brooklyn Borough Office New York City Department of City Planning Juddie Simms Engineering Department New York City Comptroller's Office Marla Simpson Director Mayor's Office of Contract Services Jennifer Sinclair Chief Transportation Officer Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit George C. Sinnott Executive Director New York State Bridge Authority Jackie Snyder Executive Director New York City Art Commission Julius Spiegel Brooklyn Borough Commissioner New York City Department of Parks and Recreation George Stafford Director Division of Coastal Resources New York State Department of State Charles Stagnitta Associate Director New York City Economic Development Corporation

Alan J. Steinberg Regional Administrator United States Environmental Protection Agency – Region 2 William Stenger Highway Patrol New York City Police Department David A. Stilwell Field Supervisor Fish and Wildlife Service United States Department of the Interior Karl Stricker General Superintendent Special Operations Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit Moshe Strum* Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination New York City Department of Transportation Letitia Thompson Regional Administrator Federal Transit Administration Robert B. Tierney Chair New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Richard Tomer Chief, Regulatory Branch United States Army Corps of Engineers – New York District Carl Tramontana Emergency Medical Service Command New York City Fire Department George Tsoukaris Highway Patrol #2 New York City Police Department Nick Varone Project Manager Communications/Planned Operations New York City Fire Department

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

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS


Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Darryl Hollon, Director of Membership Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Karen Young Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation Joan G. Bartolomeo, President East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation Jose Leon, Director 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

Queens Chamber of Commerce Bill Egan Queens County Overall Economic Development Corporation Seth Boynstein Queens County Overall Economic Development Corporation Spencer Ferdinand, Executive Director Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce Lily Gavin

BUSINESSES


546 Morgan Corporation Michael Lydon 546 Morgan Corporation Patrick Lydon Acme Architectural Products Hilda DeJesus Acme Architectural Products Mark Gothelf Acme Architectural Products Mildred Olsen Acme Architectural Products Steve Martin* Acme Architectural Products Jack Teich Acme Architectural Products Marc Teich* A. Haupt, Inc. Mark Tarnofsky, President/CEO AiRactor, Inc. Paul S. Pizem, President A. J. McNulty & Company, Inc. Lawrence Weiss, President Akiyama, Inc. K. Akiyama Alfa Piping Corporation Sidney Holland, President American Compressed Gases, Inc. Michael Agusta American Compressed Gases, Inc. Joe Puzzo, General Manager American Compressed Gases, Inc. Keith A. Randall Andrea Realty, LLC Robert & Vivian Andruk

Apexx Omni Graphics, Inc. Edwards Peters, President ASCO Steel Engineering Company Astoria Carting, Inc. Pat Nehme Atlas Down Company, LLC Auric Ventures, Ltd. Beth L. Goldberg, President AWISCO New York Corp./The Welding Depot Lloyd Robinson, President Bellcap, LLC Ben-Jo Trucking, Inc. Kenneth Yashian, President Best Flowers Blue Leopard Trading BQE International Trading Brooklyn Processing Builders Assistance Corporation Mr. Jacob C & B Marble Corporation Jhonny Cardona, Manager Calvary Cemetery Ken Czak Calvary Cemetery Joseph Giulietti, Superintendent Castle Sanitation Corporation Anna and Carlo Casalino Choice Circulation City Lights City Recycling Luiccana Casagrande

BUSINESSES


City Rooster I Citywide Demolition & Rubbish Michael Iacono Citywide Demolition & Rubbish Sandra Savocchi Community Consulting Services Brian Ketcham Conch USA, Inc. Jing Li, Manager Con Edison Carol Conslato Manager, Queens Public Affairs Con Edison Carl Lee Coyne Family Service Station Patrick Coyne, Jr. Crane's, Inc. Manny Zacoone Davis & Warshow, Inc. Frank Finkel, President Demfon International Trading Farah Norr, President Display Systems, Inc. Ben Weshler, President DMC Realty Company DMJM Harris Charles Manning Dry Ice Corporation Adam Conrad, General Manager E. & J. Caputo, LLC E. & J. Caputo, LLC Al Caputo Eldorado Coffee, Ltd. Segundo Martin, President

