EXHIBIT A Submitted to the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee from David M. Wildstein From: Sent: To: Cc: Zipf, Peter Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM Wildstein, David Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose w/ill certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF shov^ing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M . Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ | Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor | Newark, NJ 07102 | Office; 973-565-7866 | BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 | iriverappanvni.gov I www.panyni.gov 1 PA - DW - 000001 ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT PA - DW - 000002 Traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. - GWB UL Toll Plaza Mid-Day Operation PA - DW - 000003 . - Lgrliled Slates - NJ- Bergen 00,- Fort Lee - Borough Center Traffic cones would normally be set up to allow three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. PA - DW - 000004 Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Shown here is Fort Lee traffic feeding the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. GWB UL Toll Plaza Modified AM Peak Period Lt PA - DW - 000005 From: Sent: To: Subject: Rivera, Jose Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza IVlodified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods. Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose PA - DW - 000006 Sent; Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB ULTolls 5 a . p d f » I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M . Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ | Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor | Newark, NJ 07102 | Office: 973-565-7866 | BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 | irivera(5)panvni.Rov | www.panyni.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALLlwww.distraction.gov PA - DW - 000007 Centewr!}< . . ., I I I ll. Traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. -- ld'- United aates - "Toll Plaza Mid--Day Operation PA - DW - 000008 .. States-NJ-B rgien 2 Traffic cones would normally be set up to allow three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza000009 Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Shown here is Fort Lee traffic feeding the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. I . - GWB UL Toll Plaza Modified AM Peak Period :32 PA - DW- 000010 Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Shown here is two lanes of Fort Lee traffic feeding the right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 11- PA - DW- 000011 From: Sent: To: Wildstein, David Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:09 AM Durando, Robert Will be at bridge early Monday am to view new lane test. PA - DW - 000012 From: Sent: To: Subject: Durando, Robert Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:22 AM Wildstein, David Re: So will 1. Ops is on board, Mtce is covering signs tonight, and Police are aware that they will be controlling traffic in the intersections for the extended rush. We've also brought a toll collector in on overtime to keep toll lane 24 (the extreme right hand toll lane Upper level) in the event the collector assigned to TL 24 needs a personal. See you in the morning. Original Message From: Wildstein, David Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:09 AM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Will be at bridge early Monday am to view new lane test PA - DW - 000013 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:48 AM Durando, Robert Re: Thanks On Sep 8, 2013, at 10:21 AM, "Durando, Robert" wrote: > So will I. Ops is on board, Mtce is covering signs tonight, and Police are aware that they will be controlling traffic in the intersections for the extended rush. We've also brought a toll collector in on overtime to keep toll lane 24 (the extreme right hand toll lane Upper level) in the event the collector assigned to TL 24 needs a personal. See you in the morning. > > — Original Message — > From: Wildstein, David > Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:09 AM > To: Durando, Robert > Subject: > > Will be at bridge early Monday am to view new lane test PA - DW - 000014 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:48 AM Baroni Bill Fwd: Re: Begin forwarded message: From: "Durando, Robert" Date: September 8, 2013 10:21:57 AM EDT To: "Wildstein, David" Subject: Re: So will I. Ops is on board, Mtce is covering signs tonight, and Police are aware that they will be controlling traffic in the intersections for the extended rush. We've also brought a toll collector in on overtime to keep toll lane 24 (the extreme right hand toll lane Upper level) in the event the collector assigned to TL 24 needs a personal. See you in the morning. Original Message From: Wildstein, David Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:09 A M To: Durando, Robert Subject: Will be at bridge early Monday am to view new lane test. PA - DW - 000015 From: Sent: To: Subject: PAPDCPD Monday, September 09, 2013 8:57 AM PAPDCPD GWB Description: GWB reports there are delays on local streets due to heavy bridge volume. LOCATION: GWB DATE: TIME: Contact pereon: Contact Number: 9-9-13 0853 GWB DESK 201-346-4102 Sent To: Outlook Time Received from Effected Command!: Time Sent Out by CPD: 0853 REPORTING OFFICER OF COMMAND GWB DESK 0855 PA - DW - 000016 From: Sent: To: Cc: Durando, Robert Monday, September 09, 2013 9:10 AM Wildstein, David Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae Just got off the phone with FLPD Chief who's not happy about our new traffic pattern. He's particularly upset that no one from the GWB, either civilian or PAPD had the courtesy or the "neighborly" intent to call either the Mayor's Office or FLPD about testing a new traffic pattern. The Chief asked how he goes about ending this "miserable failure". I advised him to have thee Mayor call Bill Baroni. I also, at their request, met with them at the facility and advised them of same in person. They advised that the mayor would be calling Bill this morning. Bob PA - DW - 000017 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Lado, Tina Monday, September 09, 2013 11:24 AM Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Fulton, Cedrick Ft Lee Wanted you both have a heads up--Peggy Thomas, Borough Administrator, called me regarding the increased volume and congestion of AM rush traffic throughout the Borough as a result of the GWB toll lanes adjustment that occurred. She mentioned that there were 2 incidents that Ft Lee PD and EMS had difficulty responding to; a missing child {later found) and a cardiac arrest. She stated additionally that the Borough and PD had no advance notice of the planned change. Also, Bill the Mayor had placed calls to your office. If there is anything you need me to do, let me know. Thank you. Please excuse any typos; sent using BlackBerry handheld device. tlado@panvni.qov PA - DW - 000018 From: Sent: To: Subject: Fulton, Cedrick Monday, September 09, 2013 6:07 PM Wildstein, David Fort Lee Hi David, An earlier email that Bob's staff fielded. Hi Bob: called asking to speak to you regarding the change in traffic pattern this morning. He spoke to Fort Lee Police Dr. Fried and will call the governor's office as well. He demands that public information be disseminated and an explanation given. Please call him back at 201-390-4832. Cedrick PA - DW - 000019 From: Sent: To: Subject: Fulton, Cedrick Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:58 PM Wildstein, David Fw: GWB toll booths from Bruce Reynodls Blvd FYI Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Valens, Chris Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:40 PM To: Durando, Robert; Ramirez, Enrique Cc: Fulton, Cedrick; Lado, Tina Subject: Fw: GWB toll booths from Bruce Reynodls Blvd Bob, Do you have details on the inquiry from our good buddy below? Chris From: Cichowski, John [mailto:Cichowski@northjersey.com] Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 01:17 PM To: Valens, Chris Subject: GWB toil booths from Bruce Reynodls Blvd Hi, Chris: I've been getting several calls and emails like the one below about fewer toll booths beind open to the GWB from Bruce Reynolds Blvd. Can you respond to these complaints, especially the 5 questions posed by the reader below? I'm at 973-586-8153. My cell is: 973-476-6333. Much appreciated, -john John Cichowski The Road Warrior The Record, Herald News & northjersey.com 100 Commons Way Rockaway, NJ 07866 On Monday Sept 9, the local Ft Lee approach to the GWB via Bruce Reynolds Blvd and Martha Washington Way changed dramatically. What used to be 3 toll booths from the local approach has turned into one toll booth, creating a large traffic backup that stretches back onto Hudson Terrace all the way to Englewood Cliffs. Our commute to midtown Manhattan from Tenafiy used to take 30 - 35 minutes. On Monday, it took 2 hours and 15 minutes and on Tuesday it took 90 minutes. At the advice of the Ft Lee Police Depl, we got onto Rt 4 in Englewood and merged onto 95 and the last two mornings the commute took over an hour. The Fort Lee Police do not have any answers, they claim it's the Port Authority's decision to close the local toll booths and that I should complain to them. I tried to call the PA but 1 can't get a live person on the phone. My questions to you are why didn't the Port Authority warn commuters about this change? Why did they do this? How long will it last? What is the goal of these local tollbooth closures? PA - DW - 000020 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Thursday, September 12, 2013 6:27 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 9/12/13 Clare Trepasso of the NY Daily News sought comment on a aircraft noise bill pending in Albany. We provided information to the reporter about the Port Authority's noise monitoring initiatives. John Cichowksi of the Bergen Record inquired about a change in the amount of toll lanes available to Ft. Lee residents at the GWB. We told the reporter that the Port Authority is reviewing traffic safety patterns at the GWB and that PAPD has been in contact with Fort Lee PD throughout the transition. Media Relations staffed ED Foye at a Transportation Research Forum luncheon this afternoon where he provided the audience with an update on P3 projects at the PA. Engineering News Record was in attendance. Steve Strunsky of The Star-Ledger inquired about a suicide jumper today at the GWB. We did not respond. Tom DiPoto of The Star-Ledger called regarding New Jersey Economic Development Authority funding for the Goethals Bridge project. We did not respond. Curtis Eihelberger of Bloomberg News requested an interview with a Port Authority official regarding aviation planning for the 2014 Super Bowl. Response pending. Joan Gralla from Newsday is seeking information about the PA's role in asbestos removal at Ground Zero both before and after 9/11. We are working with WTCC to understand our role. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panynj.gov PA - DW - 000021 From: Sent: Lado, Tina Friday, September 13, 2013 4:05 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Subject: Attachments: FW: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Port Authority Letter- September2013.pdf Bill and David, I just received the attached letter from the office of Congressman Bill Pascrelljr. 1 have not responded. From: Coleman, Kyle [mailto:Kyle.Coleman@mail.house.gov] Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 4:02 PM To: Lado, Tina Subject: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Hi Tina, i hope ail is well. My name is Kyle Coleman; I was told to pass the attached letter from Congressman Pascreil to you. Also, this letter has not been sent to any press or media outlets. However, our office did forward it along to the borough of Fort Lee. Thank you for your time and please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Kyle Coleman Office of Representative Bill Pascreil, Jr. {NJ-9) 2370 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 P: 202.225.5751 F: 202.225.5782 Kyle.Coleman^mail.house.gov You PA - DW - 000022 BILL PASCRELL, JR. C O M M i T T E i ; O N W A Y S A N D M12ANS SUllCOMWiriFI? OfJ hEA[TM C O M M I T T E E O N THE B U D G l i T 237D RAVHUKN MOUSE OFFICE BUILHING V/ASIIlNGTON, nC ^OalR 1202) 2?u-S78? M X dnnurean nf tl}t Mxiittii Elates 700 (-SOfHAl. I'LAZA. SJl 11 SCO PAIEHSON. NJ 0/aOi) '^24 o t y n F A X l)l!l.|l.lSCfUli(sl:ilSil.tlOllE;i;,;)i.'v September 13, 2013 Mr. Bill Baroni Deputy Executive Director The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South New York. NY 10003 Dear Mr. Baroni: i was surprised to read repoi ls of tollbooth closures in The Record article "Road Warrior: Closed tollbooths a commuting disaster". According to this article, The Port Authority of New York & New jersey has reduced the number of tollbooths to just one for all traffic approaching the George Washington Bridge from Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Martha Washington Way in Fort Lee. This reduction has created significant delays for our consliiuents who live in the communities closest to the George Washington Bridge, especially for the residents of Fort Lee. Commuters who rely on the George Washington Bridge every day are experiencing extreme delays. Furthermore, 1 am deeply concerned that local officials and local law enforcement agencies were not properly notified of any change before it was implemented. Not only is this a problem for commuters, it also a public safety issue and could possibly hinder economic growth in the surrounding area. Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. 1 look tbrward to reviewing the explanation for the recent reports of reduction in tollbooths. If I can provide any additional insight, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Deputy Chief of Staff Assad Akhler in my office al (202)225-5751, Sincerely, Bill Pascreil, Jr. Member of Congress PA - DW - 000023 Wildstein, David From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Friday, September 13, 2013 5:00 PM 'david.wildstein@gmail.com' Fw: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Port Authority Letter- September 2013.pdf From: Lado, Tina Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 04:05 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Subject: FW: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Bill and David, 1 just received the attached letter froin the office of Congressman Bill Pascrelljr. 1 have not responded. From: Coleman, Kyle [mailto:Kyle.Coleman@mail.house.gov] Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 4:02 PM To: Lado, Tina Subject: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Hi Tina, ! hope all is well. My name is Kyle Coleman; I was told to pass the attached letter from Congressman Pascreil to you. Also, this letter has not been sent to any press or media outlets. However, our office did forward it along to the borough of Fort Lee. Thank you for your time and please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Kyle Coleman Office of Representative Bill Pascreil, Jr. (NJ-9) 2370 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 P: 202.225.5751 F: 202.225.5782 Kvle.Coleman@mail.house.Rov You PA - DW - 000024 BILL P A S C R E L L , J R , COMMITTEK ON W A Y S AND MEANS 2i-< Di'-ili'Ci, Nfv/ Jf^SE^ 23/D '!,V-*JU C O M M I T T C G O N THE BUDGtiT fiAVaURN HOUSE OFFJCF iiUILOirvG WASUINnjON, P.C ?051!j (202) 225-5".'r>l 1202! ?25-5VC2 i-AX nose.Hr A . ROE; FEDERAI BUILDSWC; 700 fhTDfOAl. PIA^A, s u n t -iOO PATERSGW. NJ O/r-OE E973I G73 1)152 iSI/ri! S^3.0F;37 TAX September 13, 2013 Mr. Bill Baroni Deputy lixecutive l^irector The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South New York. N Y 10003 Dear Mr. Baroni: I was surprised to read reports of tollbooth closures in The Record article "Road Warrior: Closed tollbooths a commuting disaster". According to this article, The Port Authority of New York & New jersey has reduced the number of tollbooths to just one for all traffic approaching the George Washington Bridge from Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Martha Washington Way in Fort Lee. This reduction has created significant delays for our constituents who live in the communities closest to the George Washington Bridge, especially for the residents of Fort Lee. Commuters who rely on the George Washington Bridge every day are experiencing extreme delays. Furthermore, 1 am deeply concerned that local officials and local law enforcement agencies were not properly notified of any change before it was implemented. Not only is this a problem for commuters, it also a public safety issue and could possibly hinder economic growth in the surrounding area. Thank you for taking the time to consider this impoilant issue. 1 look forward to reviewing the explanation for the recent repoits of reduction in tollbooths. If 1 can provide any additional insight, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Deputy Chief of Staff Assad Akhter in my office at (202) 225-5751. Sincerely, Bill PaserelUr. Member of Congress PA - DW - 000025 From: Sent: To: Subject: Pilosio, Jared Tuesday, September 24, 2013 5:58 PM Wildstein, David FW: GWB E-ZPass Auto Trips by Town David, See the below email from Mark, the estimated number of typical weekday trips made by GWB auto E-ZPass users by NJ town. I just spoke with him over the phone about the logistics of breaking this list down further and more precisely. There are some factors and hurdles to consider, and it would take one week to put together. 1 can discuss with you more in the morning. Regards, Jared From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 5:43 PM To: Pilosio, Jared Subject: GWB E-ZPass Auto Trips by Town Jared -- As discussed, attached is a query that shows the estimated number of typical weekday trips made by GWB auto E-ZPass users by town. Mark GWB EZP Autos by Town 2013-092... Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street - 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello(5)panvni.qov This email {along with aUachmcnts) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are hereby notified tliat any dissemination, distribulion or copying of this email (and any attachments) is strictly proliibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediatelv- PA - DW - 000026 George Washington Bridge Total Eastbound E-ZPass Auto Traffic Town New York State Other States West Englewood Fort Lee Englewood Rutherford Ridgewood Newark Hackensack Tenafiy Parsippany Pa ramus Bergenfield Leonia Westwood Wayne Jersey City North Middletown Fair Lawn Edgewater Secaucus Palisades Park Cliffside Park River Edge Twp of Washington Dumont Mahwah New Milford Cresskill Clifton Franklin Lakes Ridgefield Paterson Fairfield Hasbrouck Heights Allendale Maywood Saddle River Alpine Norwood Total % 15.06% 6.88% 5.17% 4.63% 3.82% 2.02% 1.91% 1.90% 1.89% 1.46% 1.39% 1.36% 1.22% 1.21% 1.21% 1.19% 1.16% 1.11% 1.05% 0.95% 0.93% 0.86% 0.84% 0.84% 0.82% 0.78% 0.76% 0.75% 0.74% 0.72% 0.70% 0.70% 0.69% 0.68% 0.67% 0.64% 0.60% 0.59% 0.58% 0.58% Distributed Typical Weekday Counts for GWB 15,747 7,188 5,401 4,839 3,994 2,110 1,992 1,987 1,971 1,531 1,448 1,424 1,274 1,269 1,261 1,247 1,210 1,161 1,096 994 972 894 876 876 858 811 795 779 768 753 733 730 719 706 701 668 631 612 604 602 PA - DW - 000027 Montvale Ridgefield Park Closter Rochelle Park Ramsey West New York Nutley Garfield West Orange Hoboken West Caldwell West Paterson Montclair Rockleigh South Hackensack Teterboro Demarest Edison Lodi Wyckoff Bloomfield Park Ridge Passaic Morristown Ringwood Oakland Weehawken Oradell New Providence Jamesburg Harrington Park Livingston Whippany New Brunswick Rockaway Maplewood Piscataway Hillsdale Morris Plains Emerson Haworth Basking Ridge Trenton Somerset Princeton Orange Saddle Brook 0.57% 0.57% 0.55% 0.52% 0.48% 0.47% 0.47% 0.45% 0.45% 0.42% 0.41% 0.40% 0.39% 0.38% 0.38% 0.37% 0.36% 0.35% 0.35% 0.35% 0.34% 0.32% 0.32% 0.31% 0.31% 0.30% 0.29% 0.29% 0.29% 0.28% 0.28% 0.27% 0.26% 0.26% 0.25% 0.25% 0.25% 0.25% 0.24% 0.24% 0.24% 0.23% 0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 600 592 574 544 502 495 494 472 469 435 433 416 404 399 395 385 373 370 369 364 358 337 334 329 322 309 304 303 299 296 292 283 271 268 266 260 258 257 253 249 249 240 234 233 232 229 228 PA - DW - 000028 Florham Park Little Ferry Short Hills Prospect Park Pine Brook Westfield Elmwood Park Cranbury Perrineville Wanaque East Brunswick Kinnelon West Milford Elizabeth Carteret Waldwick Cedar Grove Cranford Sparta East Hanover Madison Bedminster North Brunswick Harrison Freehold Medford Scotch Plains Wood Ridge South Orange Hackettstown Woodbridge Linden Suburan Cherry Hill Totowa Princeton Junction Succasunna Roosevelt Midland Park North Arlington Hopewell Bridgewater Union Newton Surf City Hamburg Rahway 0.22% 0.22% 0.22% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.21% 0.20% 0.19% 0.18% 0.18% 0.18% 0.17% 0.17% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.15% 0.15% 0.14% 0.14% 0.14% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.12% 0.11% 0.11% 0.11% 0.11% 227 226 225 220 220 218 217 216 215 209 194 187 187 186 180 176 171 170 164 157 153 149 148 147 141 140 137 137 136 135 134 133 133 133 132 126 125 125 125 125 123 123 123 118 112 112 112 PA - DW - 000029 Chester Fairview Boonton South Plainfield Parlin Lincoln Park Morganville West Long Branch Roseland Wall Iselin Summit Industrial Hillside Monmouth Junction Neptune Springfield Bayonne Kendall Park Hewitt Avenel Matawan South Branch Mendham Hightstown Metuchen Ho Ho Kus Glen Ridge Randolph Willingboro Englishtown Pompton Lakes Moorestown Stanhope White House Station Denville Berkeley Heights Dayton Plainfield Roselle South River Pompton Plains Phillipsburg Haskell East Orange Three Bridges Union City Upper Montclair 0.11% 0.11% 0.11% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.10% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.09% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.08% 0.07% 0.07% 0.07% 0.07% 0.07% 0.07% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.06% 0.05% 111 110 110 110 109 108 106 101 100 99 98 96 95 94 94 94 90 89 84 84 84 84 84 82 82 81 81 79 79 78 76 76 76 68 68 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 66 62 59 59 56 PA - DW - 000030 Cedar Knolls Leonardo Raritan Villas Lake Hopatcong Wharton Port Monmouth Sea Bright Newfield Toms River Wenonah Belle Mead Fanwood Green Brook Hillsborough Pennington Plainsboro Sayrevllle Watchung West Trenton Long Valley Montville Mount Arlington Mount Olive Townshif Mountain Lakes Highland Lakes Bernardsville Creamridge Highlands Howell Manasquan Marlboro New Monmouth Ocean Grove Millburn Verona Blairstown Hopatcong Lafayette Oxford Stockton Brick Jackson Lakewood Lavallette Lumberton Point Pleasant 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.04% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 56 56 56 56 52 52 52 52 47 47 47 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 41 40 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 39 37 32 32 32 32 32 29 29 29 29 29 29 PA - DW - 000031 Williamstown 0.03% Bloomingdale Columbus Kearny Chatham Landing Oak Ridge Brookside Branchville Flemington Glen Gardner Glenwood Great Meadows Ogdensburg Vernon 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.03% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% 0.02% Annandale 29 28 28 27 26 26 26 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 19 PA - DW - 000032 From: Sent: To: Subject: Pilosio, Jared V\/ednesday, September 25, 2013 9:54 AM Wildstein, David Comm Schuber response Dear Senator Weinberg: Thank you for your letter regarding the recent traffic study performed at the George Washington Bridge. Generally, a modification of operations at one of the Port Authority's Tunnels Bridges and Terminals facilities, like the George Washington Bridge, is not something that would be presented before the Board of Commissioners. However, I will ask that our Port Authority Police Department in the future notify and work more closely with local law enforcement entities when there is a significant change in operations at our facilities. Thank you again for your concern. Sincerely, Pat Schuber Commissioner PA - DW - 000033 From: Sent: To: Subject: William Schuber [wpschuber@optonline.net] Wednesday, September 25, 2013 11:27 AM Wildstein, David Re: Comm Schuber response Hi David, Hold the letter til you hear from me. I called her today, so I am not sure 1 need to follow that up. Will think about it. Best Wishes. Pat Sent from my iPad On Sep 25, 2013, at 9:57 A M , "Wildstein, David" wrote: Draft From: Pilosio, Jared Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 9:54 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: Comm Schuber response Dear Senator Weinberg: Thank you for your letter regarding the recent traffic study performed at the George Washington Bridge. These studies are conducted by staff and not presented to the Board of Commissioners. However, I will ask that our law enforcement professionals notify their local counterparts when future studies occur at our Hudson River crossings. Thank you again for your concern. Sincerely, Pat Schuber Commissioner NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. I F YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. PA - DW - 000034 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Monday, September 16, 2013 12:19 PM 'billbaroni@gmail.com' FW: Wall Street Journal inquiry Fort Lee toll booths I call bullshit on this From; Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:19 PM To; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry -- Fort Lee toll booths WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000035 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Wednesday, September 25, 2013 9:57 AM 'wpschuber@optonline.net' FW; Comm Schuber response Draft From: Pilosio, Jared Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 9:54 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: Comm Schuber response Dear Senator Weinberg: Thank you for your letter regarding the recent traffic study performed at the George Washington Bridge. These studies are conducted by staff and not presented to the Board of Commissioners. However, I will ask that our law enforcement professionals notify their local counterparts when future studies occur at our Hudson River crossings. Thank you again for your concern. Sincerely, Pat Schuber Commissioner PA - DW - 000036 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Wednesday, September 25, 2013 11:32 AM 'William Schuber' RE: Comm Schuber response On hold From; William Schuber [mailto:wpschuber@optonline.net] Sent; Wednesday, September 25, 2013 11:27 AM To; Wildstein, David Subject: Re: Comm Schuber response Hi David, Hold the letter til you hear from me. I called her today, so I am not sure I need to follow that up. Will think about it. Best Wishes. Pat Sent from my iPad On Sep 25, 2013, at 9:57 A M , "Wildstein, David" wrote: Draft From: Pilosio, Jared Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 9:54 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: Comm Schuber response Dear Senator Weinberg: Thank you for your letter regarding the recent traffic study performed at the George Washington Bridge. These studies are conducted by staff and not presented to the Board of Commissioners. However, I will ask that our law enforcement professionals notify their local counterparts when future studies occur at our Hudson River crossings. Thank you again for your concern. Sincerely, Pat Schuber Commissioner NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. I F YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. PA - DW - 000037 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Tuesday, October 01, 2013 1:19 PM 'Michael Drewniak' FW: Ted Mann ~ Wall Street Journal inquiry From; Coleman, Steve Sent; Tuesday, October 01, 2013 1:12 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Cc; Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject; Ted Mann ~ Wall Street Journal inquiry Bill, David: Ted is working on a story for tomorrow's paper following on the GWB toll plaza closing issue and I'm seeking guidance on how to respond. Ted is questioning our prior statement on this issue that said the toll lanes were closed because of a test when he has a copy of an e-mail that Pat sent at 7:44 a.m. on September 13 to all PA leadership and Fort Lee elected officials that says otherwise. Please let me know how you would like me to handle. PA - DW - 000038 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Wednesday, October 09, 2013 10:36 AM Danielides, Philippe Re: Morning Clips 10.9.13 Yes and yes From: Danielides, Philippe Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 09:27 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: FW: Morning Clips 10.9.13 Has any thought been given to writing an op-ed or providing a statement about the GWB study? Or is the plan just to hunker down and grit our way through it? From: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: Morning Clips 10.9.13 PAPD Port Authority overhauls 1600-member police force Judy Rife Record Online - Full Text The Port Authority has announced a new command structure for its 1,600-member police force, the first major overhaul in 60 years. The reorganization is the work of Joseph Dunne, the Port Authority's first-ever chief security officer, and involved a total of 64 promotions and appointments. The Port Authority hired Dunne, a former first deputy commissioner in the New York Police Department, last year to carry out the sweeping recommendations of an exhaustive review of its safety and security operations. The review was done by former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "This new command structure will give us a more nimble department, allowing us to better respond to the changing needs across the agency," said Pat Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, in a statement. TB&T The Record: Awaiting answers The Record SENATE Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, asked Port Authority commissioners some pointed questions on Monday. That's good to hear. It's high time someone with "public official" attached to his or her name tried to get to the bottom of the still unexplained lane closures last month at the George Washington Bridge. As The Record reported, the unannounced traffic shift led to long backups in Fort Lee. We recognize that the bi-state agency that operates the bridge is large and unwieldy, yet what happened in regard to the lane closings was more than just a traffic inconvenience for a few hours; the closings lasted more than four days and could have endangered lives. The Port Authority's own top executive, Pat Foye, highlighted the point PA - DW - 000039 in a scathing email sent to agency executives Sept. 13 in which he ordered that the lanes be reopened. Foye, who has said he was unaware of the lane closings until receiving inquiries about them from the news media, admitted such a shock to the normal pattern could have stranded ambulances in traffic jams and "undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity." The executive director added that the closings may even have violated federal law. The Port Authority had previously stated that the lane closings were part of a traffic study "to ensure placement of toll lanes," yet no one at the agency has said why the study might have been necessary or who authorized the closures, which apparently came as a surprise to local and Port Authority police, as well as Fort Lee officials. Fort Lee and the GWB: Traffic study or political punishment: Editorial Star-Ledger Editorial Board With only silence coming from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg's theory — that a bunch of "frat boys" plotted to punish Fort Lee's mayor by shutting down lanes feeding the George Washington Bridge — is looking like the only plausible explanation. Weinberg (D-Bergen) wants answers from Port Authority brass. If the silence continues, she should make good on her threat to subpoena the agency's execs to Trenton for some mandatory truth-telling. The story so far; Starting Sept. 9, two of the GWB's three local-access lanes from Fort Lee were closed. Local officials say the surprise closure caught them off-guard and gridlocked Fort Lee, where thousands of kids were late for the first day of school because buses couldn't get through. The four-day closure ended only when Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, sent an angry e-mail that called the closures "dangerous" and probably illegal. In it, Foye promised to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," he wrote. Port Authority officials blamed a "traffic safety study," but haven't proved that one exists. A more popular theory is that Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees ordered the disruption to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, who hasn't endorsed Christie for re-election. Christie, a Republican, shares control of the Port Authority with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Foye is Cuomo's appointee. How do you study traffic patterns by stopping traffic? No one's saying. How do you block lanes without notifying police, ambulance drivers or even your own bridge employees? AVIATION Open Cockpit Weekend in November at Teterboro Airport Alana Quartuccio Hasbrouck Heights PATCH - Full Text The Aviation Hall of Fame will host Open Cockpit Weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at Teterboro Airport where plane enthusiasts will get the chance to sit inside a variety of special aircrafts. Visitors can sit inside the cockpits of a one-of-a-kind 1950 Martin 202 airliner, a rare Lockheed-designed Bush Plane, a Cobra gunship helicopter, an HH-52A Coast Guard helicopter, an OV-IA Mohawk close support aircraft, the "Little Cut Up" aircraft control demonstrator and the control cab of an Airport Rescue and FireFighting truck. People of all ages can learn how the flight systems work. Qualified pilots will help guests understand the instruments and controls of these special aircrafts. Open Cockpit will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under age 12. For more information call 201-288-6344 or visit www.niahof.org. TV & RADIO CLIPS PA - DW - 000040 NEWS12NJ -- PAPD expands its workforce PA - DW - 000041 From: Sent: To: Subject: Danielides, Philippe Wednesday, October 09, 2013 9:27 AM Wildstein, David FW: Morning Clips 10.9.13 Has any thought been given to writing an op-ed or providing a statement about the GWB study? Or is the plan just to hunker down and grit our way through it? From: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: Morning Clips 10.9.13 PAPD Port Authority overhauls 1600-member police force Judy Rife Record Online - Full Text The Port Authority has announced a new command structure for its 1,600-member police force, the first major overhaul in 60 years. The reorganization is the work of Joseph Dunne, the Port Authority's first-ever chief security officer, and involved a total of 64 promotions and appointments. The Port Authority hired Dunne, a former first deputy commissioner in the New York Police Department, last year to carry out the sweeping recommendations of an exhaustive review of its safety and security operations. The review was done by former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "This new command structure will give us a more nimble department, allowing us to better respond to the changing needs across the agency," said Pat Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, in a statement. TB&T The Record: Awaiting answers The Record SENATE Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, asked Port Authority commissioners some pointed questions on Monday. That's good to hear. It's high time someone with "public official" attached to his or her name tried to get to the bottom of the still unexplained lane closures last month at the George Washington Bridge. As The Record reported, the unannounced traffic shift led to long backups in Fort Lee. We recognize that the bi-state agency that operates the bridge is large and unwieldy, yet what happened in regard to the lane closings was more than just a traffic inconvenience for a few hours; the closings lasted more than four days and could have endangered lives. The Port Authority's own top executive, Pat Foye, highlighted the point in a scathing email sent to agency executives Sept. 13 in which he ordered that the lanes be reopened. Foye, who has said he was unaware of the lane closings until receiving inquiries about them from the news media, admitted such a shock to the normal pattern could have stranded ambulances in traffic jams and "undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity." The executive director added that the closings may even have violated federal law. The Port Authority had previously stated that the lane closings were part of a traffic study "to ensure placement of toll lanes," yet no one at the agency has said why the study might have been necessary or who authorized the closures, which apparently came as a surprise to local and Port Authority police, as well as Fort Lee officials. 1 PA - DW - 000042 Fort Lee and the GWB: Traffic study or political punishment: Editorial Star-Ledger Editorial Board With only silence coming from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg's theory — that a bunch of "frat boys" plotted to punish Fort Lee's mayor by shutting down lanes feeding the George Washington Bridge — is looking like the only plausible explanation. Weinberg (D-Bergen) wants answers from Port Authority brass, if the silence continues, she should make good on her threat to subpoena the agency's execs to Trenton for some mandatory truth-telling. The story so far: Starting Sept. 9, two of the GWB's three local-access lanes from Fort Lee were closed. Local officials say the surprise closure caught them off-guard and gridlocked Fort Lee, where thousands of kids were late for the first day of school because buses couldn't get through. The four-day closure ended only when Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, sent an angry e-mail that called the closures "dangerous" and probably illegal. In it, Foye promised to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," he wrote. Port Authority officials blamed a "traffic safety study," but haven't proved that one exists. A more popular theory is that Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees ordered the disruption to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, who hasn't endorsed Christie for re-election. Christie, a Republican, shares control of the Port Authority with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Foye is Cuomo's appointee. How do you study traffic patterns by stopping traffic? No one's saying. How do you block lanes without notifying police, ambulance drivers or even your own bridge employees? AVIATION Open Cockpit Weekend in November at Teterboro Airport Alana Quartuccio Hasbrouck Heights PATCH - Full Text The Aviation Hall of Fame will host Open Cockpit Weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at Teterboro Airport where plane enthusiasts will get the chance to sit inside a variety of special aircrafts. Visitors can sit inside the cockpits of a one-of-a-kind 1950 Martin 202 airliner, a rare Lockheed-designed Bush Plane, a Cobra gunship helicopter, an HH-52A Coast Guard helicopter, an OV-IA Mohawk close support aircraft, the "Little Cut Up" aircraft control demonstrator and the control cab of an Airport Rescue and FireFighting truck. People of all ages can learn how the flight systems work. Qualified pilots will help guests understand the instruments and controls of these special aircrafts. Open Cockpit will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under age 12. For more information call 201-288-6344 or visit www.niahof.org. TV & RADIO CLIPS NEWS12NJ - PAPD expands its workforce PA - DW - 000043 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Wednesday, October 09, 2013 10:49 AM Baroni, Bill FW: Morning Clips 10.9.13 From: Danielides, Philippe Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 9:27 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: FW: Morning Clips 10.9.13 Has any thought been given to writing an op-ed or providing a statement about the GWB study? Or is the plan just to hunker down and grit our way through it? From; Albiez, Cheryl Ann Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: Morning Clips 10.9.13 PAPD Port Authority overhauls 1600-member police force Judy Rife Record Online - Full Text The Port Authority has announced a new command structure for its 1,600-member police force, the first major overhaul in 60 years. The reorganization is the work of Joseph Dunne, the Port Authority's first-ever chief security officer, and involved a total of 64 promotions and appointments. The Port Authority hired Dunne, a former first deputy commissioner in the New York Police Department, last year to carry out the sweeping recommendations of an exhaustive review of its safety and security operations. The review was done by former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "This new command structure will give us a more nimble department, allowing us to better respond to the changing needs across the agency," said Pat Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, in a statement. TB&T The Record: Awaiting answers The Record SENATE Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, asked Port Authority commissioners some pointed questions on Monday. That's good to hear. It's high time someone with "public official" attached to his or her name tried to get to the bottom of the still unexplained lane closures last month at the George Washington Bridge. As The Record reported, the unannounced traffic shift led to long backups in Fort Lee. We recognize that the bi-state agency that operates the bridge is large and unwieldy, yet what happened in regard to the lane closings was more than just a traffic inconvenience for a few hours; the closings lasted more than four days and could have endangered lives. The Port Authority's own top executive, Pat Foye, highlighted the point in a scathing email sent to agency executives Sept. 13 in which he ordered that the lanes be reopened. Foye, PA - DW - 000044 who has said he was unaware of the lane closings until receiving inquiries about them from the news media, admitted such a shock to the normal pattern could have stranded ambulances in traffic jams and "undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity." The executive director added that the closings may even have violated federal law. The Port Authority had previously stated that the lane closings were part of a traffic study "to ensure placement of toll lanes," yet no one at the agency has said why the study might have been necessary or who authorized the closures, which apparently came as a surprise to local and Port Authority police, as well as Fort Lee officials. Fort Lee and the GWB: Traffic study or political punishment: Editorial Star-Ledger Editorial Board With only silence coming from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg's theory — that a bunch of "frat boys" plotted to punish Fort Lee's mayor by shutting down lanes feeding the George Washington Bridge — is looking like the only plausible explanation. Weinberg (D-Bergen) wants answers from Port Authority brass. If the silence continues, she should make good on her threat to subpoena the agency's execs to Trenton for some mandatory truth-telling. The story so far: Starting Sept. 9, two of the GWB's three local-access lanes from Fort Lee were closed. Local officials say the surprise closure caught them off-guard and gridlocked Fort Lee, where thousands of kids were late for the first day of school because buses couldn't get through. The four-day closure ended only when Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, sent an angry e-mail that called the closures "dangerous" and probably illegal. In it, Foye promised to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," he wrote. Port Authority officials blamed a "traffic safety study," but haven't proved that one exists. A more popular theory is that Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees ordered the disruption to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, who hasn't endorsed Christie for re-election. Christie, a Republican, shares control of the Port Authority with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Foye is Cuomo's appointee. How do you study traffic patterns by stopping traffic? No one's saying. How do you block lanes without notifying police, ambulance drivers or even your own bridge employees? AVIATION Open Cockpit Weekend in November at Teterboro Airport Alana Quartuccio Hasbrouck Heights PATCH - Full Text The Aviation Hall of Fame will host Open Cockpit Weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at Teterboro Airport where plane enthusiasts will get the chance to sit inside a variety of special aircrafts. Visitors can sit inside the cockpits of a one-of-a-kind 1950 Martin 202 airliner, a rare Lockheed-designed Bush Plane, a Cobra gunship helicopter, an HH-52A Coast Guard helicopter, an OV-IA Mohawk close support aircraft, the "Little Cut Up" aircraft control demonstrator and the control cab of an Airport Rescue and FireFighting truck. People of all ages can learn how the flight systems work. Qualified pilots will help guests understand the instruments and controls of these special aircrafts. Open Cockpit will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under age 12. For more information call 201-288-6344 or visit www.niahof.org. TV & RADIO CLIPS NEWS12NJ - PAPD expands its workforce PA - DW - 000045 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Thursday, October 17, 2013 5:10 PM 'david.wildstein@gmail.com' Fw: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ GWB toll lane issue From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 05:06 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry - GWB toll lane issue Ted Mann is working on a story for tomorrow's paper based on a letter that Mayor Sokolich allegedly sent to Bill, sayinf that he has concluded that the GWB toll lane closings were punitive. The letter also reportedly said that PAPD told commuters that the closures and traffic were the result of a decision that Mayor Sokolich made. Ted is seeking PA comment. I wilt not respond unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000046 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Monday, October 28, 2013 2:59 PM *david.wildstein@gmail.com' FW: Star Ledger inquiry From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 2:49 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Wildstein, David; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry Steve Strunsky is working on a story based on a letter sent last month by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to Bill regarding the closing of the GWB local access lanes in early September. Steve is asking if we responded to the letter, and if we have included our investigation into this matter. I will not respond unless directed otherwise to do so. PA - DW - 000047 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:47 PM 'david.wildstein@gmail.com' FW: Star Ledger inquiry ~ GWB lane closings From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject; Star Ledger inquiry - GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. PA - DW - 000048 From: Sent: To: Subject: Wildstein, David Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:47 PM 'david.wildstein@gmail.com' FW: Star Ledger inquiry - GWB lane closings From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry - GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. PA - DW - 000049 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Friday, September 13, 2013 1:30 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Media inquiries ~ Fort Lee toll booths All: We received inquiries today from the Bergen Record, WCBS Radio and the Fort Lee Patch about the three GWB toll booths in Fort Lee that were taken out of service earlier this week and reinstated today. The media representatives have all asked us to confirm that the booths have in fact been reinstated and also have asked why we made the change. In addition, John Cichowski of the Bergen Record has several additional questions, including what safety goal we tried to achieve and whether the booths will continue to remain open for the forseeable future. Please provide me whatever guidance you can on how we can address these inquiries. Thanks. PA - DW - 000050 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Friday, September 13, 2013 1:36 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Media inquiries ~ Fort Lee toll booths Steve I shall get guidance and get back to you. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 13, 2013, at 1:29 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: All: We received inquiries today from the Bergen Record, WCBS Radio and the Fort Lee Patch about the three GWB toll booths in Fort Lee that were taken out of service earlier this week and reinstated today. The media representatives have all asked us to confirm that the booths have in fact been reinstated and also have asked why we made the change. In addition, John Cichowski of the Bergen Record has several additional questions, including what safety goal we tried to achieve and whether the booths will continue to remain open for the forseeable future. Please provide me whatever guidance you can on how we can address these inquiries. Thanks. PA - DW - 000051 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Friday, September 13, 2013 3:10 PM Coleman, Steve; Foye, Patrick Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Media inquiries - Fort Lee toll booths Steve, we are good with the following: "The Port Authority has conducted a week of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns. We will now review those results and determine the best traffic patterns at the GWB. We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners." From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 1:30 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Media inquiries ~ Fort Lee toll booths All: We received inquiries today from the Bergen Record, WCBS Radio and the Fort Lee Patch about the three GWB toll booths in Fort Lee that were taken out of service earlier this week and reinstated today. The media representatives have all asked us to confirm that the booths have in fact been reinstated and also have asked why we made the change. In addition, John Cichowski of the Bergen Record has several additional questions, including what safety goal we tried to achieve and whether the booths will continue to remain open for the forseeable future. Please provide me whatever guidance you can on how we can address these inquiries. Thanks. PA - DW - 000052 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • Marsico, Ron Friday, September 13, 2013 6:02 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com"; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewntak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity 9/13/13 The Bergen Record and WNYC Radio are working on stories about a General Accounting Office report that was critical of the Port Authority's transparency efforts prior to the 2011 toll and fare increase. We issued a response stressing the agency's commitment to using toll and fare revenues to make critical infrastructure improvements and engaging the public in the process. The Bergen Record, WCBS Radio and the Fort Lee Suburbanite inquired about a Port Authority decision to reopen two of three closed toll booths closed earlier this week after the closing led to significant traffic delays for some GWB commuters. We issued a statement that said we are evaluating traffic safety patterns at the GWB and will now review the results to determine the best traffic patterns for the crossing. Judy Randall of the Staten Island Advance attended Senator Schumer's press conference urging the USCG to expedit the bridge permit for the Goethals Bridge and asked us for comment. We provided a comment that touted the benefits of the project for the region and noted that we look forward to construction beginning as soon as possible. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvni.ROV PA - DW - 000053 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, September 16, 2013 12:19 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000054 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths Same statement as we gave Friday. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000055 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, September 16, 2013 12:25 PM Baroni, Bill Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths Thanks Bill. Pat, are you OK? From: Baroni, Bill Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM To: Coleman, Steve Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths Same statement as we gave Friday. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000056 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Foye, Patrick Monday, September 16, 2013 12:30 PM Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths Steve DED office handling this so I defer to Bill From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM To: Baroni, Bill Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: RE: Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths Thanks Bill. Pat, are you OK? From; Baroni, Bill Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM To; Coleman, Steve Cc; Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry -- Fort Lee toll booths Same statement as we gave Friday. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000057 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, September 16, 2013 12:30 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa RE: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths Thanks. From: Foye, Patrick Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:30 PM To: Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Usa Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry - Fort Lee toll booths Steve DED office handling this so I defer to Bill From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM To: Baroni, Bill Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: RE: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths Thanks Bill. Pat, are you OK? From: Baroni, Bill Sent; Monday, September 16, 2013 12:24 PM To: Coleman, Steve Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths Same statement as we gave Friday. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 16, 2013, at 12:18 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: WSJ reporter Ted Mann called, looking to do a story on the Fort Lee toll booth issue. Ted said that some Wall Street Journal editors commute to work via the GWB and through the toll booths in question and became stuck in the traffic last week. They initially were unsure of what was going on until they read John Cichowski's stories in the Bergen Record. Ted has questions about the traffic study that was referenced in Cichowski's stories and what prompted the closing of the toll booths. Please advise on how we should respond. PA - DW - 000058 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, September 16, 2013 1:52 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Follow up from Wall Street Journal All: I sent Ted Mann the statement that we previously issued Friday on the Fort Lee toll booths. Ted has since followed up with several questions, saying he'd like to see a copy of the study along with the communication that preceded it, including any proposal of the study and its purpose and scope, and any communication among the Port, PAPD, local law enforcement and the city government in Fort Lee. Do we have a study we can provide to Ted? I will need additional guidance on how we should answer the other questions. PA - DW - 000059 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Monday, September 16, 2013 6:04 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'miGhael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 9/16/13 Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal is working on a story about the Port Authority's decision to reopen two closed toll booths at a Fort Lee entrance to the GWB last week after the closing led to significant traffic backups for some GWB commuters. We issued a statement that said we are evaluating traffic safety patterns at the GWB and will now review the results to determine the best traffic patterns for the crossing. Rich Bockmann of the Queens Times-Ledger inquired about a new downtown Jamaica Hotel announced by Gov. Cuomo in a release that noted the Port Authority's participation in the project. We referred the reporter to the MTA, which is the lead agency on the project. Mary Gallagher-NJ Law Journal called about the Port Authority's victory in a court case upholding the agency's right to enforce gun laws at Newark Uberty International Airport. We told the reporter we declined to comment. Matt McGrath of the Bergen Record, Noah Cohen of Patch and NYl television all called about the body of a man found floating in the Hudson River near the GWB, which was later confirmed to be a jumper from last week. We let reports know a body was recovered and referred further questions about the victim's identity to the NYPD. Wanda Princinzano of Channel 2 is working on a story about last week's General Accounting Office report that was critical of the Port Authority's transparency efforts prior to the 2011 toll and fare increase. We issued a response approved on Friday stressing the agency's commitment to using toll and fare revenues to make critical infrastructure improvements and engaging the public in the process. Shawn Boberg of the Bergen Record is working on a story about a $1 million grant for Teterboro Airport arrestor bed work to improve safety and asked for further information. We let the reporter know this is related to the third and last arrestor bed installation at Teterboro, with ongoing work that should be completed by year's end. Rebecca O'Brien of the Bergen Record inquired about FAA regulations regarding the trimming/cutting down more than 100 trees at Teterboro Airport. Response pending for her story, which has a deadline of tomorrow. Biz Carson from Wired Magazine wanted to know the completion date for One WTC. We informed her it would be complete in early 2014. She is not sure if she will be writing any story. Sara Gillesby from AP wanted to know when 4 WTC would open. We referred her to SPI. During the weekend, the Associated Press and other media were working on stories about the General Accounting Office report that was critical of the Port Authority's transparency efforts prior to the 2011 toll and fare increase. We issued a response approved on Friday stressing the agency's commitment to using toll and fare revenues to make critical infrastructure improvements and engaging the public in the process. