APPENDIX H – PUBLIC COMMENT AND CORRESPONDENCE DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX H PUBLIC COMMENT AND CORRESPONDENCE DOCUMENTS

The following documents received by MTA/NYCT on the South Ferry Terminal Project are contained in this appendix. The documents are in date order with most recent first. Public Comment Summary Matrix Public Correspondence

• Letter from William Nyman, Hardesty & Hanover, LLP – February 9, 2004 • Letter from Philip Burford – December 12, 2003 • E-mail from Joe New York – November 19, 2003 • E-mail from David Fairthorne – November 15, 2003 • E-mail from Stanley Kuslansky – November 12, 2003 • Letter from New York Metro Chapter, American Planning Association – October

28, 2003 • Letter from Mark Douglas – October 21, 2003 • E-mail from Jon Graham, October 20, 2003 • Letter from J. Zupan, Regional Plan Association – October 14, 2003 • Letter from Gene Russianoff, Straphangers Campaign – October 8, 2003 • Letter from Tamara Coombs, Ferry Riders Committee – October 7, 2003 • Letter from Lawrence Stelter – October 6, 2003 • E-mail from Frank Hedley – October 3, 2003 • Fax from Giant Industrial Installations – October 2, 2003 • Letter from New York State Senator Seymour P. Lachman – September 26, 2003 • Letter from New Cassel Technical Learning Center – September 25, 2003 • Letter from Robert A. Olmsted, P.E. – September 25, 2003 • Letter from Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E. – September 25, 2003 • E-mail from Patrick M. Centolanzi – September 25, 2003 • E-mail from Robert J. Ronayne – September 24, 2003 • Letter from Joseph P. Ficara – September 3, 2003 • Letter from Ron M. Aryel, MD, MBA – August 29, 2003 • Sample outreach letter from MTA/NYCT for South Ferry Terminal Project –

August 15, 2003 Newspaper Notices for Public Meetings

• Notice for Public Meeting held December 3, 2003 in Staten Island • Notice for Public Meeting held September 24, 2003 at U.S. Custom House,

Bowling Green

SOUTH FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT PUBLIC COMMENTS

Code Comment Type Date Comment Author/Speaker EA Chapter Response

H1 1 9/24/2003 In favor of the State Street design. Charles Sorrentino, Commuter 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AH1 1 9/24/2003 Support Meredith Staton 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AH1 1 9/24/2003 Support Tamara Coombs, Chair, Ferry Riders Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AH2 1 12/3/2003 In Favor Charles Sorrentino, Commuter 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

H2 1 12/3/2003 Support James P. Molinaro, Staten Island Borough President 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

H2 1 12/3/2003 Project is important Michael McMahon, NYC Councilman 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AH2 1 12/3/2003 Support Tamara Coombs, Chair, Ferry Riders Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

H2 1 12/3/2003 Proposal Good but need to cease opportunity to be better Vito V. Fossella, US Congressman 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

H2 1 12/3/2003 Support

Dan Icolari, resident of the St George Historic District, Member of St George Ferr Riders Committee, Member of NYPIRG Straphangers Committee

N/A N/A

L 1 10/28/2003 Support Ethel Sheffer, President, NY Metro Chapter, American Planning Association 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

L 1 10/8/2003 Strong Support Gene Russianoff, Senior Attorney, NYPIRG Straphangers Campaign 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

L 1 10/14/2003 Support J. Zupan, Regional Plan Association 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AL 1 11/19/2003 Applause for the long term solution. Joe New York (bt19@hotmail.com) 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

L 1 10/6/2003 Support for project and free transfer to Whitehall Street N&R Station Lawrence Stelter 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

L 1 9/25/2003 General support with suggestions/comments Robert A. Olmsted, P.E., Retired MTA Planning Director 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

L 1 8/29/2003 General support with suggestions/comments Ron M Aryel, MD, MBA 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AL 1 9/26/2003 Applause for the project. Seymour P Lachman, NYS Senator 1.0 Purpose and Need N/AL 1 10/7/2003 Support. Tamara Coombs, Chair, Ferry Riders Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need N/A

E 2 10/3/2003 Questions regarding the status of track connections to/from old loop station Frank Hedley, Customer, nyhugh@msn.com 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 1.6 discusses the Project's use of approach tunnels

E 2 10/20/2003 Has consideration been given to providing access to Lexington Avenue Line Service? Jon Graham, Customer 1.0 Purpose and Need

Although possible, a track and/or pedestrian connection to the Lexington Avenue Line is infeasble due to the extreme difference in track elevation and configuration. Lexington Avenue Line connections are not part of this Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

E 2 9/25/2003 Loop track is most efficient for turning trains. Changing track configuration is not necessary Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E., centolanzi@aol.com 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.5 discusses the problems with the existing station curve

H1 2 9/24/2003 Inquired about adequate PA system & underground communication. Alice LeBrie 1.0 Purpose and Need New terminal design will include an adequate Public Address System. Projects are ongoing to

improve underground communications systemwide.

