With the financial crisis on the top of everyone’s mind, the head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said that development and progress must continue during these difficult times.
“Building in difficult times is one of the things that the Port Authority has done so well,” said Christopher Ward, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, at a York College business breakfast on Friday, October 10.
Ward addressed a standing room only audience about the future of the Port Authority and the need to continue progress to meet the expectations of additional travelers and residents expected in the city during the next 20 years. He spoke about LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airport, which the Port Authority operates, and the need to take advantage of the opportunities both Queens airports provide.
“These are assets that we must work with the community on,” Ward said.
Meanwhile, Congress-member Gregory Meeks, who represents the southeast Queens area and introduced Ward during the breakfast, said that years ago the relationship between JFK Airport and the surrounding community was not a very close one.
However, that relationship has improved significantly in recent years with many partnerships developed between the Port Authority and airlines with the community and York College in particular.
“There is no limit with what we can do together,” Meeks said.
In addition, Ward praised the success of the AirTrain JFK, the airport train that operates around the clock providing service between JFK Airport and MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) trains, MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) subways, and local buses.
Meeks also praised York College and its President Marcia Keizs, for its leadership in the community and establishing York College as a preeminent institution in Queens.
“This lady has really done a fantastic job, and everyone in this community, in this borough, in this city owes her a debt of gratitude,” Meeks said.