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmar5ic0@panvni.R0v PA - DW - 000060 From: Sent: To: Subject: Rebovich, Melissa Wednesday, September 18, 2013 6:37 AM Rebovich, Melissa Morning Clips: 9.18.13 WTC Cuomo asks N.Y. attorney general to look Into Port Authority deal that sold rights to World Trade Center name By Jim Norman The Record New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has jumped into the controversy over the Port Authority's quiet deal to sell the rights to the World Trade Center name for $10 to a non-profit organization, asking the state attorney general to investigate the arrangement, the New York Daily News reported on its website late Tuesday. Cuomo called on Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to look into the 1986 sale of the name to the World Trade Centers Association, the Daily News reported. State attorney general will Investigate sale of World Trade Center trademark By Kenneth Lovett New York Daily News Gov. Cuomo formally asked Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to investigate a secret 1986 deal to sell the exclusive rights to the World Trade Center name for $10 to a non-profit that has since made tens of millions off the brand. Cuomo wants Schneiderman to determine whether the World Trade Centers Association properly acquired the name from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and whether the non-profit's officials improperly benefitted from the millions made off the name at the expense of the authority and taxpayers. Probe this swindle By Editorial Board New York Daily News The secret deal that enables an obscure private group to make millions off the name of the World Trade Center is getting a much-needed investigation by state officials. Happy hunting. Gov. Cuomo requested the probe by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman after it came to light that the Port Authority doesn't control the trademark on the iconic moniker. It turns out that a nonprofit group called the World Trade Centers Association bought those rights 27 years ago for the unreal sum of $10 — and has milked them for licensing fees ever since. Top architect who helped rebuild World Trade Center site delivers lecture to mark 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence's death By Emily Davies Daily Mail Daniel Libeskind led a memorial lecture marking the 20th anniversary of the death of Stephen Lawrence last night Mr Libeskind, who designed Manchester's Imperial War Museum North, was chosen to speak at the event in memory of budding architect Stephen, who was killed in a racist attack aged 18 in 1993. The Polish-born architect made a speech, entitled 'Architecture and Memory', at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London. TB&T Bridge Jam's Cause a Mystery By Ted Mann and Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal (Full text) No one denies that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey triggered massive traffic jams when it shifted local toll lanes at the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey last week. But local officials, and some within the Port Authority itself, are scratching their heads over a larger question: Why? Police and elected officials in Fort Lee, N.J., say they weren't given warning that the Port Authority planned to reduce the number of local access lanes directly from Fort Lee to the bridge from three to one—causing traffic to back up in the borough—and are still puzzled by the official explanation that the agency was conducting a study of traffic patterns. After the two local lanes handling Fort Lee traffic were closed, cars and trucks quickly clogged streets used by local travelers to reach the bridge and New York City. Local officials said the backup led to long delays for Fort Lee buses traveling for the first day of school Monday. Within the Port Authority, meanwhile, the decision to close the traffic lanes caused tension, people with knowledge of the matter said. Those people PA - DW - 000061 said the lane closures came as a surprise to some high-ranking officials at the bistate agency, which operates area bridges, tunnels and airports. The local lanes were reopened Thursday morning, one of the people said, after an order from Executive Director Patrick Foye, who argued that the abrupt shift in traffic patterns caused a threat to public safety and should have been advertised to the public ahead of time. For its part, the agency was sticking with a written statement "The Port Authority has conducted a week of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns," it said. "We will now review those results and determine the best traffic patterns at the GWB. We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners." A Port Authority spokesman declined to elaborate or provide a further explanation of the origin, purpose or conclusions of the study. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who was first elected in 2007, said he found out about the lane closures Monday morning when the borough was turned into what he called "total gridlock." The borough hall was flooded with hundreds of calls from angry motorists, Mr. Sokolich said. "I get that the Port Authority tries different things. I'm very, very grateful that once they realized that this change was causing traffic gridlock, they ended it," said Mr. Sokolich, a local attorney. Mr. Sokolich said it still wasn't clear to him who ordered the closures or why. Fort Lee police said they learned of the lane closures when traffic began backing up, down the north-south artery of Palisade Avenue, Deputy Chief Timothy Ford said. "We called their police and they were like, 'We can't help you, it's coming from [our] higher-ups,'" he said. When the local police tried to ask the Port Authority leadership what was going on, he said, "They weren't returning our calls." Mr. Ford said the police were eventually told the Port Authority was "trying something new" in the layout of the travel lanes leading to the toll plaza. "I've been here 33 years, and in all that time we've always had three lanes dedicated to the Fort Lee traffic," he said. "And then on this Monday morning, with no prior warning, they decided to try something new." A spokesman for the Christie administration referred questions to the Port Authority. A spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said the agency has no jurisdiction over the toll lanes and wasn't involved with any traffic study. Amid the controversy, there was even speculation that the closures could be retribution for Mr. Sokolich's decision not to endorse Mr. Christie in his re-election bid in November. The Christie campaign has received endorsements from at least 48 elected Democrats across the state, including 17 mayors. Mr. Sokolich said he had a good relationship with the Christie administration and couldn't imagine he would be important enough for the campaign to punish him for not publicly endorsing Mr. Christie. The mayor said he was supporting Democratic Sen. Barbara Buono, Mr. Christie's challenger. "I've always been incredibly supportive of Gov. Christie even in the face of people criticizing me for it I find it incomprehensible that there's any truth whatsoever to these rumors," he said. Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the Christie campaign, said that any notion that Mr. Sokolich faced retribution for not endorsing the governor was "crazy." "We don't approach these folks and say, 'You will endorse us.' These are folks who have supported us" on their own, Mr. Roberts said. Still, Mr. Sokolich said the incident made him wonder if he had run afoul of someone, somehow, though he didn't name anyone or any organization. "Maybe I'm getting too popular. Maybe I'm doing too many things, been too progressive," said the mayor, noting a spate of development in the borough. "We are proud of it. I've got to believe they are happy with the results." Damaged sewer main on 5th Street to see quick repair The Hudson Reporter Mayor Mark A. Smith announced that contractors working on the Port Authority's "Raise the Bridge Project" damaged a sewer main on West 5th Street, west of Kennedy Boulevard last week. A Port Authority contractor cut into an active sewer line by accident, because the sewer line was designated as "abandoned" and not in service on their contract plans. Heavy rains on Thursday evening caused some basements to flood with sewage, due to the inability of the severed sewer main to drain water from the area. Bayonne homes on Fifth Street have sewage in basements after sewer line cut By Felix Alarcon The Jersey Journal No stranger to construction activities, Bayonne residents of West Fifth Street woke up Friday morning to the rancid smell of sewage in the air and flooding in their basements. On Monday, Kevin Hennings was removing debris and garbage and putting it in the industrial container in front of his three-family home at 135 W. Fifth St "My basement was flooded with sewage up to my knees," said Hennings, whose home is closest to the Bayonne Bridge construction site. "Our water heater was damaged and we've been without hot water since then." Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith released a statement Monday that said: "A Port Authority contractor was doing street work and accidentally cut an active sewer line. The Port Authority's plans had the sewer line as abandoned." Aviation JFK Customs Waits Approach Five Hours at Peak Times, Study Finds By Jeff Plungis Bloomberg U.S. Customs and Border Protection staffing shortages are leaving arriving international travelers standing in line for nearly five hours at the busiest airports, according to a travel industry report. Peak wait times reached a high of 4.5 hours PA - DW - 000062 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in December 2012. At Miami in April 2013, the peak wait times were 4.7 hours. PA - DW - 000063 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Wednesday, September 18, 2013 12:33 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 9.18.13 AVIATION Feuding employee taken Into custody at Newark airport The United Airlines cargo worker jumped into his work truck after arguing with another staffer Co-workers called Port Authority cops who were still questioning the man on Wednesday morning. By Doyle Murphy New York Daily News - Full Text Port Authority police busted a rogue aidine employee on Wednesday morning after the man clashed with a co-worker at Newark Liberty International Airport. Authorities said the United Aidines worker was on duty when he clashed with a colleague, possibly a supervisor, and jumped in his work truck. The dispute grew so heated co-workers called in police, who took the angry man into custody after about 10 minutes. Cops coaxed him from the pickup without any more trouble and were questioning him on Wednesday morning, a Port Authority spokesman told the Daily News. The man was unarmed, and flight service was uninterrupted. Newark airport disturbance causes security scare By Luke Funk My Fox NY A United Aidines employee was taken into custody after a disturbance at Newark-Liberty International Airport on Wednesday morning. Law enforcement sources tell Fox 5 News that the employee was driving a pickup truck erratically on the tarmac and other secure areas. The sources say the man was driving a Ford F-150 pickup with aidine logos on it just after 9 a.m. He allegedly called a co-worker and said something like, "I have a surprise for you." The co-worker called Port Authority police, thinking it was a threat TSA to expand expedited screening at Newark airport By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger More passengers flying out of Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy International airports will be able to keep their shoes, belts and jackets on as they pass through security checkpoints starting next month, when the head of the Transportation Security Administration said the agency would expand its PreCheck expedited screening program to a second terminal. "EWR offers TSA PreCheck at one terminal, and plans to expand to an additional terminal in October 2013," Administrator John Pistole wrote in a Sept. 4 letter to the Global Gateway Alliance, a group that lobbies for improvements to the New York-New Jersey region's major airports. "JFK offers TSA PreCheck at two terminals and is making preparations for the TSA PreCheck expansion to two additional terminals in October 2013." Airplane Noise Meeting to Be Held Tonight in Douglaston Speakers will include aviation experts and local elected officials. By Nathan Duke Bavside Patch The Douglas Manor Association and Queens Quiet Skies will hold a meeting tonight to discuss ongoing airplane noise over northeast Queens. For more than a year, Bayside and Douglaston residents have been complaining about planes constantly flying over their communities following the creation of a new flight pattern out of LaGuardia Airport. On Tuesday, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, and Steve Israel, D-Great Neck, held a press conference in Little Bay Park to call on the Federal Aviation Administration to exempt LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports from a new rule that would allow the agency to forego environmental reviews when changing flight routes. JFK International Airport's 50th Anniversary Celebrated Western Queens Gazette - Full Text PA - DW - 000064 Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, was the featured guest speaker as the John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce marked 50 years since the airport was renamed in Kennedy's honor in 1963. The keynote speaker for the event was aviation maverick and industry pioneer, David Neeleman, whose career includes building five airlines. As founder of JetBlue, New York's hometown carrier, Neeleman spent a decade growing this airline at JFK International Airport. The commemorative luncheon, held on September 10 at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, had more than 500 people in attendance. The event also celebrated another remarkable milestone: the airport reaching 50 million annual travelers in 2013. Pascreil Announce $1 Million Grant to Improve Teterboro Airport Safety By Mel Fabrikant The Paramus Post U.S. Rep. Bill Pascreil, Jr. (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee who served for a decade on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey a $1,000,000 grant to improve runway safety at Teterboro airport. "New Jersey serves as a major transportation hub for the metropolitan area, so it's critical we make the safety of our region's airports a priority," said Rep. Pascreil. "Teterboro Airport services hundreds of thousands of flights annually in one of the busiest travel corridors in our nation. These federal funds will help modernize Teterboro Airport to ensure it continues to meet public safety demands." A 2005 law authored by the late Senator Lautenberg requires all of the nation's major airports to have a 1000 ft. runway end buffer zone by 2015 to ensure passenger safety in the event of an overrun. At airports that are unable to satisfy this requirement because of either natural or man-made barriers, the FAA allows the use of a shorter runway safety area with a properly designed arrestor bed, which is an area designed to slow an aircraft down in a short distance. TB&T Fort Lee officials puzzled by George Washington Bridge lane closures By Myles Ma NJ.com Police and local officials told the Wall Street Journal that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey never warned them about a move last week to close two of the three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge. The resulting backup clogged local roads and led to long delays for Fort Lee buses on the first day of school, local officials said. The Port Authority's official explanation is that the agency was studying traffic patterns. A spokesman for the Port Authority didn't elaborate on the purpose or conclusions of the study. Tucker JV lands $218M loan for Fort Lee development Real Estate Weekly A joint venture partnership of affiliates of Tucker Development Corporation, Ares Management and Kushner Real Estate Group has secured $218 million in financing for Phase I of Hudson Lights, the one-million-square-foot mixed-use redevelopment of an eight-acre site at the base of the entrance to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, NJ. The U.S.-based unit of international real estate services firm, Savills, arranged the debt and equity capitalization, including a $117 million construction loan provided by Sovereign Santander Bank. PANYNJ Related taps WTC development boss for Hudson Yards position Real Estate Weekly Related Companies announced that Philippe Visser will join Related and the Hudson Yards development team as senior vice resident of development Philippe will be a part of the executive team on the nearly 28- acre project and be primarily responsible for leading the development of the 80 story, 2.5 million square foot North Tower as well as other Hudson Yards commercial projects. L. Jay Cross, president of Related Hudson Yards said, "Philippe has extensive experience with targe-scale commercial real estate projects and a proven track-record of delivering complex developments. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Hudson Yards team as we prepare to commence construction on the platform and North Tower in a few short months." Rechler in for Spitz' at equity panel Real Estate Weekly PA - DW - 000065 Scott Rechler, vice chairman of The Port Authority, will step in for former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer at next week's EisnerAmper private equity summit After losing his bid to run for mayor, Spitzer withdrew from the scheduled speakers list, said a spokesman. Rechler is CEO and chairman of RXR, one of the largest owners, managers, and developers in the New York Tri-State area with interests in $4.5 billion of assets. GAO Report Critical of Some Tolling Agencies By Evan Lockridge Truckinginfo A recent report by the Government Accountability Office report on bi-state tolling authorities that control some of the nation's most heavily travelled routes, could set the stage for federal oversight of these groups, including when it comes to setting toll rates. The federal watchdog agency says the report, entitled "Interstate Compacts: Transparency and Oversight of Bi-state Tolling Authorities Could be Enhanced," was performed as bi-state tolling authorities have come under scrutiny for toll increases and other concerns, and it was asked to review their toll-setting decisions and oversight framework. ... For the report, GAO examined practices by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, Delaware River Port Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which together control 16 bridges and two tunnels. De Btasio Jumps to Big Early Lead In First Poll of General Election, de Blasio Leads Lhota 65% to 22%. By Michael Howard Saul Wall Street Journal Bill de Blasio leads Republican Joe Lhota among likely voters by 43 percentage points in the race for New York City mayor, an early jolt of positive news for Democrats seeking to recapture City Hall for the first time in 20 years, a Wall Street Journal-NBC 4 New York-Marist poll released Tuesday showed. ... The numbers partly reflected the fact that Mr. Lhota came out of a tough GOP primary, during which he faced a barrage of negative advertisements from his billionaire opponent John Catsimatidis. Mr. Lhota, a former Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman, was criticized for toll and subway fare increases, for calling Port Authority police "mall cops" and even for being against pets. WTC Allendale holds ceremony with WTC steel to honor 9/11 heroes and victims By Karen Kleimann Town Journal Twelve years later and the sun still shines, the sky is still blue, a hint of summer still remains on this Patriot's Day of remembrance. Allendale officials recall the day security took on a different meaning and America glimpsed the attacks of a non-secure wodd. A city less than 50 miles away found its financial hub turned to ash, and for those who witnessed its descent, it became a day of survival but also one in which the heroes of that day wouldn't be forgotten. Now a piece of that day, those buildings that crumbled, is forever remembered in the borough. All who pass the Crestwood Park 9/11 Memorial will see history in the form of a steel beam, courtesy of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey TV CLIPS NBC New York/cargo worker detained at EWR NBC New York/Fort Lee traffic delays PA - DW - 000066 From: Sent: To: Subject: Rebovich, Melissa Friday, September 20, 2013 1:07 PM Rebovich, Melissa Afternoon Clips: 9.20.13 TB&T Unannounced traffic study results in Fort Lee congestion By Svetlana Shkolnikova The Record An unannounced Port Authority traffic study that reduced eastbound traffic to one toll booth on the George Washington Bridge clogged Fort Lee streets for hours last week. For four mornings beginning on Sept 9 and part of a fifth, Port Authority closed two of the three toll booths normally used by drivers heading into Manhattan and narrowed two approaches to the bridge down to one. Coinciding with the first day of school, the closures doubled, tripled and in some cases, quadrupled commuting times, forced parents to wake an hour earlier just to drop their children off at school on time and diverted police, fire and ambulance corps personnel away from local emergencies. Aviation They're off to see the lizard ... Snake-like species found under airport By Mike Frassinelli The Star-Ledger There are many things to hate about Newark Liberty International Airport. It's dreary, the planes are often late and the runways sometimes gets so clogged that you have to circle around the skies numerous times before reaching terra firma. But at least it doesn't have legless lizards like Los Angeles International Airport. According to a story in the Los Angeles times, a species of legless lizard — sure looks a lot more like a snake than the Geico mascot, but technically its an Anniella lizard — has been found living under LAX, near a runway. Pilot error blamed in 2011 Guyana plane crash By the Associated Press Houston Chronicle Investigators have blamed pilot error for a 2011 plane crash in Guyana in which a Caribbean Airlines jet broke in half after touching down in the South American country. A report compiled by authorities in Guyana and Trinidad and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board found the Boeing 737-800 touched down too late at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Guyana government spokeswoman Gail Teixeira said late Thursday that officials found the captain maintained excess power at the time and did not fully decelerate. The plane was carrying 157 passengers and six crew members, but no one was killed as it crashed through a chain-link fence the night of July 30, 2011, and broke in half just short of a deep ravine. However, one passenger's leg was amputated and at least five other people who were injured have filed a lawsuit 1 PA - DW - 000067 against Caribbean Airlines. The plane had left New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and made a stop in Trinidad before landing in Guyana. WTC VIDEO: New York City Ballet's poignant tribute to 'New Beginnings' after 9/11 By Rheana Murray New York Daily News A breathtaking ballet performed on the rooftop of 4 World Trade Center, 12 years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, sends a message of "new beginnings" to Gotham. Released at sunrise on Sept. 12, a video by the New York City Ballet features principal dancers Maria Kowroski and Ask la Cour, twirling in the twilight as the Freedom Tower glitters in the background. PA - DW - 000068 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Sunday, September 22, 2013 8:41 AM Morning Clips 9.22.13 TB&T Bergen County Democratic Freeholder candidates call for Investigation into George Washington Bridge lane closures Myles Ma NJ.com - Full Text The state legislature should investigate why the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Sept. 9 closed two of the three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, Democratic candidates for Bergen County Freeholder said. Closing the lanes clogged local roads and delayed school buses on the first day of school. Fort Lee officials said. The Port Authority explained that it was conducting a study of traffic patterns near the George Washington Bridge. But the agency never notified Fort Lee. Fort Lee officials tried to contact the Port Authority Sept. 9, but the agency didn't give an explanation until Sept. 13. "If the Port Authority is unwilling to even answer phone calls from the mayor of Fort Lee and the police department, then my running mates and I have no choice but to ask our state representatives to bring them before a committee hearing for an explanation under oath," Chris Tully said. Tully, Jim Tedesco and Lorraine Waldes will challenge incumbent Republicans John Mitchell, Maura DeNicola and John Felice in November. Residents Concerned About Possible Fallout From Bayonne Bridge Project Neighbors Worry About Noise, Possibility Of Falling Debris CBS-NY - Full Text As work gets underway to lift the Bayonne Bridge so that larger ships getting through the Panama Canal can dock at local ports, those living under the bridge are worried. As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported Saturday, there is a row of houses on Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, N.J. with backyards sitting literally in the shadow of the bridge about 30 yards away. "We do already get the paint chips that come off the bridge," said resident Tracey Fiuza. Fiuza said debris could fall once work starts behind her home. "What if we get something like a Sandy, you know, and equipment comes off the bridge, into our yards?" she said. Residents also have expressed concern about the noise once crews begin lifting and expanding the Bayonne Bridge. Fiuza is concerned also about health effects. "I read the Coast Guard papenA^ork when they first applied for their permits, and asbestos was used on that bridge," she said. She said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offered to pay for a hotel and parking. But some neighbors do not believe that is enough. Fiuza said some neighbors "would like them to consider buying their home for fair market value so they can move." At this point, the Port Authority has told neighbors that will not be happening. The Bayonne Bridge project is expected to bring 2,500 construction jobs and even more business to the area when it is completed, officials said in June. The bridge deck will go from the current 151 feet to 215 feet. The old bridge deck removal is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2015. The cost has been estimated at $1.3 billion. WTC Herald News: WTC naming deal gets a new look Herald News NorthJersey.com There was the shock of revelation, the loud chorus of disapproval and the declaration by employees they knew nothing about it. Now it's time for action. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo thinks so, too. He has assigned his attorney general to look into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's sale of the Wodd Trade Center name for 10 lousy bucks back in 1986. Eric Schneiderman's task is to investigate whether the name was bought improperly and if so, he's to try to recover the benefits lost to the Port Authority and area residents. Good. The country needs follow-through on this one. The Record broke the appalling story recently that the agency sold the name to a nonprofit organization called the World Trade Centers Association, founded by one of the Port Authority's former executives who had overseen the building of the Twin Towers. That man, Guy Tozzoli, made millions of dollars from that nonprofit, which licensed the use of the name around the world at an exorbitant price — a $200,000 fee to start and then $10,000 in annual dues. Tozzoli and the WTCA raked in money from a name once belonging to, and then quietly sold by, the Port Authority, owner of the actual World Trade Center building. Structure and name were one for the first 16 years of life and then were broken in two like a PA - DW - 000069 cookie, with half handed out to an employee who struck out on his own a year later. Agency leaders appointed by the current governors say they do not know anything about it The name transfer wasn't approved by the board of commissioners at the time, according to the Port Authority, and the then-executive director said he does not remember it. It's high time someone got to the bottom of this. David Samson, chairman of the agency's board of commissioners, has ordered an internal review. Given the Port Authority's close-to-the-vest operating philosophy — it still won't explain why two weeks ago it cut Fort Lee traffic lanes to the George Washington Bridge from three to one — an outside investigation is crucial. The public, which partially funds the Port Authority through bridge and tunnel tolls and airport and seaport fees, deserves to know exactly how the agency ended up paying a $10,000 a year membership fee, and whether it can recoup some of its losses. PAPD Port Authority officer in Jersey City crash, same area where 3 jogging colleagues were struck Jerry DeMarco Cliff View Pilot - Full Text A Port Authority police officer was injured, as were four people in a sedan that struck the officer's cruiser this morning in Jersey City — blocks from where three authority officers out jogging were struck by a car yesterday afternoon. The Toyota Corolla was headed headed west on 14th Street around 9 a.m. today when it rammed into the rear passenger-side door and wheel well of a radio car driven by the on-duty officer on Marin Boulevard, the authority's Joseph Pentangelo told Cliffview Pilot this afternoon. All of those involved were taken to Jersey City Medical Center, Pentangelo said. No summonses were issued, he added. This comes after a trio of off-duty Port Authority officers who were jogging along 14th Street just before 5 o'clock yesterday were treated for minor injuries after being hit by a car. The 64-year-old driver whose Jeep hit them was issued summonses for reckless driving and failing to yield, Pentangelo said. PANYNJ Executives exit Port Authority Bistate agency faces brain drain as World Trade Center work ends and budget tightens. Daniel Geiger Craine's New York Business The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, long a magnet for ambitious transportation, construction, engineering and real estate executives eager to ply their craft on a grand scale, is experiencing a high-level brain drain. With its largest project, the $15 billion rebuilding of the World Trade Center complex, winding down and no huge developments on the horizon, key executives at the bistate agency are decamping in an exodus only worsened by a recent audit that triggered big changes in its management and salary structures. The most recent departure: Philippe Visser, who headed leasing and many other major business negotiations for the WTC site for the past two years. He announced last Tuesday that he will jump to the Related Cos., where he will help oversee the developer's $15 billion Hudson Yards project Executives at public agencies like the Port Authority have long moved on to more lucrative posts in the private sector. But the scale of the defections from the agency's upper ranks in recent months exceed its norm. AVIATION Children with autism practice air travel on JetBlue flight, go through security at NYC's JFK Associated Press Washington Post Tom and Zsuzsa Price arrived Saturday to Kennedy International Airport, their four young children in tow, full of anxiety. Four-year-old Galium has autism and the whole family had never been on a plane together. They checked in, went through airport security and boarded JetBlue Flight 001, with sandy-haired Galium at times whimpering, yelling and fidgeting. This time, though, it was just practice. JetBlue Airways and the nonprofit Autism Speaks set up an air travel practice session for families who have children with the disorder. JetBlue officials said it was the first such event at JFK, one of the nation's busiest airports. "We had no idea what to expect, we didn't know whether we'd have to turn around and go home," said Zsuzsa Price, of Bayshore, N.Y. "We're grateful to have the chance to try it out" Children Suffering from Autism Practice Traveling at the NYC JFK Airport Camille H. Parent Herald - Full Text PA - DW - 000070 A couple with their four young children arrived at the John F Kennedy airport in New York City to practice what it would be like traveling with their autistic child, according to SF Gate . Tom and Zsuzsa Price has a four-year old son, Galium, who was diagnosed with autism. The entire family checked in, went through security and boarded JetBlue Flight 001. JetBlue Airways and the nonprofit Autism Speaks set up an air travel practice session for families who have children with the disorder. JetBlue officials said it was the first such event at the JFK, one of the nation's busiest airports. "We had no idea what to expect, we didn't know whether we'd have to turn around and go home," said Zsuzsa Price, of Bayshore, N.Y. "We're grateful to have the chance to try it out" Autism spectrum disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges and now affects one in 88 children, according to Autism Speaks, which offers support and aims to raise awareness of the disorder. JetBlue officials said they wanted to teach their employees tools to help make travel comfortable for people with autism - who represent a growing number of customers. "The more tools we supply to our crew members, the better we can serve our customers," said JetBlue spokeswoman Kate Wetzel. JetBlue workers volunteered their time, and the airline absorbed the cost of using the plane for the afternoon. About 300 parents and children attended. The Airbus 320 departed the gate and taxied around the tarmac for 20 minutes before returning. Parents said they appreciated the ability to practice with their children, who ranged on the spectrum from mild to severe and in age from toddler to adult Jackson Hole Mountain Resort named number one in North America by SKI Magazine. Benjamin Storrow Star-Tribune Perhaps it was a sign. A dusting of snow fell on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this week, shepherding in what skiers and mountain executives alike hope will be a good winter. The snow also capped a historic week for this iconic ski area in the Tetons. The resort was ranked number one in SKI Magazine's annual poll of North American ski areas. The award was notable on several fronts. It marks the first time Jackson Hole has scaled the heights of SKI's poll, wresting the honor away from resorts like Deer Valley, Utah, and Vail, Colo., which have long dominated the survey. It also undedined a subtle rebranding of Wyoming's most famous ski hill. Long renowned for its challenging terrain, JHMR has invested $135 million in capital upgrades in the last two decades aimed at making the mountain more accessible to intermediate and beginner skiers. "This came as a big surprise for us," said JHMR President Jerry Blann. "When we did get the call it was like, 'Are you kidding?' It's obviously a real honor. It's something that is real special." SKI's annual rankings are a benchmark in the industry, akin, in some respects, to U.S. News & World Report's ranking of colleges and universities. "We all gauge ourselves against it," is how Blann described it. The rankings are drawn from a poll of the magazine's 145,000 subscribers. Around 10,000 people participated in the 2014 poll, the 26th time the magazine has asked its readers to rank the continent's resorts. TV CLIPS WNBC-NY (NBC) - WTC Name - The Debrief With David Ushery PA - DW - 000071 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Monday, September 23, 2013 7:36 AM Morning Clips 9.23.13 WTC The Record: Trade Center Answers - Opinion / Letters Record THERE WAS the shock of revelation, the loud chorus of disapproval and the declaration by employees they knew nothing about it. How it's time for action. Nevtf York Gov. Andrew Cuomo thinks so, too. He has assigned his attorney general to look into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's sale of the World Trade Center name for 10 lousy bucks back in 1986. Eric Schneiderman's task is to investigate whether the name was bought improperly, and if so, he's to try to recover the benefits lost to the Port Authority and area residents. Good. The country needs follow-through on this one. What A Deal! P.A. Sold Name Rights For $10 - Editorial Staten Is. Adv Here's one of those stories that will have you shaking your head: The exclusive rights to name "World Trade Center" don't belong to the Port Authority, which owns the land on which the Twin Towers stood. Woman Attempts To Enter 9/11 Memorial With Loaded Gun Eyewitness News The woman, who was identified as Ursula Jerry of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was carrying a semiautomatic .380 caliber Kel-Tec hand gun. The gun was loaded with two rounds in the magazine, and none in the chamber. Woman With Gun Is Arrested At 9/11 Memorial Wall Street Journal Ursula Jerry tried to pass through the metal detectors at the memorial's visitors screening area with a .380-cal semiautomatic pistol in her purse, the official said. The weapon had two rounds in the magazine, the official said, and none in the chamber. A private security guard working at the screening center stopped the 41-year-old, who was alone, and notified the New York Police Department, officials said. She was arrested and was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, the official said. Woman Arrested For Trying To Bring Loaded Gun Into 9/11 Memorial Shimon Prokupecz WNBC-NY A Midwestern woman was arrested at the Sept. 11 memorial Sunday afternoon when she tried to enter with a gun loaded with two bullets, law enforcement sources said. TB&T Freeholder Candidates Call For Probe Into GWB Lane Closures Noah Cohen Fort Lee Patch PA - DW - 000072 Three Democratic Bergen County Freeholder candidates are asking state elected officials to investigate why the Port Authority closed two of three lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, a move that snarled local traffic and surprised borough officials. PANYNJ Port Authority to Close Bayonne's Slootsky Park Monday Brandon Gould Jersey Journal Bayonne residents who frequent Al Slootsky Park will have to find a new location for their activities. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced it will close the park as of Monday. Aviation An Unexpected Find at New York's LaGuardia Airport Conde Nast Traveler Interior of the rotunda at LaGuardia Airport's historic and still functioning Marine Air Terminal. Small seaplanes depart from the former base of Pan American's Yankee "Clipper" Flying Boats (Boeing 314), which began commercial service in 1939 and were retired in 1947. Atlantic city Airport Floor Plan To Be Available On Google Maps Jennifer Bogdan Press of Atlantic City The South Jersey Transportation Authority on Wednesday approved a resolution to provide a copy of portions of the airport's floor plan to the Internet giant. Veterans Visit Washington Via Hudson Valley Honor Flight - Stewart Airport Pouqhkeepsie Journal Elected officials and Honor Flight organizers spoke at a ceremony inside Stewart International Airport prior to the departure. Honor Flight ceremony at Stewart airport: Ninety WWII veterans from the greater Hudson Valley area were en route to Washington, D.C., Saturday to visit the national monuments, thanks to a volunteerrun organization, Hudson Valley Honor Flight and local corporate sponsors. PAPD Port Authority Police Charge Man Is Journal Square Bike Thief Felix Alarcon Jersey Journal Port Authority Police arrested an alleged bike thief today and charged him with two thefts at the Journal Square PATH station. Marco Santamaria-Beltran, 43 years-old, of Oakland Avenue was arrested by 4 plainclothes Port Authority Police officers in his home at 11 a.m. PA - DW - 000073 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Attachments: TOPIC: Torres Rojas, Genara Monday, September 23, 2013 3:05 PM Fulton, Cedrick; Simon, Brian; Starace, Jim Abelians, Ana; Archie, Gwendolyn; Berger, Denise (Engineering); Buchbinder, Darrell; Coleman, Steve; DiMarco, Gretchen; Duffy, Daniel; Eastman, Karen; Handel, Linda; Lado, Tina; Ma, John; Marsico, Ron; MacSpadden, Lisa; McDonough, John; Qureshi, Ann; Rojas, Arlett; Stickelman, Timothy; Van Duyne, Sheree; Velasco-Lopez, Mariana; Wildstein, David FOI REQUEST REFERENCE NO. 14294 - TED MANN (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL) FOIRequestNo.14294.pdf Request for copies of any records regarding changes in traffic patterns on the George Washington Bridge that occurred the week of Sept. 9, 2013, including: any documents reflecting the purpose, methods or conclusion of the traffic study undertaken by the Port Authority any notification or correspondence to any officials of Fort Lee, N.J. reflecting the traffic pattern changes any scheduled meetings with officials from outside the Port Authority concerning traffic changes and any internal correspondence among Port Authority staff, leadership, board members or other personnel concerning traffic conditions on or management of the bridge between Sept. 1, 2013 and the present date Attached is a Freedom of Information request for your handling. Your response is due within three (3) business days. YOUR RESPONSE SHOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO ANY SUGGESTED REDACTIONS. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CITE THE SPECIFIC EXEMPTION. Your written response should include any financial, policy or public relation concerns associated with the release of this material. Any staff representing you on this review should be thoroughly familiar with current departmental policy and business matters to represent your direct views in this matter. • • • If no records are found, please confirm that fact in writing. Please ensure that your search for records covers any copies at the facilities or off-site storage facilities. Please note that new documents should not be created in response to this request. Whenever possible, your response should be sent in electronic format, since it will be posted to the Port Authority's website Please keep track of time spent searching for records. This does not include time spent retrieving or copying the responsive records. Your response should note the amount of time, if greater than an hour, and the pay level of the person performing the search. If you have any questions pertaining to the attached request, please call Dan Duffy at (212) 435-2542 or Ann Qureshi at 212-435-6657. Att. PA - DW - 000074 Sent: To: Cc; Subject: Thursday, September 19, 2 Q ^ ^ i l M P M Duffy, Daniel Torres Rojas, Genara; Van Diiyne, Sheree; Qureshi, Ann Freedom of Information Online Request Form Inroniialion: Firs! Niimf: Ted L;ist Name; Mann Company; Tho Wiill Sircct .'oumai Mailing-Address 1: 121! Sixth Ave. Mniling.Address2: 5th 1-ioor Citv: New York Siaic; NY Zip Code: 10030 I-jTiail .Address: icd-inann^rfwsj.coin Phone; 212-1 K>'2660 Required copies ol'ihe records: Yci I.ist ol'spcciHc rccord(s): Any recurds regarding changes in iriiffic p.ilicrns on the ticorge Washington IJridge thai (iccurrcd the week of Scpi. 9. 2013. iiichiding; any documents reitecung the purpose, nicihods or euiiclnsion of ihc Irallk study undertaken by the Port Authority i'ny noiificaiion or correspondence to any f ffieials nfForl i.ec. N.J. rcilecting the traffic pattern changes any .scheduled tneeiiiigs with ufilciiih from outside Jiie Port Aulhoril}' concerning Eraflk cliaiiges and any internal coirespondcncc among Pott /\uihorily siaiT, leadcrs-'hip, bonrd meraberi or oiher per'?iT.ntj!'ir'T-^^;rniig trat'ilc conditions on or management ut'the bridi^c between Sept. 1, 2013 and the present 'j.ite. PA - DW - 000075 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, September 26, 2013 4:09 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Media inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths issue A reporter for the Fort Lee Suburbanite called looking for PA comment on a call by several Bergen County Democratic freeholder candidates who are seeking an investigation into why the toll booths used by Fort Lee residents to access the GWB were closed for several days two weeks ago. I assume we would decline comment unless told otherwise. PA - DW - 000076 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Thursday, September26, 20134:14 PM Coleman, Steve; Foye, Patrick Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Media inquiry ~ Fort Lee toll booths issue Correct. From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2013 4:09 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Media inquiry -- Fort Lee toll booths issue A reporter for the Fort Lee Suburbanite called looking for PA comment on a call by several Bergen County Democratic freeholder candidates who are seeking an investigation into why the toll booths used by Fort Lee residents to access the GWB were closed for several days two weeks ago. I assume we would decline comment unless told otherwise. PA - DW - 000077 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Thursday, September 26, 2013 6:19 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nighly Media Activity Report 9/26/13 Numerous media outlets followed up on an inaccurate story by WABC-TV that reported an unloaded machine gun was found at JFK Airport's Terminal One in an office that was behind federal security checkpoints. We called WABC-TV to correct their story and let other reporters also know that the firearm was actually found in a locked office that was pre-security. Media Relations issued a press release announcing a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of a suspect charged with a 1981 attack on a Port Authority police officer. Our reward offer matched a similar FBI reward offer. Anne Kohut of the Airport Noise Report sought confirmation that the Port Authority will be replacing the existing noise monitors around JFK and LaGuardia airports with Bruel and Kjaer (B&K) monitors. We said the B&K monitors would start being deployed in October. Barry Carter of The Star-Ledger is working on a column about former Newark Police Capt. Steven Yablonsky who recently joined the PAPD. We are working to arrange an interview with Capt. Yablonsky. Jeff Plungis of Bloomberg News inquired about a new U.S. Customs passport system at JFK Airport. We did not respond. WCBS-TV and FIOSl News inquired about a construction fire on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge that temporarily held traffic. We told the reporter the small fire was quickly put out by TBA's at the bridge and traffic resumed within 15 minutes of the incidents. Svetlana Shkolnikova of the Fort Lee Suburbanite called for comment on a call by Bergen County Democratic freeholder candidates for an investigation into why toll booths that Fort Lee residents use to access the GWB were closed for a few days two weeks ago. We did not comment. Nigel Chuwaya of DNAInfo inquired about the status of the George Washington Bus Station redevelopment project. We told the reporter that pre-construction activities were underway and that construction would begin later this year. Media Relations pitched a story about a PAPD arrest of an individual accused of bicycle theft at Journal Square to Charles Hack of the Jersey Journal, who indicated he was likely to file a story. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico@panynj.gov PA - DW - 000078 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Friday, September 27, 2013 7:57 AM Morning Clips - 9.27.13 TB&T Port Authority Reopens Tollbooths Svetlana Shkolnikova Fort Lee Suburbanite The borough still has no concrete answers as to why the Port Authority reduced the number of tollbooths at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge from three to one during the second week of September but Mayor Mark Sokolich is not holding any grudges. The mayor expressed a desire to move forward from the headline-making debacle on Sept. 19, calling Fort Lee's relationship with the bi-state agency "very strong and positive." "I just want to point out for the record that we're grateful to the Port for reversing the decision," said Sokolich, noting that the borough did remain puzzled by the agency's justification for the decision, how it was made and by whom. Port Authority offered little explanation beyond a sole written statement saying it was conducting a week-long study of traffic safety patterns that will eventually be used to determine the best traffic patterns on the bridge. Bayonne Bridge closed Sunday morning Associated Press - Full Text NJ-Bridge Closing/81 - BAYONNE, N.J. (AP) - Motorists who use the Bayonne Bridge will face detours Sunday morning. The bridge will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. because of a charity run to benefit wounded veterans. Motorists in New Jersey and Staten Island will be diverted to the Goethals Bridge. The Port Authority says the free Bayonne Bridge shuttle service will begin operation at 10:00 a.m. in Bayonne and at 10:15 a.m. in Staten Island. Aviation Bayside Eyes FAA Advisory Committee Times Ledger Bayside-based Queens Quiet Skies has an independent advisory committee on its radar as the group's activists continue to speak up about airplane noise over northeast Queens. A private, nonprofit known as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics established the NextGen Advisory Committee in September 2010 to provide recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration related to its pending changes in flight procedures. The 28-member group was made up mostly of FAA employees, labor union representatives, airport operators and others from the airline industry. PAPD Officials: Subcompact Machine Pistol Found Inside Office At JFK Airport NYl - Full Text/Video PA - DW - 000079 Officials say a machine gun was found Thursday inside an office at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Officials say a MAC-11 subcompact machine pistol similar to the one seen above was locked inside a closet at Terminal 1. Port Authority police say a contractor was running cable in the ceiling when he discovered the case with the weapon. Authorities say it wasn't loaded and there was no ammunition in the case. There's no word as to who it belongs to or whether it's operational. The office was in a secure area, away from the other terminals. Workers Discover Gun Inside Ceiling Panel At JFK Airport CBS There were tense moments at J F K Airport on Thursday when workers found a gun in the ceiling panel of a maintenance closet. The area that the gun was discovered in was not past the security screening area. There was no word on how the gun got there, C B S 2 reported. MAC-11 Subcompact Machine Pistol Found at NY's JFK Associated Press - Full Text AP-NY~Machine Pistol Found-JFK/128 - N E W Y O R K (AP) - Authorities say a subcompact machine pistol in a case has been discovered inside a storage closet in a locked management office at Kennedy International Airport. A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police said Thursday a contractor running cable through a ceiling in the office made the discovery at about 10:10 a.m. Spokesman Joe Pentangelo said only a controlled group of people have access to the office, which is located in Terminal 1, outside the secure area. It was not immediately clear if the office was publicly accessible. Pentangelo says the M A C 11 machine pistol wasn't loaded and no ammunition was found. He said investigators are determining whether the pistol is even operable. The investigation is ongoing. Reward raised for woman wanted in 1981 incident Associated Press - Full Text AP-NJ~Fugitive Reward/111 - N E W Y O R K , N.J. (AP) - Officials are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for a woman suspected of partially blinding a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer in 1981. Authorities say Donna Borup has ties to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. At one time, she worked in the graphic design and silk-screening industry. Officials say Borup is suspected of throwing a caustic substance in the eyes of Port Authority Police Officer Evan Goodstein during an anti-apartheid protest at John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1981. She failed to appear for her trial. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI. Port Authority Police Arrest Bayonne Man Caught With Stolen Bike, Police Say Jersey Journal - Full Text A Bayonne man was charged with theft after he was caught with a stolen bike by Port Authority Police Officers in Journal Square, police said. Anthony Severino, 38, of Bayonne was charged with theft by unlawful taking and was arrested without incident, police said. Around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers saw Severino walking with a Trek mountain bike, worth $350, police said. The theft was originally witnessed by a P A T H employee who alerted police about the stolen bike, police said. Severino was processed and taken to the Hudson County jail, police said. Video Clips PA - DW - 000080 1 - Subcompact Machine Pistol Found Inside Office At JFK PA - DW - 000081 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Tuesday, OctoberOI, 2013 1:12 PM Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Ted Mann - Wall Street Journal inquiry Bill, David: Ted is working on a story for tomorrow's paper following on the GWB toll plaza closing issue and I'm seeking guidance on how to respond. Ted is questioning our prior statement on this issue that said the toll lanes were closed because of a test when he has a copy of an e-mail that Pat sent at 7:44 a.m. on September 13 to all PA leadership and Fort Lee elected officials that says otherwise. Please let me know how you would like me to handle. PA - DW - 000082 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Foye, Patrick Tuesday, OctoberOI, 2013 2:03 PM Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill; V\/ildstein. David Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Ted Mann -- Wall Street Journal inquiry Steve was below ground till now II defer to Bill on this but 2 I did not send email to Fort Lee electeds. From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2013 01:11 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Cc; Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Ted Mann ~ Wall Street Journal inquiry Bill, David: Ted is working on a story for tomorrow's paper following on the GWB toll plaza closing issue and I'm seeking guidance on how to respond. Ted is questioning our prior statement on this issue that said the toll lanes were closed because of a test when he has a copy of an e-mail that Pat sent at 7:44 a.m. on September 13 to all PA leadership and Fort Lee elected officials that says otherwise. Please let me know how you would like me to handle. PA - DW - 000083 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Tuesday, OctoberOI, 2013 6:14 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/1/13 Sean Gardiner of the Wall Street Journal, Samantha Henry of the Associated Press and Andrew George of NJ Biz all called to see what, if any, impacts were being felt at Port Authority airports in the early hours of the federal government shutdown. We let reporters know the airports were operational and that we were not seeing any early impacts. Caroline Chen of Bloomberg News is working on a story about a contention by the Port of Baltimore that they are now the No. 1 port on the East Coast for automobiles. We issued a statement disputing that fact based on 2012 data that shows we are still the No. 1 port for vehicles. Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal is working on a story following up on issues surrounding the closing of GWB toll booths used by Fort Lee residents two weeks ago. We did not respond. Jessica DINapoli of the Times Herald-Record (Middletown, N.Y.) called seeking information about how to access monthly cargo figures for Stewart International Airport on the Port Authority's website. We helped the reporter navigate the site. Peter Genovese of The Star-Ledger inquired about the upcoming "Fun Day" at Newark Liberty International Airport. We did not respond. Joe Dolman of Newsday called regarding the possible PATH rail extension to Newark Liberty International Airport. We did not respond. Natasha Velez of the NY Post called about a motor vehicle accident on the GWB that closed the upper level for 15 minutes. We provided basic details. Phil Messing of the NY Post called about a DWI arrest yesterday at the Holland Tunnel by PAPD. We provided basic details. Richard Bockmann of the Queens Ledger sought information on the types of rent charged for cargo facilities at JFK Airport. We told the reporter it varies for different types of facilities, based on the age of the space, capabilities and other factors. Several media outlets called early this morning about containers that tested positive for an explosive near a gate at Newark Liberty International Airport. We let the reporters know the containers were soon cleared after turning out to be cleaning supplies. Seth Augenstein of The Star-Ledger posted a story about last night's fatal accident at the Maher Terminal at the port. We provided basic information on the incident. Overnight, Jay Valela of Newsl2 New Jersey called about the same incident and we provided basic information. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmar5ico(Q)panvni.Rov PA - DW - 000084 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Wednesday, October 02, 2013 7:32 AM Morning Clips 10.2.13 AVIATION Shutdown punishing federal workforce and tourists in New York (Audio) Vasily Sushko Voice of Russia - Full Text For an average New Yorker it may be difficult to notice any changes throughout the city on the first day of the government shutdown. Traffic guards are still directing traffic, fire trucks are still responding to calls, even a run-off election is taking place for the position of public advocate. But ask a tourist or one of the 50,000 federal employees that are in New York City, and you will hear a whole other story. Paul Sacker is an environmental engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency, whose job it is to inspect underground liquid storage containers. He says he can't go to work today and that he is worried not only for himself, but for his coworkers as well. "We live paycheck to paycheck. Without the guarantee of a paycheck every few weeks it could be an economic disaster. We have employees who are single mothers, we have employees whose spouses are out of work because of the economic crises and all these people are going to be hurting even more." - Paul Sacker, environmental engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency Sacker went on to say that the government shutdown wouldn't only take money out of the pockets of federal employees, but of the generalpublic as well. "If we are not inspecting gas stations for potential leaks, the operators there could feelthey could get away with not doing all the practices they are supposed to do on a daily basis, they feel there's no one watching the hen house." - Paul Sacker, environmental engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency. Many of the federal employees in New York City also consist of aviation professionals, ranging from air traffic controllers to airport security. Ron Marsico, a media relations officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that oversees all of New York City's airports, said the airports haven't been affected, but the agency is monitoring the situation. "We are not seeing any impact yet, but it's only one o'clock on the first day. So, we are monitoring the situation and our understanding is that safety is not going to be compromised." - Ron Marsico, a media relations officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. However, calls to federal agencies like the Transportation Security Agency went unanswered due to the shutdown. Tourism in New York City has been affected as well, with popular attractions like Ellis Island and the Statute of Liberty closed due to the government shutdown. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Foundation,which helps in renovating the two landmarks, will need to suspend any work that it has currently been doing on the property. Peg Zitco, the Senior Vice President of the foundation, said that while the delays are unfortunate, the real pity lies with the visitors who may never be back to New York to visit. "I expect there are a lot of tourists in town who will not be able to visit the island. It's disappointing that the government can't work it out, and that the island has to close. We are disappointed because it puts our work on hold and it doesn't allow us to serve the visitors the way we would like to." - Peg Zitco, the Senior Vice President of the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation Brian Wilde, a tourist from Great Britain, managed to visit the Statue of Liberty on Monday, the day before the government shut down. He agrees that it is unfortunate for those who can't travel there today. "Yeah, the thing is really closed down. I suppose it is a problem for those who come especially to see it. You know, it's a special day, a special occasion, and it is the one that essentially should be available to everyone. People only come here maybe once in a lifetime." PA - DW - 000085 Federal government shutdown closes N.J. parks, slows courts, cancels plans Seth Augenstein/The Star-Ledger NJ.Com The ferries normally land at Ellis Island all day, dropping boatloads of sightseers at the feet of the Statue of Liberty. But today they're just circling around the now-shuttered park, owing to the first federal government shutdown in almost two decades. "We're just back to what we did during Sandy," said Rafael Abreu, a spokesman for the private Statue Cruises line. "Unfortunately, we're familiar with operating without access to the Island or the Statue." Across New Jersey and the rest of the nation, some operations are continuing. Mail is being delivered, and Social Security and Medicare checks are still being sent. Veterans Health Administration hospitals and medical centers are still receiving patients. At Newark Liberty Airport, federal security screeners continued to pat down shoeless passengers and rummage through their carry-on bags. JetBlue introduces luxury class seating Fox News All are passengers are no longer equal at JetBlue, a company that has long billed itself as a one size fits all airline. The company just announced it will offer a new premium business class, which it has titled "Mint." The Mint cabins will feature lie-flat seats, custom Birchbox grooming kits, complimentary cocktails, a personalized "tapas-style" menu and fresh cappuccinos made from the first espresso machine built to be used in flight. JetBlue's first flight featuring Mint seats will depart from New York's JFK Airport to Los Angeles International on June 15, 2014. Following the introduction of Mint, the company plans to offer seven daily Mint service flights between JFK and LAX starting in summer 2014. JetBlue plans to add another Mint route between New York's Kennedy Airport and San Francisco International Airport starting in fall 2014. TB&T Port Chief Fumed Over Bridge Jam Patrick Foye Fired Off an Email Message After Learning of Lane Closures Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - Full Text The abrupt closure of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge last month triggered a pointed private response from the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who said the move likely broke state and federal laws and could have caused deaths because of snarled traffic. The executive director, Patrick Foye, fired off an email message early on the morning of Sept. 13, after he learned of the lane closures and subsequent traffic backups in Fort Lee, N.J., from a daily internal list of pending media inquiries. Mr. Foye's blistering email, which was sent to top executives of the authority and was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, denounced the closures as "abusive" and pledged to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," Mr. Foye wrote, a reference to ambulances caught in traffic. The closure of the lanes was seen by some in Fort Lee and Bergen County as retribution from surrogates of Republican Gov. Chris Christie—who shares control of the authority and its bridges with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo—at Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who hasn't endorsed Mr. Christie for re-election. Mr. Christie's campaign has denied the suggestion, and called the notion "crazy." The governor's appointees at the authority have said that the lanes were closed to conduct a traffic study, though they have declined to provide any supporting materials or findings. Mr. Christie's spokesman referred questions to the Port Authority, where a PA - DW - 000086 spokesman declined to comment. Mr. Foye, an appointee of Mr. Cuomo, wrote that the lane closures were made without informing numerous interested parties, including himself, local and Port Authority police, Mr. Sokolich, and commuters. His email also throws into question the Port Authority's prior explanation for the shutdown: that the lanes were closed so the authority could perform the traffic study. In the email, Mr. Foye listed the divisions within the authority that weren't consulted before the traffic pattern was changed, including the police department, and the Traffic and Engineering division.The authority's public response has described the lane closures as part of "a week of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns." People familiar with the matter disputed that. "There was no study," one of them said. Mr. Foye's email was sent to Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge for more than a decade, and Cedrick Fulton, director of the Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department and Mr. Durando's boss. Copied on the message were the highest level leadership of the authority, including Mr. Christie's two top appointees, Chairman David Samson and Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. Mr. Durando referred inquiries to the authority's press office. Requests to speak to top port executives weren't answered Tuesday. The lane closures winnowed the approach routes from Fort Lee to the bridge to one from three, and triggered massive congestion in Fort Lee for four straight weekdays, officials said. The lanes were reopened within minutes of Mr. Foye's email on Sept. 13. Some Bergen County Democrats were livid over the sudden closures. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat who represents the county, wrote to authority Commissioner William Schuber to express her dismay last month, saying she was at a "loss for words" about the closure, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by The Wall Street Journal."This whole traffic jam still remains a mystery," she said Tuesday. Mayor Sokolich said he hasn't received answers to his request for information about why the authority ordered the closures. Still, the mayor said he was a supporter of many of Mr. Christie's policies, and didn't believe that the closures were intended to punish him, a theory he said had been the subject of "rumors." PATH PATH Train Fares Increased Rebecca Sheehan New Jersey Newsroom - Full Text Not only did the government shutdown and drive people mad today, but NY/NJ commuters also had to deal with one of their favorite annoyances - a PATH train fare hike. Effective Tuesday morning at 3 a.m., just in time for the morning commute, the PATH train jacked up all its fares, which was approved by the Port Authority back in August of 2011 - as part of the second phase of a toll and fare increase package. The new price of a one-way ride went up a whole quarter from $2.00 to $2.25 per trip, according to report by the Associated Press. PANYNJ Slow going on plans for N.J. transportation projects Paul Nussbaum Inguirer In December 2009, NJ Transit announced four major advancements in transportation for South Jersey, with an initial cost of $13.5 million. Nearly four years later, none of the projects has moved beyond the study phase: Planners have spent the four years and $735,000 studying how to improve rail service on the Atlantic City Line, with nothing to show for their efforts yet. By contrast, it took only 90 days to build the Philadelphia & Atlantic City Railway in the first place, back in 1877. In 2009, NJ Transit said it would build a $3 million bus-loading center in downtown Camden, to be completed in mid-2012. So far, nothing. Plans for an 18-mile tight-rail line between Glassboro and Camden were PA - DW - 000087 delayed when Gov. Christie objected in 2010 to a no-bid $8.9 million contract from the Delaware River Port Authority for an environmental impact study. Now, with an $8.1 million contract awarded to the same engineering firm, the study is supposed to be done by next fall. But no operator has been selected, and no source has been found for $1.6 billion to build the line, currently proposed to start operating in 2019. A plan for a $46 million "bus rapid transit" route in South Jersey is in the midst of an $839,500 environmental impact study, after a $750,000 alternative routes study. WTC Parachuters make jump near World Trade Center site CNN (Updated)-Full Text They chose to make a death-defying jump in the wee hours of the morning. About 3 a.m. Monday, New York police said, two people dressed in black wearing protective headgear parachuted, or possibly base-jumped, off a building or balcony in lower Manhattan. "They landed on West Street near Goldman Sachs close to the World Trade Center site," NYPD Deputy Commissioner John McCarthy said.The jumpers touched down and left, apparently without a trace. No car was seen driving away. Was it a public relations stunt or done on a dare? Something more sinister? Police are still investigating. But even in "The city that never sleeps," there's always someone watching.A security camera captured the parachuters and police are reviewing it for clues."If they came out of an aircraft, it's unknown at this time. But they were seen walking with parachutes away from the location," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "No banners, no notes were left." Sept. 11 responder awes Park City as World Trade Center artifact arrives Retired New York City sergeant describes the heroes and the horrors of day Jay Hamburger The Park Record he scene on lower Main Street on Saturday was one of respect for the fallen. One of reflection. One of patriotism.The crowd of Parkites, including leaders and emergency responders, gathered to glimpse and to touch an artifact salvaged from the World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11 attacks. The artifact, a 4.5-ton piece of concrete aggregate that was embedded seven stories below the ground, stopped in Park City on a statewide tour before it is incorporated into a memorial park honoring the state's fallen warriors. The park is under construction at the Fort Douglas Military Museum at the University of Utah. A group called the Utah Fallen Warriors organized the tour. TV CLIPS NEWS12NJ - Trucker Killed at Maher Terminal PA - DW - 000088 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Wednesday, October 02, 2013 12:33 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 10.2.13 PABT 1 killed, 4 injured when NJ Transit bus and van collide on Garden State Parkway in Saddle Brook By Matthew McGrath and Jim Norman The Record One woman is dead and four are critically injured in the wake of a Tuesday night bus accident on an exit ramp of the Garden State Parkway. A NJ Transit bus and a passenger van — carrying 23 people including the driver — collided on the ramp of Exit 159, said SgL Brian Polite, a State Police spokesman. Police said they do not know who the owner of the van is. All they know is that the van was heading to a church function in Newark. The collision killed a woman named Velma Castro. Police did not immediately have an age or hometown for the woman. ... A spokesman for NJ Transit said the bus, on route number 163, was carrying no passengers as it was returning to the Midtown Port Authority bus terminal. The driver of the bus was not injured, the spokesman said. Woman killed in collision between van, NJ Transit bus on Parkway in Saddle Brook By Myles Ma NJ.com One woman was killed Tuesday night in a collision involving an NJ Transit bus and a commercial passenger vehicle on the southbound Garden State Parkway, officials said. The woman was one of more than 20 passengers traveling in the vehicle. Four other passengers were critically injured, Sgt Brian Polite, a State Police spokesman, said. The rest of the passengers, as well as the driver of the NJ Transit bus, were treated for minor injuries. The 163 line bus was empty and headed back to the Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan, William Smith, a spokesman for NJ Transit, said. NJ TRANSIT Bus Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 4 Injured On Garden State Parkway Van Flips Over; Traffic Backed Up On Parkway Hours Later CBS New York One person died and four people were critically injured when a NJ TRANSIT bus and a church van collided on the Garden State Parkway Tuesday night. The accident happened around 7:30 p.m. at exit 159 southbound, authorities said. NJ TRANSIT bus No. 8982 was headed back to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan on its route, when it was involved with a crash with a Ford Econoline passenger van, police said. 1 Killed, 4 Injured In Garden State Parkway Crash By Dan Alexander New Jersey 101.5 - Full Text Authorities are investigating a crash involving a New Jersey Transit bus and a van that left one woman dead and four injured. The bus, which was carrying no passengers, and the van collided on the Garden State Parkway at Exit 159 in Saddle Brook Tuesday. State Police Sgt. Brian Polite tells The Record newspaper the van swerved into the lane the bus was in, struck the bus and rolled over. The van had 22 passengers; four of them are still in critical condition reports WABC TV. The NJ Transit was heading back to the Midtown Port Authority bus terminal according to the Record. The driver was not hurt. WABC TV identifies the victim as Velma Castro. TB&T George Washington Bridge lane closures prompted angry email from Port Authority chief By Myles Ma NJ.com - Full Text Closing local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge last month was likely illegal and may have even caused deaths because of traffic, Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said in an PA - DW - 000089 email to authority executives reviewed by the Wall Street Journal. Foye said he, local and Port Authority Police, Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich and commuters were never notified about the closures. The Port Authority has said the move was part of a study of traffic safety patterns at the George Washington Bridge. The lanes reopened within minutes of Foye's email on Sept. 13. Two of the three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge closed without warning that day. The resulting backup clogged local lanes and delayed buses on the first day of school, Fort Lee officials said. PORTS Corps of Engineers highlights importance of work at New York/New Jersey Dredging News Online The US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is continuing work to improve the main shipping channels in the port by deepening them to a depth of 50ft, allowing more efficient access to the world's largest oceangoing ships. Deepening the Arthur Kill Channel approaching the New York Container Terminal is now underway in the waters off of Elizabeth, NJ and Staten Island to allow large ships to safely transit the shipping channel and a critical component in providing safe navigation access to the port. AVIATION Federal Shutdown Reaches Deep Into Region Tourist Attractions Closed, Government Workers Furloughed By Sean Gardiner and Sarah Armaghan The Wall Street Journal The federal government's partial shutdown rippled across the region Tuesday, closing top New York City tourist attractions, furloughing thousands of public workers and even prompting the removal of poison-ivy-eating goats from a national-historic site. In Battery Park on Tuesday, a sign informs visitors that the Statue of Liberty is closed due to the shutdown. Rod Rioja, 35 years old, of Washington, D C , had made his way to the tip of Manhattan with his girlfriend and her mother to visit the Statue of Liberty, only to learn it was closed. "This was supposed to be the main attraction of our trip; we postponed it from yesterday and went to Central Park instead," he said. "Hopefully we'll come back once the government opens back up. It kind of ruined our trip." Many services deemed essential—such as mail delivery—went on as usual. The shutdown also didn't affect air travel, said Ron Marsico, a spokesman for the Port Authority, which oversees the city's airports. New email scam purports to be from the FBI Mid-Hudson News - Full Text Chances are we have all received emails purporting to be from an individual overseas stating he would like to funnel millions of dollars through us and in return, we would receive a large fee. Some of those emails say they are from foreign governments, banks or wealthy individuals. The latest scam is now purporting to come from the FBI, with a "special agent" saying $4.1 million has been received from overseas at JFK Airport and that it was meant for you. The FBI's Goshen office advises that if you receive such an email, do not open it; just delete it as it may contain a virus that could corrupt your computer. If you do receive such an email, they say you should run malware and anti-virus protection programs to ensure that your computer has not been compromised. Infrared De-icing Speeds Process and Reduces Cost By Kim Rosenlof Aviation International News Aircraft departing from two U.S. airports have a quicker and more environmentally friendly option for de-icing than traditional glycol. At New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and Wisconsin's Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI), departing aircraft that require de-icing can roll into an open-ended hangar where targeted infrared (IR) waves remove frost, snow and ice with a minimum of glycol usage, increasing aircraft throughput and decreasing de-icing time and cost. While these systems are not new, growing environmental concerns and airline cost-cutting measures could prompt new interest in IR de-icing technology. PANYNJ Michael Reilly, Retired NYPD Lieutenant and Impressively Coherent Write-in Candidate for Mayor, Talks About the Job By Graham Rayman PA - DW - 000090 The Village Voice As the November 5 general election approaches, the major candidates are doing their usual two-step. Among the other lesser-known candidates, there is the write-in campaign for mayor of Mike Reilly, a retired NYPD lieutenant and member of Staten Island's school board. We write about Reilly, a 40-year-old married father of three, because he's kind of a sensible voice of the outer-borough middle class~a group that the major candidates claim to champion, but often disappoint ... Reilly is also a proponent of stopping the constant transfers of police officers out of their home precincts to do security in high-tourist areas like Times Square and lower Manhattan. "I would move 400 police officers back into patrol precincts from the World Trade Center command. Right now they have 600 assigned down there. We can use retired Police officers as patrolmen down there. They can be paid as Port Authority contractors. That would add manpower to the precincts and reduce response times." Port Authority Donates Three SUVs to Belleville Police Vehicles will replace Belleville police SUVs. By Adam Bulger Belleville Patch Belleville received three donated SUVs from the NY/NJ Port Authority that will be used to replace vehicles in the aging Police SUV fleet this week. Belleville Township Manager Kevin Esposito said the donated vehicles include a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, 2006 Ford Explorer, and 2005 Ford Escape. "Although the donated vehicles are not new, they are in great shape and are replacing SUVs that are nearly 20 years old which carry a significant maintenance burden," Esposito said in an email. "Not only have we upgraded vehicles in the fleet, but the Township will save money on vehicle upkeep and repair." TV CLIPS News 12 New Jersev/NJ transit bus crash PA - DW - 000091 From: Sent: To: Subject: Danielides, Philippe Wednesday, October 02, 2013 1:11 PM Wildstein, David RE: No rush. Chairman is in today, we've got a 2pm briefing on SWF and then he's off to V\rrc for a tour. Did you see WSJ article today about ED's memo re GWB lane closure? The memo is strikingly over-the-top, no doubt he wrote it with the expectation that it would reach the public eye. —Original M e s s a g e — From: Wildstein, David Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 11:16 AM To: Danielides, Philippe Subject: At OEM storm briefing, will call you around 1. PA - DW - 000092 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Wednesday, October 02, 2013 1:13 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Daily News inquiry Daily News columnist Bill Hammond called to follow up on today's Wall Street Journal story on the GWB toll booth issue. I will not respond to him unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000093 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • Marsico, Ron Wednesday, October 02, 2013 6:01 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.US'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/2/13 Bill Hammond of the Daily News, Steve Strunsky of The Star-Ledger, Abbott Koloff of the Bergen Record and Brenda Flanagan of NJTV are following today's Wall Street Journal story on issues surrounding the closing of GWB toll booths used by Fort Lee residents two weeks ago. We did not respond. The Staten Island Advance is working on a story about the upcoming Port Authority toll hike scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2013. We are gathering information to answer the reporter's questions. Nick Divito of Time Out New York called with questions regarding the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport. Response pending. Josh Margolin of ABC News requested an interview with CSO Joe Dunne for a story on road rage based on a highly publicized weekend incident on the Henry Hudson Parkway. We denied the request. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvni.gov PA - DW - 000094 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Thursday, October 03, 2013 7:47 AM Morning Clips 10.3.13 TB&T Christie says he Inherited 'the most business-unfriendly' government in America Ryan Hutchins, The Star-Ledger NJ.com Gov. Chris Christie told business leaders this evening that he inherited a bloated state government that was "the most business-unfriendly in America," but he said he's made great progress in turning it around. "We should not have been left with a $13 billion mess in the budget," Christie said at an awards dinner held by the Alliance for Action, a business coalition. "We should not have inherited a state that overregulated business to the point that they were leaving. We should not have inherited a state that raised taxes and fees on its citizens and businesses 115 times in eight years at the state level." The Republican, who faces state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) in a gubernatorial election next month, said he had implemented his vision for what New Jersey industries need to be successful in the future: Smaller government, less regulations, more tax breaks, an overhauled higher education system and investments in infrastructure. Christie, speaking in the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, boasted that he was the only governor to succeed at merging Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He said needed work was beginning on the Pulaski Skyway, which he said requires a prayer to drive over, and to raise the Bayonne Bridge, which would not be able to fit new super-sized cargo ships under it otherwise. And he bragged that there are 25,000 fewer public sector jobs and 5,200 fewer state jobs than there were when he took office in 2010. He said his state budget for this fiscal year provides $540 million in business tax cuts and that he had fought off those who wanted to raise taxes over the years. Lawmakers and Port Authority's own chief demand explanation of GWB ramp closings Steve Strunsky, The Star-Ledger NJ.com New Jersey lawmakers want the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to explain why it abruptly closed two of three local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge last month, clogging the already congested streets of Fort Lee for several days. Following the Port Authority's failure to elaborate on a terse statement issued last month that the week-long closure starting Sept. 9 involved a study of "traffic safety patterns" some suspect the closures and ensuing traffic jams were retribution against Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for failing to endorse Gov. Chris Christie for reelection. Agency spokespeople ignored repeated requests for comment yesterday. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a longtime critic of the Port Authority who chairs the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, said he will convene a hearing next month to probe the lane closures and financial issues surrounding a record toll hike the Port Authority imposed at the George Washington and other bi-state bridges and tunnels in 2011. "I think the old adage that, 'If it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck,' applies here," Wisniewski said of the lane closures, viewing them as yet another example of an agency that is "out of control" and in need of oversight and transparency. "The reason why t think that there's an inference that needs to be addressed is that the Port Authority executive director, usually a man of the most mild demeanor, was angered by the exercise of power by people allegedly under his control." Wisniewski was referring to a report in PA - DW - 000095 the Wall Street Journal today that quoted from emails it said were sent by Executive Director Patrick Foye to the bridge's manager and his boss, and copied to Christie's two top appointees at the agency. In his email, according to the report, Foye condemns the closures as "abusive," a threat to public safety, and possibly illegal, after they were done without the involvement of the Port Authority police or its engineering department. Foye, who was appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York following the toll hike, did not mention politics or any other motivation for the closures. But the Journal report quoted him in the email as pledging to investigate "how P A process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." Port Authority chiefs email demands answers to closing of lanes leading to George Washington Bridge Abbott Koloff The Record The head of the Port Authority said in a scathing email made public Wednesday that closing two lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge for four days last month, which created massive traffic jams, may have violated federal laws, and he wants to know why it was done. Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Post Authority, ordered the reopening of the lanes in the email, which was sent to agency executives Sept. 13 and made public Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal. He wrote that he had been unaware of the decision to close the lanes until he received inquiries about it from the media. The Record questioned officials at the bi-state agency about the lane closures on Sept. 12 for a story that was published the following day. In response, the agency said in a statement that two of three lanes were closed as part of a study of "traffic safety patterns ... to ensure proper placement of toll lanes." Local public officials dismissed that explanation, saying they would have been notified of such a study. The lanes were reopened following rush hour on Sept. 13, but no details about the purpose of the study has been given. Local officials say they never have been given a satisfactory explanation for the closure, which began on Sept. 9. AVIATION Southwest fires captain who made hard landing at LaGuardia Airport Kristina Sgueglia and Mike M. Ahlers C N N - F u l l Text The captain of a Southwest Airlines flight that made a hard landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York in July has been fired, a spokeswoman for the airline said Wednesday. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft landed nose wheels first, causing the nose gear to collapse. About 10 passengers were injured. The captain ~ who had flown with the airline for 13 years ~ had taken control of the plane from his co-pilot when the aircraft was below 400 feet, a critical phase of flight in which experts say control is rarely changed between pilots. The first officer will undergo additional training. Southwest spokeswoman Michelle Agnew said. Neither pilot was identified by name. The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association said Wednesday that it was disappointed by the decision and would ensure that the fired pilot receives the right to due process. The union said it was involved in the ongoing federal investigation over the probable cause of the incident. "It is yet to be completed," the union said in a statement. "The purpose of such an investigation is not to assign blame but ensure the prevention of a recurrence. Similar to Southwest Airlines, we will not discuss specifics regarding active employee relations events and active investigations. "All Southwest Airlines pilots demonstrate their qualifications in periodic recurrent training and take pride in our rule to operate our aircraft safely on over 3,400 flights per day." Southwest fires captain from nose-first landing in NYC PA - DW - 000096 Ben Mutzabaugh USA TODAY Southwest Airlines has fired the captain of a flight that endured a nose-first landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport July 22, according to multiple reports Wednesday evening. In the incident. Southwest Flight 345 landed on its nose-gear first - causing the nose gear to collapse on landing. Nine passengers received minor injuries in the landing, according to Bloomberg News and Reuters. Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger tells The Associated Press the company fired the captain last week after it finished its review of the incident. The captain had flown for Southwest for 13 years, according to CNN. "Upon completion of our internal review of the Flight 345 accident, last week the captain was terminated and the first officer is being required to undergo additional training," Eichinger says in a statement to Reuters. Southwest Fires Captain Over LaGuardia Nose-First Landing Mary Schlangenstein Bloomberg News Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) said it fired the captain who was at the controls of a plane that landed nose first at New York's LaGuardia Airport in July, injuring nine people and snarling air traffic for hours. The action came as Dallas-based Southwest completed its probe of the accident, Linda Rutherford, an airline spokeswoman, said today by e-mail, without giving details. Southwest ordered the first officer to undergo more training, Rutherford said. Southwest Airlines fires captain involved In rough NYC landing (Video) Daniel Arkin NBC News Southwest Airlines has fired the captain who piloted the Boeing 737 jet that landed so hard at New York City's LaGuardia Airport in July that the airplane's nose gear collapsed, injuring more than a dozen people and jamming air traffic for hours. "Upon completion of our internal review of the Flight 345 accident, last week the captain was terminated and the first officer is being required to undergo additional training," the airline said in a statement Wednesday. The airline said that it continues to cooperate the National Transportation Safety Board in its ongoing probe of the July 22 incident, which injured 16 people. Southwest Airlines fires pilot after nose-first landing at LaGuardia Nicholas Spangler Newsday Southwest Airlines has fired the captain who was at the controls of a plane that landed nose-first at LaGuardia Airport in July, injuring nine people and snarling air traffic for hours. The captain, a Southwest pilot for 13 years whom airline officials did not identify, took control from the lessexperienced first officer just before the crash, when the plane was 400 feet above the ground. Southwest also ordered the first officer, who had been with the airline for about 18 months, to undergo more training, spokeswoman Michelle Agnew said in an email Wednesday. Southwest Airlines fires captain in LaGuardia nose gear collapse (Video) WPIX11 Southwest Airlines has fired the captain involved in a scary landing at LaGuardia Airport in July, when the plane's nose gear collapsed. The decision comes after the company's full review of the incident, PA - DW - 000097 which injured 16, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. The National Transportation Safety Board reviewed multiple videos along with a two-hour voice recording from the cockpit that captured the entire flight from Nashville to New York. The investigation revealed that the plane landed nose-gear first after the captain abruptly took control of the plane from the first officer, just 400 feet from the tarmac. Eleven people, including five crew members, were injured when the front landing gear buckled, sending the Boeing 737-700 skidding 2,175 across the runway and onto a patch of grass. The company has not identified the captain or the first officer, who will have to undergo additional training. Captain Of Plane In July LaGuardia Hard Landing Fired By Airline (Video) NYl - Full Text Southwest Airlines has fired the captain of the plane that landed hard at LaGuardia Airport in July, injuring a number of passengers. The airline said it made the decision after completing an internal investigation of the incident. During the flight, the National Transportation Safety Board said that the captain took control from the first officer just 400 feet from the ground. The plane landed nose-first, and the front landing gear collapsed. It was only the captain's second time landing at the airport, and his first time flying with the co-pilot. No mechanical problems were found with the plane. The aidine said that the first officer is also being required to undergo additional training. Southwest fires captain who landed plane on Its nose gear at LaGuardia, injuring 16 Associated Press Washington Post Southwest Airlines has fired the captain of a plane that landed so hard at New York's LaGuardia airport that its nose gear collapsed. Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger says the airline terminated the captain last week after the airline finished its review of the July incident, in which 16 people were hurt. She says additional training is required for the first officer. The National Transportation Board said the captain suddenly took over from the first officer 400 feet from the ground as the plane approached LaGuardia. The Boeing 737 landed on its nose gear, which collapsed. The plane then skidded to a stop in the grass near the runway. WTC Deadline arrives for 9/11 victim fund (Video) Cara Matthews, The (Westchester County, N.Y.) Journal News USA Today John Leonard, a former fire lieutenant at 60 Engine Company in the Bronx, considers himself lucky he doesn't suffer from cancer after working at the World Trade Center site on more than 50 occasions after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But the Nanuet, N.Y., resident hasn't escaped illness. He has chronic and acute bronchitis, reactive ainway dysfunction syndrome, small airway disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, rhinitis, sinusitis, severe nosebleeds and some hearing loss. Doctors wouldn't operate on the polyps in his sinuses because they feared the bleeding would get worse, the 56-year-old married father of three said. Victims of World Trade Center toxic dust face deadline for registering with $2.8 billion Victims Compensation Fund People with illnesses that are possibly linked to the toxic dust created when the World Trade Center collapsed have until Thursday to register for the fund. Everyone who may qualify— even those in doubt— is encouraged to join the more than 40,000 people who have already registered. PA - DW - 000098 Joseph Straw New York Daily News People who have illnesses that might be linked to the toxic dust created by the collapse of the World Trade Center have until Thursday to register for the $2.8 billion Victims Compensation Fund. The number of registrations has surged in the past several months as the deadline approached. Nearly 7,000 people have signed up in the last few days alone, pushing the total number of registrations to more than 40,000, said fund administrator Sheila Birnbaum. "The volume has been staggering," Birnbaum said. Injured by 9/11? Read this Thursday is the enrollment deadline for the federal compensation fund New York Daily News - Full Text If you were injured by the 9/11 attack or its aftermath or made sick by exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, the federal government has billions set aside to help. But time is running out. It took years of effort to create the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund — and now Thursday is the deadline to register. It is as simple as logging on to vcf.gov to start the process. (Unlike many other federal websites, you can do this despite the government shutdown.) Signing up is easy — and lets you retain the option to withdraw a claim at a later date. But if you miss today's cutoff, you're out of luck. Congress provided $2.8 billion for assistance. If you are among those in need of help, step fonward. Deadline For September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Is Thursday NYl Thursday is the deadline to register for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The VCF provides assistance to people who were injured or became ill as a result of the September 11th attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Most first responders and survivors are eligible, but you have to register first. Then, if you are deemed eligible, you can file a claim. For more information and to register, you can go online to vcf.gov or call the helpline at 855-885-1555. TV & RADIO CLIPS WCBS-NY (Radio) - Lane Closures at GWB News 12 - 9/11 Federal Compensation Deadline WPIX11 -9/11 Federal Compensation Deadline WPIX11 - Residential Building Aims to be Tallest Building in NYC PA - DW - 000099 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Thursday, October 03, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 10.3.13 AVIATION Unruly passenger escorted off NY bound plane By John Gregory ABC Local - Full Text An unruly passenger was escorted off a plane, after reportedly going on a tirade mid-air, during a flight from LAX to JFK Thursday. It appears the man unleashed a verbal onslaught after being told by a flight attendant that they did not accept cash. The incident occurred on a Virgin America flight. According to passengers, the man grabbed a bottle of wine from the flight attendant two hours into the flight. Witnesses say he became agitated when he was told he could not pay with cash. An off-duty California Highway Patrol officer happened to be on the plane and sat with the man until the plane landed safely at JFK. Passengers say the man admitted to being drunk and also told them he smoked marijuana before the flight. "Go buy me a bottle of Hennessey or something man, I need a drink", the man is heard saying in video footage. He never did get that bottle of Hennessey. Once the plane landed in New York, he was escorted off by authorities without incident. The man was interviewed by Port Authority police in New York and released without any charges being filed. Southwest Airlines fires the pilot captain who crashed at LaGuardia by landing jet nose first, injuring nine By Lizzie Edmonds The Daily Mail (UK) The captain of a jet that crash-landed nose first at New York's LaGuardia Airport in July this year has been fired, the airline has revealed. About 150 people were aboard the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 when the flight from Nashville, Tennessee, skidded off the runway and came to rest on its nose. Nine passengers suffered minor injuries. The airline said on Wednesday that the captain of the flight had been dismissed, with the first officer receiving additional training. Southwest Airlines fires captain for rough LaGuardia landing By Cheryl K. Chumley The Washington Times You're fired: That's what Southwest Airlines executives told a captain on Wednesday after finding him responsible for a hard-enough landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York that left several injured. A spokeswoman for the airline said the pilot had flown for the company for 13 years, The New York Post reported. But in July, he landed the Boeing 737-700 so roughly — nose wheels first — that nose gear collapsed and 10 passengers were injured. The airline determined the captain wrongfully took control of the craft from his co-pilot at a crucial time in flight — when the plane was flying below 400 feet. Pilot changes are rarely conducted at that level because of the risk of losing control. TB&T Hundreds of runners take part in last jog across Bayonne Bridge until 2015 By Brandon Gould The Jersey Journal - Full Text With the Bayonne Bridge construction set to begin next month, the BCB 4 Mile Bayonne Bridge Run & 2 Mile Walk on Sept. 29, allowed people to make the journey across the bridge on foot for the last time until 2015. The event raised funds for the Independence Fund as well as Hope for the Warriors - two organizations that raise money for wounded veterans and attracted hundreds of participants. The top three men's finishers were Jose Luis Davila (23:27.2), Dylan Caban (24:26.5) and Juan Baute (24:27). The top three women's finishers were: Leslie Cassano (26:44), Carolyn Rodgers (29:10.5) and Renee Condo (31:40.40). The bridge was officially closed to pedestrian traffic on Aug. 5, and will remained closed to walkers and joggers for the duration of the project to raise the span. The project is expected to be completed by the fall 2015. Port Authority Chief 'Appalled' By Decision To Close Down GWB Approach Lanes 1 PA - DW - 000100 Pat Foye Seeking Answers, Says He Was Unaware Of Lane Closure CBS New York The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking answers after lanes heading to the George Washington Bridge were closed last month. Two of the three lanes approaching the GWB tolls caused gridlock over four straight days beginning Sept 9, The lanes were reopened following rush hour on Sept. 13. Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye didn't even know about it until reporters starting asking questions, the Bergen Record reported. He went on to say closing the lanes was an abusive decision and failing to notify the public was hasty and ill-advised. Initially, a port authority statement claimed the lane closures were part of a traffic pattern study. PABT Spring Valley woman, 39, killed in N.J. church van crash was a 'leader' By Steve Lieberman The Journal News A Spring Valley woman killed Tuesday night when a van from her church collided with a bus was remembered as a leader in her church Wednesday. Velma Castro died at the scene after the van collided with an NJ Transit bus along the Exit 159 ramp of the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Adam Grossman said. Castro, the mother of four children who would have turned 40 this month, attended the Ministerio Bethel International Pentecostal Church branch in Spring Valley, said the Rev. David Castillo, pastor of the Newark church. ... The bus had completed its route and was not carrying any passengers, Grossman said. The vehicle was heading back to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The bus driver suffered neck and back injuries. PAPD Retired Port Authority police officer loses second suit against Englewood By Rebecca Baker The Record A retired Port Authority police officer who was sentenced to 10 days in jail for a traffic violation lost his second lawsuit against the city of Englewood over his conviction. Curt Kellinger of Saddle Brook sued the city, its police department and arresting officer Lynn Gladstone, accusing them of false arrest, malicious prosecution and cruel and unusual punishment. He also alleged the police department conducted arrests without probable cause and failed to train and supervise police officers. U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, in a written decision last month, said Kellinger had "come nowhere close" to proving that Englewood has a policy of cruel and unusual punishment or that Gladstone had personal involvement in his sentencing. PANYNJ Embattled DOE Loan Program Re-Starts Under New Management Peter Davidson, a former investment banker, takes the helm. "The truth is not at all what the popular perception is," he says. By Maria Gallucci InsideClimate News Peter Davidson walked nervously toward a U.S. Senate conference room in Washington, D.C. A lanky man with graying, wavy hair and thick-rimmed glasses, he was still studying the notes he had prepared when he stepped inside to face a dozen members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. ... Davidson left the private sector in 2009 and spent two years at New York's state economic development agency. He then joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as the senior advisor for energy and economic development That job sparked his passion for clean energy and led to his appointment at the Energy Department. WTC Victims of World Trade Center toxic dust face deadline for registering with $2.8 billion Victims Compensation Fund People with illnesses that are possibly linked to the toxic dust created when the World Trade Center collapsed have until Thursday to register for the fund. Everyone who may qualify — even those in doubt — is encouraged to join the more than 40,000 people who have already registered. By Joseph Straw PA - DW - 000101 New York Daily News People who have illnesses that might be linked to the toxic dust created by the collapse of the World Trade Center have until Thursday to register for the $2.8 billion Victims Compensation Fund. The number of registrations has surged in the past several months as the deadline approached. Nearly 7,000 people have signed up In the last few days alone, pushing the total number of registrations to more than 40,000, said fund administrator Sheila Birnbaum "The volume has been staggering," Birnbaum said. TV CLIPS ABC Local fLos Anqeles)/unrulv passenger escorted off flight PA - DW - 000102 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Thursday, October 03, 2013 6:18 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; *Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/3/13 Media Relations issued a traffic advisory to alert the public that the George Washington Bridge's lower level will be closed during the overnight hours Saturday into Sunday this weekend to accommodate an emergency response drill. Sean Adams of WCBS 880 Radio is following Wednesday's Wall Street Journal story on issues surrounding the closing of GWB toll booths used by Fort Lee residents two weeks ago. We did not respond. We provided Staten Island Advance reporter Ken Paulsen with policy changes to PA bylaws with respect to hearings on toll increases and confirmed details about the upcoming toll hike scheduled to take effect on December 1. Richard Cowan of the Bergen Record is working on a story on tonight's vote by the City Council in Pritchard, Alabama, on the appointment of Jerry Speziale as the new police chief. The reporter asked for Mr. Speziale's PA title and salary. Referred the reporter to the PA website, which lists the salaries and titles of all PA employees. Media Relations proactively let Tom Tracy of The NY Daily News, Larry Celona of the NY Post, the Washington Post, DNA Info and NY 1 News know of a PAPD arrest in Staten Island at last night at about midnight. We let reporters know three individuals were arrested after it was determined the vehicle was stolen and a weapon was recovered. There were no injuries. Wanda Prizinsano of WCBS-TV called about a motor vehicle accident on the GWB approach. We provided basic details. Jerry Demarco of the Cliffview Pilot asked about a possible jumper on the GWB. We let the reporter know there was no report of any attempted jump or body found. Clodagh McGowan of NYl called about a possible fire involving a plane at JFK Airport yesterday. We told the reporter we had no reports of such an incident yesterday. Cat Sandoval of Ebru News requested an interview with a Port Authority official regarding the government shutdown's impact on the region's airport and access to LaGuardia's CTB to report on the situation. We declined the request for an interview, but allowed the reporter clearance at the CTB for tomorrow. WABC-TV inquired early this morning about a disturbance on a Virgin America plane between LAX and JFK airports. We let the station know the matter was resolved without an arrest. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico(5>panvni.gov PA - DW - 000103 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Thursday, October 03, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 10.03.13 AVIATION Airport Food And Beverage Awards Highlight Best Of Airport Dining Huffinqton Post Airport food ain't what it used to be. Back in the day, grabbing a pre~flight meal meant mediocre fast food that would leave you feeling greasy and bloated for the duration of your flight Nowadays, healthy snacks can be found sitting alongside chips, salads are listed next to cheeseburgers and trendy cafes accompany corporate coffee giants. The Moodie Report's third annual Airport Food & Beverage Awards Wednesday highlighted some of the best in pre-flight dining. PAPD 3 armed men in stolen rental car arrested on Goethals Bridge: cops The men were arrested for speeding near the Staten Island toll plaza after following a marked Port Authority police cruiser too closely, authorities said. By Thomas Tracy New York Daily News These guys apparently don't know how to keep a low profile. Three armed men in a stolen rental car were arrested on the Goethals Bridge on Wednesday after they started following a marked Port Authority police cruiser too closely, authorities said. Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said Ryan Kingston, 25, of Brooklyn and two unidentified companions sped off across the span between New Jersey and Staten Island at 11:45 p.m. once the police cruiser veered into another lane. They were pulled over near the Staten Island toll plaza for speeding. TBT GWB lower level to close overnight Saturday for emergency response drill By Steve Strunsky Star-Ledger The lower level of the George Washington Bridge will be closed in both directions Saturday from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Sunday for a drill, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said this morning. All traffic in either direction will have to use the upper level, the Port Authority said. The agency said it will conduct a full-scale emergency response drill, allowing Port Authority Police and staffers, plus emergency responders from other agencies, "to test and enhance response procedures." Emergency Drill to Close GWB Lower Level Public might see smoke, emergency responders during the planned exercise By Noah Cohen Fort Lee Patch Officials will close the lower level of the George Washington Bridge overnight this weekend while they hold an emergency drill involving local, state and federal law enforcement, the Port Authority said Thursday. Commuters might notice smoke and emergency vehicles during the exercise, scheduled to run from 9 p,m, Saturday to 8 a,m. Sunday. All traffic will be detoured onto the GWB's upper level throughout the drill. "The exercise is part of the agency's ongoing drills, which enable the Port Authority Police Department, agency personnel and other emergency responders to test and enhance response procedures," the agency said. SEN. WEINBERG: "JUST RELEASE THE STUDY ALREADY" Unusual Silence of Christie Administration Raises Concerns By Mattnjdem Politicker NJ PA - DW - 000104 Reports in the Wall Street Journal, Bergen County Record and Star-Ledger have raised serious concerns that last month's closing of George Washington Bridge access lanes in Fort Lee were politically-motivated retribution by Christie administration officials, causing New Jersey Democrats to ask why the governor's robust media operation is so uncharacteristically non-responsive. Port Authority (PA) Executive Director Patrick Foye, who finally lifted the closures, is an appointee of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and reportedly believes that the "PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged." He condemns the closures as "abusive," a threat to public safety, and possibly illegal, after they were done without the involvement of the PA police or its engineering department, reports say. No one has yet provided details of the "study of traffic safety patterns" that an earlier statement from the agency alleged was the actual cause, although "local public officials dismissed that explanation, saying they would have been notified of such a study." Meanwhile, the numerous "no comments" coming from the administration are, at best, unusual. WTC Citigroup zeroeing in on new HQ site The global bank is choosing new digs, with downtown at the World Trade Center or existing Greenwich Street spot likely favorites. Also in the running: Hudson Yards. By Daniel Geiger Grain's NY Facing an upcoming lease expiration at its Park Avenue global headquarters, Citigroup Inc. is close to making a major decision on what it will do with the millions of square feet of office space it occupies across the metropolitan region and where it will locate the seat of its global banking operations. The bank, which employs around 22,000 people in the city, has contemplated what strategy it should pursue for its labyrinthine real estate portfolio for several years. But several sources with direct knowledge of the bank's decision-making said it has boiled down its choices to three locations, and that the bank would make a final decision in the coming months. Citi, like many large financial institutions, no longer needs the square footage it once did. According ioCrain's research, the bank has shed 5,000 employees, almost 20% of its local workforce, since 2005. Many of its jobs have been exported to lower-cost Long Island City, Queens, where Citi owns one building and leases another. Though the timing for a deal is still not yet set, several sources said the bank's search has now transitioned from an openended exploration of the market to negotiations with three landlords. PA - DW - 000105 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Friday, October 04, 2013 7:44 AM Morning Clips PAPD Speeding past cop on a Staten Island bridge leads to Brooklyn felon's arrest on gun and cartheft charges Frank Donnelly Staten Island Advance - Full Text A Brooklyn felon's heavy foot wound up getting him busted on gun and car-theft charges, said authorities. Ryan Kingston, 25, of Flatlands Avenue, was arrested Wednesday about 11:45 p.nn. at the Goethals Bridge toil plaza, said Joe Pentangelo, a Port Authority spokesman. Pentangelo said Port Authority Police Officer Rudy Fernandez saw a 2013 Dodge Charger following his marked patrol vehicle too closely as they traversed the bridge from New Jersey onto Staten Island. The officer switched lanes and the Charger sped past, leading Fernandez to pull it over, said Pentangelo. A check revealed the auto, registered to Budget car rental at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, had been reported stolen on Sept. 26, said the spokesman. Officers found a .45-caliber handgun beneath the driver's seat, Pentangelo said. Kingston had a .45-caliber magazine with six live rounds in his pants pocket, along with a loose bullet, the spokesman said. Kingston was charged with felony counts of criminal weapon possession and grand larceny, said Pentangelo. Two other occupants in the vehicle, Winston Kaye, 23, and Gary Sundar, 25, both of East 99th Street, Brooklyn, were charged with felony grand larceny, said a law enforcement source. They are also accused of misdemeanor weapon possession. Online state court records show Kingston pleaded guilty in Suffolk County in June 2011 to a felony count of attempted criminal weapon possession. He was later sentenced to a year in jail. Those records also reveal Kingston has a petit-larceny charge pending in Nassau County stemming from a March 28 arrest. Prichard Names Jerry Speziale as the New Police Chief WPMl The City of Prichard has named Jerry Speziale the new police chief. The announcement was made after a 4-1 vote at the city council meeting Thursday night. Ossia Edwards was the dissenting vote. Officials named Speziale as a candidate earlier this week. He is currently working as Deputy Superintendent of the Port Authority of New York, New Jersey. TB&T The Record: Answers from the Port The Record Among the scandals plaguing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, traffic patterns in Fort Lee would seem to rank pretty low. After all, there's the revelation of the $10 sale of the World Trade PA - DW - 000106 Center name and a federal government report that found the agency shoved through a series of toll hikes without giving the public proper notice. But fooling around with lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge is actually quite serious. The point was driven home by the bi-state agency's own executive director, Patrick Foye, in a blistering email he is reported to have sent to agency staff. Foye said whittling down the approach to the bridge from three lanes to one, which the authority did for four harrowing days last month, could have caused ambulances to be stuck in the intense traffic jams. That would have endangered lives. It also undoubtedly had "an adverse affect on economic activity" in both states and was "an abusive decision, which violates everything this agency stands for." It may have violated federal laws. These are harsh words, and extremely appropriate. Nearly three weeks after the fiasco that caused extensive delays and snarled Fort Lee streets for hours, the Port Authority has not come clean about why it decided to noodle around with traffic patterns and not warn local officials beforehand. Foye sent his stern message on Sept. 13, the fifth day of the purported traffic study, after learning about the closures from media inquiries. The lanes were reopened just hours later. We find the entire episode baffling. Why create a major disruption for thousands of people without first alerting local police and government officials? Why refuse to provide any subsequent details about a traffic study no one saw the need for in the first place? Why, after the public anger, the local confusion and the revelation of Foye's angry email, would the agency decline to comment this week on the email? "Transparency" has become the buzzword du jour in government circles, and well it should. Departments and commissions funded by taxpayers should operate openly, with an eye toward public scrutiny. So, too, should an agency paid for In large part by motorists, who fork over an increasingly hefty sum to cross the river. But the Port Authority has a history of behaving as if it were beholden to no one, and even while those at the very top appear to want to change the culture of silence, those lower down don't seem to feel the same need. The George Washington Bridge fiasco affected not just commuters, but residents for miles around. It was a dangerous, secretive undertaking that won't go away just because the Port Authority doesn't want to talk about it. If the lane and toll closures were a mistake, admit it. If they were done for another reason, explain it. Lower level of GWB to close for drill Associated Press Seattle Post Intelligencer - Full Text The lower level of the George Washington Bridge will be closed because police will be conducting a full-scale emergency drill over the weekend. Motorists must use the upper level between 9 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says people may notice smoke and see emergency vehicles during the drill. AVIATION Building waiver to allow growth of Tucson aircraft-repair firm David Wichner Arizona Daily Star An aircraft maintenance operation at Tucson International Airport will be able to expand with a new fabric-roofed hangar under a deal approved by the airport's Board of Directors. During a special meeting on Thursday, the Tucson Airport Authority board unanimously approved a partial waiver to tenant building standards that will allow Ascent Aviation Services Corp. to build the fabric-topped hangar as part of a long-term lease that will allow the commercial aircraft repair station to expand at TIA. Ascent has said it plans to hire 130 or more workers as part of an expansion of its narrow-bodyjet maintenance operations, which now employ about 150 people. In August, the TAA board authorized its management staff to finalize a 12-year lease extension with three five-year options for PA - DW - 000107 Ascent's site at 6901 S. Park Ave. Two weeks ago, the board approved a resolution proposing a waiver to the airport's tenant-improvement standards to allow for construction of what would be the first fabric-topped hangar at TIA. The partial waiver the board approved Thursday is contingent on Ascent