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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force Report

The Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force and Mayor Christian met today with representatives from the Tappan Zee Bridge project team to discuss construction noise and vibration monitoring.

The project team described their plan to monitor noise, vibration, and air quality during construction; the limits they are not to exceed; and how they will respond if a limit is exceeded. The project website now has a page dedicated to Environmental Monitoring, http://newnybridgegallery.com/noise/. The site describes the monitoring plan and provides real-time display of noise, vibration, and air quality measurements from the monitoring locations.

Construction Hours and Noise Limits

The project contract restricts construction activities late at night (10pm to 6am), Saturday morning until midday and Sunday all day. During that time, no equipment can be used that emits noise above 70 dBA max measured at an offset distance of 50 feet if the work is on land and at the nearest point of the shoreline if the work is in the water.

During non-restricted working hours, noise limits are based on the specific equipment being used. The nosiest activity will be pile driving, with noise levels at 50 feet of upwards of 90dbA. The table of limits is shown on the website. While these limits are allowed by contract until 10pm, TZC says their plans are to start M-F at 6am and end work by 5pm. They say they will work M-F 5pm-10pm and Saturday 12n-10pm only if they get behind schedule.

We reiterated the Village's previously stated position that noisy construction should be limited to M-F 8am to 7pm with no construction activities on weekends or Federal holidays.

Perceived noise, particularly from pile driving, will be the greatest as the construction gets closer to our shoreline. While it is expected that pile driving farther out in the river will not reach 90db at the shoreline, we expressed concern that repetitive pounding, even at lower decibel levels can be very disturbing. They described that piles will be set mostly be vibrating them into the riverbed. This is much quieter than impact hammering. Once the pile is mostly set using the vibratory hammer, it will be impact hammered at the end to set it into place with a few strikes. They said we should expect that to typically be the nosiest activity and would occur towards the end of the shift.

Monitoring Locations

On the Rockland side, the proposed plan is to place monitoring stations at the shoreline just north and south of the bridge. One at Salisbury Point and one at #28 River Rd. They have asked the Village for permission to place a third monitoring station at Village Hall.

We expressed concerns about the monitoring of construction activities on land between the shoreline and Exit 10. This includes the use of Exit 10 as a staging area and the construction of the shared-use (bike/pedestrian) path and the temporary AETC structures. We believe monitors should be installed to make sure the residential neighborhoods on either side of the Thruway do not experience noise levels above the limits. We asked for their acoustic engineers to look how noise will be received in the hillside neighborhoods overlooking the Thruway.

We also requested the contractor look for ways to minimize the perceived noise from backup alarms on our residents. The trestle (pier) is being made narrower than originally designed, so we asked for them to make sure the revised design still allows for trucks to enter and leave without backing up. The same consideration should be used in the Exit 10 staging area.

Vibration

The project team described their vibration monitoring plan. They said the expected levels of generated vibrations to be well below the levels that could cause structural damage. However, they have identified properties in close proximity to the construction zone to offer pre-construction surveys and installation of vibration monitoring devices. They are in the process of contacting these property owners for permission. Other concerned property owners may request to be included.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force Report

The Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force and Mayor Christian met today with representatives from the Tappan Zee Bridge project team to discuss the proposal to place an All Electronic Toll Collection (AETC) facility in South Nyack. At the April 4 meeting, project representatives had said the AETC was proposed to be located permanently in South Nyack. We expressed concerns about the proposal and asked for more information. (See TZB Task Force report - April 4, 2013.)

The project team told us today that after consideration of our objections and review of the proposal and the TZC contract, they were withdrawing the notion of permanently locating the facility in South Nyack, but still wanted to construct it here temporarily during bridge construction. Towards the end of the project, a permanent AETC facility would be built at the current toll plaza in Tarrytown. The temporary structure in South Nyack would then be removed.

The team showed us maps of the proposed location at Exit 10 and visual simulations of what it would look like. The AETC facility is comprised of an overhead metal gantry that spans the roadway. This holds the EZ-Pass sensors. It also holds cameras that would be used to take photos of the license plates of cars that do not have EZ-Pass. Those drivers would be billed for the toll.

There would be two gantries. One would span the eastbound lanes of the Thruway in the middle of the Exit 10 circular ramp system. A second gantry would be placed on the eastbound entry ramp, just before it passes under 9W. There will also be a small building next to the main gantry to house the AETC recording equipment. Next to the building would be backup generators.

