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Second Avenue Subway
February 2015 Public Workshop Follow-Up Report
April 2015
Table of Contents
Letter from the MTA Capital Construction President & the SAS Program Executive..................................4
Introduction............................................................................................................................................6
February 2015 Workshop Summary: Top Five Topics by Station Area and MTA Capital Construction Responses to Community Questions/Concerns Lexington Av/63rd Street Station................................................................................................11 72nd Street Station....................................................................................................................13 86th Street Station.....................................................................................................................18 96th Street Station.....................................................................................................................22
April 21, 2015
Dear Neighbor,
On February 25, 2015, MTA Capital Construction hosted the eighth in a series of public workshops for the Second Avenue Subway (SAS) corridor. More than 60 community members convened in Temple Israel to continue a dialogue aimed at improving quality of life in the SAS project area during construction.
Workshop participants chose tables according to the station area they were most interested in discussing, and were joined by contractors and project representatives to have station-area-specific conversations about any ongoing concerns and ways to make quality of life improvements.
We reviewed every comment and question raised and addressed many of them immediately; while some suggestions and questions have taken more time to research, all of our responses are included in this report.
The next quarterly workshop (June 2015) will be an Ask the Experts event, an informal session for attendees to pose questions and raise issues directly to subject matter experts, both from MTA and numerous city agencies. We hope that you find this format informative and responsive. We will alternate between the formal “Town Hall” format and the informal “Ask the Experts” sessions in an effort to provide the community with the most accurate and timely information possible.
MTA Capital Construction and the Second Avenue Subway project team are committed to being a good neighbor and community partner. Thank you for your active participation.
Very truly yours,
Michael Horodniceanu, Ph.D., P.E. Anil Parikh, P.E.President, MTA Capital Construction Senior Vice President Second Avenue Subway Project Program Executive, MTA Capital Construction
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Introduction
SAS Project Overview
The Second Avenue Subway (SAS) project is the first major expansion of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s subway system in over 60 years. The SAS project is divided into four phases, and MTA Capital Construction is currently building Phase 1.
Phase 1 will provide subway service from Lexington Av/63rd Street to 96th Street, as an extension of the existing train. The two-mile long subway extension will include three new ADA-accessible stations at 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street. The existing Lexington Av/63rd Street Station is being reconstructed with new entrances and elevators from the fare control level to the platforms. Construction of Phase 1 began March 2007, and subway service is scheduled to be operational by December 2016.
Manhattan’s Upper East Side is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the nation, with more than 100,000 residents per square mile. SAS will deliver additional much-needed subway access to these and other residents, business owners, workers, and visitors. It will enhance mobility for all New Yorkers by reducing overcrowding on the 100-year old Lexington Avenue line (the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines) while improving service reliability.
Construction for Phase 1 of the SAS is on schedule, making significant progress with all of the construction contracts needed for completion of the project awarded and active. Five contracts are complete. The tunnel boring machine completed mining of the east and west tunnels in 2011. All the station finishes contracts are now underway.
The corridor’s density combined with the magnitude of construction—which includes utility relocations, building demolitions, cut-and-cover operations, mining, blasting, and muck (soil and rock) excavation—poses unique and unprecedented challenges. MTA Capital Construction’s goal is to complete this vital project on time while mitigating construction impacts on the community.
Community Outreach Initiatives
MTA Capital Construction has launched several initiatives to improve community access to SAS project staff and provide transparency to the project. Since November 2011, we’ve expanded the Community Outreach program to include the following:
General Public Sessions (Workshops and “Ask the Experts”)
These sessions allow residents, employees and business owners to receive construction progress information and discuss quality of life and other issues directly with project representatives.
Good Neighbor Initiative
Staffers review each station area weekly, and work directly with residents and NYC agencies to address sanitation, transportation and other pedestrian experience issues.
Air Quality Monitoring Information
This information is available online for each station area, and updated each week: mta.info/sasair.
Daily Emails
Project representatives send daily emails notifying the public of changes in construction procedures, street closings, and MPT changes.
Construction Advisory Committees
In December 2011, MTA Capital Construction formed SAS Construction Advisory Committees (CAC), where project staff and community stakeholders meet regularly to discuss concerns and solutions regarding construction-related issues.
There is a CAC for each station area (Lexington Av/63rd Street, 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street). CACs are comprised of co-op and condo board members, building managers, business owners, property owners who live in walk-ups not represented by boards, and community board members. MTA Capital Construction senior staff, community outreach personnel, contract managers, and representatives from area elected officials and other New York City agencies also attend CAC meetings.
