NYC Will Tear Down LaGuardia
Source: TDB/NBC New York
New York City will gradually tear down and rebuild LaGuardia Airport beginning next year. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the plan on Monday saying it's "what New Yorkers deserve and have deserved for a long time." The new structure will be a joint public-private venture and cost $4 billion. Vice President Joe Biden, who once called the airport "third-world," attended the announcement. "LaGuardia and JFK are economic anchors for his city and they deserve to be the best in the world," he said.
Read it at NBC New York
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Read more: http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2015/07/27/nyc-will-tear-down-laguardia.html
jmowreader
(50,571 posts)Since they're going to put up a nicer airport complex, and not turn the joint over to housing developers, shouldn't it say "NYC will rebuild LaGuardia"?
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)as much as getting something nicer in return.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)brooklynite
(94,851 posts)Here's the formal announcement with links to the report and glossy pictures:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
First Half of New Unified Terminal Structure a $4 Billion Construction Project to Break Ground in First Part of 2016 Via New Public Private Partnership Negotiated by Port Authority
Delta Air Lines Expected to Redevelop Its Terminals Comprising Second Half of New Unified Terminal Structure On Parallel Track with Port Authority Project
PHOTOS: LaGuardia " target="_blank">Before Redesign; LaGuardia " target="_blank">After Redesign
New Layout Designed to Reduce LaGuardia's Current Plague of Aircraft Ground Congestion and Gate Delays, and Set Stage for World-Class Passenger Experience
Governor Cuomo was joined today by Vice President Joe Biden to unveil the vision for the comprehensive redesign of LaGuardia Airport. The airport will be transformed into a single, structurally unified main terminal with expanded transportation access, significantly increased taxiway space and best-in-class passenger amenities. Construction on the first half of the new unified terminal, expected to be a $4 billion project that creates 8,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs, will be managed by LaGuardia Gateway Partners, a new public private partnership chosen by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build the project.
Construction on the first half will begin upon final approval from the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. That approval is expected in the first part of 2016; the majority of this first half of the project is expected to open to passengers in 2019, with full completion scheduled for approximately 18 months later. The second half of the new unified terminal is expected to be redeveloped by Delta Air Lines, which has indicated strong support for the new vision, and anticipates beginning the redevelopment of its terminals on a parallel track with the LaGuardia Gateway Partners project to complete the new unified airport.
New York had an aggressive, can-do approach to big infrastructure in the past and today, were moving forward with that attitude once again, said Governor Cuomo. We are transforming LaGuardia into a globally-renowned, 21st century airport that is worthy of the city and state of New York. Its the perfect metaphor for what we can achieve with the ambition and optimism and energy that made this the Empire State in the first place, and I want to thank our many partners for joining us to build the airport that New York deserves.
Video of a presentation that details the redesign, led by Dan Tishman, CEO of Tishman Construction Company and Chair of the Governors Airport Master Plan Advisory Panel, can be viewed here.
Dan Tishman said, On behalf of the advisory panel, I want to thank the port authority and the port chairman for working with us so professionally, and I want to thank the Governor for his leadership and support. For me, this has been an engaging and rewarding experience. This is our vision this is Governor Cuomos vision this is reimagining New York.
The recommendation for a single, unified terminal is included in a sweeping LaGuardia redesign, developed by the Governors Airport Master Plan Advisory Panel, and released today. The report, which can be viewed here, presents the Panels recommendations, which will enable LaGuardia to meet the demands of the 21st century.
SINGLE, UNIFIED TERMINAL LaGuardias current terminal layout, comprised of multiple, fragmented terminals (photo " target="_blank">here), will be replaced by one main, architecturally unified terminal. This will be accomplished by demolishing the existing Terminal B building, which is operated by the Port Authority, and replacing it with a larger structure, located closer to the Grand Central Parkway, which will include new terminal space and a new Central Arrivals and Departures Hall, and will link to Deltas Terminals C and D. This represents the western half of the new structurally unified terminal.