We asked why this location had been chosen. The project team told us that TZC had explored other locations on the Tarrytown side, but they concluded on the Exit 10 site, which was put in the contract accepted by the Thruway Authority. Project engineers reviewed other possible sites with us, contending that there were more difficulties locating the facility on the Tarrytown side.

We expressed concern about possible environmental impacts of the AETC on the Village. The Final Environmental Impact Study (FEIS) was based on a project "limit of construction" just east of the South Broadway overpass. Since the temporary AETC is proposed to be beyond the project limit, we believe a supplemental impact study may be required.

We expressed concern that the Thruway Authority could change their mind some time in the future and decide to leave the AETC permanently in South Nyack. A permanent AETC would complicate the Village's consideration of redevelopment of the Exit 10 area. The project team said they would amend the TZC contract to make it clear that the temporary AETC at Exit 10 is required to be removed. We said that we would also need an agreement between to Thruway Authority and the Village.

We discussed the need for economic development. We pointed out that we have been continually trying to work with the State to bring some benefits to the river villages region. This latest proposal adds yet more burden to South Nyack. We reiterated our requests for some substantive progress on a collaborative effort to attain some benefits.

We concluded saying the Village is wary, but open to accepting the AETC temporarily, but only upon our satisfaction that, 1) there is an enforceable agreement to assure us that the AETC will be only temporary, 2) that environmental impacts are studied appropriately, and 3) that the State demonstrates serious progress towards addressing the issues we have repeatedly raised.

April 4, 2013

Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force Report

The Tappan Zee Bridge Task Force and Mayor Christian met today with representatives from the Governor's office and Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC). When we first met with TZC on February 6, we reviewed outstanding issues to be addressed. We agreed that we would have a series of meetings to address individual issues in more depth. It unfortunately took two months for them to schedule the second meeting.

Construction Schedule

TZC presented a rough construction schedule for the next few months. Pre-construction activities have already started. A barge in the river is being used for sample borings in the riverbed. TZC will also soon begin surveying at the Rockland landing by River Road.

In mid May, TZC will begin relocating overhead utilities to underground. This will involve digging in River Road just north of the bridge and burying the utilities. We expressed concern about disruptions to traffic on River Road. TZC said they will be contacting and cooperating with the South Nyack/Grandview Police.

Construction of the "trestle" will begin mid-summer. This is the pier into the river that will be used transfer personnel and materials to barges. TZC said they have modified the design of the trestle to make it reach farther out into the river and thus reduce the amount of needed dredging. The trestle will also be narrower than originally proposed. We raised a concern that the original wider trestle was designed to allow trucks to enter and leave without backing up. This was intended to avoid the use of backup alarms. We asked if the narrower trestle would eliminate this benefit. TZC said they would look into this issue.

Exit 10 Staging

We discussed the use of Exit 10 for staging. The Thruway has been clearing out their trucks and materials to make way for TZC to use the site. TZC plans to install a chain-link fence around the area with plastic baffles (typically used on tennis courts) and decorated with artwork from local schoolchildren.

We reiterated our opposition to the use of this area. Most of the surrounding neighborhood is much higher than the area and looks down upon it. Fencing will be ineffective for screening. We are also concerned about increased noise, such as backup alarms.

We asked for more details about how the staging area will be used and the amount of traffic expected to travel between the site and the trestle.

AET

TZC informed us that they are proposing to permanently locate an All-Electronic Tolling (AET) facility in the vicinity of Exit 10. This would replace the current Tarrytown toll booths with completely cashless toll collections. Overhead gantries would hold detectors for EZ-Pass tags and cameras to take pictures of the license plates of cars without EZ-Pass and bill them.

We have stressed that the current use ofthe Exit 10 area is inconsistent with the residential neighborhood and is an eyesore. We have continuously pressed for reduction or elimination of this use. Adding the AET increases the inappropriate uses of that area. The addition of the AET structures will add an additional unsightly element, particularly for the hillside neighborhood that overlooks the area. It also interferes with the Village's exploration of economic development for the Exit 10 area.

This proposal is outside of the project limits. It was not studied in the EIS, so its impacts on our Village have not been assessed. We stated that any proposal to expand the project must comply with SEQRA and NEPA requirements.

TZC said they had considered several alternatives. We asked to review these alternatives with TZC.

The Thruway continues to proceed with plans for our Village without consideration of the effects on the Village. They continue to impose impacts on us that we must endure without bringing anything beneficial to our community. We have consistently stated that practical, appropriate solutions can only be developed in collaboration with the Village.