The CAC meetings provide community stakeholders face-to-face access to construction managers, project executives, and MTACC staff to discuss issues and work toward solutions. Issues identified at the public workshops are also addressed at the CAC meetings. PDF files of CAC presentations, as well as newsletters and other information, are available on the SAS website: mta.info/capconstr/sas/documents.html
Q
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Community Information Center
The Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center (CIC) opened on July 26th, 2013. It is located at 1628 Second Avenue, between 84th and 85th Streets. The CIC was developed as a one-stop shop to learn about the Second Avenue Subway, its construction and its long history.
At the CIC, visitors can find project staff, regular programming and activities, and biannual exhibits about different aspects of the Second Avenue Subway, demonstrating what it takes to build a project of this magnitude. Most importantly, the Community Information Center is a place to access any information needed about the project and bring issues of concern to the attention of project staff.
The center will be open through the completion of the project’s first phase, which will bring the Q line from E. 63rd Street to E. 96th Street beginning in December 2016. The CIC is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 11:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The CIC will also be open the second Saturday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Community Tours
In December 2011, MTA Capital Construction began taking members of the community on SAS site tours. These tours are an opportunity for community members to observe firsthand the magnitude and progress of the construction taking place underground. More than 1,400 members of the community have visited the project sites via the 72nd Street Station cavern or the 86th Street cavern. MTA Capital Construction President Michael Horodniceanu and SAS Program Executive Anil Parikh lead these tours.
The tours provide additional opportunities for community members to speak with project executives in person. Tours are scheduled periodically, with more anticipated in the spring of 2015.
Community Newsletters
Distribution of monthly newsletters for each
February 2015 Workshop
Table Discussion and MTACC Action/Comment
SAS Hotline and Community Liaisons
The SAS hotline number is (212) 792-9716, and is available 24/7 (English and Spanish).
For general inquiries about the project, please send a message to [email protected].
You can also reach out directly to the community liaison for each station area.
Community Liaison for Lexington Av/63rd Street Station and 72nd Street Station areas:Ghazal [email protected](718) 554-2351
Community Liaison for 86th Street Station area:Claudia [email protected](646) 448-8884 ext. 102
Community Liaison for 96th Street Station area:Dennis [email protected](212) 289-4184 ext. 2218
station area began in February 2012. The newsletters are available online, in hardcopy (in building lobbies and local businesses), at the CIC, and are emailed to the SAS community distribution list.
The newsletters provide information about construction updates and milestones, work hours, as well as photos and renderings of future station areas; additionally the 96th Street Station area newsletter is translated into Spanish. All newsletters are available on the SAS website: mta.info/capconstr/sas/documents.html.
On-Site Transparency
The community liaison staff includes the Community Outreach, Environmental Compliance, Good Neighbor Initiative, and Maintenance and Protection of Traffic teams. The public is encouraged to use these community liaisons as resources for information or to address any immediate concerns.
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Top Three Topics Discussed
1. Will the station at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue open before the completion of the other stations to allow access to the F train?
2. Can the footprint of construction barriers at the NE corner of 63rd Street and 3rd Avenue be consolidated to increase sidewalk width and improve pedestrian flow? Can the barriers be consolidated until the canopy arrives in June 2015?
3. Participants are concerned that the station entrance will be busy. Can additional turnstiles be installed (at the 63rd Street and Lexington entrance)?
MTACC Comments to Questions/Concerns
Table Discussion & MTACC Action/Comment Lexington Av/63rd Street Station Area
Future station entrances and ancillary structures at the Lexington Av/63rd Street Station
63rd Street Station UpgradeContractor: Judlau ContractingBudget: $190.9 MillionAward Date: January 2011Contract Forecast Completion: Fall 2015
This section of the report describes concerns expressed by community members at the February 2015 public workshop. MTA Capital Construction comments to unanswered questions and concerns from the workshop are provided below.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
Will the station at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue open before the completion of the other stations to allow access to the F train?
An early opening of the station entrance will be discussed further with New York City Transit (NYCT) as construction nears completion.
Participants are concerned that the station entrance will be busy. Can additional turnstiles be installed (at the 63rd Street and Lexington entrance)?
The fare array at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue is not part of the scope of work for the Second Avenue Subway project. NYCT anticipates that some of the volume presently experienced at the fare array at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue will be alleviated by the opening of the new SAS entrance at 63rd Street and Third Avenue. Once this entrance is open NYCT will review the need for additional turnstiles at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue.
What will be the quality and type of lighting in the stations and entrance ways?
Lighting design of the station is accomplished by using a combination of direct and reflective fixtures. With that in mind the illumination will exceed all federal and state safety codes and guidelines.