H1 2 9/24/2003 Inquired about building a 3-track terminal and tail tracks Andrew Merelis 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.2 discusses the alternative of a 3-track terminal. "Overrun Orotection" (tail tracks) has been

incorporated into the design of the project.

H1 2 9/24/2003

Stair from mezzanine to Ferry must be sufficient. The South entrance should be integrated with the Ferry Terminal design. A canopy from the N/R to the Ferry Terminal is needed.

Charles Sorrentino, Commuter 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts Section 5.9 discusses pedestrian flow

H1 2 9/24/2003 Doors @ South Ferry should be like doors on Air Train @ JFK & Newark

George Haikalis, President, Institute for Rational Urban Mobility 1.0 Purpose and Need Comment will be considered

H1 2 9/24/2003 General comments regarding adherence to ADA regulations

Ken Stewart, President, Metropolitan Council of Low Vision Individuals 1.0 Purpose and Need ADA compliance stated in Section 1.6.

H1 2 9/24/2003 What happened to direct connection to ferry terminal? Tamara Coombs, Chair, Ferry Riders Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.6 discusses the potential to connect the new South Ferry Terminal to the reconstructed

Whitehall Ferry Terminal.H2 2 12/3/2003 Need tail tracks. Alex Labianca, Resident 1.0 Purpose and Need "Overrun Orotection" (tail tracks) has been incorporated into the design of the project.H2 2 12/3/2003 Will exits be full time? Alex Labianca, Resident 1.0 Purpose and Need Comment will be considered

H2 2 12/3/2003 Need canopy from station to Ferry terminal with photovoltaic cells. Charles Sorrentino, Commuter 1.0 Purpose and Need Comment will be considered

H2 2 12/3/2003 Coordination with other project needed Derrick Dimmer 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.7 discusses Coordination with Other Lower Manhattan Projects

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SOUTH FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT PUBLIC COMMENTS

Code Comment Type Date Comment Author/Speaker EA Chapter Response

H2 2 12/3/2003 Need connection to Lexington Avenue Line Jane Vredenburgh, Community Board 1, Chair of Transportation Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need

Although possible, a track and/or pedestrian connection to the Lexington Avenue Line is infeasble due to the extreme difference in track elevation and configuration. Lexington Avenue Line connections are not part of this Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

H2 2 12/3/2003 Connection to the Lexington Avenue Line and Second Avenue Line needed. Jay Jimenez representing NYS Senator Lachman 1.0 Purpose and Need

Although possible, a track and/or pedestrian connection to the Second Avenue & Lexington Avenue Line is infeasble due to the extreme difference in track elevation and configuration. These connections are not part of this Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

H2 2 12/3/2003Ferry should be eliminated by extending 1 & 9 Train line under NY Harbor to Staten Island then to Brooklyn

Mr. X 1.0 Purpose and Need Although possible, a train service to Staten Island is extremely infeasble. This is not within the Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

H2 2 12/3/2003 Eliminate loop track. Need straight track with island platform Mr. X 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.5 discusses the problems with the existing station curve

H2 2 12/3/2003 Need tail tracks. End terminal not sufficient to reduce headway. Possible extend existing loop. Steven Bauman 1.0 Purpose and Need "Overrun Orotection" (tail tracks) has been incorporated into the design of the project.

H2 2 12/3/2003 What happened to direct connection to ferry terminal? Tamara Coombs, Chair, Ferry Riders Committee 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.6 discusses the potential to connect the new South Ferry Terminal to the reconstructed

Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

H2 2 12/3/2003 Need access to Lexington Avenue Line Vito V. Fossella, US Congressman 1.0 Purpose and NeedAlthough possible, a track and/or pedestrian connection to the Lexington Avenue Line is infeasble due to the extreme difference in track elevation and configuration. Lexington Avenue Line connections are not part of this Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

L 2 11/15/2003Have you considered the possibility of replacing the single short curved platform by a single long straight platform?

David Fairthorne (david.fairthorne@rogers.com) 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 1.6 discusses the Proposed action

L 2 11/19/2003 In the short term, assign existing station personnel to assist in alleviating congestion at stairways. Joe New York (bt19@hotmail.com) 1.0 Purpose and Need This project addresses a solution of alleviating crowding

L 2 9/25/2003 Loop track is most efficient for turning trains. Changing track configuration is not necessary Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E. 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.5 discusses the problems with the existing station curve

L 2 9/25/2003 Transfer capacity will be limited due to narrow stairs at Whitehall Street Station.

Robert A. Olmsted, P.E., Retired MTA Planning Director 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts Section 5.9 discusses pedestrian flow

L 2 9/25/2003 Comments concerning service frequency, constraints and the need for tail tracks.

Robert A. Olmsted, P.E., Retired MTA Planning Director 1.0 Purpose and Need "Overrun Orotection" (tail tracks) has been incorporated into the design of the project.

L 2 9/25/2003Concern over approximately 40 tree in Battery Park to be removed. Suggested using tree moving machines.

Robert A. Olmsted, P.E., Retired MTA Planning Director 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts Section 5.3 discusses MTA evaluating construction methods and techniques related to saving trees in

place and through relocation of trees.