The eastern half of the new unified terminal will be constructed on a parallel track by Delta Air Lines redeveloping its existing Terminals closer to the Grand Central Parkway and connecting them to the new Central Arrivals and Departures Hall. Delta Air Lines is strongly supportive of this plan, and will move forward with the Panels recommendations in parallel with the construction schedule for the new space and Central Hall.
TERMINAL LOCATION & ISLAND-GATES To utilize LaGuardia's geographic footprint more efficiently, the new terminal facility will be built closer to the Grand Central Parkway. The redesigned facility will also utilize an island-gate system, in which passengers access their gates via raised pedestrian bridges, high enough for aircraft to taxi underneath, which connect back to the main terminal. A rendering of the island-gate system can be viewed " target="_blank">here.
Together, the relocated terminals and island-gate system will create nearly two miles of new taxiway space. This allows for a more efficient circulation of aircraft and reduced taxi-in and taxi-out times, which will yield shorter and fewer gate delays a dramatic difference from todays LaGuardia. In addition, this change will produce overall reduction in carbon emissions from idling aircraft.
Following final approval by the Port Authority Board which is expected early next year, the first half of the unified terminal structure will be built by LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), which was selected by the Port Authority in May 2015 following a competitive RFP. LGP is a consortium of firms with extensive experience in terminal operations, construction, design and finances, including:
Vantage Airport Group Currently manages nine airports across three continents, and has transitioned 19 airports from public to private management.
Skanska and Walsh Construction construction joint venture
HOK and Parsons Brinckerhoff design joint venture
Vantage, Skanska, and Meridiam a global infrastructure investment fund. Will provide the committed equity investment.
LGP would be responsible for designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining the new terminal as part of a 35-year lease.
Further Recommendations from the Governors Advisory Panel
In addition to the unified terminal structure, the Governors Advisory Panel made a number of other recommendations that will complement the new facility and bring LaGuardia into the 21st century. These recommendations are summarized below, and can be found in full in the Panels report. The Panels report incorporates elements from each of the top submissions to the Governors master plan design competition. Those three submissions were made by Dattner Architects, PRESENT Architecture and SHoP Architects.
We are extremely proud to have been able to contribute planning and design concepts which will transform LaGuardia Airport into a fully integrated multi-model development befitting New York City, said Dattner Architects.
Governor Cuomo's initiative to transform LaGuardia Airport into a unique and accessible transportation hub is key for the future of the New York metropolitan area," said PRESENT Architecture. "Our firm is proud to be selected as a contributor to the architecture, master plan, and transportation vision to rethink and modernize New York Citys airports."
"As Governor Cuomo has made clear, right now there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to implement a comprehensive design that will make LaGuardia Airport the truly world-class experience New Yorkers and visitors deserve," said SHoP Architects. "SHoP is proud that our ideas for an integrated terminal could contribute to solving that urgent need at this essential gateway to the city and the state."
The Panel has also strongly recommended, with the support of the Port Authority, that a Master Planner be selected by RFP to be issued within 60 days by the Port Authority to help coordinate development of the remaining recommendations, under the oversight of a new committee of the Port Authoritys Board of Directors. A summary of those recommendations can be found below.
EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION ACCESS As part of his 2015 Opportunity Agenda, Governor Cuomo proposed creating an AirTrain option that directly connects LaGuardia to the New York City subway and Long Island Rail Road at Mets-Willets Point Station. The panel supports the Governors call for this AirTrain option, and the new LaGuardias unified terminal will be designed to incorporate a future AirTrain terminal.
The Panel recommends that the airport once again be made accessible by ferry service. The panel also calls for an enhanced road configuration to improve passenger access and reduce traffic on local streets in the airports vicinity, including the Grand Central Parkway.
The interior of the new unified terminal will also be intuitive for passengers to easily navigate, and will facilitate efficient movement throughout the airport. A transit option to move passengers more quickly within the airport is recommended by the Panel, such as a tram or monorail, to be included as construction moves forward. This transit option would also better integrate the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A) with the rest of the airport housed in the new unified terminal.