What type of tile paving material will be installed in the station? Will it be slippery when wet?
The paving will be granite; it will have some texture that provides an anti-slip surface, but still be smooth enough for easy cleaning.
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Table Discussion & MTACC Action/Comment 72nd Street Station Area
72nd Street Station FinishesContractor: Judlau ContractingBudget: $289.3 MillionNotice to Proceed Date: September 2013Contract Forecast Completion: Fall 2016
Future station entrances and ancillary structures at the 72nd Street Station
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Top Five Topics Discussed
1. Noise is starting too early and residents want to know when it will end – primarily at the ancillary building by 69th Street. Dust is also a major concern.
2. The community should have had more input on the streetscape design. They want to understand how the streetscape will look when everything is done and when it will all be restored to normal.
3. Constantly changing pedestrian routes are confusing and disruptive to daily life.4. Residents want to have safe access to the station, especially for the many people in the area with disabilities. Will there
be elevators at the 69th and 72nd Street entrances? Having all of the elevators at the 72nd Street side of the station makes it difficult for people on the 69th Street side.
5. How accurate is the timeline for completion? If the schedule is delayed, at what point will the community be alerted? Are there penalties for opening after December 2016?
MTACC Comments to Questions/Concerns
How will water leakage and damage to the subway lines and stations be prevented?
As part of the construction process a waterproof polyurethane membrane was installed between the shotcrete and finished concrete surface of the subway stations and tunnels. This membrane is divided into sections with a ribbed border that can be filled with grout to isolate any leaks. All groundwater and leaks will be diverted, by this waterproofing layer, to the base of the subway where it will travel to a pumping station and dispersed into the city sewer system.
What is the purpose of the auxiliary building structures?
The primary function of the ancillary or “auxiliary” buildings is for air handling. They will circulate air through the stations via small fans, and clear a smoke condition in the unlikely event of an emergency with larger fans.
NOISE
Will there be sufficient sound proofing installed in subway tunnels and stations?
MTACC has designed the Second Avenue Subway with noise and vibration suppression in mind. Each of the new subway stations will feature low vibration track, acoustic noise canceling ceiling panels, and noise canceling tiles along the walls.
PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING/SAFETY
Can the footprint of construction barriers at the NE corner of 63rd Street and 3rd Avenue be consolidated to increase sidewalk width and improve pedestrian flow? Can the barriers be consolidated until the canopy arrives in June 2015?
The Contract Management Team inspected the area in response to this request. The entryway takes up the vast majority of the work zone and cannot be reduced at this time.
OTHER
Could MTA also restore the existing 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue station?
This is not within the scope of the SAS project.
COMMUNICATION
How accurate is the timeline for completion? If the schedule is delayed, at what point will the community be alerted? Are there penalties for opening after December 2016?
The project is on target to complete the work as planned. If and when a megaproject is delayed, a report is given at the appropriate MTA Board Committee meeting, which is open to the public and the news media. The press widely reports such delays. Additionally, that information would be reported to the public through our various communication vehicles, including blast e-mails and newsletters.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
Residents want to have safe access to the station, especially for the many people in the area with disabilities. Will there be elevators at the 69th and 72nd Street entrances? Having all of the elevators at the 72nd Street side of the station makes it difficult for people on the 69th Street side.
There will be a bank of five elevators at the southeast corner of 72nd Street and Second Avenue, three escalators at the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Second Avenue, and three escalators from northeast corner of 69th Street and Second Avenue, to the mezzanine level. From the mezzanine there are three escalators and one elevator to the platform level.
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Will there be noise from the two ancillary buildings for the surrounding building’s occupants?
Noise from the fans housed in the ancillary structures will be mitigated with the installation of noise attenuators to suppress the sound so that there will be virtually no increase in noise. The vent structure has been designed to meet the New York City Noise Code requirement that external noise will not exceed 45 dBA when measured inside the nearest residence with the windows fully opened.
PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING/SAFETY
Constantly changing pedestrian routes are confusing and disruptive to daily life.
Pedestrian routes are not changed haphazardly. There is a great deal of planning and coordination that goes in to these moves, with the ultimate goal being public safety. If a reconfiguration is implemented it is done so because the work there will last six months or more and maintaining the existing pedestrian walkway could pose a safety risk. There are intermittent daily closures but these are infrequent and again, done with safety in mind.
Asphalt on 69th between First and Second Avenue is minimal and there are many potholes and patching fixes. Can they be more permanently fixed?
Given the severity of the winter there are areas where asphalt has deteriorated and where potholes are forming. We walk the site several times a week to identify hazards and will be working to address them now that the weather is improving.
