Construction on the long-anticipated Second Avenue subway extension into East Harlem has come to a halt following Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to indefinitely pause New York City’s congestion pricing program. This move has cast doubt on the future of the project, which was relying heavily on congestion pricing revenue for funding.
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction and Development, confirmed the cessation of work during a news conference on Tuesday. “We have stopped work on Second Avenue subway,” Torres-Springer stated. “There are a lot of projects that we will not be able to build, and we’ll be focusing on state of good repair.”
The congestion pricing program, originally slated to launch on June 30, was expected to generate $15 billion for various transit upgrades, including $4.3 billion specifically earmarked for the Second Avenue subway project. This funding was crucial to match a $3.4 billion federal grant allocated for the extension, which aims to stretch the Q line from East 96th Street to East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue.
Governor Hochul attempted to assuage concerns, emphasizing her commitment to the project’s future. “We’re looking at a pause … that does not mean that we will not find funding for the Second Avenue subway,” she reassured. However, the mixed messages from state officials have done little to alleviate the confusion and frustration felt by many.
Carlo Scissura, CEO of the New York Building Congress, expressed his dismay over the situation. “We have said from the moment Gov. Hochul postponed congestion pricing that the future of New York City as we know it is in danger,” Scissura lamented. “Today’s actions by the MTA to stop work on the Second Avenue Subway expansion sadly – and maddeningly – proves that point. And the residents of Harlem will suffer the consequences.”
The MTA had recently awarded a $182 million contract for preliminary work, such as relocating underground utilities between 105th and 110th streets. Yet, with the sudden funding gap, the continuation of this phase and subsequent excavation work remains uncertain.
The MTA plans to outline further adjustments to its capital program in an upcoming board meeting, where additional project cuts are expected to be detailed. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber voiced the agency’s determination to secure the federal grant. “We’re going to do our best to prevent it being put at risk, though that is a challenge,” Lieber said.
Residents of East Harlem, like Leah Finnie, remain skeptical. “It’s unfortunate. Because the people who live in this neighborhood deserve the same kind of services,” Finnie commented to Eyewitness News. “The only consolation is that the rents are cheaper because they have to walk further, and they have tighter buttocks, what can I tell you.”