El Gran Pan de Quesa Carlos Arturo Aldana, President Elite Promotion System Emil Realty, Inc. Michael & Joe Vecchio Exxon Mobil Steve Trifiletti Fatima Brothers, Inc. F. H. Von Damm, Inc. Brian M. Flynn FMC Company Fred Carillo, President Paul Gajeski Good Flowers Gotcha Auto Salvage Green Lake Produce & Seafood Corporation Henry Uy Haley Trucking Corporation Bob Haley HDR/Daniel Frankfurt, P.C. Joe McGough IESI New York Corporation Don Kerik, Site Manager Independence Carting, Inc. JP Realty, Inc. J. Pinz Metals Company Mike Pinz Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. John Belo Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. Richard Kaplon

BUSINESSES


Kaplon-Belo Associates, Inc. Richard Lichaw, Vice President, Marketing Karp Associates, Inc. Adam D. Gold Vice President & General Counsel Karp Associates, Inc. Gerry Gorman, President and CEO Karp Associates, Inc. George Kosser, Vice President of Operations K-D Frame & Door Corporation Martin Sklar, President KeySpan Corporation Eric Aprigliano, Gas Engineering Department KeySpan Corporation Eileen Cifone, Government Relations Office KeySpan Corporation Tom Dejesu Director, Government Relations KeySpan Corporation April Dubison KeySpan Corporation Michael McGovern KeySpan Corporation Michael McGrath KeySpan Corporation Frank Murphy, Legal Department KeySpan Corporation Ronald Thompson KeySpan Corporation Al Wiltshire Laurel Hill Properties Lee's Stone Supply, Inc. Vinson Lei, Owner Lichtenstein Consulting Engineers, P.C. Dolores Buckenberger

Yu Reng Lin Lion Pavilion, Ltd. Yang Jian Lu Transport Perry Szozda Maharaja Foods Alex Chacko Ronald & Carmen Mariani Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Ken Bravmann Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Mark Buller Marjam Supply Company, Inc. Frank Missano, Operations Manager Marlin Beverage Roland Korn Marly Building Supply Kim Kun Ma, President Maspeth Recycling, Inc. Joseph Cipilone McDonald’s Paul Goodman, Owner Midwood Management Corporation Kevin G. Cornell, Executive Vice President Midwood Management Corporation Paul D. Mandel, Director of Construction Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. Jane S. Gitlin, Vice President, Marketing Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. Stephanie Gitlin Milgo/Bufkin, Inc. William Soghor Miller Method, LLC Richard Kaplon

BUSINESSES


Mortimer Korchin 1998 Family Trust M. Parisi & Son Construction, Inc. Joseph Parisi, President Musco Foods Corporation Philip P. Musco, President National Land Building Corporation New Style Recycling Corporation Michael Cristina, President New York Acquisition New York Custom Woodworking, Inc. Oriental Trading, Inc. Paint Applicator Corporation of America Peerless Importers Jessica Arlia Phelps Dodge Refining Corporation Soren Suver Phillips Nizer, LLP Kenneth K. Fisher Planet Development Corporation Planet Realty Niall Reilly Premier Poultry, Inc. Jaleel Mohamed, Manager R & S Holding Corporation Redwood Contracting Mary Iovino Richter & Ratner Contracting Corporation Charles & Louis Ratner Judith Robinson Rosenthal Wine Merchant (NY), LTD

Route Messenger Services Robert Kurtzer, President Roux Associates, Inc. Andrew Baris Roux Associates, Inc. Justin Kennedy Roux Associates, Inc. Christopher J. Proce, Project Hydrogeologist Sagres Partners, LLC Philip Galasso* Sagres Partners, LLC Dan Torchio* Samuel Schwartz PLLC Samuel Schwartz, P.E., President Sharon Flowers Sass Sheena Siegel Brothers Supply Jay Siegel Signs & Decal Corporation Ali Khalfan Signs & Decal Corporation Babu Khalfan Sincerity Noodles Mr. Lee Sino Trading NY, Inc. Starcross Roofing and Sheet Metal Bill Douglas, Owner Stone Depot Importers and Distributors David Su, President Strategic Urban Solutions Martha Holstein Strocchia Iron Works Ralph Strocchia, Jr.