There is inconsistent and poor attention to clearing ice on the sidewalk.
The contractor is required to keep the sidewalks and intersections free of snow and ice. For the most part they have done a good job of contending with the storms, many of which have started on weekends. We continually monitor the sidewalks for snow and ice during storms and during thaws and re-freezing. If there is a particular area of concern we are happy to investigate. We encourage you to notify your Community Outreach representative of these types of situations.
Will there be video surveillance on street level, particularly with the increase in pedestrian traffic anticipated with the new subway?
There will be security cameras installed as part of the construction of the station and entrances for the Second Avenue Subway project. NYCT will maintain and operate the entrances and stations once revenue service begins.
Street signs should have building numbers for each block similar to other places in Manhattan.
Street signs are under the jurisdiction of DOT and any concerns about their makeup should be directed to them by calling 311.
There is a desire for improved signage (similar to other signs for this project that indicate the local businesses on each block that might be obscured by construction).
MTACC has placed wayfinding signs on every corner noting which businesses and apartment buildings are located on every block in the construction alignment. Additionally, many fence screens on the street side of the work zones have retailers’ information on them.
Sidewalks in the area are dangerous and in poor repair. This is a particular concern for people with disabilities.
Given the severity of the winter there are areas where asphalt and curb cuts are deteriorating. We walk the site several times a week to identify hazards and will be working to address them now that the weather is improving.
SANITATION
Dust and smells are serious issues to residents and especially to a business owner at 72nd Street. There is inconsistent coverage of the dumpsters. The business owner would like MTA to clean the inside and outside of his building.
The MTA and contactor have environmental personal that monitor work for not only noise, but dust and odor as well. The air quality is tested routinely and results posted to the MTACC SAS website. Results through 2014 can be found here. http://web.mta.info/capital/sasair_alt.php
If there is a particular concern that you feel was not addressed you can certainly bring it to the attention of the Community Outreach team by contacting your station area liaison:
Ghazal Hajizadeh Community Liaison Second Avenue Subway Office: 718-554-2351 [email protected] or [email protected]
What will prevent the stations from falling into a state of negligence (i.e. paint peeling, tiles cracked, similar to the 68th Street 6 Station)?
Architectural concrete will alleviate paint maintenance. NYCT will be in charge of maintenance and upkeep of the stations once they are operational and maintenance questions should be directed to them.
Street space occupied by construction staging is blocking building access. Are there any concessions for residents who need access to their buildings?
The configuration of the work zones are dictated by the nature of work taking place and ensuring vehicle and pedestrian safety. Access to all residences and commercial spaces are maintained at all times.
How long will it take via escalator to get between the street level and the platform level? Will the elevators go all the way from the surface to the platform or will riders have to transfer between elevators?
There are two intermediate landings between the street and the platform at Entrance 1 (69th Street and Second Avenue): - From street to first landing – 34 seconds - From landing to mezzanine (fare area) – 1 minute 21 seconds - From mezzanine to platform – 19 seconds. The elevator from the street will take the passenger to the mezzanine level (fare area). Another elevator will take the passenger from the mezzanine to the platform.
What considerations are being made for the maintenance of escalators/elevators? Will there be backup generators to keep them working at all times?
Maintenance of the elevators and escalators will be conducted by NYCT.
There are four Con Edison power feeders for each station. Only two are required for the station to be completely operational. Therefore, there are two redundant power sources for each station. In the event of a complete power failure there are backup batteries that are designed to provide four hours of emergency power to the elements of the station deemed critical to operation. Some examples are communication systems including fire alarm, PA and radio, emergency lighting, smoke management fans, signals, etc.
Can the roadway be reconstructed in a way that makes access to the relocated utilities easier? It would be undesirable for the road to be torn up again soon should utility access be needed.
MTACC is working with various agencies such as Con Edison, Verizon, and the DEP to update existing utilities while Second Avenue is excavated so that the only time similar work would need to be done in the near future would be on an emergency basis.
Will the entrances at both 69th Street and 72nd Street be open all the time, unlike at some other stations?
Once operational, all of the entrances for the Second Avenue Subway will be open 24/7.
Will there be shops on the ground floors of the ancillary buildings?
There is space designated for retail at the ground level of each of the ancillary structures in the 72nd Street Station. A decision on what type of and how much retail will be located at each location will be determined when the build-out is complete.
Will one ancillary building serve as the intake and the other as the exhaust? Will the exhaust be soot?
At any given time one ancillary will be used for intake and the other for exhaust. This can be alternated depending on need and condition. The exhaust from the ancillary structures will be the same breathable air that is exhausted from the existing sidewalk grating system.