IMPROVING PASSENGER EXPERIENCE Taking into account the realities of post-9/11 air travel, the Panel recommends that the new unified facility contain additional space for security check-in, which will help diminish wait times for passengers as they pass through mandatory TSA screening. The facility both in its individual terminals and the central hall will also be built with significant height and openness in order to allow for a superior passenger experience, clearer signage, greater use of natural light and overall aesthetic improvements. The central hall will also be designed with space for best-in-class passenger amenities in retail, dining, and business and conference center capabilities, as well as the option to include a 200-room boutique hotel option convenient for travelers.
INCREASING STORM RESILIENCY During Superstorm Sandy, approximately 100 million gallons of saltwater flooded the airport and shut it down for two days, impacting 250,000 passengers and causing an estimated economic loss to the region of roughly $108 million. With this in mind, the Panel recommends elevating critical infrastructure in order to keep the airport operational during a flood event and better prepare the airport for similar extreme weather events.
SUPPORTING SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES The redesign of LaGuardia is vital to transforming the airport into a 21st century facility and maintaining economic competitiveness throughout the region but it is also important for the airport to be a good neighbor to its surrounding communities. Currently, the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity of LaGuardia experience significant automobile traffic on local roads and the Grand Central Parkway from passengers either parking outside of the airports ground or from motorists waiting to pick up passengers from the airport as they arrive. Under the new design plan, the Panel recommends increasing parking options on-site and identifying a location for a cell phone waiting area in order to reduce congestion on local streets. Additionally, the Panel also recommends a new rental car facility be created to concentrate the ten car rental companies that currently serve LaGuardia from multiple dispersed locations, further reducing congestion.
The Panel has recommended that the Port Authority will ensure that the projects employment reflects a broad spectrum of the communities in the region, and should recognize Governor Cuomos goal of 30 percent MWBE participation. It will also build on the Port Authoritys longstanding commitment to supporting Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ADCBE).
Currently, LaGuardia contributes more than $16 billion in economic activity to the region annually, generating about 121,000 total jobs and $5.9 billion in annual wages
Senator Charles E. Schumer said, LaGuardia is one of New Yorks greatest assets, and its time that we make the big investments needed to bring it up to speed for the 21st century. By redesigning the airport from top to bottom, this plan gives New Yorkers the facilities that our city and our state deserve. Im glad Governor Cuomo and the Port Authority are stepping up on this huge infrastructure project, and look forward to seeing it move aheadý."
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, LaGuardia is a vital hub for driving commerce in New York both by connecting the local and global economy and brining in millions of visitors every year to the Empire State. By reimaging, remodeling and rebuilding LaGuardias infrastructure to meet 21st century standards, this investment will meet the critical need to support the future growth of the region and all of New York State.
Congressman Joe Crowley, whose district includes LaGuardia Airport, said, The modernization of LaGuardia Airport is long overdue and Im thrilled it will soon be undergoing a comprehensive overhaul that will bring it into the 21st century. Our first-rate city requires an equally first-rate airport to welcome visitors, and New Yorkers will soon have one they can be proud of. Not only will it become a better-looking, better-equipped, and more efficient airport, but the development will have a tremendous economic impact in Queens with the creation of thousands of new jobs. I thank Governor Cuomo for making this a top priority of his administration and I look forward to seeing this once in a lifetime project take off!
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "Bringing LaGuardia Airport into the 21st century is critical to keeping New York City competitive. This is a gateway to New York City and the region for millions of tourists and businesses. I applaud Governor Cuomo and Vice President Biden for undertaking a revitalization of LaGuardia that promises to drive growth across the region and dramatically improve service for passengers."
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg said, Access to best-in-the-world transportation infrastructure is crucial to growing a diverse and successful economy. As the gateway to New York for people from around the world, its crucial that we redesign LaGuardia Airport with that in mind. I am excited to see Governor Cuomo moving forward with a bold plan to bring about a new LaGuardia, and cant wait to see it come to fruition.