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

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS


40 Block Association Lula Braner 51st Avenue Block Association Gilda Incantalupo American Center V. Gazarlen Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de NY Juventina Duran Artistic Director Brooklyn Slovak American Citizen's Club, Inc. Tom Suchs Director Catholic War Veterans Post 870 Jerry Olt Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Joan M. Delar Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Rosemary Felle* President Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Mike Fordunski Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Ernest Swain* Citizens of Maspeth & Elmhurst Together Lucille Winsko Concerned Citizens of Greenpoint Irene Klementowicz* Concerned Citizens of Withers Street Theresa & Guido Cianciotta Concerned Citizens of Withers Street A. Piecoro Concerned Citizens of Withers Street Louise Spoto Concerned Citizens of Withers Street The Torre Family

East Woodside Neighborhood Coalition M. S. Stella Farmers Oval Civic Association Graham Avenue Block Association Vincent Lomonte Grand Old Party Republican Club Greenpoint Avenue/West Street Block Association Barbara Vetell Greenpoint Property Owners Christine Holowacz* Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks and Planning Michael* & Laura* Hofmann Humboldt Street Block Association Patricia Ferris Independent Friends of McCarren Park, Inc. Arthur Steier Juniper Park Civic Association Lillian & Michael Cyran Juniper Park Civic Association Robert Holden President Kiwanis Club of Sunnyside Joanne Billharz Long Island City/Sunnyside Civic Association Gertrude McDonald Maspeth Plateau Civic Association Ann Griffin Maspeth Town Hall, Inc. Eileen Reilly Executive Director Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block Association Madeline* & Bruce Donach

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS


Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block Association Mary Gottlieb* Meeker Avenue/Apollo Street Block Association Noemi* and Steven* Tiniski Metropolitan Houses Marie Leanza Morgan Avenue Block Association Maryann Arlia Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee Christine Hinkelday Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee Dorothy Swick* Noble Street Block Association Rita Layden Noble Street Block Association Barbara Mihelic* North Brooklyn Greens George A. Sempepos Oak Street Block Association Edmund Michaleski OUTRAGE (Williamsburg/Greenpoint Organizations United for Trash Reduction and Garbage Equity) Alison Cordero* OUTRAGE Jim Fibute OUTRAGE Ray Kairys OUTRAGE Joe Reemmer* OUTRAGE Rebecca White Park Moms Kelly Shields

People's Civic Association of Maspeth Ed McGowan Phipps Gardens Tenant Association Mayo Boardman Polish & Slavic Center Beata Duchnowska Polish & Slavic Center Zygmunt Perkowski Polish National Alliance of Brooklyn Christine McMullan Polish National Home Antoni Chroscielewski Polonians Organized to Minister to Our Community, Inc. Eva Kornacka Executive Director Precinct Community Council New York City Police Department – 108th Precinct Diane R. Ballek President RMNH Block Association Mildred Leogrande RNHY Block Association Walter Steffen Roosevelt Court Tenants Association Lew Story Save Our Street Sal Cantelmi Save Our Street Joe Slattery Seigel Court Block Association Walter Buchelli Seigel Court Block Association Lucy Plaza

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS


Sons of Union Veterans Donald Steinmaker Staten Island Future Richard Gualtieri St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation Michael F. Rochford Executive Director St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation Zully Rolan St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation Carol Samol Deputy Director, Planning & Development Sunnyside Drum Corps 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

United Forties Civic Association Catherine McNamara United Forties Civic Association Dorothy Neary United Forties Civic Association Joseph Ruzalski* United Republicans of Western Queens J. & A. Surad Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2348 Joseph Stewart Commander West Maspeth Civic Association Ray Beiersdorfer President West Queens Independent Democratic Club

ELECTED OFFICIALS


Naftali Ausch* Office of New York State Senator Martin Connor Diane Ballek* Office of New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan The Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor of the City of New York Jay Bond* Office of New York City Councilwoman Melinda Katz Thomas Campagna* Office of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Reginald Caphart Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Theresa Cianciotta* Office of New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton United States Senate The Honorable Martin Connor* New York State Senate The Honorable Joseph Crowley United States Congress Evelyn Cruz* Office of United States Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez Dennis Deahn Office of United States Congressman Joseph Crowley Zoe Epstein* Office of New York City Councilman Eric Gioia Luis Espinoza Office of New York City Councilwoman Diana Reyna