NOISE
Noise is starting too early and residents want to know when it will end – primarily at the ancillary building by 69th Street. Dust is also a major concern.
With the station entrances and ancillary structures coming out of the ground there is more activity at street level. The exteriors of these buildings should be completed by fall 2015 and the majority of the work would then move inside the structures. There is some excavation for Entrance 1 on the northeast corner of 69th Street and Second Avenue that will continue until April 2015. During this excavation MTACC has installed additional fencing and noise blankets, as well as restricted the hours this work can be done. Hoe ramming (jackhammering) is now only permitted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During excavation the contractor continually mists the rock and soil to mitigate fugitive dust. Our environmental team also monitors air quality and noise. We will make sure to redouble these efforts.
The 7 a.m. start time is too early for drilling at the 69th Street station. It is supposed to stop at 3 or 4 p.m., but it often continues until 5 p.m. When will this be completed?
At the urging of MTACC, the contractor has increased the noise barriers to eight feet and restricted drilling/hammering hours to 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Excavation is expected to be completed in April.
Can mitigation be done to address the sound of drilling traveling upwards? Could the work be covered?
See above.
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STREETSCAPE
The community should have had more input on the streetscape design. They want to understand how the streetscape will look when everything is done and when it will all be restored to normal.
The community was engaged in the streetscape process on several occasions. When the preliminary designs were being done the exterior finishes of entrances and ancillary structures were presented to the community and physical samples of the materials were placed in the Community Board 8 offices and some residential buildings for display and review. As we started to restore some areas (63rd Street and portions of the 72nd, 86th, and 96th Street Station areas), the options permitted by the NYC Department of Transportation for street lighting, tree guards, benches, and bike racks were presented to the community. Tree types permitted by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation also were presented.
From that larger group a smaller group consisting of CB8 SAS taskforce members and CB11 Transportation Committee members was reconvened to cast the final vote on what items would be included in the street restoration process. The full board of CB8, which represents the community in a majority of the construction area, also voted.
Some residents want to maintain space for pedestrians as the primary goal of the streetscape. They do not want street furniture, vendors, or Citibike stations; all of the sidewalk space is needed for pedestrian flow (elderly, strollers, etc.).
Once the sidewalks are restored they will be returned to their 20 foot widths. Locations for street furniture will be chosen by the NYC Department of Transportation with input from the community.
The current streetscape plan does not match the comments expressed at the community board meetings. The idea of maintaining space for pedestrians was raised at the visioning meeting but did not influence the final plan. Suggestions made by residents should be higher priority than the concerns of subway riders who do not live in the neighborhood.
All comments made at the SAS Visioning Meetings, and at the presentation to the Community Board 8 SAS Taskforce were considered and implemented where possible. If there is a particular concern that you feel was not addressed you can certainly bring it to the attention of the Community Outreach team by contacting your station area liaison:
Ghazal Hajizadeh Community Liaison Second Avenue Subway Office: 718-554-2351 [email protected] or [email protected]
The MTA should ask local businesses if they would contribute to purchasing more trees beyond those that were there prior to construction.
MTACC, in coordination with New York City Parks and Recreation (Parks Department), will return all 202 trees that were removed for construction of the Second Avenue subway. As part of our agreement with the Parks Department, MTACC will add an additional 42 trees to the area on and around Second Avenue. Locations for these trees will be determined by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The community should vote on whether to have street vendors in the area. MTA has indicated that they have no control over vendors. However, they have worked with NYCDOT and the NYC Parks Department. The MTA should work with the community too.
Street vendor locations are regulated by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs and likely will not be selected until after construction is complete. As a state authority, the MTA has no jurisdiction. If you would like to make your opinions known to DCA, we encourage you to call 311.
The chosen lamp design is out of character for the neighborhood, and does not fit with the vision of the new subway.
The new “City Light” fixture was the lighting fixture that received the most favorable votes from Community Board 8’s board members, of those available for use along Second Avenue. NYCDOT authorized five light designs for selection, including the City Light. This is a new and modern fixture which brings the modern architecture and design of the SAS stations below ground to the surface.
TRAFFIC
There is concern that with bike lanes, SBS lane, parking lane, and double parked trucks there will be insufficient capacity for vehicles and taxis (needed in particular for people with disabilities).
Capacity was thoroughly studied by DOT before the design of SBS bus and bicycle lanes. You would need to contact 311 to express your concern or contact the DOT to get information on their studies.
The MPT plan in place on 69th Street & Second Avenue is significantly disruptive for vehicular and pedestrian movements – when will it be removed?
