By Philip Newman
Public officials have generally expressed doubt that Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s vision of a No.7 subway train running to New Jersey will ever become reality.
It’s money. The city and the state are nearly broke and money from the federal government appears doubtful.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Jay Walder said adding a Jersey stop on the 7 line was one major project too many. He said the 2nd Avenue Subway, the East Side Access and No.7 extension were all his agency can handle.
U.S. Rep Jerrold Nadler, who represents Manhattan’s upper west side, said he doubted the U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood would give a green light to the $3 billion in federal money it would take to tunnel under the Hudson River.
“It’s not going to happen,” said Jeffrey Zupan of the Regional Plan Association.
Bloomberg’s preliminary plan, including the extension of the No.7 line not only beyond Times Square but to the far west side of Manhattan was disclosed on Wednesday.
