According to Greenfield, trains entering Jersey City through the tunnel would use existing tracks on the New Jersey side, decreasing their availability to Jersey City industries and ports.
"If they become occupied by trains heading through the tunnel, it's a problem for Jersey City firms that rely on the rail. (It is also a problem) for the potential for future expansion," he said.
Isn't this a matter for the rail carrier(s) to address?
NYCEDC spokeswoman Janel Patterson declined to comment on the project yesterday, but according to her organization's Web site, the tunnel would reduce truck traffic on area roads and improve air quality.
Because New York City relies almost entirely on trucks to move freight into and out of the region, the Web site said, trucks are a significant contributor to traffic congestion.
The potential for the tunnel to be used for trash hauling has also raised concerns.
Although the NYCEDC's environmental impact study did not consider the effects of transporting solid waste through the tunnel - waste was not on the list of potential tunnel cargo - Jersey City is bracing for trash to eventually make its way through the underwater passage.
"You have to look at what we know," Greenfield said. "We know that New York City has a problem that they're trying to solve as to how to move their garbage. They're looking to build a tunnel from New York City to Jersey City. I think the rest is just deduction."
Gee, Jersey City, would you rather have definite air pollution and traffic congestion, or the REMOTE possibility that trash MIGHT be hauled on these trains, with the even more REMOTE possibility that some trash from this remotely possible train MIGHT get loose within Jersey City?
The mayor also said the tunnel could affect the future development of the city's waterfront.
"Who wants to live next to a train that runs by every 15 minutes?" he said.
Gee, Mr. Cunningham. Welcome to Jersey City, home of PATH service, Hudson-Bergen LRT, several NJT lines, and various freight lines and yards.
Along with additional environmental studies, the council resolution calls for alternatives to be considered, including a tunnel connecting Brooklyn and Newark, a Hudson River bridge crossing at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and the expansion of the existing rail freight network.
I'm surprised they didn't mention the possibility of using the SIRR from Howland Hook to St. George, with a tunnel from St. George to the 65th Street Yard in Brooklyn.