Because of excavation work and construction of Entrance 1 at this location, this pedestrian configuration will be in place until March 2016.
Traffic on Second Avenue is bad – there are many trucks and buses.
Second Avenue is a major thoroughfare with vehicles traveling to and/or from the FDR Drive, Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge, RFK Bridge and Queens-Midtown Tunnel. With the addition of the Second Avenue Subway, SBS, and bike lanes, DOT projects a reduction in traffic.
TRANSIT
Will there be a Second Avenue cross-town bus stop?
The M72 cross-town bus stop will be reinstituted on 72nd Street at, or near to, its original location between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
OTHER
How does the subway construction impact property owners (i.e. if an owner wants to demolish his/her building)? Are there rules about what owners can/cannot do associated with the Second Avenue project?
As with any major construction, project safety is of paramount concern. Given the size and scope of the Second Avenue Subway project, both above and below ground, additional large scale construction might not be feasible. MTACC and the MTA Real Estate and Community Outreach teams continually communicate with building owners and developers looking to start projects adjacent to the SAS project so that careful coordination can be considered.
Participants were curious about future stops, transfers, how the transfer will work at 63rd Street to get to the F, if the Q will still go to Queens, etc. How will the F transfer work for people with disabilities? Can a mock-up of the new subway map be produced to answer these questions?
If a rider wants to transfer to the F they would simply walk across the platform at the 63rd/Lex Station. Other transfer combinations may also be possible but without knowing which ones the participant was referring to it would merely be speculation.
Once Phase 1 is operational the Q will no longer travel into Queens. It will continue under Central Park to the West Side of Manhattan, where it will connect with the Broadway line and head to Lower Manhattan and then to Brooklyn. Once opened, Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway will provide a one-seat ride from 96th Street and Second Avenue to Coney Island.
NYCT will be updating the subway maps in advance of Phase 1.
The fence on the SW corner of 72nd and Second Avenue needs to be repaired.
There is no work zone here. Please contact your station area liaison with specific concerns:
Ghazal Hajizadeh Community Liaison Second Avenue Subway Office: 718-554-2351 [email protected]
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Table Discussion & MTACC Action/Comment 86th Street Station Area
86th Street Station FinishesContractor: 86th Street Constructors Joint VentureBudget: $223.0 MillionAward Date: June 2013Contract Forecast Completion: Fall 2016
Future station entrances and ancillary structures at the 86th Street Station
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Top Five Topics Discussed
1. Capacity of elevators is a concern. Multiple elevators should be provided, as well as multiple direct connections from the street level to the platform.
2. Is the decision to use the “City Light” street lamps final? 3. How much noise will the ancillary buildings make, including exhaust fans? How is it measured? What would the
noise be comparable too? Will a before and after study be conducted? Who will conduct it? The noise of the trains is also a concern.
4. Maintenance of landscaping is a concern. Tree guards can collect garbage and litter. 5. Participants discussed rat control and suggested investing in the rat traps used by the Central Park zoo.
MTACC Comments to Questions/Concerns
COMMUNICATION
Participants noted the need for more positive publicity. One suggestion was to plan a black tie event inside the stations the night before opening. There could be music, a silent auction, dinner, a piano player, etc. Residents should be invited since they have been through so much construction.
Events/programming for opening day have not yet been planned.
What outreach to businesses and residents occurred before construction started in the early 2000’s? Did project representatives go door to door?
Prior to the start of construction in 2007, NYCT went door to door on more than three occasions advising residential buildings and store owners/operators about the impending construction.
NYCT’s effort to inform and engage the public in the planning, design, and construction of this project has its roots in the Manhattan East Side Alternatives Study (MESA) which was conducted between 1995 and 1999. Accordingly, meetings were held to discuss all aspects of the project throughout the course of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and the subsequent supplemental and final EIS for the full-length subway.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
Capacity of elevators is a concern. Multiple elevators should be provided, as well as multiple direct connections from the street level to the platform.
Many factors were considered in determining the appropriate number of elevators for new Second Avenue Subway stations. Among those factors are ridership, community impacts, available real estate, project schedule, and cost.
Each elevator requires a “back of the house” operations area to go along with its physical footprint. This would have required the taking of additional property by the MTA and this was not acceptable to the MTA or the general public. The current design is fully compliant with ADA requirements at all stations.
Participants felt that the current plan has an insufficient number of elevators and other ADA facilities. This is a necessity for the large aging demographic in the area.
See above.
Who will maintain elevators/escalators? Will they break down as much as current elevators? Will the four stations use the same manufacturers as the current elevators & escalators?
