New York mayor supports waterfront streetcar proposal

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New York’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, has committed to building a new light rail system connecting waterfront neighbourhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.

The Brooklyn Queens Connector (BQX) is expected to cost $2.5 billion and run for 26 kilometres through Astoria, Ravenswood, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Navy Yard, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Red Hook, Gowanus and Sunset Park.

The proposal was included in de Blasio’s State of the City Address. He said it would be one the largest urban light rail networks in the USA.

Funding for the system will come from issuing tax exempt bonds, which will be paid off by the increase in property prices along the route.

In his address, de Blasio said the city would consult with the communities along the corridor this year and could potentially break ground in 2019.

 

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