Brian Conybeare,the Governor's representative, noted our concerns and said they would consider other alternatives for siting the AET and continue discussions about this with the Village.

Other Outstanding Issues

When we last met in early February,the State and TZC had agreed to meet regularly with us to address our unresolved issues. It took two months to have this next meeting and no progress was made on the outstanding issues. Instead, a new troubling issue was added. We protested that construction activities are already beginning without resolutions to our issues. We pressed the State to come back immediately to discuss solutions to these issues with us.

February 6, 2013

Initial Meeting with Tappan Zee Constructors

The Mayor and Village officials met today with representatives from the Governor's office and Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC), the contractor that will be building the new Tappan Zee Bridge. This initial meeting was to introduce us to the TZC team and set a framework for addressing issues of concern to the Village. The intention is go more in depth with each issue in subsequent meetings.

Issues were reviewed, including construction impacts, permanent impacts, and issues relating to the Village's vision for redevelopment of Exit 10.

Construction Impacts

Overview

The original Tappan Zee Bridge project had a devastating effect on South Nyack, cutting it in two. In 1952 New York State destroyed over 100 South Nyack homes and our entire business district in order to build the bridge.

Now, 60 years later, the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge will once again impact no other community as much as South Nyack. There will be permanent changes and several years of construction that will affect our residents.

Mayor DuBow, the Trustees and other Village officials are working diligently to fight to minimize negative impacts and to also try to bring some positive benefits to the Village. This letter to South Nyack residents is intended to give you details about how the project affects South Nyack and what the Village is doing to fight for South Nyack's interests.

The Mayor and Trustees encourage you to keep informed, let your views be known, and become more involved where you can.

Details about the new bridge landing in South Nyack

The State has two alternative designs for the new bridge, but they are very similar with respect to how they affect South Nyack.

The new bridge will come ashore in South Nyack just to the north of the current bridge and merge into the highway at about the same place as the current bridge landing.

The limit of construction for the reconstructed highway in South Nyack is just west of the South Broadway overpass. In the current plan, no changes are proposed to Interchange 10. They do say, though, that Exit 10 could be used as a construction staging area.

The new design has a pedestrian and bicycle path, the roadway that will be much higher than the existing roadway, and the South Broadway overpass will be replaced. Entire or portions of nine properties including six homes will be taken by eminent domain.

The landing in South Nyack, new overpass design, and the propoerties to be taken can be viewed here:
http://www.thenewtzb.com/deis/a2-short-span-option.pdf (See drawing B-4210, page 8)
http://www.thenewtzb.com/deis/a3-long-span-option.pdf (See drawing B-4210, page 8)
(The drawings are also available at Village Hall.)

Shared-use path

The new Tappan Zee Bridge is designed to have a pedestrian and bike lane (aka "shared-use path") on its north side. When it comes ashore in South Nyack, it runs along the north edge of the highway and ends at South Broadway. To accommodate the path, a slice of land is being taken from the Bradford Mews apartments and properties on Smith Avenue.

Thruway will be taller

The current highway is relatively flat as it heads east from South Broadway and onto the existing bridge. The causeway is flat and then rises steeply to the bridge's center span. The plans for the new bridge have the highway rising gradually and evenly from South Broadway to the center span. This means the highway will be quite a bit higher than the current highway from South Broadway to River Road. (The "long-span option" bridge is quite a bit taller than the "short-span option" bridge.)

On the south side of the highway, the highway will be widened and a new retaining wall will be built. Along the south side, a 20' sound barrier is proposed. Several homes on Ferris and Bight Lanes will have their river views cut off completely.

New South Broadway overpass

In order to transition the highway traffic from the existing bridge onto the new bridge, as the new landing is built the traffic will be temporarily shifted north and south. In order to shift the traffic, they say they need to make the highway wider from South Broadway to the river. In order to widen the highway, they say they have to replace the South Broadway overpass. Their design for the new overpass has them taking six homes and a public pocket park by eminent domain.

The current South Broadway overpass has a span of 148 feet and is held up in the middle by a pillar. (This is where the garage is for the truck that moves the TZB's movable barrier.) The new overpass' span across the highway is proposed to be 170 feet. Current Federal standards require the new overpass to have a clearance of 16.5 feet over the highway. Because of this, the new overpass will be taller than the current one and it's much more difficult to design the overpass to meet grade on either side.

Also, because they will be shifting the traffic back and forth, they do not want a center pillar for the new overpass. Without a support below, the overpass is proposed to be supported from above with a truss, arch, or some other sort of superstructure. (This hasn't been designed, yet.)