NYCT will maintain the stations as well as the elevators and escalators within them.
The elevator and escalator manufacturer will be the same. However, it should be noted that elevator technology has become much more reliable than in the past. NYCT elevator maintenance records show an availability rate of 96.5 percent for the newer technology being utilized on the Second Avenue Subway project.
Will there be ramps at stations? All of the stations will be ADA compliant and include elevators and escalators. There will not be any ramps.
Is there any way for the restaurants along Second Avenue to have a fast track permit process for sidewalk cafés? Understanding that the permit process can take 4 to 6 months, a representative of the Penrose Restaurant asked if there is anything the MTA and others can do to coordinate the process, so their café can open as soon as the sidewalk becomes available.
MTACC Community Outreach is working with the Department of Consumer Affairs to determine if there is a vehicle to get those permits that were suspended during construction fast tracked to reinstatement. Also under consideration is how new businesses who did not previously have a permit might be able to operate under the previous owner’s permit, if one exists.
The sidewalk between 83rd and 86th Street on the west side is too narrow.
Construction is set to move to the west side in May and will include utility relocation and the final restoration of the sidewalk and street before moving back to the east side around the end of the year.
What kind of flooring will be used in the new stations? Will it be treated to increase traction? There is a concern about safety in inclement weather.
The paving will be granite; it will have some texture that provides an anti-slip surface, but still be smooth enough for easy cleaning.
Will there be restrooms at the stations? Yes, each of the new stations will have two public restrooms beyond the fare array.
Will the water pump at 78th-79th Street tie into the sewer area? Will the sewer main be increased to handle the increased capacity needed from the pump construction?
Any storm or ground water discharged by the pumping station will be routed to the city sewer system. DEP studies have shown that the system has the capacity to handle this influx of water.
Will the stations have Wi-Fi? All of the stations will be Wi-Fi ready. It will be up to NYCT to roll out Wi-Fi along Second Avenue.
Some participants dislike the art planned for the entrance to the 86th Street station. Can it be changed?
Artists have been selected for each of the four station areas. The artists continue to refine their concepts for each of the station areas but the selection of artists has been finalized.
The construction site entrances at 86th Street are unsecure and accessible. Will there be improved safety and security measures there?
The Entrance 2 location on the north side of 86th Street between First and Second Avenues has been completely enclosed with plywood barriers.
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NOISE
How much noise will the ancillary buildings make, including exhaust fans? How is it measured? What would the noise be comparable too? Will a before and after study be conducted? Who will conduct it? The noise of the trains is also a concern.
The ancillary structures will house small fans that are used to bring air in and out of the station; these fans are outfitted with noise attenuators to reduce noise. They will also house larger exhaust fans that will only be activated in the unlikely event of an emergency situation to remove smoke.
The vent structure has been designed to meet the New York City Noise Code requirement that external noise will not exceed 45 dBA when measured inside the nearest residence with the windows fully opened.
The new stations will be fitted with low vibration track and noise cancelling ceiling tile to absorb both noise and vibration.
PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING/SAFETY
A work zone in front of a building next to the Camargue constricts access to Second Ave; pedestrians crossing the street can’t see oncoming traffic and have to peer around the work zone walls before crossing. Could the contractor install a mirror or station a PTM here?
Since this was brought to our attention the contractor has inspected the area of concern and is installing a convex mirror for pedestrian to check for cars, and have installed extra signage “Caution Hidden Driveway” as vehicles approach the crosswalk.
When Citibike stations come to the area, wayfinding signs should also be added so residents know where to find them. The Citibike stations should be located in areas that will not disrupt movement.
This effort will be coordinated by DOT and Citibike.
SANITATION
Participants discussed rat control and suggested investing in the rat traps used by the Central Park zoo.
The Department of Health oversees and approves all vector (rodent) control measures. Suggestions on alternative methods of control should be routed through 311.
STREETSCAPE
Is the decision to use the “City Light” street lamps final?
Yes, the City Light was the light fixture among the available options that received the largest number of favorable votes from members of Community Board 8, which represents residents in the construction corridor.
Maintenance of landscaping is a concern. Tree guards can collect garbage and litter.
Keeping sidewalk areas, including tree guards, clear of garbage is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Property owners should also be encouraged to care for adjacent street trees, including providing regular watering, particularly during the first few years for newly planted trees.
Is the decision to use the aluminum benches final? This surface will be a problem in extreme temperatures.
The benches are stainless steel and are NYCDOT standard benches. There is no option to use a different type of bench permitted by DOT.
TRANSIT
Participants were concerned about bus stop locations and placement. Will the local bus station be moved due to the planned SBS station?