Global Gateway Alliance Chairman and Founder Joseph Sitt said, "Global Gateway Alliance has long advocated for smart investments in modern airport terminals, the timely redevelopment of the Central Terminal Building, increased access via public transportation, the addition of modern amenities and increased passenger capacity. So, todays announcement by Governor Cuomo and Vice President Biden is a win for these efforts, and an important step in bringing New Yorks airports into the 21st century. More important, it's a win for the more than 117 million annual passengers that use our airports, and for a regional economy that relies on the airports for more than $50 billion in activity. In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to a public process and the unveiling of specific timelines to realize today's vision and enable New York-area airports to compete with major airports across the country and the world.
Ed Bastian, President of Delta Air Lines, said, Delta commends Governor Cuomo on his airport reconstruction plan, which will transform not only the New York City travel experience but also the landscape of the city itself. Delta has invested more than $2 billion in infrastructure upgrades and passenger enhancements at our hubs at LaGuardia and JFK, and the initiatives announced today are aligned with our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for anyone traveling through New York for business or pleasure. We look forward to working in partnership with the governors design commission on a comprehensive and complementary redevelopment plan that realizes our mutual goals and benefits all New York passengers.
Richard Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress, said, For New York to maintain its global prominence and success, our leaders must be willing to make major investments in the infrastructure that underpins our economy. The Governors plan to reinvent LaGuardia Airport for the next century does just that. While others around the country are struggling to cope with our nations growing infrastructure needs, Governor Cuomos vision for a new LaGuardia shows that New York can rise to the challenge.
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, "LaGuardia Airport is crucial to the region's economy. We commend the Governor for making the redesign possible. This is a huge construction project that will create good, prevailing wage jobs with benefits for all airport workers, and our union brothers and sisters. It will help grow the middle class both in New York City and in the surrounding communities. This is exactly the type of shot-in-the-arm we need for working families and our economy as a whole."
Robert Caro, award-winning historian and author of The Power Broker, said, To say were going to take it from being a third-world airport to being one of the greatest and newest airports, if you think about it, thats quite a heroic vision. Its not an improvement, its a transformation and its a transformation that of course New York needs. Just as the first LaGuardia airport took New York into the modern age of the 1930s and 40s, now we have this new airport which will take New York into the 21st century.
Kenneth T. Jackson, Director of the Herbert H. Lehman Center for the Study of American History and the Jacques Barzun Professor of History and the Social Sciences at Columbia University, said, We will have an airport that we can be proud of and say is worthy of the greatest city in the world. I think the idea that it is a comprehensive project, it is a master-plan project, an everything will fit together project I think that initiative by Governor Cuomo is very, very important.
UPDATE ON JFK, STEWART AND REPUBLIC AIRPORTS
RFP to be issued for Master Planner for JFK Redesign
In addition to the redesign plan for LaGuardia Airport, Governor Cuomo also provided an update on the status of efforts to revolutionize and modernize JFK, Republic and Stewart Airports.
JFK International Airport JFK is one of the few international airports without an on-airport hotel. Governor Cuomo announced today the construction of a new state-of-the-art hotel at JFK in the historic TWA Flight Center, which was designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen. The hotel will include 505 guestrooms, 40,000 square feet of conference, event, and meeting space, and a 10,000 square foot observation deck. The hotel will also be LEED certified.
The redevelopment of JFKs TWA Flight Center Hotel will move forward under a public-private partnership between MCR Development, JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The $265 million construction project, which is expected to break ground next year, will generate 3,700 jobs, and is expected to open in 2018.
"The TWA Flight Center Hotel will celebrate and preserve Eero Saarinens masterpiece, returning the landmark to its original glory and reopening it to the public, said Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR Development, the New York-based developer responsible for the TWA Flight Center redevelopment plan. The TWA Flight Center Hotel will be an economic engine and a world-class airport hotel, creating approximately 3,700 construction and permanent jobs, 505 new hotel rooms, and 40,000 square feet of meeting space at JFK. Whether staying the night or simply exploring, international visitors and New Yorkers alike will be able to experience the magic of the Jet Age in this extraordinary mid-century icon. We are proud to play a part in Governor Cuomos effort to revitalize New Yorks airports for generations to come, and we look forward to working with all of the carriers at JFK to realize this vision.
