Senator Hoylman’s Remarks at the Opening of the 7 Train/Hudson Yards Subway Station

Senator Hoylman’s Remarks at the Opening of the 7 Train/Hudson Yards Subway Station

September 13, 2015

I couldn’t be more pleased to be here in my district supporting the first major expansion of the subway system in a quarter century, not to mention the first subway extension paid for by the city in more than 60 years.

When I told my 4-year-old daughter that I was going to the opening of a new subway station this morning, she told me: “OK, daddy, stay behind the yellow line!” That’s probably the best political advice I’ve received in a long time.

And it was free!

I want to thank everyone who made this day possible: the current and past City Administrations, Mayor de Blasio and former Mayor Bloomberg, the City Council, including Chris Quinn and Corey Johnson – and of course the Governor, the MTA and Hudson Yards Development Corporation, as well as local stakeholders – including Community Board 4.

I especially want to thank all the construction workers, whose tireless commitment and toil over the past decade have created a new gateway to this burgeoning neighborhood. I understand that Local 174 – the Sandhogs – operated two Tunnel Boring Machines named Emma and Georgina.

It’s hard work beyond comprehension and we wouldn’t be here without you.

All of you deserve credit for your fortitude and foresight in bringing New York City into the future. By predicating new development on the construction of mass transit – and figuring out a way to pay for it, you’ve created a good model for future expansion.

We know that people want to live in cities that can provide access to mass transit, open space, and cultural amenities.

There is a global race underway to attract young, educated, and globally connected people. In the last 5 years alone, job growth in the high-tech industry was four times faster than the City’s general economy. It’s these people who keep our economy moving and our city growing – and the new Hudson Yards station will help New York City compete against other global cities, like London, Shanghai, and Paris for such talent.

I hope there are many more subway station openings in our future and many more opportunities for celebration. But I’m concerned that won’t happen unless we in Albany fix the problems of our underfunded MTA Capital Plan.

The simple truth is, not only do we send more money to Washington than we get back, we also send more money to Albany than we get back. This commitment by the City and State can and should serve as a model for future efforts to expand.

Without all stakeholders working together to establish a long-term funding solution, it could be another 60-plus years before we see another new subway station or capital improvement. The Second Avenue Subway can’t wait; East Side Access can’t wait; New York cannot wait.

I pledge to work with you Mr. Mayor and Mr. Prendergast to make this possible so we don’t have to wait another 60 years.

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