The new overpass is designed to be built and put into place next to the current overpass. This is so the current overpass can be kept open until the new one is ready. But it means the new design has more severe curves in it. It also means that two homes on the north side and one on the south side are taken. In addition, three more homes and the pocket park on the south side are taken to provide a construction staging area. The plan is to assemble the new overpass there and then lift it into place. Once the new overpass is in place the staging area would be freed up. While that land will be titled to the Thruway, they have hinted that they may be willing to eventually turn it over to the Village.

Temporary Construction Impacts

The project will take 4 to 5 years to build. During that time we can expect the greatest impact on South Nyack to be construction noise. Obviously, those closest to the highway will be most affected by this. The existing noise barrier along the north side will be taken down in order to widen the highway, so it will certainly be noisier until the new wall is in place.

They will be driving large steel piles into the riverbed to support the new bridge. The pounding may be quite loud. They will be driving test pilings as soon as March, so we will soon get a taste of how loud this will be.

There will be a lot of activity at the base of the bridge on the river shoreline. A large platform will be built out into the river for construction barges.

Truck traffic is supposed to be contained to the Thruway itself, using the maintenance access ramps to River Road.

Current plans for the replacement of the South Broadway overpass keep the existing overpass open to traffic until the new overpass is in place. There may be some temporary closures.

Permanent Impacts

The most significant permanent impacts of the new bridge to South Nyack are:

Reduction in tax ratables

The taking of properties will result in a reduction of tax revenue for the Village, Orangetown, school district, and fire district. This means that everyone else's taxes will go up to make up for the loss.

Traffic Safety

The new South Broadway overpass will have more severe curves in it, potentially making it more susceptible to accidents.

Visual impacts

The new TZB will be substantially taller through South Nyack. The "long-span" option is even taller than the "short-span" option. Several homes on Ferris and Bight Lanes will have their views of the river completely blocked.

The new South Broadway overpass will be taller than the existing overpass. It will also have some sort of superstructure above the overpass. This will make it much more visually prominent.

Parking

The new shared-use path on the new bridge begins at the South Broadway overpass. (There is no direct connection to the Esposito Trail.) If the path becomes very popular, people may wish to park their cars in South Nyack, so they can then walk or bike on the path. The State has not conducted any studies predicting how many people will likely use the path and how many will likely drive to and park in South Nyack. There is no parking lot planned for near the path, so out-of-town path users drivers would have to park on local streets.

Potential Benefits

The State has claimed there are benefits to South Nyack from the new bridge:

What is the Village doing about the project?

The Trustees and other Village officials have been fighting with the State to try to minimize the negative impacts of the project and also to try to bring some real, lasting benefits to South Nyack.

As required by law, the project team recently published a Draft Environmental impact Statement (DEIS), detailing negative impacts of the project and their plans to mitigate those impacts. The Village has reviewed the DEIS and found many flaws and omissions. A written response detailing these defects has been sent to the project team and they are obligated to address our comments. The Village's DEIS response is posted here

In response to pressure from the Village, the project team sent members to meet with Village officials to go over details about the project's effects on South Nyack. The team has agreed in principal to have additional meetings with the Village to allow us to try to come up with alternative designs for the South Broadway overpass that may work better for the Village.

The Village has been looking for opportunities to leverage the bridge project to bring benefits to South Nyack. The State had until recently been proposing to redesign and reconstruct Exit 10. This would dramatically educe its footprint and free up land. This land could be used to help ease the tax burden on our residents. Village residents have expressed support of Mayor DuBow's proposal to build a "cap" or deck over the Thruway, reconnecting the two sides of the Village. The Village has proposed studying a potential local development project using the "cap" plus the freed-up Exit 10 land area.

The Mayor and Village officials have been working with our elected State and Federal representatives to take a broader view of the Tappan Zee Bridge project. We are showing them how coordinating the project with our own proposal would be the most cost-effective way to reconnect our neighborhoods, bring lasting jobs, long-term economic sustainability, and an improved environment to the village we love and call home.

What can you do to help?

You can email or write to the State to let them know you support the Village's response to the DEIS. The deadline for comments is Friday, March 30, 2012. There is a template letter you can copy and email posted here

Email comments to:

tzbsite@dot.state.ny.us

Mail written comments to:

Michael P. Anderson
Project Director
New York State Dept. of Transportation
4 Burnett Boulevard
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603

For more information or to become more involved, please contact:

Mayor Tish DuBow
845-358-0287
mayor@southnyack.ny.gov