Is an Extended 7 Line Needed for West Side Development?

One of the most interesting things about the idea of putting Jets Stadium on the West Side, as part of a larger West Side expansion plan, was the possibility of expanding the 7 subway line. Crosstown train service would be a welcome thing in Gothamist's book. However, the Times reports that the city and state disagree as to whether or not the 7 line is crucial to the development plan. Of course, the city wants the subway line, whereas the state says it doesn't need to be part of the stadium or expansion of the Javitz center, as they would like to (1) bring the LIRR to Grand Central and (2) concentrate on a 2nd Avenue subway line. The Jets are hedging their bets, saying that the subway isn't necessary, because their fans probably won't be taking the subway (traveling by the LIRR or NJ Transit instead). However, this doesn't really address the fact that Penn Station is still about four avenue blocks away.

Gothamist sides with the city: If New York is going to tear up the West Side to build it, then we might as well work on the subway. Then it might be convincing that we really believe in developing the West Side.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on March 19, 2004 9:17 AM

Comments [rss]

Kojak

I'm not completely sure that they should choose the 7 over the 2nd ave subway. Both should be considered for the long term. The Lex Line is bad enough during rush hour, and its just going to get worse, not to mention that mess of a station on 51st Street. Thats a prime example of Overcrowding.

The LIRR to Lower Manhattan Is Something I would love as well, but the Commute is not THAT bad! the 4,5,2,3 are right there and takes just a few minutes to reach Lower Manhattan.

PatGav

While I'm a big fan of the 2nd Avenue Subway, I think extending the 7 to the West Side is actually the better investment of transit dollars, because the increases in tax revenue from a redeveloped far west side will be much greater than what we will see from the 2nd Avenue project. Being an UES resident myself, I don't think the 2nd Ave can come soon enough, but let's face it: it will result primarily in a shift of ridership from buses and the Lex to the new line, but few if any substantial new development opportunities. Conversely, there are significant new development opportunities that a Far West Side subway will open up as workers and new residents are able to get to areas which are currently far less accessible than 1st avenue is today.

On a related note, why are we stopping at bringing the LIRR to Grand Central? Why not extend the LIRR from Atlantic Avenue to lower Manhattan? Talk about making a miserable commute better!

King Hippo

I like it. Anything to make the waterfront more accessible.

Olga

I am taking an Urban Planning class now (thanks, Hunter College!) and the 7 extension is really a bad idea. It'd be 2 billion dollars to make the 7 go about 6 extra blocks. There are old rail paths from grand central to port authority and beyond. Those could be used to put light rail over to the west side. I'm doing my term project/paper on the second avenue subway and I am also a first avenue resident, and I must say the SAS is a much more practical idea.

Kojak

Its a good Idea. I'm not sure it would be worth the Billions to build it but I can see the Benefits. The E Line doesnt extend far enough to the West Side anyway. What about after extending the 7 to 11th Ave have it turn downtown and terminate at the Javitz Center? Its always Hard getting to that place, Not to mention the Auto Show is coming up.