PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES The following summary of public comments is divided into two sections. Comments from the public meeting are included in Part A, and all written comments submitted to the NJTPA are in Part B.

Part A. Verbal Comments

Mayor Bret Schundler, Mayor of Jersey City

Mayor Schundler expressed support for the concept of a roadway project using the Bergen Arches right-of-way. He stated that the City of Jersey City considers the Bergen Arches right-of-way to be an important transportation asset, which prompted the City's involvement in securing funding for the roadway project through the legislative earmark.

Background

According to the Mayor, a new road to connect the Waterfront with a new interchange of the New Jersey Turnpike at Allied Junction would have potential benefits for Jersey City residents and the region. He stated that the road should have only one exit, at Routes 1 & 9, allowing New York commuters to exit, and removing them from the traffic stream to the Waterfront Vehicles could use the new road to travel to the Waterfront area without entering the stream of traffic to New York, reducing travel time to the Waterfront, and also improving the commute time for New York bound travelers. With less idling in stopped traffic, there would be less pollution from vehicles. He also proposed that other areas in the region would benefit by potential increases in property values to reflect the reduced travel times to New York City and points of interest in New Jersey.

The Mayor stated that the roadway is needed to support the economic development of the Waterfront area, and to improve quality of life and safety. The economic development benefits would be achieved though enhanced access to the growing Waterfront area of Jersey City. The road would also serve an important need by providing a means for residents to travel out of Jersey City without mixing into the New York stream. He also noted that the road could reduce instances of vehicles attempting to circumvent congestion by traveling on local streets in the City, which presents a danger to pedestrians.

The Mayor acknowledged that rail freight capacity is also crucial to the viability of the Port district. He stated that rail freight issues should be considered in determining the best use for the Bergen Arches right-of-way and left open the possibility of considering a shared use for freight along with the roadway. One option mentioned would use one lane for freight movement and three lanes for vehicular traffic, (one lane alternating direction to allow two lanes of travel in peak periods).