The local M15 and the SBS stop will be combined on the northwest side of Second Avenue between 86th and 85th Street when construction is completed.
OTHER
Some participants have noticed that nearby businesses have closed. What can be done to help local businesses (e.g. financial aid)?
There are no existing programs to provide financial assistance to businesses.
MTACC’s Good Neighbor Initiative does work with area retailers and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) to increase awareness of Second Avenue businesses. MTACC provides wayfinding signs on each block detailing what establishments are located on that block. In areas where work zones block line of site to an establishment from the street, MTACC will provide a streetside banner with the retailer’s name, address, and contact information. And MTACC in conjunction with MCC provides links to businesses on the SAS Shop Second Avenue site.
Since the inception of the project MTACC has produced a Second Avenue Store Report which tracks the retail vacancy rate along the project corridor (65th -105th Streets). Second Avenue’s vacancy rate is close to those of both First and Third Avenues and sometimes even lower. The rate is running at about 10 percent.
Participants suggested incorporating historical photos of the neighborhood/station areas into the station area art, rather than only modern art.
The station artists and art was determined by MTA Arts for Transit. While the artist’s concepts continue to evolve, the artists have been selected.
Participants suggested having an exhibit or other product with time lapse photography to highlight the progress at each station area. Another idea was to add “what you can reach from here” or “--- minutes to ---“at each station area.
MTACC is currently designing a new integrated fence wrap design for entrance and ancillary work zones.
The “sights and sounds of the Q” has been the subject of several Transit Talks at the SAS Community Information Center and the MTA continues to look for ways to educate the public as to the benefits of the Q coming to the upper East Side so keep a look out for more to come.
Who produced the EIS and other feasibility documents for the project? Did the documents recognize the historic structures on Second Avenue between 82nd and 83rd Street and include plans for mitigating adverse construction impacts?
The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) was prepared for the MTA by AKRF, a leading environmental, planning and engineering consulting firm. The EIS can be found here: http://web.mta.info/capital/sas_docs/feis.htm and Chapter 9 “Historic Resources” assesses in great detail the potential effects to historic and landmark structures as a result of construction and operation of the Second Avenue Subway. Chapter 10, as well as Chapter 3 “Construction Methods and Activities” address Construction Protection Plans and related measures taken to protect any historic resources that could be affected during construction.
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Table Discussion & MTACC Action/Comment 96th Street Station Area
Future station entrances and ancillary structures at the 96th Street Station
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Top Three Topics Discussed
1. There is concern about rats, particularly at 93rd Street east of Second Avenue. The rats use the work zone (which provides a lot of protected cover) to travel up and down the block to access food and their burrows.
2. When will the final paving of Second Avenue occur? 3. What is the schedule for the ancillary buildings and the station entrances? When will the work zones be cleared and
the sidewalk returned to the public?
MTACC Comments to Questions/Concerns
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
When will the final paving of Second Avenue occur?
For the 96th Street Station this work will begin in winter 2015 with restoration of the sidewalk and street on the west side of Second Avenue. The work will then shift back to the east side for final restoration in summer 2016.
What is the schedule for the ancillary buildings and the station entrances? When will the work zones be cleared and the sidewalk returned to the public?
The ancillary buildings and station entrances at the 96th Street station will be completed in summer 2016. See above for timing on restoration.
Residents would like to see renderings and how the renderings relate to current construction conditions.
Conceptual renderings can be found at the SAS Community Information Center (1628 Second Avenue) or online at http://web.mta.info/capital/imagegall_sas_alt.html. In addition, special fence screens will be produced and hung in coming months showing renderings of entrances, ancillary buildings, and stations.
SANITATION
There is concern about rats, particularly at 93rd Street east of Second Avenue. The rats use the work zone (which provides a lot of protected cover) to travel up and down the block to access food and their burrows.
Rat activity along the Second Avenue corridor is directly related to the management of street refuse containing food. As such, MTACC works closely with the Department of Sanitation and the Business Integrity Commission to ensure area residents and businesses dispose of their garbage properly and that refuse pickup is timely.
Each contractor is required to develop and follow site cleanliness protocols, including a vermin bait plan specific to each site’s activities. Each contractor hires a subcontractor responsible for servicing bait stations weekly. The contractor is only permitted to place bait boxes within the fenced-in work zones and these bait stations are also monitored by MTACC environmental inspectors. Areas outside the work zones are the responsibility of the NYC Department of Health.
96th Street Station FinishesContractor: EE Cruz & Tully, JVBudget: $347.3 Million Award Date: June 2012Contract Forecast Completion: Fall 2016