Welland M. Fuller, P.E.* Office of New York State Assemblywoman Margaret Markey The Honorable Dennis Gallagher New York City Council The Honorable Eric Gioia* New York City Council Alvin Goodman* Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Robert Gottheim Office of United States Congressman Jerrold Nadler Alison Hirsh* Office of New York State Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez Rosemarie Iacovone* Office of New York State Senator Serphin R. Maltese Matt Ides* Office of New York City Councilman David Yassky The Honorable Melinda Katz* New York City Council The Honorable Joseph Lentol* New York State Assembly The Honorable John Liu New York City Council The Honorable Vito J. Lopez* New York State Assembly Peter Lutz* Office of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall The Honorable Martin Malave Dilan* New York State Senate The Honorable Carolyn Maloney United States Congress

ELECTED OFFICIALS


The Honorable Serphin R. Maltese* New York State Senate The Honorable Margaret Markey* New York State Assembly The Honorable Marty Markowitz* Brooklyn Borough President The Honorable Helen Marshall* Queens Borough President The Honorable Catherine Nolan* New York State Assembly The Honorable George Onorato* New York State Senate Kim Petersen Office of New York City Councilman Dennis 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

Roel VanDerkoor Office of New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan The Honorable Nydia Velazquez* United States Congress The Honorable Anthony Weiner United States Congress The Honorable David Yassky* New York City Council San Vargas Office of New York State Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan Anna Zak* Office of New York State Senator Martin Malave Dilan

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

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

INDIVIDUALS


Ahmad Ahed William F. Alex Joan A. Armstrong Dorothy Augustine Anna Bajadek Leonel Batista Catherine Bauer John J. Behnken Helen & Thomas Bentrewicz Karen Berenger Luis Bermudez Jairo Bernal Mr. & Mrs. John A. Blakitis J. Blickhahn Paul Boscoe Marcy Boyle Fran & Tina Brancato Dennis Branco Tony Branco Arthur Brigis Laleta Bruneo Jennie Bulger Lisa Byros Mr. & Mrs. Cajas Maria Calle Rolf Carle

Jeffrey & Julie Ann Carter Manuel Caruana Michael Cava Patrick Cavlin Wladyslaw Chaber Virginia Charles Michele Chesnicka Akhtar Choudri Tes Choudri W. Cleary George Cogliano Dorothy & John Colasanti The Coleman Family Joe Conley Beau Conlon Kevin Coyne Andrew Cunningham Aurora Cunningham M. Dadiego Betty Dantzler Julie De Luca Mr. & Mrs. Michael Deignan Lourdes Delgado Fred & Joan DeLuca Elizabeth Demm Mary DeStefano

INDIVIDUALS


Jackie Devlin Noreen Devrni John Di Esso George Diacumakos Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Diaz Bill Dobranski Colleen Dockery E. Dusa Arthur J. Englebertor Bernard Ente A. Esposito Alfred Esposito R. Esposito Rosa Estevez John Falco John P. Farkas Omar Fermin Marie Ferzola A. Filosa Thomas & Eileen Flynn Margaret Formato Lu Ann Fortunato Rose Fortunato John Foti Carl Fox Eleanor & Edward Fox

R. J. Gaba Ruth Gates Gerard M. Gaynor Lori George T. G. Gibbon Elizabeth Gifford Bruno Gilewski James Glynn M. Grullon Andrzej Gruszka Gloria Gumero Maria Guzman Marie Hampl Agnes Hentichel Barbara Hertel Barbara Howe Bulger Duncan Imrie Andrzej Januszewski Al Jordan Martin Kaiser Edward Kampermann Eamon Kiernan Stanislaw Kolinowski Tadeusz Kurdziel Patrick and Nora Laffey Annette LaMatto*

INDIVIDUALS


Mary B. Leahy Tadeusz Lesniewski Marie Lew JoAnn & Anne Lilly M. Livrerio Anthony Lombardo Vincent Lomonte John Lydon The Lydon Family Jo-Ann Mahoney John A. Maier Carmel & Chris Maloney Carmela Mannetta Audrey March The Matechak Family Marilyn McCauley Mary McGovern Mike McSweeney Blanca & Abraham Medino V. Mendoza The Mills Family Dorothy & Valerie Minieri Christal Molina John E. Morrow Teri Muroff

John Murphy Sylvia Nappi Antoinette Natale C. Nawaz Lou Nazzaro Jeanette Nilsson Anthony Nunziato, Jr. Wanda O'Leary Joe Oleszczuk Bob Olmsted Patricia Ottati Michael Padden Thomas Paino Danny & Kath Paolucci Olga & Jack Pappas L. Pasach Donald Passantino Lou Pastina William & Cheryl Paz Jane Pedota Carissa Pelleteri George L. Perez Frances & Alice Perrotto Diana Pesantez Donna Petrowski

