Public, Politicians: TZ Bridge Needs Mass Transit

Nyackers, Piermonters and other residents living in the Tappan Zee Bridge's shadow have one cardinal concern with the that received president Obama's nod of approval: the lack of mass transit.

Hundreds of Rocklanders stopped by the Palisades Center Thursday night for an with Thruway, Department of Transportation and State officials.

Officials outlined the project's time-line, details and the . Spokespeople noted major upgrades include the addition of shoulders, breakdown lanes and bicycle/pedestrian pathways. The new bridge would also house more lanes for motor vehicles and is slated to open in 2017.

Officials have not detailed where the funding will come from.

It was after a few hours that Michael Anderson, project manager with the New York State Department of Transportation, spotlighted the project's neglect of mass transit.

"We will preserve the option for future transit options," he explained, noting the bridge will not be outfitted with train or bus infrastructure right out of the gate but will be prepared for it in the future.

Constructing the replacement without mass transit runs about $5.2 billion; with would cost approximately $16 billion. Anderson noted the $16 billion price tag is not feasible at this point, and that if and when rail arrives, it will not encroach on car lanes.

It is a decision that upsets a number of taxpayers and elected officials. "There's a difference between not precluding mass transit and actively preparing for it," said Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell. Cornell added that growing pollution and congestion add to the need for mass transit.

Cornell's comments earned her hearty applause. Jen Laird-White, deputy mayor of Nyack, echoed her sentiments.

"We do not want the bridge of 1955, but the bridge of 2055," Laird-White said. "It will be expensive, it will be difficult to achieve... but we need to bring back the money for mass transit."

Other questions and concerns

The Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation must avoid past mistakes, like wiping out South Nyack's downtown during the current bridge's construction, said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern). South Nyack is hoping to reclaim land this time around; click for more information.

Could the massive construction undertaking possibly exacerbate in West Nyack? asked Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City). He said the Department of Environmental Conservation should look into it.

A spokesperson for Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) stressed the importance of protecting the Hudson River's ecology.

Residents representing South Nyack said the project's hastened time-line does not allot enough time for villagers to sound off and prepare.

Have questions you want answered? Email kevin@patch.com