Ken Fisher discusses the conversion of a barely used freight corridor into the Interborough Express (IBX) to connect Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge waterfront to Jackson Heights, Queens, in amNY. The 14-mile light rail line would serve nearly a million residents and a quarter million commuters, linking 17 existing subway stations and the Long Island Railroad in just 40 minutes. The new line presents an opportunity to address housing shortages and stimulate economic development in underserved neighborhoods, such as East Flatbush, Brownsville, and Maspeth. With Governor Kathy Hochul’s support and a $166 million design contract already awarded, the project is gaining momentum, though full funding remains uncertain.
Planners must align transit investment with land use reform and equitable development. A recent report suggests that over 70,000 new homes could be built within a half-mile of IBX stations if land use rules are updated. However, station-by-station rezonings risk local opposition, making a broader rezoning strategy more viable. Empire State Development could play a pivotal role by implementing a General Project Plan that allows for payments in lieu of taxes, enabling the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to benefit financially from the value it creates. Local input remains essential, but bold, coordinated action is needed to ensure the IBX becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth.
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