"We are thrilled the TWA Flight Center will come alive again," said Rich Smyth, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate, JetBlue. "Saarinens aviation icon sits at the front door of our flagship T5 terminal, offering exciting collaboration opportunities that will benefit our customers and crewmembers. As New Yorks Hometown Airline, we are proud to be a minority investor in MCR's plan, which celebrates the landmarks rich history while returning it to public use. We want to thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in supporting our long-held belief that the TWA terminal can viably be restored and re-opened."
The Governor also announced today plans to move forward to develop a full master plan for future development at JFK airport. The Governor has directed the Advisory Panel to report back in the next twelve months with its recommendations for an implementable master plan for the development of a 21st century JKF International Airport. Within the next 60 days, the Panel will work with the Port Authority to issue an RFP to retain a master planning firm to advise the Governor, the Panel, and the Port Authority on the future development of the airport.
New RFIs for Republic & Stewart Empire State Development has issued new RFIs with a primary focus on enhancing the regional economic activity at both Republic and Stewart International airports. Specific sites have been identified for future development, and ESD will guide the development of these sites via a new real estate broker: Newmark Knight Grubb Frank.
cosmicone
(11,014 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)That's a shame--pity they couldn't move them. I love old architecture.
brooklynite
(94,851 posts)...it's supposed to be incorporated into the ferry terminal.
MADem
(135,425 posts)brooklynite
(94,851 posts)7962
(11,841 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)There is a rail line running from JFK to Manhattan. But it's kind of awkward, you take a tram between the subway station and the airport.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)That would be where you'd put in high speed rail.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Not sure how rail would work.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)should still be ok
Psephos
(8,032 posts)Which they do.
Which is why the people want Uber. And why the officials don't - the sharing economy has much less opportunity for graft.
DavidDvorkin
(19,500 posts)That seems like a very low estimate, to me.
closeupready
(29,503 posts)For example, if they say $4B, it's likely to end up being $20B.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)AlbertCat
(17,505 posts)The get the bus.
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)LGA is the WORST airport. I will even fly out of Newark (shudder) to avoid this airport. As a NYer who flies a lot all I can say is ITS ABOUT TIME.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Just a nightmare--not even connected to the tram that goes between terminals.
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)Terminal 4 is much improved though. I havent been flying much domestically in the past couple of years but when I do its usually out to see my folks in LA or business in Portland OR. And I take Virgin America which flies out of the international terminal. When I have to fly to smaller US cities I go out of White Plains. Its a lot easier.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)Terminal 4 at JFK isn't bad, though the security thing is still a work in progress.
Terminals C/D at LGA aren't that bad, but they suffer from being in the middle of that dysfunctional mess.
7962
(11,841 posts)Everyone crammed into one big room. You'd think that the richest county in the damn country could've built a little bigger. And I hear the parking charges makes NYC look free. The car rental experience is a little wacky too; everyone in the same lot
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)I love driving around Westchester, dodging potholes big enough to eat your car alive, all while having to pay $13k a year in property taxes for a parcel of land less than 1/4 acre!
Whooooopppiiiieeeeeee!
Seriously you should have seen it before the improvements. The private FBO on the other side of the runway is very nice but then again its for the rich folk.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)We flew into and out of LaGuardia this past week, and I have to say--what a dump. I mean, really ... a world class city such as NYC needs a new airport. Third-world, indeed.
In addition to the cramped, overheated in summer cold in winter waiting areas, and the lack of real amenities, the traffic there is horrendous. Flying in we had to circle because of backed up traffic, until we started running out of gas. Then we had to fly to Pittsburgh to refuel just so we could fly back to wait for landing permission again. 2 1/2 hours added onto our flight. Returning we waited on the tarmac for a full hour to be able to take off (we counted 26 planes waiting behind us).
At last, New York. Welcome to the 21st century.
Sen. Walter Sobchak
(8,692 posts)with fewer panhandlers too.
Yavin4
(35,453 posts)The devil you say.
msanthrope
(37,549 posts)BlueEye
(449 posts)But prepare for this project to be billions over-budget and years behind schedule.
Whatever, as long as it is done eventually.
Feeling the Bern
(3,839 posts)Gloria
(17,663 posts)Flew it once and then no way...