L 2 8/29/2003 Need for tail tracks Ron M Aryel, MD, MBA 1.0 Purpose and Need "Overrun Orotection" (tail tracks) has been incorporated into the design of the project.

L 2 8/29/2003 Suggestion that Whitehall & South Ferry Stations & transfer be ADA compliant Ron M Aryel, MD, MBA 1.0 Purpose and Need ADA compliance stated in Section 1.6.

L 2 9/26/2003Disappointed that the MTA didn't publicize the September 24 public meeting better in Staten Island.

Seymour P Lachman, NYS Senator 1.0 Purpose and Need Hearing Advertised and conducted in Staten Island on December 3, 2003

L 2 9/26/2003Urged the MTA to include a direct physical connection between South Ferry and Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

Seymour P Lachman, NYS Senator 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 1.6 discusses the potential to connect the new South Ferry Terminal to the reconstructed Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

L 2 9/26/2003Ferry passengers should have an easy connection to both the SF and Whitehall Street Subway Connection

Seymour P Lachman, NYS Senator 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

E 3 9/25/2003This project is not necessary. Other projects should take a higher priority. No problems with the quality and completeness of design

Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E., centolanzi@aol.com 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 Project should go through full EIS process George Haikalis, President, Institute for Rational Urban Mobility 1.0 Purpose and Need The EA process is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

H1 3 9/24/2003 Project has a lower priority for the funding Henry Stern, President of New York Civic, former NYC Parks Commissioner 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

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SOUTH FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT PUBLIC COMMENTS

Code Comment Type Date Comment Author/Speaker EA Chapter Response

H1 3 9/24/2003 Project is important however, project is not high priority for federal funds.

Jen Hensley, Director of Intergovernmental And Community Affairs for the Downtown Alliance 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 None of the federal funds available should be spent on the Project Katherin Hewes, Community Board 1 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 Need better advertised Public Hearings Mr. X 1.0 Purpose and NeedH1 3 9/24/2003 Funds should be spent on other projects Mr. X 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 Opposition regarding the impact on historic Battery Park Pat Kirshner, Battery Conservancy 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts Section 5.3 discusses MTA evaluating construction methods and techniques related to saving trees in

place and through relocation of trees.H1 3 9/24/2003 Project has a less priority for the $400M Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E. 1.0 Purpose and Need Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 Project is important however, project is not high priority for federal funds.

Yvonne Morro representing Honorable Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

H1 3 9/24/2003 Concern with impact on historic Battery Park Yvonne Morro representing Honorable Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly 5.0 Potential Environmental Impacts Section 5.3 discusses MTA evaluating construction methods and techniques related to saving trees in

place and through relocation of trees.H2 3 12/3/2003 Notices of Public Hearing insufficient David Gerber 1.0 Purpose and Need Public Hearing notices were sufficientH2 3 12/3/2003 Need better advertised Public Hearings Mr. X 1.0 Purpose and Need Public Hearing notices were sufficient

L 3 9/25/2003This project is not necessary. Other projects should take a higher priority. No problems with the quality and completeness of design

Patrick M. Centolanzi, P.E. 3.0 Alternatives Considered Section 3.3 discusses the No Build Alternative

L 3 11/12/2003South Ferry Terminal will not provide direct service to the Lexington Avenue and Planned 2nd Avenue (eastside) riders.

Stanley Kuslansky (sekuslansky@aol.com) 1.0 Purpose and Need

Although possible, a track and/or pedestrian connection to the Second Avenue & Lexington Avenue Line is infeasble due to the extreme difference in track elevation and configuration. These connections are not part of this Project's scope and may be evaluated when additional funding becomes available.

E 4 No Date Neutral. Request to be added to the mailing list. Joseph Ficara N/A N/A

E 4 9/24/2003 Neutral. Request to be added to the mailing list. Robert J. Ronayne, rjronayne@verizon.com N/A N/A

H1 4 9/24/2003 Neutral. Restatement of the project, Metrocard vending machine complaints, service complaints. Mr. K.C.. Roberts N/A N/A

H2 4 12/3/2003 Neutral. Comments regarding alleged errors in public notices systemwide. David Gerber N/A N/A

L 4 10/2/2003 Neutral. Marketing material for temporary storage units Charlie Baumgartner, Giant Industrial Installations N/A N/A

L 4 10/25/2003 Neutral. Suggestions relating to alleviating congestion in other locations. Mark Douglas N/A N/A

L 4 9/25/2003 Neutral. Request to be added to mailing list(s). Patricia Brown Graves, New Cassell Technical Learning Center, US DOT eastern Team N/A N/A

L 4 12/12/2003

Neutral. Question as to whether track connection between South Ferry and Bowling Green will be maintaned in the new project and flexibility between outer and inner loops.

Philip Burford N/A Maintenance of track between South Ferry and Bowling Green is outside scope; however flexibility between outer and inner loop tracks will be maintained.

L Letter CommentE Email Comment

H1 September 24, 2003 HearingH2 December 3, 2003 Hearing1 Applause/Support Comment2 Operational/Construction Suggestion/Comment3 Opposition Comment4 Neutral

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