INDIVIDUALS


Alfonso Pettenato Dorothy Pienkos Andrew J. Poma Martin Price Mr. & Mrs. T. Pugliese C. & N. Rescigna Leonides Reyes The Riordan Family Carmen & Angel Rios Fabio Rodriguez Jose Rodriguez Gerald Rosner J. & M. Ryan Ignatius Rzeznik AnnMarie & Michael Sacharsky Philomena Salvato Mike & Linda Santora Alma Savoia Donald W. Schroeder Gabrielle Shelton Paul Sheridan George Siebor Jay Siegel Zina V. Sisto Paul Slapikas Maria & Steve Smith

Rosemary Smith Martin Soraire Kevin Strasheim Tony Su Brian Sullivan Peter Susol Henry Swita Pauline Szturma Walter G. Szulecki Morgana Toglia Suzanne Tomatore Andrea & Anne Torre Daniel Trembinski Mary Jane Trevizan E. Tusa John & Joan Tusa Hanna & Lukasz Tyka Dorothy Ustaski Stanley Vendittelli Vincent & Anthony Vespole Gladys Villafane Al Volpe Irene Wahlberg John & Maureen Wallace Rosalie Washaek Mrs. Michael Weaver

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

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

MEDIA


America Oggi Andrea Mantineo, Editor-in-Chief Brooklyn Paper Publications Gersh Kuntzman, Editor Brooklyn Star Phil Guie Bushwick Observer Ken Kern, Editor Greenline: The North Brooklyn Community News Genia Gould, Editor Greenline: The North Brooklyn Community News Zak Vreeland Greenpoint Gazette Virginia Bednarek, Editor-in-Chief Greenpoint Star Hector Flores Greenpoint Star Shane Miller, Managing Editor Greenpoint Star Marlene Peralta Greenpoint-Williamburg Gazette Maria Bednarek, Editor-in-Chief Hoy Pablo Scarpilli, News Editor/Editor-in-Chief Newsday – Queens Edition Carl McGowan, Researcher New York Daily News Don Bertrand New York Daily News Martin Dunn, Editor-in-Chief New York Daily News – Queens Edition Maxine Simpson

New York Post Jesse Angelo, Editor New York Times John Landman, Metro Editor NY1 News Arthur Chin NY1 News Yogi Colon Polish Daily News Edwa Kern, City Editor Queens Chronicle Robert Brodsky Queens Chronicle Colin Gustasson, Editor Queens Courier Ayala Ben-Yehuda Queens Courier Pete Davis Queens Courier Liz Zazo Queens Ledger Nik Kovac Queens Ledger Walter Sanchez, Editor Queens Public Television Francine Tobias, Public Outreach Manager Queens Times Jim Lisa, Publisher Super Express Newspaper Malgorrzata Juszczak Times Ledger Dustin Brown, Reporter Times Ledger Alex Ginsberg

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

PROJECT TEAM


Robert Adams, P.E.* New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Tom Breslin, P.E.* Federal Highway Administration – New York Division Luis Calderon, P.E. Structures Supervisor New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Douglas A. Currey, P.E. Regional Director New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Phillip Eng, P.E. New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Elizabeth Federico Parsons Harold Fink, P.E. New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Anthony Greene Acting Regional Right-of-Way Supervisor New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Richard Hart Environmental Planning & Management, Inc. Sara Hearn Parsons Matthew Herschfeld Environmental Planning & Management, Inc. Tom Higgins Vollmer Associates Nelson Ines Parsons

Peter King New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Dave Kurcharsky Parsons Robert Laravie New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Anthony Lee Parsons Joseph Mendez Parsons Angela Miraglia Supervisor of Acquistions New York State Department of Transpsortation – Region 11 Bruce Neiger, P.E. Parsons Helen Neuhaus Helen Neuhaus & Associates Brian O'Donnell, P.E. Vollmer Associates Charles O'Shea New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11 Leslie Peoples Vollmer Associates Dan Prevost Parsons Helder Rendon Vollmer Associates Lauren Shurtleff Helen Neuhaus & Associates Joyce Sowinski New York State Department of Transportation – Region 11

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

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

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

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

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)

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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

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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

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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

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- 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)

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- 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