paying into a special reserve fund to pay for future replacement of the fabric roof.TAA board Chairman Lisa Israel said the authority wants to finalize the lease as soon as possible but needs to protect the airport from future costs. The board authorized staff to negotiate the total amount and incremental funding of the replacement reserve fund, based on further data from the manufacturer and any possible warranty recoveries. According to airport officials, replacement of the roof could cost upward of $300,000 to $400,000, based on initial estimates from the builder and inflation. The company that would build the proposed $3 million, 45,000-square-foot hangar, Maine-based Rubb Inc., says it has installed similar part-fabric structures without durability issues at a number of airports. Those include Boston's Logan International Airport; New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport; and airports in Newark, N.J., Orlando, Fla., and Honolulu. EXCLUSIVE: JetBlue CEO Barger Sees More Airlines Headed Worcester's Way Steven Jones-D'Agostino GoLocaiWorcester Dave Barger knows well that Worcester has seen several passenger airlines come and go since the 1980s. The reasons for the failed market attempts are many and varied, ranging from airline deregulation to lack of a Mass. Pike access road to poor marketing and business operations. But for Barger, a 20-year veteran of the airline industry and CEO of JetBlue Airways, Worcester is anything but an aviation albatross. Last April, JetBlue Airways announced the newest addition to its growing network: Worcester. Service to the airline's 80th city will take flight on November 7, with dally service to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida. As a leading air-passenger service, with hubs in Boston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Orlando, Los Angeles, New York City and San Juan, JetBlue carries 29 million customers a year to 79 cities in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. In addition to Worcester, upcoming destinations include Savannah, Georgia; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; and Lima, Peru, subject to receipt of government approval. WTC 9/11 victim fund applications mount as deadline looms Ellyn Marks WPIX11 The claims process for the 9/11 Victim Fund will move even more slowly than it has, as a result of the surge in people registering to meet Thursday's midnight deadline. Those eligible for the federal fund include recovery workers and residents exposed to, and many who have gotten sick from, the toxic dust from the collapse of the twin towers after the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. "The system, while slow and grueling, was working, but now with all of these people registering, those awaiting awards, and have claims in for months, if not a year, they're going to have to wait longer, while they sift through all the registrations," said John Feal, president and founder of the FealGood Foundation, which advocates for sick and dying first responders. Feal estimates that between 15,000and 20,000 of the more than 40,000 people who have registered so far, have no health problems. TV CLIPS NEWS12NJ - GWB Emergency Response Drill PA - DW - 000108 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Friday, October 04, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 10.4.13 TB&T Freeholder candidates seek investigation into 'traffic Armageddon' By Svetlana Shkolnikova Fort Lee Suburbanite A "traffic Armageddon" that locked the borough in morning gridlock for a week last month could be the subject of a state investigation - that is, if three candidates for the Bergen County Board of Freeholders have their way. Democrats Jim Tedesco, Chris Tully and Lorraine Waldes are urging state representatives to bring Port Authority officials before a committee and question them, under oath, about the circumstances surrounding the closure of two of three toll booths at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge Sept. 9 to 13. The unannounced changes left commuters stuck in hourslong delays and borough officials scrambling for answers for almost a full week before Port Authority issued a short statement saying it was conducting a "study of traffic patterns" on the world's busiest bridge. Calls to the bi-state agency by the police department, mayor and other borough personnel went unanswered during this time. Punitive lane closures? Not such a crazy thought Daily Record (editorial) Some critics of Gov. Christie are complaining that the governor recently orchestrated lane closures approaching the George Washington Bridge to punish Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich — a Democrat — for a lack of support, according to a Wall street Journal report. Those lane closures, which lasted four days, caused massive traffic tieups in Fort Lee, until the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — who had not approved the plan - complained in an e-mail to top agency officials that the closures were unnecessary and jeopardizing public safety. The lanes were reportedly re-opened within minutes of that e-mail. PAPD Former Passaic sheriff Speziale takes job in bankrupt Southern town By Richard Cowen The Record Former Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale is leaving his Port Authority police job. Speziale, the charismatic cop, author and occasional movie actor who abruptly resigned as sheriff in 2010 to become the No. 2 man at the Port Authority police, is walking away from his $198,510 salary to become chief in Prichard, a depressed, crime-ridden city north of Mobile that twice has filed for bankruptcy since 1999. Prichard plans to pay Speziale about $65,000 a year, according to published reports. Prichard's mayor, Troy Ethram, introduced Speziale to the local media on Wednesday. Last night, the Prichard City Council voted 4-1 to officially name Speziale as their new police chief. Prichard City Council approves Jerry Speziale as the city's new police chief By John Sharp AL.com Cheers erupted Thursday after the Prichard City Council voted to approve a contract with a high-ranking New York/New Jersey Port Authority police official as the police chief, giving the crime-ridden community its first permanent top law enforcement officer in more than nine months. Speziale, 53, went right to work. Moments after the council's vote, a vocal resident - restrained by security guards at the meeting - attempted to speak out in the middle of the council meeting. Speziale calmly walked to him, assured security officers everything was OK, and gave the man a huge. AVIATION Port Authority aviation leadership still interim By Judy Rife PA - DW - 000109 Times Herald-Record The Port Authority's largest revenue-generating division is still without permanent leadership five months after Susan Baer's departure as aviation director. The aviation division, which will generate more than half of the bi-state agency's $4.2 billion in operating revenue this year, continues to have an acting director in Thomas Bosco and an acting deputy director in Huntley Lawrence. In fact, Lawrence is filling a position that has been vacant for more than a year, since the Port Authority moved Jeffrey Pearse to JFK as deputy general manager, Pearse came to the agency from the Atlanta airport in 2010. Bosco, the general manager of LaGuardia, and Lawrence, the general manager of Newark, remain charged with daily oversight of those airports as well. Both men have been at the Port Authority for 27 years and have long resumes in aviation. WTC One World Trade Center awaits FCC's repacking decisions for new broadcast tenants As work is being completed on the top of the new One World Trade Center, broadcasters are faced with the decision of whether or not to return to their previous transmitter location. By Michael Grotticelli Broadcast Engineering Twelve years after the destruction of the World Trade Center—home to many broadcast antennas for New York City television and radio stations—much has changed. Most transmitters and antennas eventually relocated to the Empire State Building (where CBS was previously located) and 4 Times Square. Now, as work is being completed on the top of the new One World Trade Center, broadcasters are faced with the decision of whether or not to return to the location. Antennas can go up to a height of 1,700 feet on the new building and the facility will be ready for broadcasters who want to move there in 2015. TV CLIPS Good Dav New York/PA electrician talks pink lights on GWB PA - DW - 000110 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Friday, October 04, 2013 2:31 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ GWB Ted Mann is seeking a copy of a letter that was supposedly sent to us by Congressman Pascreil about the GWB toll booth shutdown issue. Ted is asking for a copy of the letter and our response. We will do nothing unless instructed otherwise. From: Mann, Ted [mailto:Ted.Mann@wsi.com] Sent: Friday, October 04, 2013 2:11 PM To: Coleman, Steve Subject: GWB Hi Steve, I've heard that Rep. Pascreil wrote to the Port Authority seeking an explanation about the traffic that resulted from the local access lane changes the week of Sept. 9. Are you aware of his letter, could you provide a copy, and could you please forward a copy of any response sent by the authority to the congressman or his staff? Thanks, Ted Ted Mann Reporter The Wall Street Journal. 1211 Sixth Ave. New York NY 10036 212-416-2660(0) 646-535-6072 (c) ted.mann@wsi.com PA - DW - 000111 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Foye, Patrick Friday, October 04, 2013 2:35 PM Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ GWB havent seen the letter and would like to see letter and response, if any. From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Friday, October 04, 2013 02:30 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry - GWB Ted Mann Is seeking a copy of a letter that was supposedly sent to us by Congressman Pascreil about the GWB toll booth shutdown issue. Ted is asking for a copy of the letter and our response. We will do nothing unless instructed otherwise. From: Mann, Ted [mailto:Ted.Mann@wsj.com] Sent: Friday, October 04, 2013 2:11 PM To: Coleman, Steve Subject: GWB Hi Steve, I've heard that Rep. Pascreil wrote to the Port Authority seeking an explanation about the traffic that resulted from the local access lane changes the week of Sept. 9. Are you aware of his letter, could you provide a copy, and could you please forward a copy of any response sent by the authority to the congressman or his staff? Thanks, Ted Ted Mann Reporter The Wall Street Journal. 1211 Sixth Ave. New York NY 10036 212-416-2660 (o) 646-535-6072 (c) ted.mann@wsi.com PA - DW - 000112 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Friday, October 04, 2013 6:05 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/4/13 Media Relations staffed the appearance of GWB electrician Chris Bonanno on F0X5-TV's Good Day New York this morning, where he explained his job changing lights atop the bridge and efforts to bathe the lights in pink hues to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness month. Media Relations issued a traffic advisory to alert travelers that the overnight lane closings at the George Washington Bridge will be suspended for the week of October 7 while construction crews undertake work on the project during daytime hours. Natasha Velez NY Post called about a body recovered near the NY Tower of the GWB on the land surrounding the Little Red Lighthouse. We let her know the suicide victim was a male in his 30s. Kevin Corey of News 12 NJ, Wanda Prisinzano of WCBS-TV and Phil Pilato of 1010-WINS Radio inquired about a motor vehicle accident on the Outerbridge Crossing this morning. We let the reporter know a car apparently was struck by roadway debris and the driver refused medical attention. Bill Armbruster of Datamyne (port trade publication) called for basic information on the Port Authority's Foreign Trade Zone 49. We provided the reporter with basic information. Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal is seeking a copy of a letter that was sent to the Port Authority by NJ Congressman Bill Pascreil inquiring about the recent shutdown of several GWB toll booths used by Fort Lee residents. We did not respond. Ann Kohut of Airport Noise Report asked how many noise monitors the Port Authority has at/near JFK and LaGuardia airports. We provided her the same information we provided the NY Times this summer. There are currently four at LGA and 11 at JFK that we are replacing with new monitors and we are considering adding more. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico@panvni.gov PA - DW - 000113 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Friday, October 04, 2013 6:31 PM Evening Clip 10.04.13 TBT Politicians Ask for Probe of George Washington Bridge Jam By Ted Mann and Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal The list of New Jersey officials who want more information about what's been going on at the George Washington Bridge is growing. New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg emailed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Friday, asking to speak at a meeting of the authority's Governance & Ethics and Security Committees on Monday. Specifically, Ms. Weinberg said she wants to know why the Port Authority shut all but one local access lane onto the bridge for four straight days last month with no warning to locals ~ or high-ranking officials of the authority itself - or any detailed explanation to the public. Ms. Weinberg also wrote to the authority demanding answers after The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the authority's executive director hadn't known about the planned lane closures before they occurred. The closures triggered large traffic jams in Fort Lee, N.J. Warning to motorists planning to take the GWB this weekend By the Associated Press Record Online - (Full Text) The lower level of the George Washington Bridge will be closed because police will be conducting a full-scale emergency drill over the weekend. Motorists must use the upper level between 9 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says people may notice smoke and see emergency vehicles during the drill. Truck Part Strikes Windshield Of Car On Outerbridge Crossing Accident Shuts Down Roadway For About 30 Minutes CBS Local NY - (Full Text) A female driver narrowly escaped serious injury on the Jersey-bound Outerbridge Crossing during Friday's morning rush hour. Part of a passing truck's suspension, called a leaf spring, flew up and struck the windshield of her car just after 7 a.m., 1010 WINS reported. The woman behind the wheel was injured by the shattered glass, but refused medical attention at the scene, 1010 WINS reported. The incident backed up traffic on the bridge for about 30 minutes to allow crews to clear the road of debris. AVIATION The best in airport food and drink By Katia Hetter CNN These aren't your stereotypical greasy airport burger and fries. Airports from the United States, England and Denmark dominated the Moodie Report's third annual Airport Food & Beverage Awards, which were announced Wednesday evening in Dubai. "We have been deeply impressed by the volume and, more importantly, quality of nominations this year," said Martin Moodie, Moodie Report founder and chairman, in a statement prior to the awards announcement The Moodie Report owns and produces the conference and the awards. "There's plenty of innovation and an intriguing reflection of a number of the sector's most notable trends," Moodie said. JetBlue to Offer New Nonstop Service to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Newswire JetBlue, New York's hometown airline and low-cost carrier, will start offering daily nonstop service from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Piarco International Airport (POS) in Port of Spain on Feb. 24, 2014 and from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) to Port of Spain on May 1,2014. JetBlue's flights from New York and Fort Lauderdale to Port of Spain will be PA - DW - 000114 operated by its Airbus A320 fleet with seating for 150 passengers. Flights include complimentary inflight entertainment and brand-name snacks and drinks, leather seating, more legroom in coach and award-winning service. TV Clips News 12 NJ - George Washington Bridge disaster drill. News 12 NJ - Accident on the Outerbridge Crossing PA - DW - 000115 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Monday, October 07, 2013 7:54 AM Morning Clips -10.7.13 TB&T Law/maker to Seek Answers on GWB Closures at Port Authority Meeting Today Steve Strunsky Star-Ledger A state senator angered over the abrupt closure of local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge last month plans to appear at a Monday morning meeting of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Ethics and Governance Committee, seeking to find out who authorized the closings and why normal notifications did not go out. It Never Ends: 3''' Straight Annual Toll Hike At Port Authority Crossings Is On The Way Ken Paulsen Staten Is. Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Are you ready for another toll hike, Staten Island? Of course, that's a silly question: It's coming whether we're ready or not. In less than two months, tolls on all Port Authority crossings will jump for the third straight year. E-ZPass rates will jump 75 cents during peak hours ($11 toll) and off-peak hours ($9 toll) on Dec. 1. Motorists paying cash will not see a hike from the current $13 rate. Port Authority Stages Disaster Response Drill on GWB Richard Cowen Record What looked like a catastrophe on the George Washington Bridge Sunday morning, involving a tractor trailer, a tanker truck and several overturned vehicles, was only a drill being staged by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. There was lots of smoke, sirens and broken glass, but no real calamity as dozens of rescue workers from various state, local, and federal agencies rushed onto the lower level of the bridge around 3 a.m. The lower level of the bridge was closed for about four hours during the drill, but the upper level remained open to traffic, the Port Authority said. Shade Trees are Sacrificed for Bayonne Bridge Work Virginia N. Sherry Staten Is. Advance ELM PARK - "Why was it necessary to cut down the old trees?" asked a 50-year-long resident of Tranter Place. He was standing outside his home on Sept. 18, watching the heavy equipment at work on the Port Authority property directly across the street, preliminary activity for the $1.29 billion raising of the roadway of the historic steel-arch Bayonne Bridge, "I don't know what they're doing," he said, declining to give his name. "My question is this: Are they going to put the trees back?" he asked, noting that trees were also removed from the section of the property across the street from Lacey's Bridge Tavern and near the American Legion's Cichon Post, at the corner of John and Innis streets. WTC NY Probes Rights Sold to 'World Trade Center' David Porter / Michele Gormley ABC News / AP Alaska to Florida. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the probe.New York is expanding its probe nationwide into the 1980s sale of the rights to the name "World Trade Center" to a nonprofit for $10, resulting in millions of dollars in fees for use of the name in 28 states, according to an official familiar with the investigation. PA - DW - 000116 Aviation Baby Sprayed with Fire Suppression Chemicals at JFK Car Facility Sarah Matheson Epoch Times - Full Text 9-month-old baby boy was taken to hospital just before noon on Oct. 6 after inhaling some chemicals from a fire suppression system. A staff member at Enterprise Rent-A-Car—housed in building 69, Federal Circle at JFK Airport—accidentally set off the system, injuring three adults, and the baby boy, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said. The spokesman said, there was never a fire condition. FDNY Emergency Medical Services responded to the call at 11:43 a.m. "for unwarranted activation of the fire suppression system." Only the infant was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to receive treatment for inhalation of the chemical, the FDNY spokesman said. He did not know what chemical the baby had inhaled. Video Links Fox 5 - JFK Building #69 / Enterprise Car Rental WOR-Radio 7 1 0 - W T C Naming Rights PA - DW - 000117 FromSent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Monday, October 07, 2013 12:31 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 10.7.13 TB&T Lawmaker demands answers to GWB closure mystery at Port Authority meeting By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger State Sen Loretta Weinberg appeared at a committee meeting of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey this morning demanding to know why local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were abruptly closed last month without warning to local officials. The move clogged streets in Fort Lee for several days. "I am here to express my frustration and the frustration of the residents of Bergen County who are looking for answers to unilateral actions taken to reduce access to the George Washington Bridge," Weinberg told members of the agency's Ethics and Governance Committee at a field hearing inside the Port Authority Technical Center near the Holland Tunnel in Jersey City. WTC New York expands probe of $10 rights sale of World Trade Center name (UPDATED) Associated Press New York is expanding its probe nationwide into the 1980s sale of the rights to the World Trade Center name to a nonprofit for $10, resulting in millions of dollars in fees for use of the name in 28 states, according to an official familiar with the investigation. The official told The Associated Press that letters seeking information on the deals should arrive Monday at 45 World Trade Center complexes, from Alaska to Florida. The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the probe and talked on the condition of anonymity. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is investigating a 1986 deal in which the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey sold the naming rights to one of its outgoing executives for use by a nonprofit organization called The World Trade Centers Association. The Port Authority owns the World Trade Center site but is among hundreds of entities worldwide that pay to use the World Trade Center name. New York launches probe into 'sweetheart' WTC deal By Cheryl K. Chumley The Washington Times States have paid millions of dollars to a nonprofit that supposedly holds the rights to the name "World Trade Center," and now New York's leading prosecutor wants to know why. An official with the New York Attorney General's office has sent out letters to 28 states that have paid the nonprofit $10 per use of the name, seeking further information. The Associated Press reported The name was sold in 1986, in a deal involving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with a group called The World Trade Centers Association. One result of the deal: The Port Authority actually owns the World Trade Center property, but must pay $10, too, in order to use the "World Trade Center" name, AP reported. AVIATION JFK gets automated passport system to reduce delays By Harriet Baskas CNBC JFK International is getting automated passport machines Monday to speed up the arrival of U.S. passengers from international flights. It's the latest airport—and one of the largest—to get the system. Similar self-service machines already in use at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport Terminal 5, and at two airports in Canada (Vancouver and Montreal) are already helping to significantly cut down wait times at customs that, at times, have forced arriving international passengers to stand in line for up to five hours or to be held back on a plane. JFK is the busiest U.S. entry point for international travelers, and 40 automated passport kiosks have been purchased by Delta for use in Terminal 4, where it is the largest tenant among more than 30 airlines. At JFK, only U.S. citizens will initially be able to use the machines, but soon Canadian citizens should be able to use the machines as well. PA - DW - 000118 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, October 07, 2013 2:17 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Media calls on GWB toll lane issue I have received calls this afternoon from NYl, WCBS Radio and the Bergen Record seeking PA comment on Senator Weinberg's remarks and the GWB toll lane issue. I am not responding to any of the inquiries unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000119 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Monday, October 07, 2013 2:27 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Media calls on GWB toll lane issue Agree. No response. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 7, 2013, at 2:17 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: I have received calls this afternoon from NYl, WCBS Radio and the Bergen Record seeking PA comment on Senator Weinberg's remarks and the GWB toll lane issue. I am not responding to any of the inquiries unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000120 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, October 07, 2013 3:21 PM Coleman, Steve; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Media calls on GWB toll lane issue Additional calls from the Star Ledger and Associated Press. I will not respond to either cal From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 2:17 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Media calls on GWB toll lane issue I have received calls this afternoon from NYl, WCBS Radio and the Bergen Record seeking PA comment on Senator Weinberg's remarks and the GWB toll lane issue. I am not responding to any of the inquiries unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000121 From: Sent: To: Subject: Marsico, Ron Monday, October 07, 2013 6:02 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/7/13 • Shawn Boburg of the Bergen Record, Dave Porter of the Associated Press and Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger are working on stories based on today's Board committee meeting at which NJ State Senator Loretta Weinberg ' spoke about last month's toll lane closings at the GWB. Additional calls on this issue were received from WCBS Radio, 1010 WINS radio and NYl. We did not respond to those calls. • Media Relations issued an advisory to alert media about tomorrow's PAPD event at which a new command structure will be announced, including the promotion and hiring of 64 officers to high-ranking positions in the department. • New Jersey Business Magazine called to request an interview for a story they are doing on international trade through the Port of New York and New Jersey. We are working to set up an interview for the reporter. • Felix Alarcon of the Jersey Journal called for information about a cruise ship that docked at the Bayonne Cruise Terminal on Saturday with sick passengers on board. We referred the reporter to the Center for Disease Control and the cruise line, which handled the incident. • Max Jaeger of the Ridgewood Times weekly newspaper in Queens inquired about aircraft noise at JFK and LaGuardia airports and asked a series of questions. We let the reporter know about our noise monitors and efforts to share the info with the FAA, providing similar information to that we provided the New York Times and Newsday in recent weeks. • loannna Dafermou of the Weather Channel called about today's weather impacts at JFK, LGA and Newark Liberty airports. We let the reporter know that all three airports have ground stops on inbound flights, leading to delays of under an hour at JFK and Newark Liberty and up to 90 minutes at LGA. • Media Relations proactively contacted Gerald DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot, Anthony Machinski of the Jersey Journal and Kristan Conely at the NY Post regarding yesterday's PAPD arrest of a man for assault and hindering an investigation after the individual struck a person at a PATH station in New Jersey. • Over the weekend early Sunday morning, the Bergen Record and the NY Daily News covered the Port Authority's emergency operations dnll at the GWB under the supervision of media relations staff. • Over the weekend, various outlets called about the accidental discharge of a fire suppression system at JFK Airport that led to a young child being taken to the hospital. We provided basic details. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsicot5)panvni.EOv PA - DW - 000122 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, October 07, 2013 6:31 PM Evening Clips 10.07.13 PAPD Man charged with punching woman in Jersey City PATH station, claims he's actor Denzel Washington By Anthony J. Machcinski Jersey Journal A Jersey City man who authorities say punched a woman at the Journal Square PATH Station yesterday morning was arrested later in the day, telling police that he is movie star Denzel Washington, police said. Police are crediting an eyewitness and a quick-thinking shutterbug in the arrest of Jimmy Phillips, 46, who is charged with simple assault and hindering apprehension. At 8:20 a.m., police spoke with a woman who said that she was punched in the head while at the Journal Square PATH Station yesterday, police said. The assailant fled on foot following the incident, but a witness snapped a photo of the man before he fled, police said. At 5:30 p.m. last night at the Hoboken PATH station, a witness to the earlier incident told police she saw the attacker inside the station, police said. Port Authority Police approached the man, who told police his name is Denzel Washington, police said. TBT NJ pol presses Port Authority on GWB lane closures By the Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is under fire for unannounced lane closures on the George Washington Bridge last month that created massive traffic backups. Published reports described the closures as part of a traffic study that lasted four days beginning Sept 9. Nearby Fort Lee experienced significant gridlock. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye sent a scathing letter to top executives about the closures. On Monday, New Jersey state Sen. Loretta Weinberg demanded answers from members of a Port Authority committee meeting in Jersey City. Foye didn't discuss the lane closures during the public portion of the committee meeting. Weinberg says the Senate or Assembly might use its subpoena power to probe the closures if answers aren't forthcoming. State Sen. Weinberg presses Port Authority on GWB lane closures By Shawn Boburg The Record A high-ranking state lawmaker angered by unexplained lane closures at the George Washington Bridge demanded answers on Monday, as speculation continued to swirl about the true reason for the unannounced traffic shift that led to long backups in Fort Lee last month. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat from Teaneck, said if the Port Authority continues its silence about the reasons for a supposed traffic study, she may seek subpoena power for a legislative panel. She spoke at a meeting of Port Authority commissioners on Monday morning, a week after reports that the Port Authority's top executive, Pat Foye, had not authorized the lane closures and said they were likely illegal. Neither Foye nor anyone at the Port Authority has said who authorized the closures, which also came as a surprise to local and Port Authority police and Fort Lee officials. NJ Politlcans Press Port Authority on GWB Lane Closures By Townsquare News Network NJ 101.5 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey came under fire Monday for unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bridge last month that created massive traffic backups. After state Sen. Loretta Weinberg spent about five minutes asking members of the authority's committee on governance and ethics for answers as to why there apparently wasn't any notification to local officials, the committee took up its scheduled business: An overview of corporate governance and ethics trends and how they might apply to the Port Authority. Weinberg found irony in the juxtaposition. PA - DW - 000123 WTC The $10 deal that cost NY millions By Beth DeFaIco and Leonard Greene New York Post State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is probing the most towering sweetheart deal of all time. Schneiderman has sent a letter demanding to see the records behind the agreement for the World Trade Center's naming rights, which were sold to a former Port Authority executive in 1986 for just $10. Late PA honcho Guy Tozzoli and his group. The World Trade Centers Association, have made tens of millions of dollars off of the landmark's name. The PA and the public, meanwhile, haven't gotten a dime. Sweetheart WTC naming deal scrutinized by AG's office The Real Deal (Blog) A 1986 deal in which late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Guy Tozzoli and his group, the World Trade Center Association, purchased the World Trade Center's naming rights for just $10 is the subject of a new probe by State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Though the pact gleaned tens of millions of dollars for Tozzoli, who subsequently sold the rights to use the World Trade Center name to hundreds of companies, the Port Authority allegedly never saw a dime. Governor Cuomo called on Schneiderman last month to launch a probe into the deal after it became public knowledge. The AG's office responded by sending letters to the WCTA on Oct. 3 asking for the details of naming deals the group has made over the years, NY To Expand Probe Of World Trade Center Naming Rights By Brendan Byrne Value Walk New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has been in the news quite a bit lately, given his fight with Airbnb and others. Now, following directions from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Schneiderman is looking into why a nonprofit was sold the rights to the World Trade Center name for just $10. That nonprofit's licensing of the name has resulted in millions of dollars in fees all over the United States. In fact, businesses in 28 states have paid fees to the non-profit, according to a nameless New York official. AVIATION Port Authority accused of throwing out lost passports WABC Local Losing your passport can be a travel nightmare, but imagine if the person who found it was ordered to throw it out? The Port Authority is accused of trashing dozens of passports discovered by workers. It's hard to believe that an agency attacked twice by terrorists would be so careless with these most important travel documents. But that's exactly what happened according to several Port Authority workers we spoke to. One of them agreed to blow the whistle on camera. Flying full: airports as travel destinations By Rozanne Gelbinovich AM NY When planning that next getaway, schedule an earlier-than-ever airport arrival, and leave plenty of time between those connecting flights. Not because of long security lines, but rather to check out all the amazing food offerings being served up at airports across the country. We've compiled a list of some tasty ways to spend that extra travel time at various national airports, starting with our very own JFK. So sit back, relax and enjoy the layover. With the launch of its new and improved Terminal 4, JFK is almost an NYC tourist attraction in its own right. Offerings at the newly improved Delta Terminal aim to mirror the plethora of international grub found throughout the Big Apple. PORTS NYCT Orders Container Cranes for Waste Handling Journal of Commerce New York Container Terminal has ordered two rubber-tire gantry cranes and two rail-mounted gantry cranes from Konecranes for use in waste handling in New York, The cranes, which have a lifting capacity of 50 tons, will be used for PA - DW - 000124 moving containers of municipal solid waste from New York City, as part of the city's solid waste management program. Waste from the New York City will be packed into specially designed containers and transported via barge over the Hudson River to NYCT's terminal on Staten Island. The RMG cranes will unload the sealed containers at the terminal, and the RTG cranes will load them onto trains, where they will then be sent to energy-from-waste facilities. The cranes are scheduled for delivery to NYCT's Staten Island terminal by the end of 2014. The value of the order was not disclosed. "This is a very exciting contract for us, a breakthrough in fact, and will open up a new business segment for our container handling cranes," said Jussi Suhonen, Konecranes' sales director of port cranes in the Americas, in a written statement, TV CLIPS WNBC N Y - W T C naming rights PA - DW - 000125 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Tuesday, October 08, 2013 7:40 AM Morning Clips 10.8.13 TB&T Port Authority police to announce new structure (Updated) Associated Press Wall Street Journal - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will announce a new command structure for its police department. The agency says additional supervisors will allow the nearly 1,600-member department to respond quickly to changing needs and save money. Tuesday's announcement will take place in Jersey City. NJ pol presses Port Authority on GWB lane closures Associated Press Wall Street Journal - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey came under fire Monday for unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bndge last month that created massive traffic backups. After state Sen. Loretta Weinberg spent about five minutes asking members of the authority's committee on governance and ethics for answers as to why there apparently wasn't any notification to local officials, the committee took up its scheduled business: An overview of corporate governance and ethics trends and how they might apply to the Port Authority. Weinberg found irony in the juxtaposition. "You look at their regulations about transparency, about ethics and accountability, and this will be a good test about how they follow their own rules," she said. Published reports described the closures of access lanes from Fort Lee onto the bridge as part of a traffic study that lasted four days beginning Sept. 9. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye sent a scathing letter to top executives about the closures and called them "abusive" and said Port Authority police and local police weren't notified. Foye attended Monday's committee meeting but didn't discuss the lane closures dunng the meeting's public portion.Weinberg, whose district includes fort Lee and neighboring towns, said the Senate or Assembly might use its subpoena power to probe the closures if answers aren't forthcoming. "If we don't get answers here, that might be our next step," she said. 'Til come into the Port Authority again and again until we get answers." Port Authority Slammed For Unannounced GWB Lane Closures Closures Caused Traffic Backups On Bridge Last Month CBSNewYork/AP The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey came under fire Monday for unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bridge last month, which caused massive traffic headaches. New Jersey State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) spent about five minutes at a hearing Monday asking members of the authority's committee on governance and ethics for answers as to why there apparently wasn't any notification to local officials. Afterward, the committee took up its scheduled business: An overview of corporate governance and ethics trends and how they might apply to the Port Authority. PA - DW - 000126 PAPD Good Samaritans help Port Authority police arrest homeless man in Journal Square assault on woman Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot - Full Text Thanks to a quick-thinking good Samaritan with a cellphone camera, Port Authority police in Hoboken arrested a homeless man who they said punched a woman in the head at the Journal Square PATH station. Identified as Jimmy Phillips, 46, he told police who grabbed him for assaulting the 26-year-old victim just before 8:30 yesterday morning that his name is Denzel Washington. At 5:30 last night, another witness told a Port Authority police officer she'd just seen him in the Hoboken PATH station. The officer — who had a cellphone photo of Phillips with him — took him into custody. Fingerprints determined his real identity, along with the fact that Phillips also had two outstanding warrants. He was charged in yesterday's incident and arrest with simple assault and hindering apprehension. AVIATION Small chance of tornado in N.J., expect heavy rain, high wind Eunice Lee The Star-Ledger New Jersey is under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. and the chance of a twister making landfall is 5 percent or less, the latest forecasts show. Expect a band of heavy rain with high wind gusts up to 50 mph from 2 p.m. to 6 tonight, Accuweather meteorologist Tom Kines said. "Straight line wind is more likely than tornadic activity," says Kines but he doesn't rule out the possibility of a twister making landfall in the Garden State. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several states in the northeast region eartier today. " S o far the bark has been worse than the bite," he said. The National Oceanic and Atmosphenc Administration's Storm Prediction Center shows the northern and western regions of the state with a 5 percent chance of a tornado, and the northeastern, central and southern areas with a 2 percent chance, its website says. A previous forecast indicated a 25 percent chance of a tornado. The storm system, which buned Midwest states in nearty three feet of snow last week, is forecast to dump a half-inch to an inch of rain with possible wind gusts up to 50 mph, making for a hairy commute home tonight. "Anywhere in the state is game for heavy rain," he said. The combination of heavy rain and wind may cause power outages due to falling tree limbs but Kines doesn't predict widespread damage. Thunderstorms have already delayed inbound flights to Newark Liberty International Airport an average of 42 minutes, the flight tracker website FlightAware.com says. J F K airport is also expenencing 42 minute delays. LaGuardia airport says inbound flights are being delayed 49 minutes and departures are being delayed between 15 to 29 minutes, FlightAware says. Storm uproots trees and downs power lines in New Jersey Marvin Scott WPIX11 It wasn't a tornado but the people who live in New Jersey told me it certainly felt like one. A fierce thunderstorm raced through northern New Jersey in a flash, knocking down power lines and trees, causing widespread outrages. Workers silhouetted against a darkening sky were trimming tree limbs that were threatening power lines....and others were atop the roofs of homes removing debris tossed PA - DW - 000127 around during the storm that raced across the state with lightening speed. Trees were torn from their foundation and power lines toppled....as winds gusted upwards of 65 miles per hour. New Jersey had been alerted to the possibility of a tornado, that one never suri'aced. Andrea Vico, who lives in Emerson, said, "It felt like a tornado. I watched the wind tossing everything around in my backyard. It was scary." A 75 foot red oak tree, estimated to be 150 years old, toppled into a house in Emerson, slicing through a bedroom where an infant was asleep in his crib. It fell within inches of the toddler who was grabbed just in time by his mother. At the height of storm, P S E & G reported that some 4,000 customers were without power. Dozens of flights at Newark Airport were either cancelled or delayed. By 6:30 p.m. the rain had stopped. There wasn't a visible rainbow...but the hues of color in the distant sky made it clear it was the calm-after the storm. Generators were providing light for crews that were expected to be working through the night. P S E & G was slowly restoring power and was hopeful of having everything back to normal by morning. No tornadoes yet but thunderstorm threatens to snarl rush hour traffic Naomi Nix The Star-Ledger A severe thunderstorm with wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour will ripple through New Jersey this afternoon arriving just in time for rush hour traffic. Meanwhile, a small chance that a tornado could hit the state today still looms. The tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service expires at 5 p.m. "In terms of the tornado risk, we can't rule it out," said Andy Mussoline, a meteorologist with A C C U Weather. But he added, "we haven't seen any tornadoes so far today." Most of the area can expect between half an inch and an inch of rain, with most of it falling between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., said Mussoline. "That's why we could see water-covered roadways at the peak of rush hour this evening," Mussoline said. "If you ever do encounter a water covered roadway just turn around and find another route." At Newark International Airport, 34 outbound flights and 35 inbound flights had been cancelled as of 3:30 p.m. Other inbound flights have been delayed an average of two hours, according to Flight Aware, which tracks flight delays. TV & RADIO CLIPS W A B C - N Y (ABC) - G W B Closures W A B C - N Y (ABC) - W T C Naming Rights W C B S - W T C Naming Rights W O R - A M (Radio) - W T C Naming Rights N E W S 1 2 N J - W T C Naming Rights W A B C - A M (ABC) - P A Accused of Throwing Out Lost Passports N E W S 1 2 N J - G W B Closure W C B S (Radio) - G W B Closure W N E T (PBS) - G W B Closure PA - DW - 000128 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Tuesday, October 08, 2013 12:38 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Star Ledger editorial board inquiry - GWB toll lane issue Star Ledger editorial writer Jim Namiotka is working on an editorial about the GWB toll lane issue and called to talk to someone about the issues. I will not return the call unless otherwise instructed. PA - DW - 000129 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Tuesday, October 08, 2013 4:45 PM Wildstein, David tweets #portauthority JesslcaSimeone@JessicaSimeone Hobo attacked woman on #PathTrain: tells cops I'm Denzel Washington n\TJ.st/GJCxx2 @KirstanConiey @n\'post #PoitAuthority #PAPD Dorth@PatronofAdvtce These delays suck #poi1:authorit\' NorthJerseybrk @NorthJerseybrk State Sen. #LorettaWeinberg presses #PoitAuthorit\' on #GWB lane closures -shar.es/Em54D RedneckRealityCheck@RedneckRea!ity #NewYork #NY #PoitAiithority NY probes sale of "World Trade Centr" namin rights 4 Sio j.inp/ibCEN\'o #laguardia Joel Olivo@joeloiivocomedy What your bars close at 4 am too?airport fail. #laguardia #airport Andrew Deaton@Andrew Deaton PA - DW - 000130 After a 3 hour delay in hell, #laguardia I'm home, that was like an episode of #t\\illghtzoDe #laguardiaairport #wontbeback B.'L. Branden@intensejp Stick on this #delta plane at #laguardia airport for an hour. #delayed and if we get off plane we cat get back on. Ws B's IVIusings@Chitownteach i. #I^Guardia is the worst #airport EVER. #ewr Justin@NJrsypride Step up your game, Newark. Check out Singapore Changi International Airport. #singapore #travel #EWR instagram.e0m/p/fiSIvDDlq3YU/ David Conlan@dbconlan @KayFray,io just had the fastest check-in at #evvr ... ever! a good start to the @elourismsimimit Brian Lin^brianlinca Finally landed in #EWR after a 4hr weather delay in #SV\'F. Again, crew from @united 97 was exemplar}'! 4sq.com/1b4x9yW PA - DW - 000131 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Tuesday, October 08, 2013 6:09 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.US'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nighly Media Activity Report 10/8/13 Steve Strunsky of The Star-Ledger and Dave Porter of the Associated Press covered today's PAPD promotion ceremony, at which a new command structure was announced for the 1,600-member agency. Steve Strunsky of The Star-Ledger called following the ceremony to inquire how the Port Authority planned to pay for the 500 police officers it plans to hire in the coming year. We did not respond. Jonathan Schuppe of NBC News called to speak to someone at the Port Authority for a story about long-term damage from Sandy, known in engineering circles as latent damage, and how it is affecting the region. We are gathering more information on the request before deciding whether we want to participate and who should be our expert on this issue. Star-Ledger editorial writer Jim Namiotka called to talk to someone about the issues surrounding the GWB toll lane issue for an editorial being written by the paper. We did not respond. Media Relations proactively reached out to Tom Tracey of the NY Daily News and Dana Sauchelli of the NY Post regarding the arrest of a taxi-hustling suspect at JFK on charges of first-degree assault and resisting arrest after a PAPD officer was injured during the arrest. The officer suffered a wrist injury, bruises and ripped skin, but no life-threatening injuries. Susan Carrie of the Wall Street Journal called regarding Alitalia's operations in the wake of the Italian carrier's financial problems. We referred the reporter to the Terminal 1 and 4 operators, where the carrier flies in and out of JFK. Candida Portuguesof El Diario called seeking drug smuggling data for JFK and LaGuardia airports. We referred the reporter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and are checking with PAPD for statistics on smuggling cases we handled. Rich Bockmann of the Queens Times-Ledger inquired about impacts related to the government shutdown at the Port Authority's New York airports. We let the reporter know that the airports have not experienced significant impacts to date. Hollie Silverman of News 12 NJ called regarding a man who claimed to be Denzel Washington and was charged yesterday with assaulting a woman in the Journal Square PATH Station on Monday. We provided basic information. Pat Rizzuto of Bloomberg News called to inquire about whether the federal government shutdown has impacted pesticide imports to the Port of New York and New Jersey. We referred the reporter to U.S. Customs, which monitors commodity imports into the port. David Levitt from Bloomberg News called wanting to know financials and other details about 4 World Trade Center. We referred him to SPI. Irene Plagianos from DNA Info called about the Vesey Street bridge coming down and wanted to confirm that the World Trade Center West Concourse would open this fall because the LMCCC website says it will open this fall. LMCCC is removing the mention of "this fall" from their website and we are waiting for a return call from the reporter. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsicofSpanynj.gov PA - DW - 000132 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Wednesday, October 09, 2013 7:31 AM Morning Clips 10.9.13 PAPD Port Authority overhauls 1600-member police force Judy Rife Record Online - Full Text The Port Authority has announced a new command structure for its 1,600-member police force, the first major overhaul in 60 years. The reorganization is the work of Joseph Dunne, the Port Authority's first-ever chief security officer, and involved a total of 64 promotions and appointments. The Port Authority hired Dunne, a former first deputy commissioner in the New York Police Department, last year to carry out the sweeping recommendations of an exhaustive review of its safety and security operations. The review was done by former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "This new command structure will give us a more nimble department, allowing us to better respond to the changing needs across the agency," said Pat Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, in a statement. TB&T The Record: Awaiting answers The Record SENATE Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, asked Port Authority commissioners some pointed questions on Monday. That's good to hear. It's high time someone with "public official" attached to his or her name tried to get to the bottom of the still unexplained lane closures last month at the George Washington Bridge. As The Record reported, the unannounced traffic shift led to long backups in Fort Lee. We recognize that the bi-state agency that operates the bridge is large and unwieldy, yet what happened in regard to the lane closings was more than just a traffic inconvenience for a few hours; the closings tasted more than four days and could have endangered lives. The Port Authority's own top executive, Pat Foye, highlighted the point in a scathing email sent to agency executives Sept. 13 in which he ordered that the lanes be reopened. Foye, who has said he was unaware of the lane closings until receiving inquines about them from the news media, admitted such a shock to the normal pattern could have stranded ambulances in traffic jams and "undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity." The executive director added that the closings may even have violated federal law. The Port Authority had previously stated that the lane closings were part of a traffic study "to ensure placement of toll lanes," yet no one at the agency has said why the study might have been necessary or who authonzed the closures, which apparently came as a surprise to local and Port Authority police, as well as Fort Lee officials. Fort Lee and the GWB: Traffic study or political punishment: Editonal Star-Ledger Editorial Board With only silence coming from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg's theory — that a bunch of "frat boys" plotted to punish Fort Lee's mayor by shutting down lanes feeding the George Washington Bridge — is looking like the only plausible explanation. Weinberg (D~Bergen) wants PA - DW - 000133 answers from Port Authority brass. If the silence continues, she should make good on her threat to subpoena the agency's execs to Trenton for some mandatory truth-telling. The story so far: Starting Sept. 9, two of the GWB's three local-access lanes from Fort Lee were closed. Local officials say the surpnse closure caught them off-guard and gridlocked Fort Lee, where thousands of kids were late for the first day of school because buses couldn't get through. The four-day closure ended only when Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, sent an angry e-mail that called the closures "dangerous" and probably illegal. In it, Foye promised to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," he wrote. Port Authonty officials blamed a "traffic safety study," but haven't proved that one exists. A more popular theory is that Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees ordered the disruption to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, who hasn't endorsed Christie for re-election. Christie, a Republican, shares control of the Port Authority with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Foye is Cuomo's appointee. How do you study traffic patterns by stopping traffic? No one's saying. How do you block lanes without notifying police, ambulance drivers or even your own bridge employees? AVIATION Open Cockpit Weekend in November at Teterboro Airport Alana Quartuccio Hasbrouck Heights PATCH - Full Text The Aviation Hall of Fame will host Open Cockpit Weekend on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 at Teterboro Airport where plane enthusiasts will get the chance to sit inside a variety of special aircrafts. Visitors can sit inside the cockpits of a one-of-a-kind 1950 Martin 202 airtiner, a rare Lockheed-designed Bush Plane, a Cobra gunship helicopter, an HH-52A Coast Guard helicopter, an OV-IA Mohawk close support aircraft, the "Little Cut Up" aircraft control demonstrator and the control cab of an Airport Rescue and FireFighting truck. People of all ages can learn how the flight systems work. Ciualified pilots will help guests understand the instruments and controls of these special aircrafts. Open Cockpit will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under age 12. For more information call 201-288-6344 or visit www.niahof.org. TV & RADIO CLIPS NEWS12NJ - PAPD expands its workforce PA - DW - 000134 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • Marsico, Ron Wednesday, October 09, 2013 6:12 PM 'srechler@rxrreatty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj,us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/9/13 Media Relations facilitated a phone interview of PAPD Deputy Chief Norma Hardy with Larry Higgs of the Asbury Park Press about her recent promotion and career with the PAPD. The story already is running on the paper's website. Media Relations pitched the PAPD's arrest this morning at the Holland Tunnel of a man for theft of service and tampering with his license plate to avoid paying a toll. Calls were made to Larry Rosenthal of the AP, Gerald DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot and Charles Hack at NJ.Com. The story was extensively picked up. Media Relations pitched to Tina Moore of the NY Daily News and Dan Prendergast of the NY Post the story of the taxi hustler who struck and dragged a PAPD Officer at JFK on Tuesday, leading to injuries that are not lifethreatening. Both papers presently are running the story online. Media Relations facilitated a request made last month by Peter Green of Bloomberg News to interview PA Acting Aviation Director Thomas Bosco on the agency's efforts to promote environmental sustainability measures at JFK and LaGuardia airports and also to safeguard aviation infrastructure there in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. The reporter's story is focused on such efforts by airport operators nationwide. WNYC reporter Jessica Gould called to talk to someone about the issues surrounding the GWB toll lane issue. We did not respond. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvnj.gov PA - DW - 000135 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Sunday, October 13, 2013 8:19 AM Morning Clips PAPD He was a Newark captain who answered all of their calls Barry Carter Star-Ledger Steven Yablonsky was a special cop when he was captain of Newark's West Ward, 4th precinct So say the people who live there. Even though he had a lot of responsibility, running a squad of about 120 men and women, he gave residents his personal cell phone number, and they could call him anytime. And he would answer anytime, they say, even on vacation. No call from the West Ward folks was too big or too small. He was kind of guy who would drop what he was doing to pay a $75 parking ticket for a senior citizen who couldn't afford the cost "I couldn't believe it," said George Walker, 77. "He's a fine gentleman. He's the best I've ever seen." He'd fire off birthday text messages to residents, for anniversaries, too, just to let them know he was thinking about them beyond his job. Residents said the relationship they had with this man is what community policing is all about, not some multi-tiered plan written in gobbledygook in a fancy, glossy binder. "He didn't talk the talk," said Bertha Freeman. "He was the real deal." Residents say that when he told them he would take care of a problem and get back to them about it, he kept his word. After 28 years on the force and the last four spent with them, residents could only thank him when he retired in July. Yablonsky has taken his Officer Friendly brand of policing to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, serving as a police captain. TB&T Founding Fathers' warnings powerful reminder amid government crisis Michael Goodwin NY Post A righteous road rage After Port Authority officials closed some New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge and caused massive traffic jams. Executive Director Patrick Foye demanded to know why. He called the action "abusive" and suggested the given reason — a traffic study — was a lie. His rage is reason for hope. Every motorist encounters maddening bottlenecks caused by construction crews where the job seems to consist of standing around. The power to make people wait is an awesome power, and it cannot have been abused only once. The career of the city's bicycle czar Is based on snarling traffic. Pray that Foye's demand for sanity starts a trend. Why Did Peddle Teacher Donovan Dickson Jump From GWB? Bob Holt NEWJERSEYNEWSR00M.COM - Full Text Questions remained after a popular 24-year old schoolteacher at Peddle School in Hightstown committed suicide on the same day an investigation began regarding sexual contact between an underage student and a teacher at the school. Donovan Dickson jumped to his death off the George Washington Bridge about a week ago. Police would not confirm whether Dickson was being Investigated. NJ.com reported that there had been no charges filed in the sexual allegations case, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. According to the New York Daily News, Peddle headmaster Peter Quinn sent a letter to parents regarding "troubling events" from the past week. He did not explain the sexual allegations, but wrote about his students, "Please know that every step we have taken in the last few days and will take in the days moving fonward we are taking with their safety and well-being always our top priority." The New York Post reported that Dickson had been a math teacher at Peddle School since 2011 and was also coaching boys' track, cross country, and wrestling. A spokesman for the Port Authority said Dickson did not land in the water when he jumped. PA - DW - 000136 According to East Windsor Patch, Dickson's death was ruled a suicide by the New York City Medical Examiner's office. Dickson died from blunt force trauma to the head and torso. PA - DW - 000137 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • Marsico, Ron Wednesday, October 16, 2013 6:00 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'mIchael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/16/13 Media Relations facilitated an availability for media with Port Authority leadership following today's Board meeting. The topics discussed were: the September closing of GWB toll lanes used by Fort Lee residents, the future of Atlantic City airport, proposed ferry service mitigation for the Pulaski Skyway project, the removal of the North Temporary Access at the WTC site and a GAO report on Port Authority transparency. Ted Mann with the WSJ called asking if the IG was looking into the September closing of GWB toll lanes at Fort Lee. We told him we do not speak for the IG's office, but reiterated the ED's comment provided during the press availability that an Internal review is underway. Media Relations Issued a press release on the PA board's approval of a $50 million project authorization for removal of corrosive, latent salt residue in the PATH system that remains, even after initial cleanup efforts in the months after Superstorm Sandy. WNYC reporter Jessica Gould, who was at today's meeting, called after the meeting to inquire about whether the federal debt celling issue could have any impact on the Port Authority. Since the question was asked and answered at the meeting, which the reporter attended, we did not respond further. Natasha Velez of the NY Post, Seth Augenstein of The Star-Ledger called and were given info about the PAPD's arrest this week of suspect at the PA Bus Terminal for grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Media Relations also pitched the story to Matt McGrath of the Bergen Record's website, NorthJersey.com, which posted a story on the arrest. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsicof5)panvni.gov PA - DW - 000138 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, October 16, 2013 6:28 PM Evening Clips 10.16.13 PATH Sandy cleanup in NY-NJ tunnels to cost $50 million Associated Press - (Full Text) Officials from New York and New Jersey say $50 million will be spent to clean up salt residue left by Superstorm Sandy inside PATH train tunnels. A year after Sandy hit the Northeast, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday authorized the spending as part of continuing cleanup efforts. The corrosive salt will be removed from cables, tracks and other equipment replaced. Millions of gallons of water flooded the PATH commuter system that links Manhattan with New Jersey. The agency's board of commissioners approved the funding at its monthly meeting. Up to 90 percent of the cost is expected to be reimbursed from $1.3 billion in recovery funding awarded to PATH by the Federal Transit Administration. Work will start in November on weekends and evenings. PAPD Garfield man charged in theft at Port Authority Bus Terminal By Matthew McGrath The Record A 43-year-old Garfield man with a history of theft and burglary was arrested Monday in the Port Authority Bus Terminal In Manhattan for allegedly stealing a bag filled with a computer and camera equipment. William Yacenko was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police, said Joe Pentangelo, a Port Authority spokesman. Police said Yacenko sat down next to the victim around 11 p.m. and allegedly took a bag filled with more than $2,000 worth of camera equipment The victim described the person to police who found Yacenko with the bag and the laptop's hard drive allegedly stuffed into the waistband of his pants. On Jan. 28, Garfield police arrested Yacenko after witnesses called to report a man checking car doors along Banta Avenue to see if they were unlocked, TBT George Washington Bridge lane closures prompt internal review, lawmaker outrage By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger The Port Authority's executive director said the agency is conducting an internal review over the closure of local access lanes on the George Washington Bridge last month, while a key state lawmaker said she will begin drafting subpoena resolution to view records from the traffic-snarling incident " can tell you that an internal review is under way," executive 1 director Patrick Foye said after this afternoon's regular meeting of the Port Authority board. The meeting was attended by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), the senate majority leader whose district Includes Fort Lee. Weinberg said she would draft a resolution granting subpoena power over Port Authority documents and testimony to allow the Senate State Government Committee to look into the closures, which shut down two of three local access lanes to the bridge during the week of SepL 9, causing widespread congestion on local streets. Politician Looking for Answers in George Washington Bridge Jam By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) A leading New Jersey state legislator said Wednesday she will move to subpoena the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for more answers about why it abruptly shut off local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge last month. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat, said she will introduce a resolution Thursday to empower the Senate's State Government Committee to issue subpoenas to the Port Authority In the matter, citing a continuing failure by the bi-state authority to answer questions about why the closures occurred. All but one of the local access lanes from Fort Lee, N.J., onto the bridge were closed for four straight weekday mornings, beginning Sept. 8, with no 1 PA - DW - 000139 warning to local officials, police and high-ranking officials of the authority itself, according to people familiar with the matter and an email message sent to officials reversing the closures. The lane closures triggered massive traffic backups through Fort Lee, and could have violated state and federal law. Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye wrote in an email that week, ordering the lanes reopened. The email was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal in September. After the authority's monthly board meeting Wednesday, Mr. Foye said an "internal review" of the lane closures was being conducted, but provided no other explanation. Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director, declined to comment on the closures. Through a secretary, Michael Nestor, director of investigations for the authority's Office of Inspector General, referred questions about the lane closures to an authority spokeswoman. She declined to comment for the Inspector general, but reiterated Mr, Foye's statement that an internal review was ongoing. The lane closure has remained a hot topic in New Jersey political circles and within the Port Authority Itself for two reasons. Mr, Foye's own email seemingly contradict the original explanation for the closures — that the authority was conducting a traffic study. Several people familiar with the matter also denied there was a study. Second, Bergen County politicians wondered if the closures had in fact been ordered to send a message to the Democratic Mayor of Fort Lee, Mark Sokolich, who has so far declined to endorse Gov. Chris Christie for reelection. Mr. Christie's campaign spokesman has denied that claim, calling the notion "crazy." And Mr. Sokolich has said he does not believe the governor ordered the closures, but has yet to receive any explanation of the move. Ms. Weinberg said Wednesday before the Port Authority's monthly board meeting that she believed the closures had been ordered for political reasons by allies of Mr. Christie at the authority, whom she declined to name, "Why else the silence?" Ms, Weinberg said. Ms. Weinberg mocked the explanation that the authority was studying traffic patterns, especially without approval from major sections of the vast agency's bureaucracy, including the Port Authority police, the Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals division, the Traffic Engineering division, and Mr. Foye, a highranking appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "Ok, where is it?" Ms. Weinberg said of the study, "Who authorized it? And what were they hoping to study? That they cause back-ups when they close lanes? I could have told them that" Leaving the authority headquarters, Ms. Weinberg said she believed that Mr. Foye had likely learned the reason for the lane closures already, and that the authority was hoping the matter would blow over. "I think he knows," she said. A spokeswoman for Mr. Foye declined to comment People familiar with the matter have told the Journal that the lane closures were not part of any formal analysis of traffic patterns. "There was no study," one of those people said in September. Port Authority Reviewing GWB Lane Closures in Fort Lee By Noah Cohen Fort Lee Patch The Port Authority has launched an "internal review" into the closure of access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge last month, a move that snarled local traffic and prompted questions from lawmakers. Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye told the Star-Ledger Wednesday that the agency's review was ongoing. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), who attended the agency's public board meeting, said she would move to grant subpoena power over the bi-state authority's testimony and documents to allow a senate committee to probe the closures, the newspaper reported. Weinberg is among a group of elected officials who have pushed for answers on what prompted the lane closures. "I'm glad they're taking very small steps, but they're taking much too long," Weinberg said of the agency's interna! review, the Star-Ledger reported. AVIATION American Aidines Increases Flights to China, Pares Tokyo Service By Jack Nicas Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The parent of American Airlines said Wednesday that it will launch the first nonstop flights between Dallas and China next year, but drop service between New York and Tokyo's downtown Haneda airport because of government restrictions on Its flight schedule. AMR Corp. plans to start nonstop service to Hong Kong and Shanghai from its Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport hub next June. By adding two flights to China and dropping one to Japan, the air carrier will narrow the gap to its U.S. rivals in flights to Asia, which analysts have viewed as a weakness In its planned merger with US Airways Group Inc, The new China flights will be preceded by American dropping its loss-making service between New York's John F, Kennedy International Airport and Haneda on Dec. 1, citing its inability to secure more attractive takeoff and landing slots. While overseas carriers have complained about the inconvenient slot times, American's move could set up a scramble among rivals to secure one of only four daily Haneda flights allocated to U.S. airlines. "We are allowed to operate only during severely restricted hours, limiting our customers' options for connecting flights," American Chief Commercial Officer Virasb Vahldl said of the Haneda move in a staff memo. "Our decision to finally cancel the service followed multiple unsuccessful attempts to persuade the U,S. and Japanese governments ... to eliminate all schedule constraints at Tokyo/Haneda." American won the right to fly to Haneda four years ago following a hard-fought contest that saw Delta Air Lines Inc. secure two daily flights to the airport from the U.S., while Hawaiian Holdings Inc. unit Hawaiian PA - DW - 000140 Airlines gained a single daily service. The cancellation comes as American and its partner British Airways are pressing the Japanese government to award more slots at Haneda to their alliance partner, Japan Airlines Co. Some Japanese politicians have been lobbying for JAL to receive no additional Haneda slots, or at least a smaller allocation than rival ANA Holdings Inc. British Airways is a unit of International Consolidated Airlines Group. American will continue to operate nine daily flights from the U.S. to Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which is farther from downtown than Haneda and generally less preferred by business travelers. It can also sell tickets on JAL's flights between the U,S. and Japan through the carrier's partnership, including service to New York. American currently serves Beijing from Chicago and Shanghai from Chicago and Los Angeles. The Dallas flights will be its first service to Hong Kong, which is a special administrative region of China. American said it would serve Hong Kong with its new flagship aircraft, the Boeing Co, 777-300ER. It plans to serve Shanghai from Dallas with a 777-200ER, one of which will be freed up by the canceled Haneda service. Chinese carriers have been boosting flights to the U.S. over the past year, with Air China Ltd, starting a Beijing-Houston service in July. Starting on Nov. 25, AMR and US Ainways are slated to defend their proposed merger from an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, "All of these Investments lay an important foundation for our pending merger with US Airways, as we prepare a strong case for our November trial," Mr. VahidI said in the memo. On Wednesday, 68 congressional Democrats sent a letter to President Barack Obama, urging his administration to allow the merger. The lawmakers said the proposed merger would increase competition among airlines, improve service for fliers and boost local economies where the combined carrier would have a large presence. The Justice Department has said the merger would hurt airline competition, leading to reduced and more expensive service for U.S. fliers, PANYNJ DA: Thieves rented cars, sold them for cheap By the Associated Press The Gazette - (Full Text) Thieves used counterfeit credit cards and phony driver's licenses created in a suburban man's bedroom to rent luxury vehicles at airports that were then turned around and sold at deeply discounted prices, a prosecutor said Wednesday. Authorities recovered 10 automobiles In the scheme, but they said they were still assessing how many vehicles may have been involved, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said Investigators suspect some stolen vehicles were shipped overseas before investigators caught wind of the scheme earlier this year. In one transaction, an undercover detective bought a 2013 Cadillac for about $2,000, the prosecutor said. "This scheme Illustrates to all of us what is happening today, with not only consumers who use credit cards, but businesses who are accepting credit cards, the dangers that lurk out there," Spota said. "Unfortunately for the businesses it's a tremendously high toss." Three suspects were arraigned last week. One of them, identified as Jason Gonzalez, 23, of Lindenhurst, was charged with possessing and using equipment used to manufacture the phony credit cards and driver's licenses. Defense attorney Jonathan Manley pointed out his client was not charged with conspiring with the other two in the rental car sales scheme. Prosecutors said Gonzalez kept the equipment used to create the phony credit cards and driver's licenses in the bedroom of his parents' home in Lindenhurst Spota said the Identities of several hundred victims were "skimmed" at an undisclosed retail business In Suffolk County. That information was then used to create phony credit cards, using blank gift cards that had been shoplifted. The prosecutor said the suspects usually went to airport rental car counters late at night and rented vehicles for two weeks or more, but never returned them. Paula Rivera, a spokeswoman for Hertz, said in a statement that the company works closely with law enforcement to recover vehicles that aren't returned on time without explanation. A representative of the American Car Rental Association did not immediately respond to an inquiry seeking statistics on the number of rental vehicles that are reported stolen. DA: 3 charged in rent-to-steal car scam By Nicole Fuller and John ValentI Newsday - (Full Text) Hundreds of Long Islanders were victims of the fraud and dozens of cars were stolen ~ some sold for substantially less than retail and others possibly shipped overseas, Suffolk prosecutors said. "The scheme illustrates to all of us what is happening today to consumers who use their cards, and the businesses . . . the dangers that lurk out there," Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said at a news conference Wednesday in Hauppauge, Spota announced the indictments on forgery, car theft and drug charges of three men: Jason Gonzalez, 23, of Lindenhurst, who allegedly created the fake documents In his bedroom at his parents' home; Felix M. Sanchez, 29, of Brentwood; and Jose A. Lopez, 29, of Bay Shore. Sanchez and Lopez rented and sold the cars, authorities said. A fourth man, Kenneth G. Godfrey, 47, of Holbrook, was arrested during the investigation and charged with selling marijuana, Spota said. Undercover investigators from the Suffolk district attorney's office began buying drugs - marijuana and oxycodone ~ from Godfrey and the other men in January of this year, officials said. They learned of the car theft ring through the drug transactions, and purchased eight cars, valued at about $245,000, for $22,800, "This is just a scheme to get quick money," Spota said. Authorities said PA - DW - 000141 the scheme worked like this: Using counterfeit cards, two of the suspects rented late-model cars, including a MercedesBenz and a Cadillac, from vendors at LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark airports, then sold those cars "for pennies on the dollar." Spota said that in one case, a 2013 Cadillac was sold for just $2,100. Investigators recovered 10 cars in total, but said dozens were stolen. Authorities said Avis, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar were among the car-rental vendors victimized during the operation. Spota said that, using equipment purchased on eBay, Jason Gonzalez used the bedroom of his parents' Lindenhurst home to "provide his accomplices with authentic-looking drivers' licenses, ID cards, and credit cards." Those counterfeit cards were then used to rent the cars that were then sold. Exhibits at the news conference Included equipment used to manufacture the fake credit cards, embossing machines, thermal printers, a so-called "tipper machine" used to imprint raised numbers on fake credit cards with silver or gold foil, skimmer devices used to copy personal information from victims' cards, blank plastic stock and other materials needed to produced forged cards. PORT ILA Strike Closes Baltimore Port Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce ~ (Full Text) The Port of Baltimore was closed today when International Longshoremen's Association members went on strike after voting down a proposed local contract with the Steamship Trade Association of Baltimore, Cargo operations at the port were halted, and terminals were closed to truck traffic. The strike was limited to Baltimore, Other East and Gulf coast ports are continuing normal operations. ILA Local 333 posted picket lines after overwhelmingly rejecting a local contract that supplements the six-year coastwide master contract that the ILA negotiated last spring with United States Maritime Alliance. Baltimore was one of several ports where negotiations on local contracts continued months after settlement of the coastwide master contract ILA members at Virginia ratified their local contract on Aug. 30 after voting down two previous proposals. The ILA's master contract covers container and roll-on, roll-off wages, as well as medical benefits, container royalties and other coastwide issues. Local contracts cover work rules, pensions and other port-specific issues. Top ILA and USMX officials traveled to Virginia and Baltimore in August to meet with local negotiators in an effort to work out a settlement Federal mediators have been working to broker a deal between the union and employers at Baltimore. Five ships were in the port today, said Richard Scher, spokesman for the Maryland Port Administration. The MPA oversees the port's public marine terminals but is not a party to the ILA-employer labor contract or negotiations. "We don't have a seat at the bargaining table but are encouraging the two sides to come to an agreement," Scher said. Longshoremen strike, shut down port operations By Kevin Rector The Baltimore Sun All cargo operations at the Port of Baltimore's public marine terminals ground to a halt Wednesday after a local longshoremen's union failed to ratify a contract agreement with port operators Tuesday night Crowds of International Longshoremen's Association Local 333 members stood outside entrances to Dundalk Marine Terminal holding signs saying, "No contract, no work," and "ILA Port of Baltimore on STRIKE!" The port's 400-foot super post-Panamax cranes stood quiet and motionless in the distance at Seagirt Marine Terminal, where strikers also gathered. Only a few trucks passed through the normally busy gates, John Furman, 28, of Essex, who grew up in South Baltimore with a longshoreman father and grandfather, said he would prefer to be working, but was participating in the strike to ensure he can provide for his family in coming years. PA - DW - 000142 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, October 17, 2013 5:07 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal inquiry ~ GWB toll lane issue Ted Mann is working on a story for tomorrow's paper based on a letter that Mayor Sokolich allegedly sent to Bill, saying that he has concluded that the GWB toll lane closings were punitive. The letter also reportedly said that PAPD told commuters that the closures and traffic were the result of a decision that Mayor Sokolich made. Ted Is seeking PA comment. I will not respond unless instructed otherwise. PA - DW - 000143 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Thursday, October 17, 2013 6:03 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'mIchael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 10/17/13 Jonathan Schuppe of NBC News online is working on a national story about latent damage caused by the saltwater effects of Superstorm Sandy. The reporter talked to PA Chief Engineer Peter Zipf about the latent damage impacts at Port Authority facilities, Including Wednesday's Board action on PATH. Steve Strunsky of The Star-Ledger called seeking statement provided to NYT on the DCM matter. We provided statement and confirmed basic facts. Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal called seeking PA comment for a story for tomorrow's paper based on a letter that Fort Lee Mayor Sokolich allegedly sent to the deputy executive director, saying that the mayor concluded that the GWB toll lane closings were punitive action taken against him. The letter also reportedly said that PAPD told commuters that the closures and traffic were the result of a decision that Mayor Sokolich made. We did not respond. John Annese of the Staten Island Advance called to inquire whether a 2008 lawsuit was still active. We told the reporter that the litigation had been resolved. Various media outlets called this afternoon about a potential breach involving a pre-check passenger that led to the temporary closing of a security checkpoint at Newark Uberty International Airport. We let reporters know the passenger was found and cleared and the checkpoint reopened after approximately 30 minutes. Earty this morning, WCBS-880 Radio inquired about reported smoke in an aircraft cockpit that called in for an emergency landing at JFK . We told the reporter that the aircraft landed safely without incident or injury, and that the aircraft was cleared. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvni.gov PA - DW - 000144 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Thursday, October 17, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 10,17,13 AVIATION PA to roll out new JFK enviro study Oct. 18 Runway plan draws ire; meeting 10/24 The Queens Chronicle The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will host a public meeting in Rosedale on Oct, 24 to discuss a revised environmental assessment of a proposal to shift a runway at John F, Kennedy International Airport. The PA is actively seeking to relocate runway 4L-22R 700 feet to the north of its present position, and add a 500-foot-wIde, 1,000-foot-long safety overrun zone at the end. The overrun zone and the widening of the runway by 150 feet have been mandated by Congress. The runway is 11,351 feet long. The plans are being spurred by the desire to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. JFK Shake Shack Wins Foodie Award The Forum The Shake Shack that recently opened in John F. Kennedy International Airport's Terminal 4 just landed major accolades from The Moodie Report, which named the spot the "Best Fast Food/Quick Service Restaurant" at the annual Airport Food and Beverage Awards ceremony. Shake Shack, part of the celebrated restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, was selected by a panel of industry experts who assessed a record number of entries from airports and railway stations around the globe. Shake Shack's location in the newly expanded Terminal 4 on Delta's B Concourse is operated in partnership with SSP America and is the restaurants first location In a U.S. airport. Terminal 4 is home to 30 international and domestic airlines and boasts an annual passenger volume approaching 15 million people, "We're thrilled to bring the experience of Shake Shack to JFK," Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti said In a prepared statement about the award, which was presented at a ceremony held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. "Together with SSP America, we're working to change the paradigm on what travelers should expect from airport dining." Newark Airport Passenger Causes Rescreening Delays ABC Local-(Full Text) Passengers at a Newark Airport terminal were being rescreened after a passenger passed through security without being properly screened. TSA agents at Terminal C temporarily stopped screening passengers after a prechecked passenger who failed the security machine screening left the checkpoint The passenger was located and passenger rescreenings have resumed. The brief breach caused delays at the screening areas. Someone Tried To Get This Amazing Sword Through Security At LaGuardia By Alex Davies Business Insider TSA airport security officers find a lot of crazy and frightening contraband. Including a surprising number of swords hidden in canes. There are enough of these floating around that the TSA has felt the need to clarify the term — and give some helpful advice — on its blog last year: Sword + Cane = Sword Cane. These seem to be a very common item and the majority of people who possess them had no idea there was a sword in their cane. Tip - if you have a second-hand cane, try pulling it apart. You might be surprised. The latest one was discovered at Akron (CAK). Recently, agents at New York's LaGuardia Airport found what is without doubt the coolest sword cane we've ever seen. TBT Lawmakers Seek Subpoenas in George Washington Bridge Investigation By Ted Mann and Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) PA - DW - 000145 A leader of the New Jersey Senate moved to subpoena the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Thursday, in an escalating dispute over the closure of lanes onto the George Washington Bridge that snarled local traffic last month. Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg Introduced a resolution Thursday to grant a Senate committee subpoena powers to investigate the incident The resolution, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, would empower the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee to compel testimony and records from the authority in its investigation. It would have to be approved by the full Senate before taking effect, though no vote has been scheduled yet The local access lanes were closed during the week of Sept 9, apparently without notifying a host of officials, including executives at the authority, police and leaders of Fort Lee, N.J. The borough was inundated with traffic jams related to the closures, local leaders said, until Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye learned of the closures and ordered them reversed. In an email to other authority executives, Mr. Foye said the closures had potentially endangered lives and violated state and federal law. In a written statement from its press office, the Port Authority later explained that the lanes had been closed because of a previously unannounced traffic study, but the authority has declined to provide any evidence or findings from the study, and Mr, Foye's email cast doubt on that explanation because it revealed that the relevant offices within the authority had never been notified that the closures would occur. In Bergen County political circles, people familiar with the matter said the closures were seen as a gesture from Gov. Chris Christie's appointees at the Port Authority to Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who had been asked — two weeks before the closures — to endorse Mr, Christie's reelection. On SepL 12, the fourth day of the lane closures, Mr. Sokolich wrote a personal appeal to a Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, a Christie ally, pleading for the lanes to be reopened. In a letter stamped "PERSONAL" and not copied to other executives at the authority, which was reviewed by the Journal, Mr, Sokolich asks if the closures are punishment of some sort. "Having received absolutely no notice of this decision, not having obtained any response to our multiple inquiries concerning same, and try as we may to understand its rationale without the benefit of a response from the Port Authority, we are reaching the conclusion that there are punitive overtones associated with this initiative," Mr. Sokolich wrote, "What other conclusion could we possibly reach?" Mr. Sokolich has since softened that opinion, and told The Journal at the end of September that the notion that the closures were punitive was simply "rumors." A campaign spokesman for Mr, Christie has called the idea "crazy." In the letter, Mr. Sokolich also says that Port Authority police at the bridge told commuters that the closures and subsequent traffic jams were "the result of a decision that I, as the Mayor, recently made." Ms. Weinberg said this week that she believes the lane closures were intended as political gesture, not for a legitimate traffic study. Mr. Foye and spokesmen at the authority's press office would say only that the closures are the subject of an "internal review," He didn't give an estimate for the completion of the review, PORT Port of New York and New Jersey Debuts Online Rail Services Tool By the Dally News Canadian Transportation and Logistics As part of its ongoing commitment to provide its client base with state-of-the-art conveniences, the Port of New York and New Jersey has debuted another powerful online service, the Intermodal Rail Services Tool, said a release. Via the tool's simple interface, users can input departure points and destinations for all ExpressRail trains inbound to and outbound from the port and its various hubs. The tool displays a listing of all trains that make the specified run. Including which service provider handles the route (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Canadian-Pacific Railways, or combinations thereof), any applicable cut off times, and departure times for trains on separate days of the week. "We're pleased to offer this type of value added service," said Dennis Lombardi, Deputy Director of Port Commerce at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Baltimore ILA Strike Goes to Arbitration Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce - (Full Text) A longshoremen's union local and employer representatives plan to meet with an arbitrator on Oct 18 to try to resolve a strike that idled public docks at the Port of Baltimore for a second day today. Members of International Longshoremen's Association Local 333 struck on Oct 16 after voting down a proposed local contract with the Steamship Trade Association of Baltimore. The port's other ILA locals refused to cross the picket lines. The container ship CCNI Antofagasta left port today without discharging its cargo, said Richard Scher, spokesman for the Maryland Port Administration. The ship's next scheduled call is Charleston, The CCNI Antofagasta's departure left four ships idled at MPA docks. Additional vessels are anchored outside the port "in a wait-and-see mode," Scher said. The port administration is not a party to the contract between the ILA and its employers, or to their negotiations. However, Scher said the Steamship Trade Association advised that the union and employer association were scheduled to meet Friday with the arbitrator. "We're hopeful they can resolve this," Scher said. The strike is limited to Baltimore's public docks, and has not affected non-ILA bulk operations. Other East and Gulf coast ports where ILA workers are employed are continuing normal operations. The local PA - DW - 000146 contract in Baltimore Is a supplementary agreement to the six-year coastwide master contract that the ILA negotiated last spring with United States Maritime Alliance, the employers' coastwide umbrella organization. Baltimore was one of several ports where local negotiations continued after the master contract was settled, ILA members at Virginia ratified their local contract on Aug. 30 after voting down two previous proposals. The ILA's master contract covers container and roll-on, rolloff wages, as well as medical benefits, container royalties and other coastwide issues. Local contracts cover work rules, pensions and other port-specific issues. Top ILA and USMX officials traveled to Virginia and Baltimore in August to meet with local negotiators in an effort to work out a settlement. Federal mediators have been working to broker a deal between the union and employers at Baltimore. Local 333 said it had filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the Steamship Trade Association of refusing to bargain in good faith. The employer association contends Local 333 is violating a no-strike clause in the master contract The master contract was signed last spring after nearly a year of contentious negotiations that Included threats of a coastwide strike. ILA strike shuts down Baltimore terminals By Chris Dupin American Shipper - (Full Text) A strike by members of the International Longshoremen's Association shut down the Port of Baltimore's public terminals on Wednesday and was continuing on Thursday.Richard Scher, a spokesman for the Maryland Port Administration, said ships at the port's public marine terminals were not being worked. Work on five ships was idled on Wednesday. Private terminals that handle commodities such as coal, sugar and salt remain open. Scher said mediators were to meet with representatives from Local 333 of the ILA and employers represented by the Steamship Trade Association (STA) of Baltimore on Thursday. While ILA union members approved a national master contract in April, ILA members were continuing to negotiate local Baltimore issues with the STA. Local 333, which represents Longshoremen and Cargo Repairmen and is the largest local in the port, said its members went on strike after its members "soundly rejected" a local contract. Three other ILA locals In Baltimore have approved local contracts. In a press release, the union said its members were "protesting the companies' refusal to negotiate In good faith over a new contract covering the workers terms and conditions of employment" Local 333 said it had filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against the STA. "Despite Local 333's efforts to negotiate an agreement, which included mediation under the auspices of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the STA has refused to bargain over subjects that are mandatory under the law, and has engaged in other conduct inimical to reaching agreement," Local 333 said in its press release. The union was "eager to enter into a new contract with the STA," said Local 333 President Riker McKenzie, "We cannot accept STA's refusal to negotiate over matters that the law requires them to negotiate." Neither McKenzie nor Michael P. Angelos, the president of the STA, were immediately available for comment on exactly what the issues preventing an agreement were, Scher noted that the Maryland Port Authority is not involved in the negotiations, but the agency said in a statement it "continues to strongly encourage both sides to reach an agreement" The American Association of Port Authorities says In 2012, Baltimore handled 677,876 TEU, making it the 16th busiest container port in the country. Baltimore is also a leading port for roll-on, roll-off cargo and bulk cargo. In terms of cargo volume, 33.4 million tons of waterborn foreign trade moved through the Baltimore Customs district, making it the 12 busiest in the nation, according to Census Bureau statistics cited by the AAPA. WTC Angry Atheists Continue Relentless Attack on the Ground Zero Cross By Matthew Clark American Center for Law and Justice Following a big victory for the Ground Zero Cross earlier this year, where a federal judge threw out an atheist lawsuit to tear down the Cross, angry atheists are now appealing that ruling to a federal appeals court. The Ground Zero Cross, two intersecting steel beams found In the wreckage of the World Trade Center, became a symbol of hope and healing for first responders on the ground in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and for thousands of Americans across the nation. Angry atheists, from the particularly vitriolic American Atheists, demanded that it be torn down. They attempted to make a federal case of their hurt feelings and lost The trial court correctly noted that the Cross was a historic artifact - an actual piece of 9/11 history. It really meant something to those affected. Inspector general's report says contractor used fraud to win WTC contracts By Steve Strunsky Star Ledger A Canadian businessman is under criminal investigation after an Inspector general's report found that he fraudulently obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in World Trade Center construction contracts intended for women or minorityowned firms, officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said. The investigation involved findings by the PA - DW - 000147 Port Authority Inspector General's office that the businessman, Larry Davis, set up a front company to qualify for the steel contracts, then farmed out the work to non-minority firms. A Port Authority official familiar with the investigation who Insisted on anonymity because criminal charges had not yet been filed, said the inspector general's report had been referred to the U.S. Attorney's office fo the Southern District of New York and that an indictment against Davis was anticipated soon. The investigation, first reported by the New York Times, Is continuing, the official said. WTC contractor to face criminal fraud charges: report The Real Deal DCM Erectors, the contractor installing the steel skeletons of the office tower at 1 World Trade Center and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's $3.4 billion transportation hub, has been targeted in federal and state probes for alleged criminal fraud. Larry Davis, DCM's owner, has been accused of shirking requirements to hire a particular percentage of subcontractors run by minorities or women, the New York Times reported, citing unnamed sources. By depriving the businesses of work on large projects, DCM misused millions of dollars, sources said. The 18-month-long investigation focused on construction at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and the office tower, DCM has completed about $1 billion total in work so far on the projects. Davis is likely to be charged with mail and wire fraud and money laundering, the Times reported. The Port Authority advanced money to DCM in an effort to keep the construction on track, as reported last year. PANYNJ Police: N.C. man trying to cross GWB was carrying loaded shotgun By Dan Iver NJ.com A North Carolina man attempting to cross the George Washington Bridge Tuesday was arrested after being caught with a loaded shotgun in his car, police said. Jeremy Brewton, 28, of Charlotte, was headed toward the bridge's upper level toll plaza in Fort Lee at around 11:57 a.m. when Det, T.J. Cullen noticed his minivan had heavily tinted windows, according to Capt. Thomas Ottina. Cullen ran the vehicle's license plate, and pulled Brewton over after finding that his North Carolina registration was suspended. An odor of marijuana was present in the van, Ottina said, and Cullen received Brewton's consent to search the vehicle, eventually finding a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun loaded with two slugs. PA - DW - 000148 From: Sent: To: Subject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, October 17, 2013 7:37 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal Ted Mann just e-mailed an additional query on the GWB toll lane issue. Ted said he was told by sources that David was in Fort Lee directing the lane closure operation on Sept 9 and Ted is asking why he was there. He plans to include this Information in his story tomorrow. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld PA - DW - 000149 From: Sent: To: Subject: Foye, Patrick Thursday, October 17, 2013 7:46 PM Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Wall Street Journal Defer to Bill. — Original Message — From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 07:37 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wail Street Journal Ted Mann just e-mailed an additional query on the GWB toll lane issue, Ted said he was told by sources that David was in Fort Lee directing the lane closure operation on Sept 9 and Ted is asking why he was there. He plans to include this information in his story tomorrow. 1 will not respond unless directed otherwise. Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld PA - DW - 000150 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Lado, Tina Friday, October 18, 2013 9:37 AM 'Samson, David'; Rechler, Scott Baroni, Bill; Foye, Patrick; Buchbinder, Darrell; Eastman, Karen; Wildstein, David; Ma, John; Garten, David; Simon, Brian; MacSpadden, Lisa NJ Legislative update Chairman Samson, Vice Chairman Rechler: Although there is not yet any text available, yesterday Senate Resolution 127 was introduced by NJ Senators Loretta Weinberg and Raymond Lesniak. The resolution "Constitutes Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preser\'ation Committee as special committee to investigate lane closures implemented by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; grants committee subpoena power." As soon as text is available, 1 will forward it to you (and Law) for review. Tina Lado NJ Director, Government & Community Relations TO PORTAUrraORITY OF NY& NJ tlado@panynj,gov 212'435'6903 http://\vww,panynJ,gov PA - DW - 000151 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Monday, October21, 2013 7:51 AM Morning Clips 10.21.13 TB&T Get To The Bottom of Bridge Blunder: Editorial Star-Ledger Editorial Board - Full Text Still no sign of the phantom "traffic study" that gridlocked Fort Lee last month. And there's still no explanation from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which caused the traffic jams by closing two-thirds the George Washington Bridge's local toll lanes for days. Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) has asked the Port Authority for answers and gotten none. So on Thursday, she moved to subpoena the agency's honchos to Trenton and answer her questions there — this time, under penalty of perjury. Lawmakers should demand full disclosure and schedule immediate hearings. Weinberg's questions are fair. Why were the lanes closed without notice? More to the point: Did Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority minions order the shutdown because Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, refused to endorse the governor's reelection bid? To recap: Two of the GWB's three local-access lanes from Fort Lee were closed on Sept 9, catching locals off-guard. The agency blamed an unnamed traffic study, though officials in charge of such studies told reporters they didn't know anything. Traffic choked Fort Lee for three days until Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director, ordered the lanes re-opened. On Wednesday — more than a month after the mayhem — Foye said an internal review was underway. Nothing else. The persistent rumor Is "Christie's revenge," Weinberg wondered whether it was the brainchild of the governor's Port Authority "frat boys." (Christie's campaign staff called that idea "crazy,") This irresponsible bridge blockade risked catastrophe: What if an ambulance or firetruck were stuck in politically driven gridlock? The Port Authority's official silence is telling. New Jersey lawmakers must give Weinberg the subpoena power she's asking for without hesitation. Once Port Authority brass are seated in Trenton, there's one line of questioning that matters: Prove this elusive traffic study exists, or admit the lie. PANYNJ Editonal: Water Tunnel Shows What Gov't Must Do Best AMNY - Editorial It's not something instantly visible like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Roman aqueducts - massive public works that inspire oohs and aahs for generations. But last week, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg turned a ceremonial valve and let water gush through a brand-new section of Water Tunnel No. 3, he proved that, no matter what you may have heard, government can still do the vital, costly, unglamorous work that makes our city hum. Just don't expect blinding speed. Water Tunnel No. 3 was conceived in 1954. Work began in the 1970s. Recessions came and went, mayors reigned and departed, children were bom and had kids of their own, progress slopped and started. NJ Faces Heftj' Pricetag For Rail Tunnel, Transportation Projects NJ Spotlisiht Two years from now, New Jersey's governor and Legislature will not only have to come up with an $8 billion plan to fund the Transportation Trust Fund for another five years, but also $3 billion or more if they want New Jersey Transit trains to be able to use Amirak's Gateway Tunnel into New York's Penn Station. These are two of the most difficult fiscal challenges that the winner of the November 5 gubernatorial election will face, and Republican Gov. Chris Christie and his challenger, Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), staked out opposing positions on the importance of a new rail tunnel long before the campaign began. The Obama administration demonstrated its commitment to the $13.5 billion Gateway Tunnel project when it started construction 17 days ago on a $ 185 million concrete casement under the Hudson Yards in Manhattan for the rail tunnel to run PA - DW - 000152 through. The 800-foot-long "tunnel box" is scheduled for completion in October 2015 - about the same time Northeast Corridor environmental impact studies are scheduled to be completed - and that's when financing plans have to be put into place. Aviation Long Island Man Arrested at JFK with Knives, Scissors After Trying to Board JetBlueFlight Thomas Tracy Daily News This carry-on bag was a cut above the rest Port Authority cops cuffed a 29-year-oid Long Island man they said was trying to board a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport with more than a dozen knives, including an Illegal "trench knife" attached to a set of brass knuckles, officials said, JFK Passenger Busted with Knives in Carry-On Bag Matt McNulty NY Post A Long Island man was arrested Saturday afternoon after he was caught at Kennedy Airport with a startling variety of knives, scissors and lighters in his carry-on bag, Timothy Schlavo Jr., 29, of Patchogue, had been trying to board a JetBlue flight when his bag was sent through a scanner. He was taken into custody when the machine displayed two illegal knives. One was a trench knife, which can be attached to brass knuckles; the other was a hunting knife with a blade longer than four inches. He had eight other blades, including scissors and pocket knives, authorities said. It was not clear where he had planned to travel before his destination was abruptly changed to a police station. He was charged with criminal possession of weapons. Long Island Man Arrested at JFK with Dozens of Knives and Scissors in Carry-On Bag Alyssa Zauderer WPIX - 11 An airline passenger was arrested at JFK airport on Saturday for trying to bring a collection of weapons on board. According to Port Authority Police, 29-year-old Timothy Schlavo Jr. of Patchogue was carrying five pairs of scissors and more than a dozen knives when he was flagged at security. One of the knives included an illegal trench knife attached to a set of brass knuckles, Man Arrested at JFK For Trying To Bring Bag of Knives on Plane Gothamist - Full Text A Long Island man allegedly tried to smuggle a number of knives onto a plane at John F. Kennedy Airport yesterday, including a trench knife and several pairs of scissors. He was nabbed by security and has since been arrested, and it's unclear where he was planning to take all those blades. Cops say 29-year-old Timothy Schlavo Jr., a Patchogue resident, sent his bag through a security screener at a Terminal 5 checkpoint yesterday afternoon, and was reportedly set to board a JetBlue flight shortly thereafter. But authorities say the machines spotted a number of ostensible weapons In Schiavo's bag, including two Illegal knifes: the trench knife—which has metal knuckles on the handle of the blade—and a a hunting knife. They also say they found a number of pocket knives, scissors, matches and lighters, with ten blades recovered in total. Schlavo was promptly arrested and charged with criminal possession of weapons. Authorities have not released his flight destination, and its unclear how he thought he'd get on a plane with all that gear; JFK security might have Its problems, but if they can catch someone wearing a diaper full of cocaine, they'll probably notice your bag of knives. Probably. Port Commerce Port Posts Record Levels, But Concerns Loom Robert McCabe The Virginian-Pilot PA - DW - 000153 If it were a soap opera, it might well be titled "As the Port Churns." Over the past few years, the Virginia Port Authority has had more than a melodrama's worth of upheavals - the firing of most of its board, the departure of the port's two senior executives and two rounds of controversial bids to privatize terminal operations. Despite all that, the port has posted record cargo levels. But a cloud hovers. Rail logjams and concerns about the cost of shipping through the port threaten to end the string of good-news twists in the Hampton Roads waterfront story. Congestion at the port first became acute in August 2012 when rail operations gridlocked one weekend at the APM Terminals facility in Portsmouth, which the Port Authority leases. Top rail and port execufives gathered at a hasfily called meeting to find a fix. PA - DW - 000154 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • Coleman, Steve Thursday, October 24, 2013 5:59 PM Marsico, Ron; 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny,gov'; Garten, David; Coleman, Steve Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report: 10/24/13 Approximately 37 media representatives attended an event at the World Trade Center site today to mark the opening of the World Trade Center West Concourse, which provides an underground walkway linking the WTC PATH Station on the east to the Brookfield Place Pavilion and Battery Park City Ferry Terminal on the west end. Claire Trapasso of the NY Daily News is working on a story about the additional runway safety zone area being added to Runway 4L22R at JFK International Airport in advance of public hearings that start tonight. Interim Aviation Director Thomas Bosco explained this is a federal safety mandate and will not change existing flight routes/noise on landings for residents in Spnngfield Gardens and Rosedale, Queens. Media Relations is staffing tonight's first community meeting in Queens regarding the environmental assessment for the enhanced safety zones on Runway 4L22R at JFK International Airport. Allegra Kirkland of The Nation magazine called regarding efforts to unionize workers at the Port Authority's airports. We let the reporter know these are workers employed by the airlines and restaurants/shops at the airports and she should reach out to those employers. Matt McGrath of the Bergen Record called about a PAPD police chase involving a driver on the GWB this morning at about 4 am. He was told the chase was called off for safety reasons. Rohan Mohanty of Chasing NJ (news web site) called seeking comment on the issues surrounding last month's closing of GWB toll lanes used by Fort Lee residents. We did not respond. Rosellen O'Connor of National Resource News inquired about the number of jobs created by the Bayonne Bridge project. We sent her a copy of the April 24'^ press release, which detailed the project and noted the number of jobs created. Vincent Calil of Infrastructure Journal inquired about how Transfield Services dropping out of the Goethals Bndge consortium affects the project. Response pending. PA - DW - 000155 From: Sent: Subject: Valens, Chris Saturday, October 26, 2013 7:35 AM Morning Clips 10,26.13 Aviation Port Authority changes JFK runway plan to save 800 trees By Rich Bockmann Queens Times Ledger The Port Authority has modified a runway rehabilitation plan at JFK Airport that would have brought planes in lower over areas of southeast Queens and required perhaps as many as 800 trees to be removed from Idlewild Park. New federal regulations mandate that airports provide safety areas at the ends of runways for aircraft that come In short on landings, run long on takeoffs or veer off the runways. In response to a preliminary plan the Port Authority put out last year to rehabilitate a runway directly across from Idlewild Park, the city Parks Department tagged more than 700 trees in the spring it said would either have to be pruned or taken down if the agency got the thumbs up for its plan. In a revised assessment released last week, however, the Port Authority scrapped parts of the plan that would have brought planes in lower over Queens. Is It a Good Idea to Put a Farmers' Market in an Airport? By L,V. Anderson Slate Magazine JetBlue one of the least bad airlines to fly (In my experience), announced plans this week to open a pop-up farmers' market in its terminal at Kennedy Airport in New York at the end of October. The market, whose vendors will sell not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also non-perishables like pickles and jams, will also feature carnivalesque attractions like "education stations, a harvest-themed photo booth, a bike blender for people-powered smoothies, a composting pile with live worms, and a recycling game." 'This Greenmarket will help local food and beverage companies better market their products, increase their sales and further build their brands to an audience outside the borders of the Empire State," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to the press release announcing for the market, which—like the rest of New York City's farmers' markets—will be produced by a nonprofit called GrowNYC. On its face, the market seems to warrant Cuomo's praise. What better way to advertise the Greenmarket and raise awareness about independent producers than to sell their delicious wares in one of the most heavily trafficked locations in the city? TB&T Fort Lee lane closures controversy By Kate Mosso Chasing NJ The Port Authority closed two of three lanes in Fort Lee, N.J„ near the George Washington Bridge for four days starting September 9, 2013, resulting in gridlock traffic. Many people, including state Sen, Loretta Weinberg, the area senator, are outraged that there Is still no answer on the closures. Originally, Port Authority spokespeople said the closings were due to a "traffic study," a statement Deputy Executive Director Bob Baroni, an appointee of New Jersey Gov, Chris Christie, backed up. But then the Executive Director Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov, Andrew Cuomo, sent out a scathing letter to the whole agency saying there was no traffic study, the closures might be illegal, and that it goes against everything the authority stands for. Fort Lee Mayor Tom Sokolich wrote an email Baroni In September, saying he couldn't reach him, his community suffered greatly from the closures. Happy birthday George Washington Bridge! See rare 1981 interview with the man who crossed it ON HORSE on the first day By Marvin Scott WPIX This video and story aired on WPIX on Oct. 25, 1981, the 50th anniversary of the George Washington Bridge. We present it on the occasion of bridge's 82nd birthday some 32 years after this piece aired on Channel 11. This is the original text and video by Marvin Scott. California has the Golden Gate, Maryland has the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and New Jersey PA - DW - 000156 and New York — they share the George Washington Bridge. The steel span that connects the two states is celebrating its 50'^ anniversary on Sunday. The George Washington Bridge stands as a towering monument to man's genius and ability to build. In 3,500 feet of steel and concrete, it leaps over the Hudson River in a single bound, and hangs suspended between water and sky. With its massive twin towers rising 600 feet above the water, "George", as the bridge Is affectionately known, stands the third largest suspension bridge in the world. And with a total of 14 lanes, its the only one of its kind. Since its opening, almost 2 billion vehicles have crossed the bridge, 82 million last year alone, A far cry from the mere 55,000 that made the trip on October 25, 1931 - that's 55,000 vehicles and one horse, ridden by one 27-yearold Morton Salomon, an adventurer who simply wanted to be the first. PA - DW - 000157 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: TOPIC: Duffy, Daniel Monday, October 28, 2013 9:40 AM Fedorko, Michael; Fulton, Cedrick Archie, Gwendolyn; Buchbinder, Darrell; Coleman, Steve; DiMarco, Gretchen; Eastman, Karen; Gardner, Michael; Handel, Linda; Lado, Tina; Ma, John; Marsico, Ron; MacSpadden, Lisa; McDonough, John; Qureshi, Ann; Simon, Brian; Stickelman, Timothy; Tredy, Pat; Van Duyne, Sheree; Wildstein, David FOI REQUEST REFERENCE NO. 14364 - TED MANN (WALL STREET JOURNAL) FOI Request No, 14364.pdf Request for copies of all closed-circuit or surveillance video of the George Washington Bridge, including toll plazas, walkways, approaching traffic lanes, and other Port Authority offices and structures, for the morning of Sept. 9, 2013, from 5 a.m. through 10 a.m. Attached is a Freedom of Information request for your handling. Your response is due within three (3) business days. YOUR RESPONSE SHOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO ANY SUGGESTED REDACTIONS. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CITE THE SPECIFIC EXEMPTION. Your written response should include any financial, policy or public relation concerns associated with the release of this material. Any staff representing you on this review should be thoroughly familiar with current departmental policy and business matters to represent your direct views in this matter. • • • If no records are found, please confirm that fact in writing. Please ensure that your search for records covers any copies at the facilities or off-site storage facilities. Please note that new documents should not be created in response to this request. Whenever possible, your response should be sent in electronic format, since it will be posted to the Port Authority's website Please keep track of time spent searching for records. This does not include time spent retrieving or copying the responsive records. Your response should note the amount of time, if greater than an hour, and the pay level of the person performing the search. If you have any questions pertaining to the attached request, please call Dan Duffy at (212) 435-2542 or Ann Qureshi at 212-435-6657. Daniel D. Duffy Freedom of Information Administrator Office of the Secretary The Port Authority of NY & NJ 225 Park Avenue South, 17th Floor New York, NY 10003 PA - DW - 000158 From; Sent: To; Cc; Subject: ted,mann@v.'sj.com Tuesday, October 22, 2013 9:16 A M Duffy. Daniel Torres Rojas, Genara, Van Duyne, Sheree, Qureshi, Ann Freedom of Information Online Request Form Infbniiauon: Kirsi Name: 'JVd [..ast Namo; \!:imi Cosnpiuiy; Tht; Wall Sii'L^'L Journal iVU)iling .Address i : 1211 Avenue oi'thc Americas Mailing Address 2: 5lh Floor (.'i'.y: New York Stmc: NY Zip Code: 10036 Hmai! /\ddress: IcdiEiUUi.^!!:^^^!'!''I'honc: 2124162660 Required copie.s of ihe records: Yes I.isi of .specilic recDrJ(s): All closed-circuit or siirvciilance video of Ihe George Washington Bridge, ineluding toll plaziis, wallcwoy^, approaching traffic lajies. and other I'oii .Auiliority oillccs and simctures. for the morning of Sept. 9. 2013, from 5 a.m. through 10 a.iii. PA - DW - 000159 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, October 28, 2013 2:49 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Wildstein, David; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Star Ledger inquiry Steve Strunsl wrote: Steve Strunsky is working on a story following up on last Thursday's Wall Street Journal story on the September closing of the GWB toll access lanes. He said he confirmed the same information in the Wall Street Journal story, and sent several questions about our investigation into the matter. I will not respond to Steve unless directed otherwise to do so. PA - DW - 000176 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Wednesday, November 13, 2013 6:06 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nJ.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 11/13/13 Media Relations facilitated an availability with Port Authority leadership and media representatives following today's Board meeting. Topics raised were the September closing of GWB local access lanes and a planned lawsuit by Jersey City against the Port Authority over property tax issues. Media Relations issued a press release about the Board's approval of a project to build the West Garage at LaGuardia Airport. Robert Slavin of the Bond Buyer called with follow-up questions, which we answered. Media Relations proactively pitched a story about the PAPD's thwarting of a possible GWB suicide attempt though the use of Social Media. Tom Tracy of the NY Daily News, Natasha Velez of the NY Post, Seth Augenstein of The Star- Ledger, and The Associated Press in Trenton all were contacted and PAPD Lt. Thomas Michaels was interviewed by the NY Daily News and NY Post via phone. Ed Krudy from Reuters requested the PA analysis that shows that building the Goethals Bridge through a PPP will save the PA 10 percent In construction and maintenance costs over the life of the agreement. He had previously made this request in April and we told him to reach out again after financial close. Response pending. Tom McElroy of Associated Press called about a passenger who noticed some type of fire late this afternoon at JFK. We let the reporter know there was a fire training exercise ongoing at the airport at the time. Steve Strunsky reached out again on how the Port Authority plans to handle the TSA's decision to stop staffing exit lanes at airports the agency operates and many others around the nation. Response pending. Various media outlets inquired about a Delta commuter plane to Minneapolls/St. Paul that returned to JFK Airport this morning about 10 minutes after takeoff when the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit. We let reporters know the plane landed safely and passengers were evacuated on a taxiway and taken by bus to the terminal. We referred questions about the cause of the smoke to the airline. Bianca Fortis of the Queens Times-Ledger is working on a story about the Port Authority's replacement of noise monitors at LaGuardia Airport. We provided basic information on the numbers at all our airports and general locations of those at LGA . Karia Coral of Elizabeth Inside Out followed up on yesterday's fire at Port Elizabeth. The reporter was told there were no updates. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvni.gov PA - DW - 000177 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, November 13, 2013 6:38 PM Evening Clips 11.13.13 PAPD Facebook used by cops to thwart George Washington Bridge suicide A Port Authority lieutenant responded to a dour message on a New Jersey college student's Facebook page after the teen said he contemplated leaping from the span. The student got in touch with police and was persuaded not to follow through. By Thomas Tracy New York Daily News You're going to "like" this: Facebook helped save a life Tuesday. The popular social media site became a lifeline for a despondent 18-year-old who threatened to leap off the George Washington Bridge, Port Authority officials said. The unidentified teen, a New Jersey college student about to be kicked out of his home, posted a picture of the George Washington Bridge with the words I'm thinking of jumping" on Tuesday afternoon. A Facebook friend of the teen's saw the post and told Paterson, N.J., authorities, which, in turn, alerted the Port Authority Police Department. Man who posted suicidal comments on Facebook tracked down before he arrived at GW Bridge By Seth Augenstein The Star-Ledger A man who made suicidal comments on Facebook was tracked down through social media before he arrived at the George Washington Bridge, authorities said. A man called Paterson police around 1 p.m. to report an 18-year-old man's Facebook posts, which showed pictures of the George Washington Bridge and comments which contemplated suicide, said Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Paterson police immediately notified their Port Authority counterparts, who printed out pictures of the 18 year old from his Facebook page and distributed them among officers on the bridge. The Port Authority police also reached out to the teen through Facebook, Pentangelo said. He contacted the police by phone from a bus, and agreed to medical treatment at a local hospital, Pentangelo added. Cops use Facebook to talk teen out of suicide By Natasha Velez New York Post Port Authority cops used social media to help save the life of a teen who posted a suicide bid online. "I'm thinking about jumping," the 18-year-old posted to his Facebook page Tuesday around 1 p.m. along with a picture of the George Washington Bridge. A concerned friend called the cops who then scoured the bridge and tried to ping the man's cell phone. When they came up empty-handed, Lt. Thomas Michaels reached out to him on Facebook. Suicidal Teen Saved by Port Authority Facebook Messages, Officials Say By Aldan Gardiner DNA info After a teen posted suicidal statements with photos of the George Washington Bridge on his Facebook profile. Port Authority police reached out to him through social media and convinced him to seek help Tuesday, authorities said. "I am thinking about jumping," the 18-year-old teen, whose identity was not released, posted to his Facebook profile that also featured photos of the bridge, a PAPD spokesman said. About 1 p.m. Tuesday an alarmed friend contacted authorities, who then reached out to the troubled teen through Facebook offering help, the PAPD said. LL Thomas Michaels, assigned to the bridge, included his cellphone number and urged the teen to call him, the Port Authority said. Cops Use Facebook To Help Suicidal Teen Gothamist PA - DW - 000178 You probably already know that in recent years cops have embraced social media as a tool for finding criminals. Ray Kelly often touts Operation Crew Cut, which uses the Facebook activity of alleged gang members to string together charges of organized crime, as one of the main reasons why the murder rate has dropped off so much recently. But that's not the only thing cops use Facebook for: Port Authority cops successfully reached out to a suicidal 18-year-old who threatened to jump off the George Washington Bridge yesterday. "We've used Facebook to verify a threat and access pictures, but this is the first time we've used social media to reach out to someone in a case like this," said Port Authority LL Thomas Michaels. The unidentified 18-year-old NJ resident posted a picture of the GW Bridge with the words "I'm thinking of jumping" on his Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon. A friend saw the post and contacted the Port Authority Police Department; Michaels gave out a Facebook photo of the college student to his officers, and left a message on the teen's Facebook page with his number, encouraging him to call him. PANYNJ Port Officials Say Little About September's George Washington Bridge Lane Closures By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal Blog - (Full Text) The biggest news made at Wednesday's meeting of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was something that officials of the bi-state transportation agency wouldn't say. Neither Patrick Foye nor Bill Baroni, the authority's executive and deputy executive directors, respectively, would repeat the agency's previous public explanation for the abrupt weeklong closure of local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September. A man gets out of his vehicle to see what the backup is at the toll on the George Washington Bridge on Sept. 12. Mr. Baroni had previously referred reporters to the authority's press office, which at first explained the closures — which triggered massive traffic congestion and political intrigue at the bridge's footing in Fort Lee, N.J. — as the result of a study of traffic patterns. Mr. Foye, on the other hand, had written an enraged email to fellow executives upon discovering the closures and subsequently reversed them. In the letter he warned that they might have violated the law and vowed to find out why they had occurred. On Wednesday, Mr. Baroni declined to say whether he or the authority would stand behind their initial explanation for the closures, which The Wall Street Journal reported last week were ordered by a close political ally of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: David Wildstein, who has worked since 2010 as the authority's director of interstate capital projects. Mr. Foye and Mr. Baroni faced skeptical questioning on Wednesday from both the media and local elected officials about the purpose of the lane closures. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, whose borough was inundated with traffic by the closures, wrote during the week of SepL 9 to Baroni, complaining that he considered the closures to be a "punitive" measure of some sort. People familiar with the matter noted that Mr. Sokolich had been asked, and declined, to endorse Mr. Christie for reelection two weeks before Mr. Wildstein ordered the lanes shut down. The morning of their closure, Mr. Wildstein appeared on the bridge's New Jersey side and observed the traffic chaos that Mr. Sokolich and others have said was the result of his declining the endorsement And people familiar with the matter have previously told the Journal that the closures were not part of any effort to analyze traffic on the bridge, noting that no local officials and relevant divisions within the authority were ever notified that a study would be done. "There was no study," one of those people said. Mr. Wildstein, a longtime associate of Mr. Christie, did not attend Wednesday's board meeting. The meeting was not held in its usual spot in the authority's Park Avenue headquarters in Manhattan — on the same floor where Mr. Wildstein works — but instead in Jersey City, N.J. Port Authority Board of Commissioners Chairman David Samson said the meeting location was changed to benefit the agency's New Jersey constituents. Mr. Wildstein didn't immediately return a request for comment During a public comment period at the meeting, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg called on Messrs. Foye and Baroni, as well as all the New Jersey appointees of the authority, to publicly explain the purposes of the lane closures, which she called "actions that have appeared to have no legitimacy." During the session, both Mr. Foye and Mr. Baroni answered all questions on the matter by saying that the agency is conducting a review and will make the results public on a late Speaking to another New Jersey board member, William "Pat" Schuber, Ms. Weinberg said: "You gave me a promise that you will get to the bottom of this, and I'm still waiting." Joining Ms. Weinberg at the meeting were elected officials including Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat and former party chairman who heads the Transportation Committee. Mr. Wisniewski said he believed the transportation committee could use its existing subpoena powers to demand answers on the lane closures from authority officials. Ms. Weinberg, also a Democrat, is trying to line up votes to empower a Senate committee also to issue subpoenas seeking an explanation. Skepticism ran thick among the elected officials who showed up for the meeting. "It is unconscionable that you would put people in this situation, risking their lives for a traffic study, or whatever the excuse du jour is at this time," Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, a Palisades Park Democrat, said. Mr. Foye gave no estimate when the authority's own interna! review of the closures would be completed. Port Authority officials appear in Jersey City, still mum on Fulop lawsuit threat By Terrence T. McDonald The Jersey Journal PA - DW - 000179 Top officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey declined to comment today on Jersey City Mayor Fulop's plan to sue the bi-state agency for $400 million, roughly the figure Fulop says the agency owes in unpaid city taxes. Bill Baroni, the Port Authority's deputy executive director, said the agency would not comment on any issues that appear headed toward litigation. A Port Authority spokesman gave the same response to The Jersey Journal yesterday. "The city of Jersey City and the Port Authorty has for some time continued to deal with these issues, under Mayor Schundler, under Mayor Healy and now under Mayor Fulop," Baroni said today. "These are important issues and we'll continue to be focused on them." Port Authority still mum on mystery GWB closures By Associated Press My San Antonio - (Full Text) Several New Jersey lawmakers are asking the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to explain unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September that caused massive traffic tie-ups. State Sen. Loretta Weinberg joined Assemblymen John Wisniewski and Gordon Johnson in criticizing the agency Wednesday for not being transparent about the decision-making behind the closures and who is being held accountable. The closures of access lanes to the bridge in Fort Lee caused hours-long delays. Local officials have said they weren't notified in advance. Published reports said the closures were part of a traffic study. But Port Authority officials have refused to give details on the alleged study or who ordered it Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye said Wednesday that an investigation is ongoing. WTC A dozen years after the Sept. 11 terror attack, the first new tower officially opens on the World Trade Center site Mayor Bloomberg calls the opening of the 977-foot-tall 4 World Trade Center a "turning point" for the City of New York. By Jennifer Fermino New York Daily News Four World Trade Center officially opened its revolving doors on Monday, a major milestone for Lower Manhattan 12 years after the worst terror attack in American history. Sheathed in glass, the 72-story skyscraper is the first building to open on the site since hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers on SepL 11, 2001, killing 2,700 people. "This is a major turning point for the World Trade Center, and really for our entire city," Mayor Bloomberg said. Larry Silverstein, the WTC developer, called it a "moment of enormous pride. First Office Tower At WTC Site Opens By NY 1 The 72-story 4 World Trade Center officially opened Wednesday, becoming the first office building to open on the site of the former World Trade Center since the September 11th attacks. Tenants are not moving into 4 World Trade right away. They will be allowed to build out their space and people are expected to start working inside next year. Nearly half the space is already leased to the Port Authority. Four World Trade Center Open For Business 12 Years After Terror Attacks By Jennifer Fermino New York Daily News Blog Four World Trade Center officially opened its revolving doors on Monday, a major milestone for Lower Manhattan 12 years after the worst terror attack in American history. The gleaming new 72-story skyscraper is the first building to open on the site since the destruction of the Twin Towers on Sept 11 2001. 'This is a major turning point for the World Trade Center, and really for our entire city," said Mayor Bloomberg. He was one of a host of political and business leaders who attended a outdoor ceremony to commemorate the historic opening. Marking A Milestone: 4 World Trade Center Opens 4 WTC First Office Tower To Open On Site Since 9/11 Attacks CBS local News Four World Trade Center has officially opened, marking a major milestone as the first office tower at the 16-acre World Trade Center site to open since the Sept 11 th attacks. A ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday morning for the 978-foot building. "As we open its doors, the site once again becomes a part of New York's continued growth, reconnected with the city that surrounds iL" Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "That such elegance, beauty and quiet dignity rises from a place PA - DW - 000180 once decimated by unspeakable barbarism is as breathtaking as it is uplifting," New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 1st tower of new World Trade Center opens today in Manhattan Wilt be 1st office tower to open at Ground Zero since terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 Thomson Reuters CBC World News The first office tower to be completed at Ground Zero since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center will open on Wednesday, marking a comeback for the Lower Manhattan site. Sheathed in glass, 4 World Trade Center is the smallest of the four main towers on the site where 2,700 people died when hijacked airplanes crashed into the two iconic towers that were part of the original World Trade Center complex since the 1970s. It stands 298 metres tall — a shorter, simpler version of One World Trade Center, the centre piece of the revamped site, which will not be completed until early 2014 and will be the tallest building in the U.S. The 72-storey building stands empty at the moment, although two government agencies have signed leases for half of the building's space. First tower at new World Trade Center site opens By Ivan Pereira AM New York The World Trade Center's rebirth began Wednesday with the grand opening of the first tower on the 16-acre site. Elected officials, residents and business leaders joined Silverstein Properties, the building's developer, for Four World Trade Center's opening. Although the 977-foot building pales in comparison to its neighbor. One World Trade Center, which was officially named the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere Tuesday at 1,776 feet, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it still was an important symbol for downtown Manhattan. World Trade Center Tower Opens 12 Years After 9/11 Attacks The Inquisitr A new World Trade Center tower is officially opening, 12 years after the attacks of September 11, 2001. At this time 12 years ago. New York City and the whole country was still mourning the loss of life and destruction caused by the terrorist attacks. Now a new chapter begins for lower Manhattan with the opening of the brand new 4 World Trade Center tower, a smaller version of One World Trade Center. The skyscraper, formerly known as Freedom Tower, is the main building at the new World Trade Center complex being built after the Twin Towers were brought down by terrorist on 9/11. AVIATION TSA criticized for removing security from exit lanes, despite 2010 kiss that shuttered airport By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger A decision by the TSA to no longer guard the exits from secure areas at airline terminals is being criticized by airport advocates and the state's senior U.S. senator. The decision comes three years after the Transportation Security Administration agreed to bolster security at the airport following an incident involving a lovesick Rutgers student who sneaked through an unmanned exit, resulting in a six-hour shutdown of Newark Liberty International Airport and a worldwide disruption of air travel "Talk about penny wise and pound foolish," read a statement from Steve Sigmund, executive director of the Global Gateway Alliance, a group that lobbies for improvements to the region's three major airports. "Newark already experienced the infamous 'goodbye kiss' breach in 2010 where a non-passenger passed security, unchecked, through an exit lane ~ so the argument that those lanes aren't part of the TSA mandate is just false." TV CLIPS WCBS NY - Opening of four WTC WPIX 11 TV - Opening of four WTC WABC NY - Opening of four WTC WNBC N Y - Opening of four WTC/ Lawsuit PA - DW - 000181 NEWS 12 NJ -- Toll hikes at PA crossings. PA - DW- 000182 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Thursday, November 14, 2013 8:14 AM Morning Clips -11.14.13 PANYNJ Port Authority Not Commenting on Jersey City Mayor's Planned $400 Million Tax Lawsuit Terrence T. McDonald Jersey Journal - Full Text Top officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey declined to comment yesterday on Jersey City Mayor Fulop's plan to sue the bi-state agency for $400 million, the figure Fulop says the agency owes in unpaid city taxes. Bill Baroni, the Port Authority's deputy executive director, said the agency would not comment on any issues that appear headed toward litigation. A Port Authority spokesman gave the same response to The Jersey Journal on Tuesday. "The city of Jersey City and the Port Authority has for some time continued to deal with these issues, under Mayor Schundler, under Mayor Healy and now under Mayor Fulop," Baroni said yesterday. "These are important issues and we'll continue to be focused on them." Baroni was referring to Bret Schundler and Jerramiah Healy, former mayors. Port Authority officials were in Jersey City for the agency's monthly commissioners meeting. The meetings had been held exclusively in New York City since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, but commissioners yesterday said they plan to meet in New Jersey more frequently. The meeting was on the third floor of the agency's office at 2 Montgomery St., which is one of the Port Authority properties Fulop has said the city will focus on in its lawsuit. The Port Authority purchased the property in 2010 for $26.2 million and pays no taxes on it, Fulop says. Baroni refused to confirm whether the agency pays any taxes on the facility — property records indicate it does not — or comment on any of The Jersey Journal's questions regarding the lawsuit, which the city expects to file as early as tomorrow. Fulop claims the agency owes the city roughly $350 million in back taxes (the other $50 million the city seeks is for interest and damages). The Port Authority pays no taxes on many of the 32 properties it owns in the city, and on others it has payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements that Fulop says shortchange Jersey City taxpayers. TB&T Despite Mounting Criticism and Questions, Mum's Still the Word on September GWB Lane Closures By Steve Strunsky Star-Ledger - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey remained mum Wednesday on September's controversial closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge despite withering criticism from the public and several elected officials, and a barrage of questions from reporters. "The matter is under review, and when we have some information, we'll say something," Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye said after Wednesday's board meeting In Jersey City. Foye was responding to a reporter's request for an update on an internal investigation of the closures that he announced last month. Assemblyman John Wisniewski (DMiddlesex), chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, was among the elected officials who spoke during Wednesday's meeting. He urged the agency to "let the sun shine in," and explain the closures. Last year ,the Assembly granted the committee subpoena power to investigate Port Authority finances in the wake of a controversial 2011 toll hike. After Wednesday's meeting, Wisniewski said committee staffers were drafting subpoenas related to the lane closures. The unannounced lane closures created a traffic nightmare for several days in September. On Sept. 13, Foye sent an angry email, directing bridge managers to open the lanes. The email also criticized the closures as a threat to public safety and a violation of Port Authority procedures. When the email surfaced publicly last month, it cast doubt on a Port Authority statement attributing the closures to a traffic safety study. Further doubts were raised after the disclosure of a Sept. 12 letter Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich wrote to Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, asserting the closures had "punitive overtones," and pleading with Baroni to lift them "without political fanfare." Democratic lawmakers, including those at Wednesday's meeting, said the letter reinforced suspicions the lane closings were in retaliation for Sokolich's failure to endorse Republican Gov. PA - DW - 000183 Chris Christie for re-election. Christie's office says the governor had nothing to do with the closings, and Sokolich said in a brief interview Wednesday he did not believe the closures were retaliatory. Bergen County Freeholder-elect James Tedesco said the closures were "unconscionable," and that the impact of the related traffic delays may never be known in terms of docked pay, missed job interviews or health setbacks. Port Authority Won't Address Massive September Traffic Tie-Ups on George Washington Bridge By Shawn Boburg Record A dozen times on Wednesday Port Authority executives were asked pointed questions about a seemingly routine exercise: lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September. Why, and by whom, were they ordered? And each time their reply to reporters and frustrated New Jersey lawmakers who attended a meeting of the board of commissioners looking for answers was the same: "It's under review." The reticence, following reports that a top Christie appointee at the agency closed three local access lanes to punish the Fort Lee mayor for political reasons, appeared to inflame a controversy that has already attracted the attention of New Jersey's top Democratic legislators, who once again are threatening to issue subpoenas. WTC Residents Suing to Stop 'Fortreslike' Plan for World Trade Center By David Dunlap NY Times The Police Department plans to close the streets in and around the trade center to normal through traffic. Vehicles would be screened before entering this zone, or "campus," as the police call it. Some would be searched. Only those having demonstrable business at the trade center, or those previously certified as trustworthy, would be allowed in. Drivers who regularly come into the secured zone could enroll themselves and their vehicles in a Trusted Access Program, although the police said that specific operational details of the program would not be released out of security concerns. "The N.Y.P.D. has determined that the entire World Trade Center site is a potential target," the department said in the impact statement Lupica: With 4 World Trade Center Now Open, Bloomberg Presides Over Healing After 12 Years in Office Mike Lupica NY Daily News He became the mayor of New York City in the shadow of Sept. 11, 2001, and now it was all this time later and Michael Bloomberg was one of those standing in the shadow of 4 World Trade Center on Wednesday morning as it became the first office tower to officially open at the World Trade Center since the morning that changed everything. This was not about some silly squabble out of Chicago — not called the Second City for nothing in this case — about the size of 1 World Trade against Chicago's Willis Tower. This wasn't even a celebration of architecture or symbols as much as it was another celebration of everything that began in Lower Manhattan on Sept. 12, 2001, when New York and New Yorkers began to get back up. One World Trade Is About Half Vacant - So What? By Devin Leonard Businessweek One World Trade Center won a coveted honor this week. The 1,776-foot tower in Lower Manhattan was named the tallest in the U.S. by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, besting Chicago's 1,451-foot Willis Tower. Prominent Chicagoans, most notably Mayor Rahm Emanuel, were naturally displeased with the decision, but there's nowhere they can go to appeal it. Yet the New York tower's triumph has been tainted somewhat by the accompanying news that the 3 million-square-foot building, scheduled to open next year, remains 45 percent vacant. It isn't the only building on the site with rental issues. The 2.3 million-square-foot 4 World Trade Center, which opens this week, is 40 percent unoccupied. 4 World Trade Center Opens in NYC Associated Press NEW YORK — The office tower at 4 World Trade Center has opened in lower Manhattan. A ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday for the 978-foot building. It's designed by prize-winning architect Fumihiko Maki. The 2 PA - DW - 000184 building faces the Sept. 11 memorial's south reflecting pool. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects to move into 4 World Trade in 2015. The authority lost its home in the twin towers during the 2001 terror attacks. The official opening means it can start building out its new office space. The site's marquee skyscraper, One World Trade, is expected to officially open sometime in 2014. Another office tower, at 7 World Trade Center, opened in 2006. Residents plan to sue NYPD over WTC security plan Associated Press - Full Text A group of Lower Manhattan residents plan to sue the NYPD over its security plan for the World Trade Center site. The WTC Neighborhood Alliance says the plan will leave the center in "fortress-like isolation" and the area around it "as impervious to traffic as the Berlin Wall." The plan calls for three-foot-tall barriers and a secured zone around the trade center. Vehicles entering the zone would be screened. Only those that can prove they have business in the trade center or have been previously certified would be allowed in. The New York Times says the alliance will ask the court to annul the plan. The lawsuit is expected to be filed Thursday. Responding to the impending suit, the city said car bombs pose a serious risk. PA - DW - 000185 From: Sent: Subject: King, Rudolph Friday, November 15, 2013 7:44 AM Morning Clips -11.15.13 PANYNJ Chairman of Port Authority Comments on Potential $400 Million Lawsuit it Faces From Jersey City Over Taxes Joshua Surd NJBiz - Full Text The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey defended his agency ahead of a $400 million lawsuit it could face from Jersey City, which seeks to have the bistate entity pay higher taxes for a host of properties it owns around the city. Port Authority Chairman David Samson told NJBIZ: 'We usually do not comment on threatened or pending litigation, but I can tell you the Port Authority is in compliance with its legal and contractual obligations." Earlier this week, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said he planned to sue the agency for $400 million, citing "economic damages caused by the Port Authority's unfair and outdated tax agreements with the city." Fulop said agreements for scores of properties have cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars in lost tax revenue over several decades, and that agency officials have been completely unresponsive" to his outreach efforts since he took office in July. All told, the city alleges the Port Authority pays $2.2 million annually for properties whose current assessments should generate more than $18 million in taxes. Officials from the authority, whose board met this week, have declined to respond ahead of pending litigation. Meantime, some state lawmakers came out in defense of the agency, including Sen. Michael Doherty, who said the threat of the lawsuit was "hypocrisy" considering state tax exemptions enjoyed by the city. WTC WTC Security Plan Resisted - Opinion Amanda Fung Grain's NY Business - Full Text Local residents are not happy with the New York Police Department's security plan for the World Trade Center. In fact, a group of lower Manhattan residents is preparing to sue the NYPD Thursday over the plan, stating that it will leave the center in "fortresslike isolation" and the area around it "as impervious to traffic as the Berlin Wall," according to The New York Times. The WTC Neighborhood Alliance, made up of a dozen residents and one local shop owner, claims that the environmental impact statement for the area was flawed in its analysis and did not take into account alternative solutions. Meanwhile, 72-story 4 World Trade Center officially opened Wednesday. The Silverstein Properties' office tower will be home to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the city's Human Resources Adminsitration. Residents plan to sue NYPD over WTC security plan Associated Press - Updated - 11.14.13 - 5:50PM - full Text NEW YORK (AP) - Some lower Manhattan residents are suing police over the security plan for the World Trade Center site. The WTC Neighborhood Alliance filed a suit Thursday in Manhattan. The plan calls for 3foot-tall barriers and a secured zone around the trade center. Only vehicles that can prove they have business in the trade center or have been previously certified would be allowed in. The suit says the plan will leave the center in "fortress-like isolation" and the area around it "as impervious to vehicular traffic as the Berlin Wall." The city Law Department says the importance of security at a site that terrorists targeted "cannot be overstated." City lawyers note that pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to move freely there. The suit asks to get the plan annulled. PA - DW - 000186 Moody's Adds WTC Space By Laura Kusisto Wall Street Journal - Full Text Moody's Corp. MCO +0.83% , the anchor tenant of the first tower to be rebuilt in Lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is expanding again downtown. The company, which includes both the creditrating unit and an analytics arm, is taking the top three floors of 7 World Trade Center, a 52-story building developed by Larry Silverstein that was the first to replace those destroyed by the 9/11 attacks. When it opened about seven years ago, some predicted the building would struggle to attract large tenants, but leases by Moody's, which agreed to occupy a third of the tower, and music licensing company BMI provided early evidence the area could bounce back. Moody's is subleasing its 129,000-square-foot space from Germany's Portigon Financial Services, which emerged from WestLB after the company underwent a restructuring a couple of years ago. It leased the space in 2008. Portigon, a portfolio-services provider, is currently undergoing a restructuring and has reduced both administrative and personnel expenses by about a third, according to an August news release. The company didn't respond to a request for comment. The asking rent for the space was $65 a square foot, significantly higher than the average asking rent for top space in Lower Manhattan, which is nearty $46 a square foot, according to Newmark Grubb Knight Frank. Moody's has expanded in 7 World Trade Center, even as many financial-services companies cut back on space during the recession. It first leased about 580,000 square feet in 2006 and added about 80,000 square feet of expansion space in 2007. "It's nice to see a downtown tenant expanding. You see so much talk about companies compressing, that it's good to see one going the other way," said Mark Weiss, a broker at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, who represented Portigon. A spokesman for Moody's said it has seen strong market demand for its research, ratings and analytical products in recent years. "We've secured additional space at 7 World Trade Center to support our needs while remaining committed to downtown," he said. Cushman & Wakefield, which represented Moody's, declined to comment. TB&T Doblin: Should Have Been Ice Cream Cones at the GWB - Editorial Alfred P. Doblin The Record THERE IS a logical explanation as to why three local lanes to the George Washington Bridge were mysteriously closed in September. Someone inside the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey wanted to give commuters a gift. Yes, a gift. This employee, someone high up enough to matter, someone with, let's say edge, remembered Governor Christie became a YouTube sensation because he liked his ice cream cones. So it being hot September and all, this Port Authority employee told someone, "Let's get some cones to the GWB." The lower-level employee, not understanding the edgy guy wanted ice cream cones, sent traffic cones instead. Of course, the possibility that the lane closures were political payback aimed at the mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie for governor is an equally plausible theory. According to The Wall Street Journal, David Wildstein, an upper-level Port Authority employee with ties to Christie, ordered up the cones. Wildstein isn't talking. No one at the Port Authority wants to identify the individual who ordered the lane closures despite continued requests for information by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck. Weinberg promises not to relent. I believe her. The executive director of the Port Authority, Patrick Foye, has said the lane closures were "ill-advised" and "subverted" agency policy. The action may even have been illegal. Still, no one is explaining what happened. The Port Authority's logo might as well be a great big clam shell. GWB Lane Closure Controversy MY9 NJ Fort Lee, New Jersey - Controversy continues surrounding the recent unexpected and unannounced lane closures on the George Washington Bridge that impacted thousands of drivers trying to get to work. Senator Loretta Weinberg led the charge yesterday at a Port Authority event to try and get some answers regarding these closures. "Did somebody use the George Washington Bridge for some petty political reason? Maybe it's just because the Mayor's a pain in the rear-end to them because he represents Fort Lee which is the town that leads into the George Washington Bridge so there are a lot of unanswered questions," Weinberg said. Aviation PA - DW - 000187 Cocaine Diapers, Machine Guns, Ammo Among Haul Confiscated at Area Airports in Last Three Years Oren Yaniv NY Daily News Cocaine stashed in diapers, jeans soaked with liquid-coke, one missile and 1.6 million rounds of ammo — that's some of the haul confiscated from area airports, according to a report released Thursday. An eyepopping total of six tons of hard drugs were seized in Kennedy and Newark Airports over the past three years. Airport Noise Bill Veto 'Really a Victory' Scott Eidler Newsday - Full Text Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed the Port Authority to study aircraft noise over Long Island and hold public hearings about the issue. Cuomo ordered the work after vetoing a bill late Wednesday that called for the study but needed approval from New Jersey lawmakers. The legislation was seen as a pivotal first step for Nassau and Queens residents who have claimed a rise in flights at Kennedy and LaGuardia airports has increased jet noise in their communities. "I recognize that aircraft noise has been a concern for residents of Queens County and Nassau County," the governor wrote in his veto memo. "Therefore, rather than wait for New Jersey to enact companion legislation that would require . . . studies at all Port Authority airports, I am vetoing this bill but directing the Port Authority to conduct noise studies" for LaGuardia and Kennedy. He also called for a "community roundtable" for airport noise and related issues. The veto is "really a victory," State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City), sponsor of the Senate bill, said Thursday. "That's what we wanted to get, we want to be able to show the world how some of these homes are being inundated with noise." Co-sponsor Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) said Cuomo's veto was "a better outcome" and "prevented the possibility that New Jersey wouldn't have acted on the legislation." New York's Democratic Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Democratic Reps. Steve Israel and Grace Meng lauded the governor's decision, noting they had called for such community roundtable hearings. "Residents living among the highest air traffic in the country should have every opportunity to present their views to the appropriate authorities and a vehicle to gather information and hold people accountable," Schumer said in a statement. Assemb. Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square), co-sponsor of the Assembly bill, called Cuomo's directive "the largest step that has been taken on this issue." Better Airplane Noise Monitoring System to Come to Boro: Officials Times Ledger Queens is getting a new system for monitonng noise from area airports, officials from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey said last week. State Assemblywoman Marge Markey (D-Maspeth) called a meeting Nov. 6 at Maspeth Town Hall for officials from the Port Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration to address longstanding complaints about noise from airplanes flying into and out of LaGuardia and Kennedy International airports. Residents came from Woodside, Middle Village, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Woodslde and Jackson Heights for the meeting. Edward Knoesel, manager of the Port Authority's environmental services aviation department, announced a new Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System Is in the process of being implemented throughout the borough. United Airlines to Serve Atlantic City Airport Samantha Henry Associated Press - Full Text NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - United Airlines will soon offer non-stop flights to Atlantic City International Airport, a move that New Jersey officials hope will boost the falling fortunes of the seaside gambling resort. United Chairman Jeff Smisek was joined Thursday by Gov. Chris Christie and New Jersey's Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney at Newark Liberty International Airport to announce the airline would begin non-stop daily service to Atlantic City from its hubs in Chicago and Houston - the nation's third- and fourth-largest cities starting April 1. "United's new Atlantic City service will drive business, tourism and economic development throughout the southern part of the state," Smisek said. The additional service is one of Atlantic City's most pressing needs as its local market continues to decline under pressure from casinos in neighboring states. Casino revenue in Atlantic City has fallen from $5.2 billion in 2006 to just over $3 billion last year. Christie said the added service is part of a "renewed focus" his administration - with support from Sweeney and others- had been placing on trying to revive Atlantic City's sagging fortunes. He said they were "giving every opportunity for Atlantic City to continue to grow and prosper and for the citizens of South Jersey and the whole state to benefit from that future growth." Christie made a brief appearance at the airport Thursday morning after canceling 3 PA - DW - 000188 what would have been his first out-of-state speech since winning re-election last week. A Christie spokesman said the governor was fighting off a cold and had to cut back his schedule. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took over operation of the Atlantic City International Airport in July, under a 15-year agreement with The South Jersey Transportation Authority. The airport never turned a profit under SJTA control. It saw a 28 percent drop in passenger traffic during the first four months of 2013 compared to the previous year. United announced Thursday that daily flights from Chicago would depart at 8:10 a.m. daily, arriving in Atlantic City at 11:17 a.m. Return flights will depart Atlantic City at 11:52 a.m. and arrive in Chicago at 1:10 p.m. From Houston, United's flight to Atlantic City will depart at 7 p.m. daily, arriving at 11:20 p.m. The return flight will depart Atlantic City at 6 a.m. and arrive in Houston at 8:49 a.m. United Express carrier ExpressJet will operate the Atlantic City flights with 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. PA - DW - 000189 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Friday, November 15, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 11.15.13 AVIATION Atlantic City Lands Flights Christie Lures United in Bid to Boost City's Economic Fortunes By Ted Mann The Wall Street Journal - Full Text United Airlines agreed to begin daily flights to and from Atlantic City International Airport from its hubs in Houston and Chicago in April, Republican Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday, boosting his efforts to reverse the city's sagging economic fortunes. United's arrival in Atlantic City was a coup in part because aviation experts say its difficult to convince airlines to serve the small airport, which the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took over earlier this year. The airport currently hosts a single commercial carrier. Spirit Airlines, SAVE -0.45% and previous efforts to add new commercial service have foundered. The Wall Street Journal reported in September that a Port Authority executive had offered a deal to United in which the authority would fund an extension of the PATH rapid transit line to Newark Liberty International Airport in exchange for a commitment to serve Atlantic City. An authority official said Thursday that Mr. Christie's representatives within the authority have been "absolutely insistent" that hundreds of millions of dollars be included in the next capital plan to begin work on the PATH project The full project could cost from $2 billion to $4 billion, the official said, and some within the authority question the use of the funds on a connection to the Newark airport. The capital plan isn't expected to be released before the end of the year. A United spokesman said the airline received no incentives to provide the Atlantic City service, though he didn't rule out applying for any existing incentive programs provided by the airport. "Any discussions about the PATH train are irrelevant to the Atlantic City service," spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said. Announcing the new flights at Newark airport alongside United CEO Jeff Smisek, Mr. Christie said the expansion would help Atlantic City "grow and prosper," but warned it was up to local businesses to ensure the city's success. State Senate President Steve Sweeney was among a number of Democrats who hailed the sen/ice expansion, saying it could help "unlock the nation to come into Atlantic City." "Atlantic City was good to the entire state for a long time," Mr. Sweeney said. "Let's give it back." Some aviation experts are skeptical that United would risk a potential money-losing sen/ice expansion without assurances elsewhere, such as the potential for a one-seat ride from Lower Manhattan to Newark that a PATH extension would bring. "It's hard to know whether its a virtual carrot or a real carrot," Robert Mann, an aviation consultant, said of the New Jersey push to fund the PATH extension. "It would be of very great interest to United." United gives boost to Atlantic City airport with 2 routes By Ben Mutzabaugh USA TODAY United Airlines will add service to Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) this spring, offering nonstop service to its hubs at Houston Bush Intercontinental and Chicago O'Hare. Starting April 1, United will offer one daily round-trip flight to both cities on 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets operated by United Express affiliate ExpressJet. United's arrival is a major shot in the arm for the New Jersey airport, which has struggled to both lure and to hold on to major carriers. Currently, the airport has regularly scheduled service on just one airline: ultra low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines. New Jersey officials have been working for years to gain traction for the airport near the southern New Jersey gambling and beach city. As part of that effort, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) reached a deal with the agency that runs the three big New York City-area airports to take over operations at ACY. That operator - the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - stated this summer that one of its goals would be to lure more airlines to the sparsely used airport. United to launch service at Atlantic City airport By Jacqueline L. Urgo Philly-com In a move that New Jersey and local officials hope will boost the sagging fortunes of Atlantic City gaming and tourism in the region. United Airlines said Thursday that it would launch daily nonstop sen/ice to and from its two largest hub airports, Chicago and Houston, at Atlantic City International Airport beginning in April. The announcement was made by Gov. Christie and United CEO Jeff Smisek during a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport, a major PA - DW - 000190 United hub. "This is an investment in South Jersey," Smisek said. "United's new Atlantic City service will drive business, tourism, and economic development throughout the southern part of the state." What's in an airport name? By Todd Leopold CNN You know the airport names: Hartsfield-Jackson. O'Hare. Logan. Lambert. But, all too often, they're just names. What about the people these American airports are named for? You might be surprised to find out just who's being honored by having their monikers on some of America's most important travel links. We'll skip the presidential airports ~ JFK, Reagan National and so on, and look at some of the less evident namesakes. Check out the gallery to meet the people behind the airport names. PAPD Facebook to the Rescue: Authorities Use Social Media to Prevent N.Y.C. Bridge Suicide By Kelli Bender People Magazine If you thought social media served no greater purpose than to waste time at work or locate old pals, think again. One Facebook status ended up saving a New Jersey teen's life this week. According to the New York Daily News, an unidentified 18-year-old posted a picture of New York City's George Washington Bridge along with the words "I'm thinking of jumping" on Tuesday. A friend of the New Jersey college student immediately noticed the troubling status and expressed his concern to authorities. To boost prevention efforts. New Jersey officers passed the information on to the Port Authority Police DepartmenL The departments Lt Thomas Michaels handed out a photo of the teen to his staff and contacted the college student on Facebook, encouraging the young man to call him for help. In a few hours Lt Michaels' phone was ringing. Suicidal teen saved by New Jersey police CommentO Share By Sue Robinson The Examiner A teenager prepared to commit suicide was saved by police authorities in New Jersey. The 18-year-old troubled teen reached out on his Facebook page to announce his decision to jump over a bridge, according to NBC News reports on Nov. 14. The picture of the George Washington Bridge - infamous for numerous successful suicides - was posted online along with his message, "I am ready to jump," Local New Jersey police authorities along with the Port Authority Police Department were contacted by another Facebook user who read the unsettling message; they were able to reach out to the teen via his online Facebook page. PANYNJ Weiner Lesniak scores another no-bid contract with Jersey City By Terrence T. McDonald The Jersey Journal Powerful law firm Weiner Lesniak won a no-bid contract to represent Jersey City in its lawsuit against the Port Authority, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council last night The Parsippany firm counts among its partners state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union. The contract, awarded 8-0 by the council with Councilwoman Candice Osborne absent, sets payment at $150 per hour, not to exceed $50,000. Corporation Counsel Jeremy Farrell told the council at its Tuesday caucus that the city doesn't expect the firm will be able to represent the city in the suit for just $50,000. But the small amount will force the administration to give the council frequent updates as the body mulls whether to renew the contract at $50,000 intervals, Farrell said. Analysis: Winners and losers from the week in politics By Darryl Isherwood NJ.com With the closeout of the gubernatorial race, election fatigue set in this week across New Jersey as voters took a break from the constant talk of turnout and coattails. But in New Jersey we know there is always another election around the corner and as an added bonus for the junkies, speculation over Gov. Chris Christie's presidential run began at 8:01 p.m. on Election Night ... The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: Already dealing with a rash of criticism over PA - DW - 000191 allegations that September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge were politically motivated, the bi-state agency now faces the threat of a lawsuit from Jersey City over "unfair and outdated" tax agreements. PA - DW - 000192 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, November 18, 2013 11:40 AM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Media inquiry ~ GWB lane closings Michael LaMarca from Chasing NJ called for comment on a letter we supposedly just received from NJ state Senator Loretta Weinberg about the GWB lane closing issue. I will not return the call unless instructed to do otherwise. PA - DW - 000193 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle on behalf of Wildstein, David Monday, November 18, 2013 11:43 AM Wildstein, David FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods. Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods. Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB ULTolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, PA - DW - 000194 As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods. Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB UL Tolls 5 a . p d f » I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M . Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ | Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor 1 Newark, NJ 07102 | Office: 973-565-7866 1 BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I irivera@panvni.gov 1 www.panyni.eov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALLlwww.distraction.gov PA - DW - 000195 From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Lado, Tina Wednesday, November 20, 2013 5:19 PM 'Samson, David'; Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Assembly Transportation Committee Hearing MONDAY NOVEMBER 25th A2886-S689 A3624-S3841 Analysis OEEP_Aviation_Law.docx; A4355_I1.PDF; AR 168 _11.PDF Importance: High Chairman, Bill, David, The Nj Assembly Transportation Pubhc Works and Independent Authorities Committee just released its Committee agenda for Monday November 25^''. They are taking "testimony from invited guests and the public concerning the decision by the Port Authority of New York and Newjersey to close, without prior public notice, access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, Newjersey from September 9, 2013 to September 13, 2013. The committee will also take testimony concerning the safety hazards and economic losses resulting from that closure." Also on the agenda are two bills: A'4355 (Spencer) Requires PANYNJ to conduct noise and land use compatibility survey. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A4500/4355 Il.PDF Attached is the analysis provided by the Law and Aviation Departments on S3847 which is applicable to the NJ version. Law's additional response to the question if the bills were similar is that "Having read both the New York and New Jersey bills, chey are identical in all material respects. While there arc sHght differences in the language, including the form of citations, there is no difference in the substantive requirements which these bills would impose on the Port Authority. If they are both passed and signed by the governors of each State, those requirements would be binding on the Port Authority to the extent they are not in conflict with the Compact or federal law. Our analysis to date, reveals no such conflicts." A4355 is similar to recent NY state legislation, S3847 which would "mandate the performance of a voluntary' Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Study." It also included the recommendation of changes to operation and land-use measures to improve compatibility between airports and surrounding communities; that the PA would submit a report to the governors and legislatures of both NY and NJ of findings by June 1, 2014; require the PA to hold biannual hearings to allow community stakeholders to express concerns regarding noise. Governor Cuomo vetoed the measure on November 13' : VETO MESSAGE - No. 248 TO THE SENATE: I am r e t u r n i n g h e r e w i t h , w i t h o u t my a p p r o v a l , t h e f o l l o w i n g b i l l : Senate B i l l Number 3841, entitled: "AN ACT t o amend c h a p t e r 154 o f t h e laws o f 1921, r e l a t i n g t o t h e p o r t a u t h o r i t y o f New York and New J e r s e y , i n r e l a t i o n t o r e q u i r i n g a n o i s e and l a n d use c o m p a t i b i l i t y study" PA - DW - 000196 NOT APPROVED T h i s b i l l would r e q u i r e the P o r t A u t h o r i t y of New York and New J e r s e y ("Port A u t h o r i t y " ) t o conduct a n o i s e and l a n d use c o m p a t i b i l i t y study as o u t l i n e d i n P a r t 150 o f the f e d e r a l a v i a t i o n r e g u l a t i o n s , make a r e p o r t on the f i n d i n g s o f such study a v a i l a b l e t o the p u b l i c by June 1, 2014, and h o l d b i e n n i a l p u b l i c h e a r i n g s r e g a r d i n g a i r c r a f t n o i s e i s s u e s . The b i l l would take e f f e c t o n l y upon enactment i n t o law by the S t a t e of New J e r s e y of i d e n t i c a l l e g i s l a t i o n . I r e c o g n i z e t h a t a i r c r a f t n o i s e has been a concern f o r r e s i d e n t s of Queens County and Nassau County. T h e r e f o r e , r a t h e r than w a i t f o r New J e r s e y t o enact companion l e g i s l a t i o n t h a t would r e q u i r e Part 150 studies at a l l Port A u t h o r i t y a i r p o r t s , I am v e t o i n g t h i s b i l l but d i r e c t i n g the P o r t A u t h o r i t y to conduct n o i s e s t u d i e s t h a t meet the requirements of P a r t 150 f o r L a G u a r d i a and JFK a i r p o r t s and t o e s t a b l i s h a community r o u n d t a b l e f o r a i r p o r t n o i s e and r e l a t e d i s s u e s i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h the F e d e r a l A v i a t i o n A d m i n i s t r a t i o n and o t h e r s t a k e h o l d e r s . The b i l l i s disapproved. AR-168 Giblin (signed) ANDREW M. CUOMO Supports extension of New York City IRT Flushing Line into New Jersey. The Assembly Resolution "resolution supports the extension o f the N e w York City IRT 14 Flushing Line into the State o f N e w Jersey. This extension would 15 increase ridership capacity between Manhattan and N e w Jersey by 16 approximately 128,000 riders per day." Expresses the sense of the General Assembly in favor of the extension of the M T A 7 Subway Une across the Hudson River to the Secaucus Junction Transfer Station (Frank R. Lautenberg Station). http://www.nilcg.state.ni.us/2012/BiUs/AR/168 Il.PDF Let me know if you need anything further. Thank you. Tina Lado Nj Director, Government & Community Relations THE PORTAUTHORrrV OF NY& N J dado@panynj.pov 212-435-6903 http://www.panvnj.gov PA - DW - 000197 From* Sent: Jo: CcSubject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, November21, 2013 11:19 AM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Politicker NJ inquiry - GWB lane closure hearing in Trenton Bill Mooney of Politicker NJ called to inquire about whether anyone from the Port Authority will be attending the GWB lane closure hearing scheduled for Monday in Trenton. I will not respond unless instructed otherwise to do so. PA - DW - 000198 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Thursday, November21, 2013 12:05 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Politicker NJ inquiry -- GWB lane closure hearing in Trenton No response Sent from my iPhone On Nov 21, 2013, at 11:20 AM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Bill Mooney of Politicker NJ called to inquire about whether anyone from the Port Authority will be attending the GWB lane closure hearing scheduled for Monday in Trenton. I will not respond unless instructed otherwise to do so. PA - DW - 000199 From' Sent: To: Cc': Subject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, November 21, 2013 3:33 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal inquiry - GWB Ted Mann is working on a story about Monday's legislative hearing in Trenton on the GWB lane closing issue. Ted is asking if Bill or David plan to attend, and said the information he has is that Bill will be subpoenaed if he doesn't go voluntarily. As with this morning's inquiry on the same subject, I won't respond unless directed to do so. PA - DW - 000200 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Thursday, November 21, 2013 3:35 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Wall Street Journal inquiry - GWB No response Sent from my iPhone On Nov 21, 2013, at 3:34 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Ted Mann is working on a story about Monday's legislative hearing in Trenton on the GWB lane closing issue. Ted is asking if Bill or David plan to attend, and said the information he has is that Bill will be subpoenaed if he doesn't go voluntarily. As with this morning's inquiry on the same subject, I won't respond unless directed to do so. PA - DW - 000201 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • Marsico, Ron Thursday, November 21, 2013 6:02 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj,us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 11/21/13 Felix Alarcon of the Jersey Journal asked if we had plans to extend the free shuttle service on the Bayonne Bridge beyond October and what pedestrians and bicyclists are supposed to do during the months the shuttle doesn't run. We told the reporter the service was designed to run during the peak seasonal months and will begin again next spring. We also pointed out that the new roadway will include a much improved 12-foot shared use bikepath. Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal and Bill Mooney from Politicker NJ called to inquire about whether anyone from Port Authority leadership would attend a legislative hearing in Trenton on Monday at which the GWB lane closings will be discussed. We did not respond. Numerous media outlets called on reports of an alleged assault on a Delta flight coming into JFK Airport today from Amsterdam. We let reporters know the report was unfounded. Azi Paybarah from Capital New York called and asked about Joe Dunne becoming the next NYPD commissioner. We did not respond. Dana Rubenstein of Capital New York called to confirm that the gauge of track on AirTrain JFK is the same as the LIRR's, following up on a call several weeks ago by the Global Gateway Alliance to bring LIRR trains directly to JFK Airport. We confirmed the gauges are the same. Curt Epstein of Airport International News requested an interview with a Port Authority official regarding Teterboro's preparations for private planes coming for February's Super Bowl at the Meadowlands. We are looking to provide an interview with Interim Aviation Director Thomas Bosco. Emily Laermer of Grains NY is seeking Port Authority travel figures for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. We told the reporter those figures may be available tomorrow. Dave Siff of HLN TV called about a listing on the FAA web site this morning characterizing delays at Newark Liberty International Airport as due to an aircraft emergency. We checked with EWR operations and found no reports of an aircraft emergency and also let the reporter know the FAA web site was showing no delays at EWR. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsicofg) panvni.gov PA - DW - 000202 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Thursday, November21, 20136:34 PM Evening Clips 11.21.13 AVIATION For JFK, the King of Camelot, an Airport in Queens By Richard Morgan Wall Street Journal Four days after President Kennedy's assassination 50 years ago, the school board in Bethpage, Long Island, convened to christen John F. Kennedy Middle School, among the world's first posthumous memorials to the slain icon. It was not the last There were myriad memorials, namesakes and other tributes to the fallen president —within months of his death, his face was on the 50-cent coin — notably the Kennedy Center, in Washington, D.C; the Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral, Fla.; or the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. But one of the very eadiest was in New York City and known as the man was in his day, by his initials: an international airport in Queens simply called by many JFK. PANYNJ Officials on Hot Seat for George Washington Bridge Closing By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal A New Jersey legislative committee has demanded that major players at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and elsewhere explain why the authority shut off local lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September, triggering major traffic jams. Among those invited to testify on the matter Monday is David Wildstein, the authority's director of interstate capital projects. The Wall Street Journal reported this month that Mr. Wildstein made the call to close the toll lanes, triggering the traffic jams. Also called to testify were Patrick Foye and Bill Baroni, the executive and deputy executive director of the authority, respectively; Michael Fedorko, the authority's superintendent of police; Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich; and Fort Lee Police Chief Keith Bendul. Building Congress honors New York industry leaders Real Estate Weekly More than 1,000 members of the New York building community gathered to pay tribute to four industry legends and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey during the New York Building Congress 2013 Industry Recognition Dinner on November 12 at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan. Delta Air Lines Senior Vice President Gail A. Grimmett and Mancini Duffy/TSC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony P. Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA, received Industry Recognition Awards. This year's George A. Fox Public Service Award was shared by E-J Electric Installation Co. Chairman J. Robert Mann Jr. and President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony E. Mann. In addition, the Building Congress bestowed Special Recognition to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for its rapid and expert response to Superstorm Sandy. New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott delivered greetings and praised the industry for its ongoing support and execution of the DOE's capital plan. PORTS Waterfront Commission Postpones NY-NJ Hearing Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce (Full text) The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor's scheduled Nov. 25 hearing on longshore hiring practices at the Port of New York and New Jersey has been postponed until a to-be-determined date in December. The commission has been locked in a dispute with the New York Shipping Association and International Longshoremen's Association over the makeup of the pool of applicants for longshore jobs at the port. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which 1 PA - DW - 000203 doesn't hire dockworkers but is landlord to port terminals, has been trying to mediate a truce.The Waterfront Commission had scheduled three public hearings this month. Monday's hearing was to have been the third; all three have been postponed. The NYSA and ILA have asked the commission, created in 1953 to root out criminal influence on the docks, for authority to hire 682 longshoremen and clerks, including up to 300 replacements for workers scheduled to take early retirement next April under a new labor contract. NYSA President John Nardi has warned that unless the new workers can be recruited, hired and trained before the veteran workers retire, the port faces more labor shortages like the ones that contributed to severe delays last summer.The Waterfront Commission wants more diversity in the job applicant pool. The NYSA and ILA contend the commission is interfering with the new contract's formula under which 51 percent of job referrals will be military veterans, 25 percent referrals by the ILA, and 24 percent referrals by the NYSA. PA - DW - 000204 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Friday, November 22, 2013 7:32 AM Morning Clips 11.22.13 WTC Port Authority unveils Liberty Park plans New York Business Journal - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has released details on the $50 million construction of Liberty Park, a one-acre elevated park to be built south of the National September 11 Memorial. The space, which currently is empty, will be transformed to a park that will give a panoramic view of the memorial and will sit 25 feet above Liberty Street over the area's vehicle security center, according to the New York Times. The park, expected to open in 2015, will stretch from the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to a pedestrian bridge over West Street that survived the Sept. 11 attacks. Last month, the public got a sneak peak at the park after Tribeca Citizen published the project's proposed renderings, which show designs for the new St. Nicholas church, designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Port Authority now has confirmed that Liberty Park will be designed by Joseph E. Brown, a landscape architect who is the chief innovation officer at Los Angeles-based Aecom. an architectural, engineering and construction consultancy. PUans also include a 20 foot-high vertical garden wall composed of plants like periwinkle, Japanese spurge and Baltic ivy, 40 trees and shrubs and a pedestrian bridge and paths leading to Greenwich Street. The park is aimed at providing an east-west crossing between the financial district and Battery Park City, provide a gathering space for as many as 750 people, to allow visitors to contemplate the whole memorial in a single sweeping glance from treetop level and serve as the roof of the trade center's vehicle security center, the Times reported. Plans also call for walkways from the pedestrian bridge that will meander among islands of plantings to stairways at three corners of the bulkhead, as well as a fairly straight inclined path down to Greenwich Street, according to Tribeca Citizen. There also will be a monumental staircase paralleling Greenwich Street behind the church, wood benches on the seating tiers and a small am phi theater-like elevated space at the opposite end of the park. TB&T NJ panel seeks answers on GWB closures Associated Press Wall Street Journal - Full Text New Jersey lawmakers are seeking answers about a series of lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused traffic delays two months ago. The Assembly Transportation Committee is asking top officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to appear at a hearing in Trenton on Monday. Shutting down the access lanes from Fort Lee onto the bridge caused hours-long delays and infuriated local officials who said they hadn't been notified in advance. Published reports at the lime said the closures were part of a traffic study. The Wall Street Journal last month published emails from Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, in which he called the closures "abusive" and possibly a violation of state and federal laws. AVIATION MyTix extends to Newark Liberty International Airport PA - DW - 000205 Hunterdon County Democrat NJ.com - Full Text NJ TRANSIT moved one step closer to a systemwide rollout of its mobile ticketing program as it announced the expansion of MyTix to include the Rarhan Valley and North Jersey Coast lines. MyTix enables customers to purchase and display rail one-way tickets, weekly passes and monthly passes anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones. With the latest rollout, customers may now use MyTix for travel to and from Newark Liberty International Airport Station, just in time for the busy holiday travel season. NJ TRANSIT first introduced MyTix in April 2013 as a pilot program on the Pascack Valley Line, as well as between Penn Station New York and the Meadowlands Rail Station for special events, to test the functionality of the app and determine the feasibility of expanding it to include other rail lines. In September, NJ TRANSIT expanded MyTix to the Main/Bergen County and Port Jervis lines, followed in October by the Montclair-Boonton and Morris & Essex lines, as part of a gradual systemwide rail rollout of the program, to be completed by the end of the year. Some improvements made to the agency's MyTix app were a direct result from valuable feedback from customers using the app during the gradual rollout. "We continue to expand NJ TRANSIT'S mobile ticketing app as part of our ongoing efforts to tap into the latest technology to improve the overall customer experience," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director James Weinstein. "When the rollout of MyTix is completed by the end of this year, all NJ TRANSIT rail customers will have the ability to treat their smartphones as both a ticket vending machine and rail ticket or pass all in one, providing for a seamless travel experience." MyTix is available for free download on any web-enabled iOS or Android operating system, via the App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. To purchase tickets via MyTix, customers must first install the app and then create an account, which will save customers' profile information and history of ticket purchases for ease of use. Purchased tickets must be activated prior to boarding the train and displayed to train crews upon request. One-way tickets expire two hours and 45 minutes after activation. Monthly passes self-activate on the first day of the month and will remain active for the entire month. Weekly passes self-activate at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday and remain active through 6 a.m. the following Saturday. Customers transferring at Secaucus Junction or traveling to and from Newark Liberty International Airport Station will need to scan the ticket barcode on the fare gate readers to pass through the gates. MyTix was designed with input from customer focus groups, as well as NJ TRANSIT frontline rail employees and customer service staff For more information, visit njtransit.com. Smartphone ticketing system MyTix comes to North Jersey Coast Line Euil rollout on Northeast Corridor by year's end Larry Higgs Asbury Park Press NJ Transit introduced MyTix in April 2013 as a pilot program on the Pascack Valley Line, as well as between Penn Station New York and the Meadowlands Rail Station for special events, to test the app and determine the feasibility of expanding it to include other rail lines. The latest MyTix rollout comes in time for riders to use it for travel to and from Newark Liberty International Airport Station for the holiday getaway, officials said. Cargo jet takes off from Wichita on short runway Tom Watkins and Ed Payne CNN A mammoth cargo plane that landed Wednesday night at the wrong airport in Wichita, Kansas - one that typically does not accommodate such beasts — took off without incident Thursday afternoon on a runway half a mile shorter than it usually uses. The Boeing 747 Dreamlifter's massive engines roared as it lumbered down the pavement, then lifted off and disappeared into the overcast sky. A few minutes later, it landed without incident at the airport 12 miles across town where it was originally supposed to land - McConnell Air Force Base. An investigation has begun into what caused the pilot to land at the wrong airport, said Bonnie Rodney, a spokeswoman for Atlas Air, which operates the Boeing-owned jet. It was laden with cargo intended for Boeing, PA - DW - 000206 she said. Boeing said the cargo was a B-787 fuselage. Elaborate precautions had been taken to ensure no one got hurt in the take-off attempt. Police closed nearby roads and urged area residents to stay away from the airport. "Onlookers and gawkers have caused accidents," said Roger Xanders, chief of airport police and fire. The takeoff came less than a day after the plane, which was bound for McConnell from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, missed its mark. Instead of landing, as had been planned, at the military airport on Wichita's southeast side, it landed at the much smaller, general aviation Col. James Jabara Airport on the northeast side. Jabara has no control tower and normally doesn't handle jumbo jets. The Atlas Air 747 Dreamlifter is a modified 747-400 passenger airplane that can haul more cargo by volume than any airplane in the world. When fully loaded, the Dreamlifter needs a runway 9.199 feet long to take off, reports affiliate KWCH. The Jabara runway is 6,101 feet. But a spokeswoman for the airport authority, Valerie Wise, cited favorable weather Thursday and the fact that much of the fuel had been used in the flight from JFK - which lightened the weight of the plane - for the conclusion that it was safe to take off on the shorter runway. "The engineers have been running calculations all night," she said. OTG opens Wibar, a premium wine bar at New York LaGuardia Airport Rahul Odedra The Moodie Report The wine list at the new location was composed by Master Sommelier Roger Dagom and features 101 premium wines from California, France and around the world. All wines are dispensed from a WineEmotion serving system, meaning travellers can enjoy tasting pours (2 oz.) and flights, as well as half- and full-bottles. The bar also serves small bites to complement the wine. "People travel the world over, always looking for something new," said Dagom. "At the same time, if they are stopping over in a particular area, region or town, they are looking forward to checking out the local fare. PORT COiVlMERCE Toy Dolls Seized at Eight U.S. Ports Tina Benitez-Eves Gifts & Decorative Accessories Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have seized more than 200,000 toy dolls, valued at nearly $500,000, that arrived in the United States from China due to high levels of phthalates. The toys were seized al eight U.S. ports, including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Norfolk, Memphis, Newark, NJ, Portland and Savannah, GA. TV EYES CBS 2 - Naming of JFK Airport WLNY - Port Authority Toll hikes PA - DW - 000207 From; Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Friday, November 22, 2013 10:11 AM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Steve Strunsky Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger is working on a story about Monday's legislative hearing on the GWB lane closings issue. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. PA - DW - 000208 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Friday, November 22, 2013 11:50 AM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Steve Strunsky No response Sent from my iPhone On Nov 22, 2013, at 10:12 A M , "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger is working on a story about Monday's legislative hearing on the GWB lane closings issue. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. PA - DW - 000209 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Friday, November 22, 2013 12:36 PM Afternoon Clips 11.22.13 PANYNJ Top Port Authority officials 'invited' to testify on GWB closures under threat of subpoena By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledqer Under threat of subpoena, top executives of the Port Authority of New York and Nev^^ Jersey have been invited to testify at an Assembly hearing scheduled for Monday on the unannounced closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September. "Please be advised that failure to appear before the committee will result in the issuance of subpoenas to require personal appearance to testify before the committee on this matter," stated copies of a letter to the four executives. The Nov. 20 letter was from Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), who chairs the assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, which will hold the 10 a.m. hearing on Monday in Trenton. NJ Assembly committee seeks Port Authority testimony on lane closures at George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee By Abbott Koloff The Record - Full Text Top Port Authority executives have been asked to testify before a state Assembly committee on Monday about lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused massive traffic jams for four days in September, the chairman of the state's Assembly Transportation Committee said Thursday night. If the executives don't testify, subpoenas could be issued compelling them to do so, John Wisniewski, D-Sayreville, said. "They know the committee has subpoena power." He said Port Authority executives invited to testify include Executive Director Patrick Foye, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni and David Wildstein, the authority's director of interstate capital projects. Baroni and Wildstein are Governor Christie's top appointees to the authority. Foye was appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Wildstein was identified in a report published in The Wall Street Journal as the person who made the decision to close two of three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge. Foye, in a leaked email made public last month, said the closures may have been illegal and violated the Port Authority's established procedures. When he found out that the lanes were closed, he ordered them reopened. New York State possible savior for Staten Island's Mount Manresa By Maura Grunlund Staten Island Advance New York state has indicated a willingness to provide some of the funding that would be needed to preserve the 15.4-acre Mount Manresa tract for public use, but only if services are done on-site for people with disabilities. State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis {R-East Shore/Brooklyn) are working with On Your Mark and other nonprofits to acquire the property and preserve the land for public use. ... The funding would be part of the state budget process ending in late March or early April and the city budget in late June. The officials also hope to obtain funds from the Port Authority, as was done in the preservation of parcels such as Pouch Camp and Mount Loretto. PORTS Miami to begin port dredge In readiness for Panama canal expansion Reuters The long-awaited dredge of Miami's port will begin this week as it and other cities up and down the east coast scramble to prepare for the massive ships that will pass through the Panama Canal when expansion work there is completed in 2015. 'The investment in the deep dredge will pay dividends in years to come," Port Director Bill Johnson said in a news release on Thursday announcing the commencement of the 18-month project, "making Florida an even more powerful player in the global marketplace."... The deep dredge of New York Harbor is slated to wrap by 2014 as the New York/New Jersey PA - DW - 000210 Port Authority set aside $1 billion to raise the Bayonne Bridge to 64 feet so the large vessels can pass underneath. The Port of Baltimore recently completed work on one berth that can accommodate the larger ships. TITAN Salvage Receives Defense Logistics Agency Award The Maritime Exchange The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) recently presented Houston-based TITAN Salvage with its Hurricane Sandy Award for exhibiting "unprecedented support" immediately following the storm that devastated much of the Northeastern coast in late October 2012. The award was presented during the Business Alliance Awards ceremony in Fort Belvoir, VA. During the ceremony. Vice Adm. Mark D. Harnitchek, director, DLA, presented TlTAN's Samina Mahmood, U.S. commercial manager, with a framed flag hand-crafted by the agency's "flag ladies," the group of women who have been embroidering the country's official flags for more than 150 years. ... TITAN was later hired by the N.Y. Port Authority to remove the stricken barge New York from the Port of Newark, where it was stranded. TITAN successfully removed the vessel and refloated it in only three days using the company's roller bags. TB&T Volume slows traffic on Route 139 approaching Holland Tunnel The Jersey Journal - Full Text Commuters can expect volume delays this morning on the lower level of Route 139/Jersey Avenue on the eastbound side of the roadway approaching the Holland Tunnel, according to 511 nj.org. In addition, the site reports delays due to volume on the Pulaski Skyway northbound approaching 1 & 9 truck route approaching Newark. WTC One World Trade Center Fast Facts CNN Here is some background information about One World Trade Center. Upon its completion, which is expected in early 2014, it will be the tallest building in the United States, Characteristics: * Upon completion of construction Building height: 1,362 feet, the height of the original WTC South Tower. Building, with observation deck, height: 1,368 feet, the height of the original WTC North Tower. Building, with observation deck and antenna, height 1,776, the year the Declaration of Independence was signed. Base: 200 feet square, the same as the original twin towers. Stories: 104 PA - DW - 000211 From: Sent: To: Subject: Eastman, Karen Friday, November 22, 2013 1:24 PM Wildstein, David FW: Freedom of Information Online Request Form FYI. We will be distributing shortly. From: phillis(anorthiersev.com [mailto:phillis(g)northiersev.com1 Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 12:55 PM To: Duffy, Daniel Cc: Torres Rojas, Genara; Van Duyne, Sheree; Qureshi, Ann Subject: Freedom of Information Online Request Form Information: First Name: Michael Last Name: Phillis Company: The Bergen Record Mailing Address 1: 125 West State Street. Mailing Address 2: Press Row Room 212-01 City: Trenton State: NJ Zip Code: 08608 Email Address: phillis@northiersev.com Phone: 609-984-6659 Required copies of the records: Yes List of specific record(s): I am requesting copies of any emails or documents sent, received or produced by Mr. David Wildstein and his direct staff in regards to the partial closing of the George Washington Bridge between Sept. 9 and Sept. 13 of this year. Please consider a date range for these documents to be from Sept. 1 to present. Please provide records more easily obtained first. I am happy to receive this request in pieces. Sincerely, Michael Phillis PA - DW - 000212 From: Sent: To: Subject: Hayes, Anthony Saturday, November 23, 2013 8:29 AM Hayes, Anthony Morning Clips: 11.23.13 TB&T: The Assembly Transportation Committee To Hold Hearings On George Washington Bridge Closures The Paramus Post By Mel Fabrikant http://viAAW.paramuspost.com/article.php/20131122161028804 The Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee will meet on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 11, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey. The committee will take testimony from invited guests and the public concerning the decision by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to close, without prior public notice, access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey from September 9, 2013 to September 13, 2013. The committee will also take testimony concerning the safety hazards and economic losses resulting from that closure. WTC/PAPD: NYPD vs. Port Authority in WTC power struggle NY Post By Philip Messing, Kevin Fascik and Natalie O'Neill http://nypost,com/2013/11/23/truck-off-nypd-vs-port-authority-in-wtc-power-struggle/ The guard dogs are marking their territory. For years, the Port Authority and the NYPD have battled over who should provide security at Ground Zero — with each claiming jurisdiction over the hallowed site and trying to squeeze out the other. The PA Police Department lobbed a salvo at its city-cop rivals last month by putting up a guard booth at the site bearing the agency's logo. The move riled NYPD officials, who retaliated Wednesday night by ordering cops to roll up a massive mobile command center, bearing the department's own giant logo, and park just feet away. Angry PAPD bosses first tried to use diplomacy — asking the NYPD in the nicest way possible to lose the truck, sources said. But the department refused. Not to be outdone by the city cops, the PAPD then looked to its own fleet for retaliation. A few hours later, they pulled up behind the NYPD's truck with a newer, shinier, more high-tech command center that even had a satellite dish on top. "Our truck came in the morning, and they brought theirs in the afternoon. It's like, look, ours is bigger and newer than yours," an NYPD officer told The Post. A PA insider said the guys in charge felt their territory was being invaded, "It's tantamount to the NYPD parking their vehicle in someone else's driveway," said the source. SUPERBOWL At Super Bowl, New York and New Jersey Will Be Top Rivals NY Times By James Barron http://www.nytimes,com/2013/11/23/nyregion/at-super-bowl-new-york-and-new-jersey-will-be-top-rivals.html?_r=0 For $9,199, a football fan can buy a sideline-seat-and-hotel-room package to the Super Bowl next year. The seat will be in New Jersey, where the game will be played. But the hotel room will be in New York, where "Super Bowl Boulevard" will stretch from Herald Square through Times Square with a temporary theme park and a 180-foot-tall toboggan slide. A pregame tailgate party will fill a parking lot outside a racetrack in East Rutherford, N.J. But "Taste of the Super Bowl," a glittery event with celebrity chefs from across the country, will take place in New York. The Super Bowl, the premier sporting event in the country, is coming to the New York City region for the first time, and organizers are enthusiastically promoting it as an event being staged in two states. But while the global spotlight will shine for several hours on Feb. 2 on MetLife Stadium when the game is actually played, almost all of the marquee events that make the Super Bowl a magnet for celebrities, executives and others with big wallets are happening across the Hudson River, in the city. PANYNJ: PA - DW - 000213 Port Authority taking steps to ease Thanksgiving weekend travel The Jersey Journal By Michaelangelo Conte http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2013/11/port_authority_taking_steps_to_ease_thanksgiving_weekend_travel.html The Port Authority is taking steps to accommodate the roughly 4.7 million travelers expected to use its bridges, tunnels, airports and PATH trains through the Thanksgiving weekend. PATH trains will operate additional service prior to the evening peak period on Wednesday to accommodate those leaving early for the holiday weekend. Additional service will also be provided to accommodate those attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. The Port Authority will provide extra services, including customer service representatives at airports, and will have a full complement of toll collectors at tunnels and bridges. AVIATION: $37M upgrade to fight flooding at LaGuardia Times Ledger By Philip Newman http://www.timesledger.com/stories/2013/47/laguardiaflood_all_2013_11_22_q.html Gov, Andrew Cuomo has announced a $37.5 million project to protect LaGuardia Airport from flooding from storms like Hurricane Sandy, which a year ago shut down the airport at a cost of $54 million a day. LaGuardia airport contributes in excess of $13 billion in economic activity to the New York City region. More than 10,000 people work in or for the airport. "Forty million is a lot of money at a time when the economy is slow and the budget is tight," Cuomo said at a news conference Sunday. "But think of it this way. One day of lost service at the airport costs New York about $54 million." Parking lot dispute ends in stabbing at JFK (FULL TEXT) NY Post By Matt McNulty http://nypost.com/2013/11/22/parkinglot-dispute-ends-in-stabbing-at-jfk/ A parking lot dispute between two hacks at JFK airport ended in violence Friday afternoon, leaving one man with a stab wound to the face, according to authorities. Port Authority cops say an argument began between two male cabbies about 4:45 pm at terminal eight, a parking location at JFK airport in what appeared to be a turf war. Police sources say believe both men are non-medallion cab drivers, and may have been arguing over costumer-poaching, though the victim insisted he wasn't a cab driver, police sources said. One of the men brandished a knife and proceeded to stab the other above the left eye, causing a laceration on his face, authorities say. According to cops, the man was transported to Jamaica with non-life threatening injuries. His assailant initially fled in a bronze colored Acura before cops could arrive, but a police source confirmed a man was in custody and being questioned. However, no charges have been filed as of Friday night, cops said. PA - DW - 000214 From: Sent: To; Subject: Hayes, Anthony Sunday, November 24, 2013 8:43 AM Hayes, Anthony Morning Clips: 11.24.13 Importance: High TB&T: Legislators to check if politics was behind GWB traffic tie-up (UPDATED) Bergen Record By Michael Phillis http://viAAw.northjersey.com/news/Legislators_to_check_if_politics_was_behind_GWB_traffic_tie-up.html By requesting that four Port Authority executives testify before an Assembly committee on Monday, Democrats want to know whether a traffic nightmare caused by a five-day partial closure of lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge was politically motivated. "I have said at the beginning it's too bizarre for Chris Christie to have called someone at the Port Authority to say close the roads," said state Sen. Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck. "However, I think an atmosphere was created to make some people think they can do what they want to do." For the past three months, repeated questions have been placed to the bi-state agency, overseen by the governors of New York and New Jersey, about why it shut down two of the three approaching lanes to the bridge in early September. Soon after the closure, the authority said the incident was due to a traffic study. Since then, they have said the matter was under review. The person who ordered the bridge's closure was David Wildstein, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. Governor Christie recommended Wildstein, who attended high school with Christie, to direct the authority's interstate capital projects. When asked about the allegation, a Christie spokesman said that the governor does not get involved with traffic studies. Man found dead in water under George Washington Bridge NY Daily News By Thomas Tracey http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/theshack/2013/11/man-found-dead-in-water-under-george-washington-bridge FULL TEXT: An unidentified man - possibly a jumper - was found dead on the rocks underneath the George Washington Bridge, officials said Saturday. Police sources said the gruesome discovery was made just before 2:30 p.m. The victim, a white male, was found in the water washed up on a cluster of rocks under the bridge, officials said. Cops were trying to ID the man Saturday afternoon. An autopsy was slated for Sunday. There's no getting around N.J.'s road construction blitz. By John Cichowski Road Warrior Columnist http://www.northjersey.com/news/233195061_Road_Warrior litz all_this_road repair_work come_from_.html There_s_no_getting_around_N_J s_road_construction_b Motorists didn't have to drive far to find a little piece of hell on Earth last week. From Routes 3 and 287 to the New Jersey Turnpike, road delays — most of them construction-related — turned our daily sprints into agonizing crawls. Few of them rivaled the messes on Routes 80 and 95 after a 2-square-foot piece of the eastbound upper deck of the George Washington Bridge crumbled away on Monday afternoon, causing Route 95 to back up. As it happens, the upper deck was in the process of being replaced anyway, but not the part that fell away. The rest of this $87 million job was accelerated, but that's creating delays that still continue. AVIATION: Suspect arrested in stabbing of livery cab driver outside JFK NY Daily News By Barry Paddock http://v^ww.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/stabbed-article-1.1527273#ixzz2lZIQZMqg Covered by multiple outlets: NY Post, Wall Street Journal, AP, CBS radio, 1010WINS radio, NBC, ABC, NY 1, and assorted blogs FULL TEXT: Fellow livery cab driver Guang Zheng was busted near his Flushing, Queens, home and charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon for stabbing the victim in the head, officials said. Police have arrested a suspect in the stabbing of a livery cab driver outside Kennedy Airport, authorities said Saturday. PA - DW - 000215 Guang Zheng was busted 10 p.m. Friday near his Flushing, Queens, home by Port Authority police for stabbing a fellow livery cab driver in the head hours earlier outside the airport, authorities said. He was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. The victim, who is recovering at Jamaica Hospital, was trying to break up a fight between Zheng and another driver, officials said. Port Authority police have arrested Zheng in the past, most recently in October, for operating an unlicensed livery cab service outside the airport, officials said. Cops impounded his 2007 brown Acura after his latest arrest. World's longest flight to come to an end at Newark Liberty Airport The Star-Ledger By Tom De Poto http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/11/worldsjongest_flight_to_come,html The longest commercial airline flight ends its run this evening when a jet from Singapore touches down at Newark Liberty International Airport. There won't be any farewell party, but there will be a twinge of sadness for some of the passengers who have endured the 19-hour trip, "I will miss them," said Ken Jongsma, an engineer with Honeywell who has made the trip several times for business. Singapore Airlines offered the only nonstop flights to Changi International Airport from the United States. It ended its Los Angeles-to-Singapore route on Oct. 22. The 9,506-mile Newark route over the Arctic Circle will end operations tonight. PANYNJ: Fast-food using E-ZPass, while MTA and Port Authority miss out NY Post By Mary Kay Linge http://nypost,com/2013/11/24/fast-food-using-e-zpass-while-mta-and-port-authority-miss-out/ New York's crushing toll burden could be lighter if the MTA and Port Authority would milk the cash cow they helped create. But millions of dollars have slipped through the fingers of toll officials who can't be bothered to make extra money off the E-ZPass tags in 24 million local vehicles. Now a private company is independently using E-ZPasses as a payment method at fast-food drive-through windows. But the MTA, for its part, seemed to dismiss the idea of cashing in on such a scheme. "We're a toll-collection agency," said MTA spokeswoman Judie Glave. "We're not in the business of making money through fast-food restaurants." In a brand-new program, five Wendy's restaurants on Staten Island are now piggybacking on the E-ZPass network. A device at the restaurants reads the tag and links its number to the credit- or debit-card account that the driver has loaded into the company's database. "It's completely unrelated to your E-ZPass account," said Eli Grinvald of iDriveThru, the firm that developed the concept. If they were paying transaction fees to the toll authorities, the five restaurants could send up to $150,000 a year to public coffers. And if all 49 of the city's McDonald's dhve-throughs did the same, they could be kicking in $1.47 million in fees annually. Multiply that by thousands of area drive-through eateries, pharmacies and coffee shops, and the big bucks could have eased the need for toll hikes like the one hitting PA crossings next week. United States : Port authority announces sale of $1.5 billion in consolidated bonds HispanicBusiness.com http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/11/23/united_states_port_authority_announces_sale.htm $90 million in present value savings secured through refunding of outstanding bonds. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced the sale of three series of tax-exempt consolidated bonds in the total aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion . The three series of bonds consist of the 178th Series, with a principal amount of $476 million , subject to the alternative minimum tax, and a final maturity of December 1, 2043 ; the 179th Series, with a principal amount of $915 million and a final maturity of December 1, 2043 ; and the 180th Series, with a principal amount of $109 million and a final maturity of June 1, 2021 . The three series were issued with coupons ranging from 3.00 to 5.00 percent, at an aggregate true interest cost to the Port Authority of 4.07 percent. PATH: PATH stations to close for last time this month News12 Newjersey VIDEO: http://newjersey.news12.com/news/path-stations-to-close-for-last-time-this-month-1.6484940 FULL TEXT: HOBOKEN - This weekend will be the last this month that some PATH stations will be closed to undergo recovery work. The World Trade Center and Exchange Place stations closed late last night and will reopen at around 5 PA - DW - 000216 a.m. on Monday. Extra trains will run from Journal Square to 33rd Street on the Hoboken Line. The closures began the weekend of Nov. 8 in order for crews to do post-Sandy repairs. PA - DW - 000217 From: Sent: Subject: Rodrigues, Lenis Monday, November 25, 2013 7:40 AM Morning Clips 11.25.13 TBT Penn Station Is Busier Than JFK, LGA And Newark Airports Combined Gothamist Anyone who has waited for a train during the evening rush hour knows that Penn Station gets unbelievably crammed with commuters. So it's nice to read this Star-Ledger piece confirming its status as the busiest train station in the country: "Every day, these train station equivalents of air traffic controllers try to figure out how to fit 5 pounds of potatoes into a 3pound sack." There's a great photo gallery of the Amtrak control center and all the displays showing platform activity. The control center is located two blocks from the station. The Star-Ledger reports: inside the Penn Station Control Center, dispatchers stare at the 75-foot-wide screen showing movements of trains from the Philadelphia outskirts to Long Island and try once more to do the improbable. Port Authority's free shuttle service on Bayonne Bridge ends high-use run, say officials By Felix Alarcon The Jersey Journal Service on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's pedestrian and bicyclist shuttle on the Bayonne Bridge has concluded for the time being and figures show passengers took advantage of the service, officials said. "It ended the last week of October," said PA spokesman Chris Valens, "The shuttle was a success and it (ridership) continued to increase." According the numbers released by the PA, during the 11 weeks of the service, 940 passengers traveled to Staten Island - along with 204 bicyclists. NJ panel seeks answers on GWB closures By Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) New Jersey lawmakers have questions about a series of lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused traffic delays two months ago. It remains to be seen whether they'll get answers. The Assembly Transportation Committee has invited top officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to appear at a hearing in Trenton on Monday. Shutting down the access lanes from Fort Lee onto the bridge caused hours-long delays and infuriated local officials who said they hadn't been notified in advance. Published reports at the time said the closures were part of a traffic study. The Wall Street Journal last month published emails from Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye in which he called the closures "abusive" and possibly a violation of state and federal laws. Police Investigate accident at George Washington Bridge toll booths By Myles Ma NJ,com - (Full Text) Police are investigating an accident just before the toll plaza of the eastbound George Washington Bridge, the state Department of Transportation said. Multiple lanes are closed for the investigation, the department said via its 51 Inj service. A call to the Port Authority seeking further information was not immediately returned. Road Warrior: Where did all this N.J. road repair work come from? By John Cichowski NJ.cotn Motorists didn't have to drive far to find a little piece of hell on Earth last week. From Routes 3 and 287 to the New Jersey Turnpike, road delays — most of them construction-related — turned our daily sprints into agonizing crawls. Few of them rivaled the messes on Routes 80 and 95 after a 2-square-foot piece of the eastbound upper deck of the George PA - DW - 000218 Washington Bridge crumbled away on Monday afternoon, causing Route 95 to back up. As it happens, the upper deck was in the process of being replaced anyway, but not the part that fell away. The rest of this $87 million job was accelerated, but that's creating delays that still continue. Hearing on George Washington Bridge closures scheduled for this morning By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger Lawmakers are scheduled to hear testimony this morning on the unannounced closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September, a move that clogged local streets for a week, prompted an internal investigation, and sparked suspicion that the closures were politically motivated. The Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee will hold a 10 a.m, hearing at the State House in Trenton to focus on the Sept. 9-13 closures, which were ordered by someone within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, though the agency has not said who. In addition to who ordered the closures, the committee also plans to take testimony on their safety and economic impact. WTC Port Authority & NYPD In Pissing Contest Over World Trade Center Gothamist One World Trade Center is America's tallest building and a vessel for a lot of political symbolism. Which means it's the perfect place for the NYPD and Port Authority to have a turf war. The jurisdictional debate over Ground Zero is nothing new, but the Post has details on how the fight has now devolved into a virtual dick-measuring contest. Apparently, the NYPD was upset when the PA Police Department put a "guard booth at the site bearing the agency's logo." From the Post: The move riled NYPD officials, who retaliated Wednesday night by ordering cops to roll up a massive mobile command center, bearing the department's own giant logo, and park just feet away. Seen & Heard: World Trade Center Construction Photos By Nicole Vianna Tribeca Citizen In the ground floor gallery at BMCC's Fiterman Hall there's an exhibit of photography by Silverstein Properties' lead photographer that contains a number of large format prints that are spectacular as well as other interesting photographs including the glacially carved bedrock they found at the corner of the site where 4 WTC now stands. It's definitely worth a look." In case you didn't read the Real Estate Sales Report, there was something in it besides the usual: 108 Chambers, home to City Hall Wine & Spirits—the fuss-free liquor store with the great old storefront—and Imperial Coffee House—has been sold. We should worry about them: The likelihood is that they, and possibly the adjacent hardware store on Church, are being combined and developed, AVIATION Bird strike reported at JFK Airport WABC Eyewitness News - (Full Text) Authorities at JFK Airport are investigating a bird strike involving an inbound flight. The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m. A Virgin American flight 220 from San Francisco was struck by a bird as the plane approached for landing, officials said. The birds hit engine number 2, according to sources. They say the pilot reported smelling smoke in the cockpit and declared an emergency. Port Authority Police and the Aircraft Fire and Rescue unit responded. The plane landed safely. Authorities are inspecting the plane for damage. No injuries to passengers were reported. Airports to Become Holiday-Time Madhouses All Year Round? WPRO 630 News Talk If you've ever flown on the day before Thanksgiving, you know what an utter madhouse the airport terminal becomes. Now, imagine the same happening on any given day of the year. It could very well happen, USA Today says a U.S. Travel Association study it reviewed points out that before long, two dozen of the nation's busiest airports will feel like the day before Thanksgiving twice a week, every week of the year. NYC-area airport workers protest 'poverty wages' during Thanksgiving week 2 PA - DW - 000219 JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Airport employees 'fed up' By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle - {Full Text) Employees of private contractors at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports are holding protests during Thanksgiving week to bring attention to their "poverty wages and poor working conditions," The crisis, workers say, is caused by low-bid subcontracting by airlines of security, cleaning, baggage handling and other functions at to private contractors, who pay significantly less than those directly employed by the airlines and the Port Authority. According to a report released by the University of California at Berkeley on November 4, airport workers saw their real hourly wages fall by an average of 15 percent from 2002 to 2012. According to the report, one out of three airport workers live in poverty and receive taxpayer assistance. In a statement, employees said they are fed up with their concerns being ignored. They planned to protest outside terminals and pass out leaflets on Monday and Wednesday, and meet with local clergy, 32BJ SEIU and Queens Councilman-elect Costa Constantinides for a Thanksgiving prayer at Newark airport on Tuesday. Port Authority prepares for busy Thanksgiving holiday Mid Hudson News - (Full Text) Thanksgiving signals the start of the holiday travel season and area airports are expected to be jammed this week. People will fly out all week long with the busiest day of the week typically on the Sunday after the holiday when most everyone returns on the same day. An estimated 1.3 million people will travel through the Port authority-operated airports - John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and Stewart International, About 613,000 passengers are expected to use JFK, 395,000 will use Newark, over 290,000 are expected to use LaGuardia and some 4,200 are anticipated to use Stewart. Because of the extra volume of traffic, travelers are encouraged to allow extra time to get to the airport and check in. Weather may also be a factor in Thanksgiving travel this year. Depending upon where you live, rain and snow are predicted for Wednesday, also one of the busiest travel days of the year. American Airlines faces another hurdle in merger battle Venture Capital Post American Airlines Inc is set for a hearing that may finally let the company exit bankruptcy and proceed with its merger with US Airways Inc. However, the airline was slapped with another private lawsuit claiming the merger would violate antitrust laws. This was according to a report published by The Dallas Morning News. American, AMR, and its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 29, 2011. On August 13, 2012, the Justice Department and other US states filed a lawsuit alleging the merger would break antitrust laws and reduce competition. A tentative settlement with the government allowed the Texas-based carrier to proceed with the merger. The company is aiming for a December 9 exit from bankruptcy, the report said, TV CLIPS WABC NY - Bird strike reported at JFK Airport WQR AM RADIO NY - Bird strike reported at JFK Airport WNYW FOX NY - Port Authority prepares for busy Thanksgiving holiday WCBS RADIO - NJ panel seeks answers on GWB closures PA - DW - 000220 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Monday, November 25, 2013 12:31 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 11.25,13 TB&T Baroni: GWB lane closures were for traffic study Associated Press - Full Text An executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says the agency was wrong to close two local-access lanes of the George Washington Bridge without notice in September. Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni says two of three lanes for Fort Lee-based traffic were closed for a traffic study. Baroni says Fort Lee is the only town with lanes specifically designated for their use at rush-hour. He says that's not fair to commuters from the rest of Bergen County. Baroni is appearing before the Assembly Transportation Committee Monday to answer questions about the unannounced closures that caused gridlock and raised questions whether they were politically motivated. Committee Chairman John Wisniewski says Baroni is dancing around the issue. 40-year-old man killed in accident on George Washington Bridge; delays continue By Matthew McGrath The Record - Full Text A 40-year-old man was killed in a car accident this morning in the northbound express lanes of Interstate 95 approaching the upper level of the George Washington Bridge. The man, driving a white work van, crashed the driver side of his van into the rear corner of a tractor trailer that was slowing in traffic, said Joe Pentangelo, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey spokesman. Police draped a blue tarp over the van as they conducted their investigation. One lane was shut down for more than four hours as first responders investigated the crash and worked to clean the roadway. Delays have reached an hour and impact every road leading to the bridge. But delays on the New Jersey Turnpike appear to the longest and most severe. Motorists should take alternate routes to Manhattan. George Washington Bridge crash kills 1, causes major traffic delays WABC - Full Text One driver was killed in a two vehicle crash at the inbound George Washington Bridge, causing delays for the morning commute. Investigators say a man driving a white construction van rear ended a tractor trailer just before 6:15 a.m. Monday on 1-95 near the Fletcher Avenue overpass in Fort Lee. The driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer was not hurt. Two inbound Interstate 95 express lanes were closed for the investigation, which lasted through the morning commute. More than one hour delays were reported well into the morning as Port Authority Police worked to clear the scene. Driver killed in George Washington Bridge crash, officials say By Myles Ma NJ-Com Update, 11:10 a.m.: All lanes of the Manhattan-bound approach to the George Washington Bridge had reopened by 10:40 a,m, after a fatal accident, Joseph Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said. Update, 10:35 a.m.: Two upperlevel toll lanes are open after a fatal accident near the George Washington Bridge, Joseph Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said. The rest of the lanes will open after maintenance vehicles leave the scene, Pentangelo said. Port Authority's free shuttle service ends high-use run on Bayonne Bridge By Felix Alarcon The Jersey Journal Service on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's pedestrian and bicyclist shuttle on the Bayonne Bridge has concluded for the time being and figures show passengers took advantage of the service, officials said, "It ended the last week of October," said PA spokesman Chris Valens. "The shuttle was a success and its (ridership) continued to increase." According the numbers released by the PA, during the 11 weeks of the service, 940 passengers traveled to Staten Island, PA - DW - 000221 along with 204 bicyclists. Going in the reverse direction, from Staten Island to Bayonne, 947 passengers and 190 bicyclists used the service, PATH Christopher Street PATH Station Closed Overnight The station will be closed overnight on Monday and Tuesday this week. By Zak Koeske Hoboken Patch - Full Text The Christopher Street PATH station in Manhattan's West Village will be closed overnight Monday and Tuesday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced. The station, which follows Hoboken as the first Manhattan stop on 33rd Street-bound lines, will close at 11 p.m. and re-open at 5 a.m, on both days. Passengers who would normally board at Christopher Street to head back into Hoboken should instead enter at the 9th Street PATH station on 6th Avenue in Greenwich Village, according to a Port Authority alert. PABT Report: Missing Marlboro teen spotted in NYC, reward offered By Ashley Peskoe NJ.com A missing autistic teenager from Marlboro may be in New York City, and a reward is being offered for his safe return, according to reports. Michael Karwan, 19, of Marlboro, was reported missing Tuesday night, police said. The highfunctioning autistic teenager may have gone to New York City, where Rep. Michael Grimm has joined the search, SlLive.com reported. Karwan was spotted at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on Wednesday, SILive.com and ABC 7 reported, and his favorite comic book store is in Times Square. AVIATION Thanksgiving Travel Delays Could Become the Norm By Ryan Holeywell Aviation Pros For many folks. Thanksgiving travel is a major headache. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is always one of the busiest travel days of the year, with many airports experiencing twice their normal daily volume. This year, 2.42 million passengers are expected to fly next Wednesday, according to industry estimates. More passerigers means long waits at check-in counters, bottlenecks at security checkpoints and the inevitable delayed flights. ... At John F. Kennedy airport in New York, for example, its four-way intersecting runway isn't adequate to meet demand, and its proximity to other airports causes congested airspace. Potentially, it could solve some of the problem by expanding beyond its existing boundaries, but that would cause political and funding obstacles. The airport in Newark, N.J., faces similar challenges. By 2024, unmet demand at just those two airports alone could result in $24 billion in lost spending, mostly from international travelers, according to the area's regional planning organization. Those Horrible Air Travel Holiday Crowds? That's the New Normal By Barbara Peterson Conde Nast Traveler Holiday travel will be up slightly on the nation's airlines this Thanksgiving, with more than 25 million passengers taking a flight over the 12-day period that kicks off Friday, says the Airlines4America, the industry trade group. So if you're waiting till Wednesday to take off— infamously, one of the busiest air travel days on the calendar—expect planes that average 85% full and conga lines at security. As if holiday air travel weren't stressful enough, a just-issued report predicts that holiday-like overcrowding could become the norm at many of the country's largest airports in just a few years. The Travel Industry Association, along with the Eno Center for Transportation, found that 24 of the top 30 U.S. airports could be seriously congested by the end of the decade if nothing is done to expand and modernize the air travel system. Already, 20% of major airports inflict holiday-style agita on their customers at least once a week, including New York's JFK, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Chicago Midway airports, the study said. Analysts: United Airlines flights to Atlantic City unlikely reverse city's decline By Tara Nurin NJ Spotlight PA - DW - 000222 When Gov. Chris Christie stood with the CEO of United Airlines last week to announce the arrival of the world's busiest commercial passenger carrier to Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), he proclaimed, "It speaks volumes that a company like United Airlines recognizes the full and future potential of Atlantic City International Airport . . . The decision to bring air service to the seaside resort opens Atlantic City and ACY to the world." But two prominent Atlantic City analysts take a far more skeptical view that United, the latest in a string of major airlines to attempt service at ACY, can succeed where others have failed to reverse the well-documented downturn in the resort city's fortunes. Wayne Schaffel, a former Bally's Park Place executive who now consults for New Jersey's casino and tourism industry, warned, "It's the 11th hour and Atlantic City needs airlines to succeed . .. They are the only hope Atlantic City has. Failure means the city will not be a viable business entity in 18 months." PAPD Bail raised to $1 million for Bronx man in Cliffside Park kidnapping By Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot A Municipal Court judge today hiked bail to $1 million for a Bronx fugitive extradited to Bergen County in connection with the September abduction of a Cliffside Park man. Basilio Garcia, 32, was arrested earlier this month by Port Authority police for his alleged role in the Sept. 2 abduction of a 36-year-old borough man from Main Street in what police said was a failed attempt to collect a debt. Besides kidnapping, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, Garcia (above, left) faces a long list of other charges stemming from the discovery of several bogus credit and ID cards in his car, which the trio abandoned after it crashed in Fort Lee. WTC NYPD and Port Authority Wage War Over Control of WTC Site By Peter Lesser The Latino Post It's been more than 12 years. We responded to terror and picked ourselves up by the bootstraps. We persevered. We built up the monumental skyscrapers that our enemies destroyed in Sept. of 2001. But now that the World Trade Center is nearing completion, a new battle wages. Who gets ownership of the new WTC? The NYPD and Port Authority are currently in a brutal turf war over the property rights of One World Trade Center. The ongoing battle is nothing new and shouldn't surprise any seasoned New Yorkers, however, new details surrounding the controversy have recently surfaced. Here's the most recent play by play. The Port Authority Police Department put a "guard booth at the site bearing the agency's logo." PANYNJ Tenafiy mulling landmark status for home By Deena Yellin The Record The Historic Preservation Commission will consider nominating 53 Knickerbocker Road as a historic landmark at its Dec. 5 meeting. The landmark status would be local and would give the home, which dates to 1920, protection from demolition and some types of alteration because changes would be subject to commission review. Situated on a 6-acre property, the home is known as the Mackay-Lowe estate. It is an excellent example of eady 1920s traditional architecture with decorative detailing, according to the designation report prepared by T. Robins Brown, an architectural historian. Frank J. Forster, a nationally known New York City architect, designed the home. Historic experts say the house is an example of a country estate house in the Dutch Colonial Revival style, with brownstone and clapboard walls. Its significance is enhanced by its association with owners Malcolm Mackay, a financier, philanthropist and author, and Donald V. Lowe, a chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a paper manufacturer, said David Wall, the Historic Preservation Commission's chairman. Amick: Trenton's election system badly needs reforming By George Amick The Times of Trenton Last year, the civic group Majority for a Better Trenton proposed a change in the way the city elects a mayor and council that would save money and increase voter participation. However, the group couldn't collect enough petition signatures to PA - DW - 000223 put its plan on the November ballot, and city council declined to call a referendum on its own. ,.. That would be easier if today's Legislature contained members who understood and appreciated instant runoff voting. Unfortunately, those who did have left the Legislature, such as former Sens, Bill Schluter of Pennington and Bill Baroni of Hamilton. Baroni, for one, sponsored bills calling for a serious study of the system; i used to get an enthusiastic telephone call from him whenever another foreign country or U,S. city successfully conducted an IRV election. PORTS ILA, NYSA Sue Waterfront Commission By Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce The New York Shipping Association and the International Longshoremen's Association filed a lawsuit Friday seeking to enjoin the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor from "interference" in hiring of dockworkers. The lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Newark, N.J,, was the latest development in a bitter dispute between the commission and the NYSA and ILA over the makeup of the pool of dockworker job applicants submitted to the commission for approval. The NYSA and ILA said that despite "significant efforts" by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to broker an agreement on hiring, "the parties were unable to reach a suitable solution to their differences and now must look to the courts for help." "During the past several months, in defiance of the limitations on its authority in the statute that created it, the commission has gone off the rails to pursue a future role for itself that is well outside the purposes and goals that led to its creation," the lawsuit said. TV CLIPS Eyewitness News/missing teen possibly spotted and crash on GWB CBS New York/PATH suspensions PA - DW - 000224 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Monday, November 25, 2013 2:12 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Wall Street Journal inquiry on today's Trenton hearing All: Ted Mann submitted the following list of questions based on Bill's testimony this morning before the legislative panel in Trenton. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. When precisely was he told about the lane closure plans? Who did he tell, if anyone? How does his testimony that David spoke to engineering department about all this square with Foye's email saying that those divisions had not been part: of the planning of this project? Whose account is accurate? Did David Wildstein order this change in traffic lanes to send pressure, deliver a message, or communicate in any other way with Mark Sokolich, the mayor of Fort Lee? Why didn't Bill Baroni respond to Mr. Sokolich's letter, which included his home, office and cell phone numbers, complaining that the lane alterations were "punitive?" Did anyone from the authority try to disabuse him of that notion, if they were not punitive? To clarify Bill's testimony: is he saying that the PBA told Wildstein he should consider the traffic lane changes? Or was it the police department? Will Pat Foye or David Wildstein be appearing before this committee in the future, as Asm. Wisniewski says he is seeking? Why didn't David Wildstein respond to the committee's invitation? Is he working today? Has anyone at the authority been disciplined in any fashion, including informal expressions of disapproval, over this incident? Specifically, have Cedrick Fulton or Robert Durando been disciplined? Has David Wildstein been disciplined? Finally, does the Port Authority concur that federal and state laws may have been broken here, as Mr. Foye wrote in his email? Has the authority's legal depart:ment reviewed the issue to determine if there is any legal liability? If not, why not? PA - DW - 000225 From; Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Monday, November 25, 2013 2:16 PM Coleman, Steve; Foye, Patrick Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Wall Street Journal inquiry on today's Trenton hearing I spent two hours testifying and answering every question asked by the committee. We are not responding. From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, November 25, 2013 2:12 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry on today's Trenton hearing All: Ted Mann submitted the following list of questions based on Bill's testimony this morning before the legislative panel in Trenton. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. When precisely was he told about the lane closure plans? Who did he tell, if anyone? How does his testimony that David spoke to engineering department about all this square with Foye's email saying that those divisions had not been part of the planning of this project? Whose account is accurate? Did David Wildstein order this change in traffic lanes to send pressure, deliver a message, or communicate in any other way with Mark Sokolich, the mayor of Fort Lee? Why didn't Bill Baroni respond to Mr. Sokolich's letter, which included his home, office and cell phone numbers, complaining that the lane alterations were "punitive?" Did anyone from the authority try to disabuse him of that notion, if they were not punitive? To clarify Bill's testimony: is he saying that the PBA told Wildstein he should consider the traffic lane changes? Or was it the police department? Will Pat Foye or David Wildstein be appearing before this committee in the future, as Asm. Wisniewski says he is seeking? Why didn't David Wildstein respond to the committee's invitation? Is he working today? Has anyone at the authority been disciplined in any fashion, including informal expressions of disapproval, over this incident? Specifically, have Cedrick Fulton or Robert Durando been disciplined? Has David Wildstein been disciplined? Finally, does the Port Authority concur that federal and state laws may have been broken here, as Mr. Foye wrote in his email? Has the authority's legal department reviewed the issue to determine if there is any legal liability? If not, why not? PA - DW - 000226 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • Coleman, Steve Monday, November 25, 2013 6:00 PM Marsico, Ron; 'srechler@rxrrealty,com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny,gov'; Garten, David; Coleman, Steve Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report: 11,25.13 Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Michael Arons from NJTV and other media covered a hearing of the New Jersey Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authonties Committee at which the September closing of the GWB local access lanes were discussed. DED Baroni testified at the hearing. Following the hearing, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Andrea Grymes of Channel 2, Michael Phillis of the Bergen Record and Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger called with questions. We did not respond. Judy Rife of the Times Herald Record and Theresa Juva of The Journal News are working on a story about the December 1 toll increase. Judy asked for information and we directed her to the PA's website for information. Mark Crudele of Channel 7, Matt McGrath of the Bergen Record, Miles Ma of NJ.com and Gerry DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot are working on stories about this morning's fatal accident on an approach to the George Washington Bridge. We provided basic information on the incident. Jackie Lam of WNYC Radio, Priscllla DeGregory of the NY Post, Todd Bates of the Asbury Park Press, Dina Yellin and John Ensslin of the Bergen Record, Ben Fractenhberg ofDNAinfo.com and Annette Petriccione of Townsquare Media inquired about what the Port Authority is doing to prepare for Wednesday's Nor'Easter storm. We told the reporters that all of our facilities are closely monitoring weather forecasts on the storm, and will take appropriate precautions to minimize disruptions. We also emphasized that air travelers should call their carrier before going to the airport to make sure their flight will be departing. Dan Rivoli of AM/NY asked whether we are seeing a large number of airline cancellations for the Thanksgiving weekend due to the storm forecast. We referred him to the airlines. Joli Lee of USA Today inquired whether the Port Authority allows people to smoke e-cigarettes at the airport terminals. We told her we do not at the terminals we operate at Newark Uberty and LaGuardia airports. Media Relations staffed Huntley Lawrence's presentation at the Newark Club's breakfast today about preparations at Newark Liberty and Teterboro airports for the Super Bowl. The breakfast was attended by Mike Frassinelli of The Star-Ledger. Jerry Capeci of Gangland.com is working on a story about two suspects arrested by PAPD detectives for stealing beer in Brooklyn last week. We provided the reporter with basic information on the arrests. Phil Derner of NYCAviation.com inquired about an ARFF vehicle at JFK Airport that experienced a mechanical problem which disabled the vehicle. We gave the reporter basic details on the incident and emphasized that there was no disruption to airport operations. PA - DW - 000227 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, November 25, 2013 6:39 PM Evening Clips 11.25,13 TBT N.Y. man, 71, killed in accident on George Washington Bridge By Matthew McGrath Record A 71-year-old man from Upstate New York was killed in a car accident this morning in the northbound express lanes of Interstate 95 approaching the upper level of the George Washington Bridge. The driver side of the white work van the man was driving crashed into the rear corner of a tractor trailer that was slowing in traffic, said Joe Pentangelo, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Police draped a blue tarp over the van as they conducted their investigation. The truck driver is 49 and from Arkansas. The trailer was registered in Mississippi. Port Official Explains Bridge Lane Closure Before Skeptical Lawmakers By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal Blog - (Full Text) An official from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey defended the agency's temporary closure of local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September before a skeptical committee of the state Assembly, while apologizing for failing to alert local officials and executives within the authority itself Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the bi-state authority, said the closures arose from an internal effort to gauge the "fairness" of the existence of local access lanes for the borough of Fort Lee, N.J., which only sends a small fraction of the daily traffic across the span into New York. "Is anybody going to argue this is fair?" Mr. Baroni asked the Assembly's transportation committee. Mr. Baroni said the authority's changes generated about two usable days' worth of data, showing that changing the lanes from restricted use for locals to general use by others heading for the bridge extended commuting times for Fort Lee drivers but lowered travel times for others. He did not provide the data, and said the Port Authority had not collected enough because of traffic problems in New York on the first day of the week, and the abrupt termination of the lane alterations when New York officials within the authority learned of the lane changes late in the week of Sept. 9. The Democratic committee leadership was openly skeptical in a hearing that at times turned contentious, with vice-chairwoman Linda Stender at one point telling Mr. Baroni that the committee was trying to get at the real purpose of the lane closures, which snarled traffic throughout Fort Lee for a week before they were reversed by the authority's executive director, who had not been informed that the changes had been ordered. The committee chairman. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a former state Democratic Party chairman, at one point told Mr. Baroni, "You are masterful at avoiding the answer and we appreciate your dancing skills." Afterward, Ms, Stender said she still suspected the lane closures had been the result not of a traffic study, as the authority initially said and as Mr. Baroni insisted Monday. Rather, she suspected the move was a show of political muscle toward the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, Mark Sokolich, who was asked and declined to endorse Mr, Baroni's political patron. Gov. Chris Christie, for reelection, according to people familiar with the matter.Mr. Sokolich suggested that the closures were "punitive" in a private letter to Mr. Baroni in September, but has since recanted. He was invited to testify but did not attend Monday's hearing. Mr. Christie's official spokesman has said that the governor was not involved in questions of traffic patterns on the bridge and has referred questions to the authority since the controversy began. A spokesman for Mr. Christie's campaign said at the time that the notion the lane closures were political was "crazy." Democrats in Trenton remained skeptical. "I think he was sent to divert from the root question, which was, 'Was this done for political purposes, as opposed to for policy reasons?'" Ms. Stender said after the hearing."That there is not a paper trail or an email that explains the communication of how that was decided is ludicrous, and totally not believable," she said. "So it leads one to believe that somebody picked up a phone and made a phone call, and made (another) phone call because there was not legitimate purpose behind it. It was done to intimidate a mayor." After his appearance, Mr. Baroni parried further inquiries about the lane changes and when he had learned of them. He declined to say why neither he, Mr, Foye, and other authority officials had ever explained their motives before Monday's hearing — including a press briefing last week in which Mr. Baroni and Mr. Foye refused to answer questions because of what they said was an ongoing internal review of the matter. The results of that review were Mr. Baroni's testimony before the committee, he said. Asked why he had not explained the matter sooner, he would say only, "It's a beautiful day to be in Trenton." Mr. Baroni, a former state senator and a top appointee of Mr. Christie at the authority, was an animated and at times genteelly combative witness. After months of failing to provide any detailed explanation of the purpose of the lane closures, Mr. Baroni and a pair of staffers arrived about 20 minutes late for the committee hearing, to the apparent surprise of some PA - DW - 000228 committee members. They had with them a large aerial photograph of the Jersey-side approach to the George Washington Bridge, On it, Mr, Baroni sketched the movements of traffic cones that are used in normal circumstances to stake off a trio of lanes during rush hour to allow traffic from local streets exclusive access to three toll booths on the upper level of the bridge. The deputy executive director also provided new detail about how the lane closures occurred. Mr, Baroni said that an official from the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, its police department's union, suggested the lane changes in July to David Wildstein, a political operative and former Republican mayor who is another of Mr. Christie's allies within the authority, according to people familiar with the matter. Mr, Wildstein made a series of calls to realign the lanes the morning of Sept. 9, according to people familiar with the matter, but had made his decision to conduct the traffic changes by Sept 5, Mr. Baroni said. Mr. Baroni said he learned of the plans some time on the weekend before the lanes were changed. (Mr. Wildstein, whose job title is director of interstate capital projects, was invited to testify on Monday, along with Mr. Foye and authority police, but did not attend.) Mr. Wildstein consulted with the Port Authority's internal engineering department to design "options" for changing the layout of lanes, Mr. Baroni said. That account seems to run counter to the assessment that Mr, Foye gave his fellow executives in an outraged email in September, after he discovered the lane closures and ordered them reversed. In that email, Mr. Foye said that the relevant internal officials of the authority, including traffic engineers, leaders of the authority's bridge and tunnel division and the police, didn't receive appropriate consultation and didn't sign off on the closures before they happened. Mr. Baroni acknowledged that the authority should have announced the planned closures more widely, "Communication was flawed internally, communication was flawed with our neighbors — no question," he said. But he repeatedly turned the conversation from the purpose of the closures — and especially from efforts to establish a timeline of how the plans were communicated to some officials within the authority — to a debate about the principle of setting aside local access to transportation infrastructure. Rattling off the names of highways in the districts of individual legislators, Mr. Baroni repeatedly returned to what he called the central question of fairness, as Mr, Wisniewski tried, without success, to divert the conversation back to the incidents of the week of Sept. 9. Afterward, Mr. Wisniewski said he still wanted Messrs, Foye and Wildstein to appear before him and testify, and did not rule out issuing subpoenas compelling them to appear. He also said he suspected "political mischief," comparing Mr. Baroni to Claude Rains's disingenuous captain in Casablanca, who proclaims himself "shocked" at the discovery of gambling. "Suddenly Bill Baroni is shocked there are three lanes dedicated to Fort Lee after three years at the Port Authority? The hiring of (David) Wildstein was required to bring this to light? I'm sure Mr. Wildstein's an intelligent man. He's also a political operative, he's a political appointee, and it does smell like political chicanery," Mr, Wisniewski said. More questions after Port Authority official says NYC bridge lanes were closed for a study By Angela Delli Santi, Associated Press The Republic - (Full Text) An official with the Port Authority said a traffic study was to blame for massive delays approaching the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in September, but the head of the New Jersey Assembly's Transportation Committee said a hearing Monday into unannounced lane closures ended with more questions than answers. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, apologized for what he acknowledged was the agency's failure to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge would be closed for a week starting Sept. 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. Democrats on the panel, some of whom believe the lane closures were a show of force by Gov. Chris Christie's administration after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee wouldn't endorse the governor for a second term, were skeptical throughout the hearing. Chairman John Wisniewski complimented Baroni on his ability to dodge questions, and Assemblywoman Linda Stender got into a shouting match with him. "You are masterful at avoiding the answer and we appreciate your dancing skills," Wisniewski told the chief witness. Baroni is a former Republican state senator from Mercer County and Chris Christie ally who was appointed by the governor to the bistate agency. According to The Wall Street Journal, Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich suggested that the closures were "punitive" in a private letter to Baroni, but since recanted. He was invited to testify Monday, but declined, Baroni maintained that the traffic study was commissioned after questions were raised to David Wildstein, a former Republican mayor and another Christie ally at the authority, about having three traffic lanes set aside for drivers from Fort Lee. "Is it fair," Baroni asked. He said two days' worth of data showed the commute time was longer for Fort Lee drivers without the special lanes, while the drive time for everyone else was about 4 minutes shorter (a third day of data was discarded because of a major accident). Afterward, Wisniewski offered this assessment of the lane closures: "I think at best this was clumsy and ham-handed and not befitting an agency that is entrusted with billions of dollars every year. At worst, this was political mischief by a political appointee and another political appointee that they did not make available for testimony." The issue may not be over. The Journal last month published emails from another agency official, Executive Director Patrick Foye, in which he called the closures "abusive" and possibly a violation of state and federal laws. Foye wasn't available Monday due to a scheduling conflict. Wisniewski is hoping Foye will testify at a later date. He did not rule out sending subpoenas to him and Wildstein if they won't appear voluntarily. The issue also could resurface at the next Port Authority board meeting on Dec. 4. Port Authority's Baroni: GWB lane closures were for traffic study 2 PA - DW - 000229 By Michael Phillis Record Major traffic delays for five days in September at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge were not due to politics, but to a traffic study that suffered from poor communication to the public, according to testimony from a Port Authority executive that was panned as evasive Monday by Democrats. Democrats have alleged that a Governor Christie Port Authority appointee who made the decision to close the lanes did so because he was mad at the Fort Lee mayor for not endorsing Christie, Those charges were refuted during testimony by Port Authority Deputy Executive Director William Baroni before the Assembly Transportation Committee. Port Authority official says GWB lane closures were intended to test fairness of local access By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger In friendly but contentious testimony, the state's top official from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told lawmakers that local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were closed in September as part of a traffic study. Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, a former state senator from Mercer County, said the study, conducted Sept. 9 through 13, demonstrated that reverting two of three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge's main approach shaved 4 minutes off the average approach time for commuters using the bridge's upper level. Baroni said only 4,8 percent of morning inbound commuters are from the Fort Lee area, even though the three specially designated local access lanes make up 25 percent of the 12 lanes on the bridge's upper level, "Is that fair?" Baroni asked members of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee during a hearing on the closures this morning. The Star-Ledger Wisniewski: 'veil of secrecy' still hangs over why Port Authority shut Fort Lee lanes By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ It was like watching two people wrestle for control of the wheel. Assembly Democrats wanted Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni to answer questions today about the specific timetable that led up to a traffic nightmare in Fort Lee in September when George Washington Bridge lanes were closed, Baroni sought to talk about the overall issue of bridge traffic congestion. The Democrats wanted chain of command specifics: Who knew what when? Who called who when? Port Authority traffic jam causes head-on collisions of D's and R's By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ Political anger continued to echo along Statehouse corridors today after the hearing this morning into Port Authority lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September. Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski, (D-19), Sayrevllle, a longtime critic of the Authority, blasted Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni after the former senator's appearance, using words like "ham-handed" to describe the Authority lane closure process, and calling Baroni's appearance and attitude "clownish." Assemblywoman Linda Stender, (D-22), Scotch Plains, accused the Christie administration appointee of participating in a cover-up. Though today's hearing was in the Assembly, upper chamber lawmakers made their feelings clear. Photos: Bill Baroni testifies before the Assembly Transportation Committee on GWB lane closures 11-25-2013 By Tony Kurdzuk The Star-Ledger Philip Kwon, attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (right), sits with Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as they listen to testimony in the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee at the Statehouse. The committee called the hearing inviting all of the top executives of the Port Authority to appear, in order to ask them questions concerning the suspicious abrupt local access lane closures of the George Washington Bridge in September. Baroni was the only executive from the Port Authority to appear. Wisniewski: Questions Remain on Port Authority's GWB Lane Closures Mel Fabrikant Paramus Post PA - DW - 000230 Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), chairman of the Assembly transportation committee, released the following statement after hearing testimony from Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, on the agency's decision to close - without prior public notice - access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee from Sept. 9 to Sept. 13. Penn Station Is Without Question the Busiest Transit Center in the U.S. By Julian Kinble Complex Citv Guide - (Full Text) New York City's Penn Station is busier than the JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, unsurprisingly making it the busiest transit center in America. With the holiday just around the corner, it's about to become a zoo. On a daily basis, 1,200 trains pass through the station. Dispatchers, who are the "train station equivalents of air traffic controllers," oversee operations from the Penn Station Control Center, which is located two blocks from the station. The Star-Ledger adds that 650,000 people pass through Penn Station every day, which is not only more than the three airports in the area combined, but two times more than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport— the busiest airport in the U,S. What's more, there's work being done to make it even larger. Now if only something could be done to make it less of an eyesore. AVIATION Bird strike startles passengers at JFK airport in New York City United Press International A bird strike at New York City's JFK Airport startled passengers on a Virgin American flight, officials said. The incident happened Sunday evening as Virgin American flight 220 from San Francisco landed at the airport, WABC-TV, New York, reported. Two birds hit one of the plane's engines and the cockpit filled with the smell of smoke. The pilot declares an emergency, but landed safely. Bird Strike Scares Passengers At JFK Airport In New York City RTT News-(Full Text) No one was injured after a bird strike at New York City's JFK Airport startled passengers on a Virgin American flight, officials said. The incident happened Sunday evening as Virgin American flight 220 from San Francisco landed at the airport, WABC-TV, New York, reported. Two birds hit one of the plane's engines and the cockpit filled with smoke and a terrible smell. The pilot declared the situation an emergency, but was able to land the aircraft safely. The plane was inspected for damage after it had landed. WTC Security "Turf War" at World Trade Center? By Al Barbarino Commercial Observer The New York Post reported that a running dispute over who will provide security at the revamped World Trade Center site - the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey or the NYPD - has erupted into a "turf war." The tiff was most recently on display as "rival" command center vehicles for the respective police departments pulled up outside of the site, with the NYPD snubbing Port Authority requests to roll off, according to the report. While one law enforcement source called the rivalry "childish" and another apparently laughed it off as a "playground fight," they suggested that the "higher-ups" are anything but amused. TV & RADIO CLIPS NEWS12NJ - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee WCBS-NY (CBSl - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee WCBS-NY (radio) -Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee WNYC-FM (radio) - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee WNET-TV (PBS) - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee News12NJ - Missing Teen WABC-NY (ABC) - Missing Teen WNYW-NY (FOX) - Missing Teen WNYC-FM (Radio) — Missing Teen PA - DW - 000231 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Tuesday, November 26, 2013 7:40 AM Morning Clips 11.26.13 PAPD Update: N.Y. man, 71, killed in accident on George Washington Bridge By Matthew McGrath And Abbott Koloff Record A 71-year-old man from Ulster County, N,Y., died after his van struck a tractor trailer on Route 95 north approaching the George Washington Bridge early Monday, triggering an investigation that closed two lanes and tied up traffic for hours. The man was pinned in the van following the 6:15 a.m. accident and was pronounced dead at the scene 15 minutes later. Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. The victim, whose name wasn't released pending notification of his next of kin, was a resident of Highland, N,Y., near Poughkeepsie, Pentangelo said. The driver's side of the white work van he was driving struck the rear corner of the tractor trailer as it slowed down because of traffic, Pentangelo said. The driver's side door could not be opened but Fort Lee emergency medical workers were able to get to him through the passenger door, he said. No one else was in the van. TBT Tolls From New Jersey To Go Up For Drivers With E-ZPass Starting Sunday Just when a lot of people are going to head home from their holiday weekend, toll hikes are set to go into effect on the bridges and tunnels from New Jersey. NYl's Michael Herzenberg filed the following report. By Michael Herzenberg NY 1 People hitting the road for a Thanksgiving meal with family may feel an upset stomach on the return trip. Starting Sunday, the Port Authority will gobble up more of your money to use its bridges and tunnels. Drivers using the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, the George Washington, Goethals and Bayonne Bridges, as well as the Outerbridge Crossing, will get stuffed. "Each quarter makes a big difference in terms of tolls," said one driver. Official Blames Study for NYC Washington Bridge Lanes Closure By Associated Press Epoch Times - (Full Text) An official with the Port Authority said a traffic study was to blame for massive delays approaching the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in September, but the head of the New Jersey Assembly's Transportation Committee said a hearing Monday into unannounced lane closures ended with more questions than answers. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, apologized for what he acknowledged was the agency's failure to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge would be closed for a week starting Sept. 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. Democrats on the panel, some of whom believe the lane closures were a show of force by Gov. Chris Christie's administration after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee wouldn't endorse the governor for a second term, were skeptical throughout the hearing. Chairman John Wisniewski complimented Baroni on his ability to dodge questions, and Assemblywoman Linda Stender got into a shouting match with him. "You are masterful at avoiding the answer and we appreciate your dancing skills," Wisniewski told the chief witness. Baroni is a former Republican state senator from Mercer County and Chris Christie ally who was appointed by the governor to the bistate agency. According to The Wall Street Journal, Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich suggested that the closures were "punitive" in a private letter to Baroni, but since recanted. He was invited to testify Monday, but declined. Baroni maintained that the traffic study was commissioned after questions were raised to David Wildstein, a former Republican mayor and another Christie ally at the authority, about having three traffic lanes set aside for drivers from Fort Lee. "Is it fair," Baroni asked. He said two days' worth of data showed the commute time was longer for Fort Lee drivers without the special lanes, while the drive time for everyone else was about 4 minutes shorter (a third day of data was discarded because of a major accident). Afterward, Wisniewski offered this assessment of the lane closures: "I think at best this was clumsy and ham-handed and not befitting an agency that is entrusted with billions of dollars every year. At worst, this was political mischief by a political appointee and another 1 PA - DW - 000232 political appointee that they did not make available for testimony." The issue may not be over. The Journal last month published emails from another agency official. Executive Director Patrick Foye, in which he called the closures "abusive" and possibly a violation of state and federal laws. Foye wasn't available Monday due to a scheduling conflict. Wisniewski is hoping Foye will testify at a later date. He did not rule out sending subpoenas to him and Wildstein if they won't appear voluntarily. The issue also could resurface at the next Port Authority board meeting on Dec. 4. New Jersey Panel Seeks Answers On George Washington Bridge Closures Assembly Transportation Committee Hold Hearing In Trenton CBS New York/Associated Press New Jersey lawmakers have questions about a series of lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused traffic delays two months ago, "Our goal is to get to the bottom of how and why it happened," Assembly Transportation Committee chairman John Wisniewski told WCBS 880's Jim Smith. Shutting down the access lanes from Fort Lee onto the bridge caused hours-long delays for four straight days beginning Sept. 9 and infuriated local officials who said they hadn't been notified in advance. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority, said two of three lanes for Fort Lee-based traffic were closed for a traffic study. Bridge Lane Closures Are Questioned Port Authority Official Defends Agency's Decision, but Apologizes for Failing to Alert Others By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) An official from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, appearing before a skeptical committee of the New Jersey state Assembly on Monday, defended the agency's temporary closure of local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September, while apologizing for failing to alert local officials and executives within the authority itself Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the bi-state authority, said the closures arose from an internal effort to gauge the "fairness" of having local access lanes specifically for the borough of Fort Lee, N.J., since the community sends only a fraction of the daily traffic across the span into New York. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority highlights George Washington Bridge access lanes at Monday's Assembly hearing, Peter J. Smith for The Wall Street Journal "Is anybody going to argue this is fair?" Mr. Baroni asked the Assembly's transportation committee, in the first legislative hearing about the weeklong realignment of the lanes. Some local politicians have portrayed the realignment— which caused traffic to back up severely into Fort Lee—as a political stunt, not a study. The Democratic committee leadership was skeptical during a hearing that at times turned contentious. The committee chairman. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a former state Democratic Party chairman, at one point told Mr. Baroni: "You are a masterful dancer and we appreciate your dancing skills." Assemblywoman Linda Stender, the committee's vice chairwoman, said she suspected the lane closures were a show of political muscle toward the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, Mark Sokolich. He was asked and declined to endorse Mr. Baroni's political patron, Gov, Chris Christie, for re-election, according to people familiar with the matter. None of the committee members asked Mr. Baroni directly if the lane closures were politically motivated, Mr. Baroni was accompanied to the hearing by a top attorney for the authority, Philip Kwon, and Philippe Danielides, the senior adviser to Port Authority Chairman David Samson. Not attending was the official who Mr. Baroni said conceived of the lane alterations and ordered them into place: David Wildstein, the veteran political operative and a key ally of Mr. Christie within the authority. Mr. Sokolich suggested that the closures were "punitive" in a private letter to Mr. Baroni in September, but has since recanted. He was invited to testify but didn't attend the hearing. Mr. Christie's office didn't return a request for comment. His spokesman has said that the governor wasn't involved in questions of traffic patterns on the bridge and has referred questions to the authority. A spokesman for Mr. Christie's campaign said at the time that the notion the lane closures were political was "crazy." Ms. Stender suggested Mr. Baroni's appearance was intended to "divert from the root question, which was, 'Was this done for political purposes, as opposed to for policy r e a s o n s ? T h a t there is not a paper trail or an email that explains the communication of how that was decided is ludicrous, and totally not believable," she said. "So it leads one to believe that somebody picked up a phone and made a phone call, and made [anotherl phone call because there was not legitimate purpose behind it. It was done to intimidate a mayor," After his appearance, Mr. Baroni declined to say why he, Mr. Foye and other authority officials hadn't explained their motives before Monday's hearing—including during a press briefing last week in which Messrs. Baroni and Foye declined to answer questions because of what they said was a continuing internal review of the matter. The results of that review were Mr. Baroni's testimony before the committee, he said. Asked why he hadn't explained sooner, he said, "It's a beautiful day to be in Trenton." Republican lawmakers rallied to Mr. Baroni's side. Assemblyman John Amodeo accused Mr. Wisniewski of launching "unfair political attacks" in his questioning of Mr. Baroni, and Sen. Kevin O'Toole said the authority's actions had helped to lay bare a "sweetheart deal" that allows residents of Fort Lee better access to the bridge than other motorists. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat, released a statement criticizing Mr. Baroni's failure to provide any evidence of the origins of the traffic study as an instance of "the dog ate my homework," Mr. Wisniewski told reporters he might subpoena Mr. Wildstein, and said he expected Mr. Foye to testify eventually. Meanwhile, New York Sen. Adriano Espaillat wrote Monday to Republican leaders in Albany, urging that New York hold its own hearings into the incident. Mr. PA - DW - 000233 Baroni acknowledged that the authority should have announced the planned closures more widely. "Communication was flawed internally, communication was flawed with our neighbors—no question," he said. Port Authority Executive Bill Baroni: GWB lane closures were for traffic study Baroni: GWB lane closures were for traffic study (11/25/13) News 12 A Port Authority executive admits that closing two lanes of the George Washington Bridge without notice in September was wrong and caused unnecessary delays, but adds that it was for a study on traffic. Democratic lawmakers and members of the Assembly Transportation Committee sparred with officials at the Port Authority over the issue at the State House Monday. Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni says two of three lanes for Fort Lee-based traffic were closed for a traffic study, but admits communication with the mayor of Fort Lee and local police could have been better. "You're trying to tell us that there's a major study that had a major disruption on a major bridge has no paper trail?" says Assemblywoman Linda Stender. "That there's not a single email that explains how this was done? That defies all logic and nobody in this room believes thati" GWB Traffic Study Led to Fort Lee Lane Closures, Official Says Lawmakers could subpoena Christie ally behind controversial closures By Noah Cohen Fort Lee Patch A traffic study led the Port Authority to close two of three access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, a top agency official told state lawmakers Monday. According to an Associated Press report, Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority, apologized that his agency didn't alert Fort Lee officials ahead of the closures. The closures snarled traffic in Fort Lee and led to claims the move was a politically-motivated strike against Democratic Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Gov, Chris Christie's re-election bid. Only 4.8 percent of New York City-bound traffic over the bridge comes from the Fort Lee-area, yet the access lanes account for 25 percent of the 12 upper deck lanes, Baroni told members of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, the Star-Ledger reported. New Jerseyans need answers on lane closures The Daily Record he question: Were lane closures approaching the George Washington Bridge for four days in September political retaliation against the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee for failure to endorse Gov. Christie? The answer, provided Monday by Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a Christie appointee: We're trying to improve traffic flow to the George Washington Bridge. In other words, Baroni refused to answer the overriding concerns of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee during a Monday morning hearing. As a result, the committee chairman. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, said that he's now even more suspicious of the motivation behind those closures, which occurred without any advance notice to many directly affected parties and caused massive traffic tieups. Port Authority breaks silence on George Washington Bridge delays By Michael Phillis Record On five weekday mornings back in September when eastbound drivers were stuck in nightmarish gridlock as they approached the George Washington Bridge, the frustration they felt was likely matched with questions: Was it road construction? Was it an accident? Something worse? Few if any would have considered the possibility that the streets of Fort Lee were being clogged by a traffic study, or even a traffic study with a touch of political intrigue. In the past, closing lanes on the world's busiest bridge would have meant a flurry of meetings among the Port Authority's engineers and local police and advance notice to motorists and local mayors, AVIATION $4.15 an hour': NYC airport workers protest low wages, poor working conditions By Joe Mauceri PIX 11 In the middle of one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, workers at all three major New York City area airports are protesting low wages and poor working conditions, starting Monday at JFK. They're they baggage handlers, security PA - DW - 000234 workers, and cabin cleaners you might not even notice in the midst of your normal holiday travel. But if you're leaving out of JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark this Thanksgiving chances are you won't miss them. The group of sub-contracted airport workers from Airway, PrimeFlight, AirServ, and Aviation Safeguards are coming together to protest low pay and poor working conditions this holiday season. Port Authority to study Long Island airplane noise By Dan O' Regan Legislative Gazette Queens and Nassau county residents lately have had their quiet neighborhoods disrupted by an increase in airplane noise from busy flight paths overhead. According to Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside, the Federal Aviation Administration in the last three years has doubled up on their flights over the area thanks to efficiency from a new satellite guided flight traffic system and a new flight path know as the "TNNIS Climb," which are FAA call letters named for the flight path over the U.S. Open tennis stadium. The guidance system also brings the planes over the same exact spots every day, adding to the headache for residents. Although a bill (A.07697/S.03841) requiring the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to conduct a noise and land use compatibility study was vetoed by Gov, Andrew Cuomo because the measure required permission from New Jersey lawmakers, the governor later directed the Port Authority to conduct the study. Needed rain may dampen Thanksgiving travel plans By Deena Yellin, Abbott Koloff And John C. Ensslin Record An intense storm packing a wet and windy punch may bring much-needed relief to New Jersey's parched reservoirs, but it couldn't land at a worse time for millions of travelers heading into the hectic Thanksgiving holiday traffic. "We have no control over Mother Nature," said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "But we're veterans of all kinds of storms and we'll be prepared for whatever happens either Tuesday night or Wednesday." The forecast for North Jersey calls for 2 to 4 inches of rain from this afternoon to Thursday morning. But the wind could pose the biggest headache for travelers, said Lauren Nash, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. "We could see wind gusts of 40 and 50 miles per hour," said Nash, who added that there was also a slight change of snow on Thanksgiving morning when a burst of cold air arrives. Storm could disrupt travel Scott Mayerowitz and David Warren, Associated Press Philly.com - (Full Text) A winter storm system blamed for at least 10 fatal accidents in the West and Texas threatens to dampen the Thanksgiving holiday for millions of Americans traveling this week. Nearly 300 flights were canceled Monday in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport due to the weather, spokeswoman Laura Masvidal said. Some of the country's busiest airports - New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, and Charlotte, N.C. - could see big delays. The storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain Monday to parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, southern Kansas and Texas. But as the storm continues east, there are fears of heavy rain along the busy Interstate 95 corridor, and sleet, freezing rain, and snow away from the coast and at higher elevations. Tom Kines, a meteorologist with AccuWeather, said it would be "primarily a rain event" for the East Coast, with up to three inches of rain dousing travelers. "The further inland you get especially as you get into that higher terrain - you are going to deal with frozen precipitation," Kines said. Snow could fall in western Pennsylvania and the interior of New England. Ninety percent of travelers this week will drive, according to AAA, and an estimated 38.9 million people -1.6 percent fewer than last year - are expected to drive 50 miles or more from their home. Air travel will be busier and more expensive than usual this Thanksgiving. This holiday will likely see the most air travelers since 2007, according to Airlines for America, the industry's trade and lobbying group, with the busiest day being Sunday, an estimated 2.56 million passengers, Wednesday is expected to be the second-busiest with 2.42 million passengers. The average domestic airfare is up 9,5 percent from last Thanksgiving to $313, according to the Aidines Reporting Corp., which processes tickets sold online and by traditional travel agencies. Meanwhile, Amtrak prices in September - the most recent month for which data are available - were up more than 4 percent from last year. How to handle Thanksgiving airport delays How to rebook flights, snag hotel rooms in case bad weather hampers flights. By Scott Mayerowitz Seattle Times Nasty weather headed toward the East Coast threatens to dampen holiday spirits as millions of Americans get ready to travel for Thanksgiving. Storms have already caused major problems parts of the southwest and south, causing hundreds 4 PA - DW - 000235 of flights to be cancelled. As the storm continues east, some of the country's busiest airports in New York, Washington D,C., Philadelphia, Boston and Charlotte, N,C., could see big delays. If weather slows down your holiday travel, here are some tips for rebooking flights and getting last-minute hotel rooms: Use apps like HotelTonight and Priceline to find lastminute hotel discounts for that night. Warning: Many of the rooms are non-refundable when booked. The World's Longest Flight Just Got A Lot Shorter By Mark Johanson International Business Times Singapore Airlines Flight SQ21 flew from Newark International to Singapore's Changi Airport Monday for the last time, marking an end to the carrier's decade-long run offering the world's longest commercial flight The average price of a barrel of jet fuel stood at around $48 when the airline first launched its 9,534-mile journey from the U.S. East Coast to Southeast Asia in 2004. The price of that same fuel now costs around $128, suggesting that skyrocketing prices no longer made the route profitable. The 19-hour trip took passengers over the Artie Circle and was particularly popular with bankers traveling between New York and Singapore. Prices of between $6,000 and $11,000 per seat left everyday leisure travelers no choice but to make a stopover instead, which adds a minimum of three hours to the journey. Singapore Airlines configured the Airbus A340 jet with just 100 36-inch seats, all in business class. For comparison, other carriers seat as many as 250 in business, first and economy on the same vessel. Singapore Airlines stops world's longest flight The Star-(Full Text) The world's longest non-stop commercial flight ended without fanfare after Singapore Aidines flew its last nearly 19-hour service from New York, Flight SO 21 landed early yesterday in Changi Airport, bringing an end to a nine-year run, A direct service to Los Angeles has also been cancelled as.part of a fleet renewal. "Food and refreshments were served to customers at the airport gate hold rooms in Singapore and Newark. Customers were also presented with commemorative gift sets and certificates," an SIA spokesman added. Analysts said the rise in fuel prices since 2004, when the 15,335km service was launched, made it economically unsustainable. WTC The WTC's Security Center Will Be Topped By An Elevated Park By Kelsey Campbell-Dollaghan Gizmodo As the NYPD and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey iron out the final plans for the World Trade Center site, new details are emerging — including this week's news that the roof of the site's vehicle security checkpoint at the WTC will be occupied by a lovely elevated park. The big reveal wasn't planned: In fact, the Port Authority was forced to release the scheme after the architect of the nearby St, Nicholas Church, Santiago Calatrava, posted renderings of the site to his website. A few weeks later, the Port Authority unveiled a very early schematic rendering of Liberty Park (along Liberty Street), designed by the landscape architect Joseph E. Brown and AECOM. t shows a wide swath of greenery interlaced with concrete sidewalks — not unlike West 8's design for the High Line — that culminate in the glowing, accordion fagade of the Greek Orthodox church. It's still early days as far as the park itself goes, but The New York Times reports on a massive green wall that will span the 30 foot wall below the park's edge (as well as a host of trees with notably interesting names: honey locust, stellar pink dogwood, apple serviceberry). TV CLIPS NEWS 12 NJ - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee CBS NY - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee WNYC FM RADIO - Testimony before the NJ Assembly Transportation Committee PA - DW - 000236 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Tuesday, November 26, 2013 12:31 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 11.26.13 TB&T Hearings Sought in New York on George Washington Bridge Lane Closures By Ted Mann The Wall Street Journal The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey attempted to tamp down legislative inquiry into the reason for the closure of local access lanes onto the George Washington Bridge on Monday, when an executive testified for roughly 90 minutes before New Jersey legislators in Trenton. They may have to prepare for a second round of questioning: New York wants answers, too. State Sen, Adriano Espaillat wrote on Monday to three Republican committee chairman, seeking hearings into the temporary lane closures, which some officials in New Jersey have suggested were intended to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, N.J, "While the September incident appears to have been initiated by New Jersey appointees acting with the intent of influencing their home state's political process, the Port Authority remains a bi-state agency," Mr. Espaillat wrote to Sens. Charles Fuschillo, Carl Marcellino and Michael Ranzenhofer, the chairmen of committees on transportation, investigations and public authorities, respectively. Port Authority toll hike Sunday for EZ Pass drivers WABC - Full Text Starting this Sunday, the Port Authority will 75 cents to the EZ Pass toll for all of its bridges and tunnels. That means offpeak tolls will go to $9, while peak tolls will rise to $11, The cash price will remain the same: $13. Tolls for trucks are also going up. All rates apply to the Lincoln & Holland tunnels, the George Washington, Bayonne & Goethals bridges, and the Outerbridge Crossing. Peak hours are weekdays from 6-10 a.m. and 4-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a,m. - 9 p.m. Off-peak hours are all other times. It is the third in a series of five Port Authority toll hikes that will end in 2015. NY man dies in crash near George Washington Bridge Associated Press - Full Text Police say an upstate New York man died after his van struck a tractor trailer while approaching the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. The crash occurred when the truck slowed down, forcing officials to close two lanes and tying up traffic for hours Monday. Port Authority Police spokesman Joe Pentangelo tells The Record (http://bit.ly/1gbGxnc ) newspaper the 71-year-old was from Highland, N.Y. His name has not been released. No summonses were issued. AVIATION Delta, US Air waive fees ahead of Thanksgiving Nor'easter By Ben Mutzabaugh USA TODAY Airlines have started to waive change fees as a potent storm that's already made a mess for air travelers in Texas threatens to do the same at some of the nation's busiest — and most delay-prone — airports at the peak of Thanksgiving travel. That storm is forecast to hit the mid-Atlantic by Tuesday morning and the rest of the Northeast by Wednesday, the frantic day-before-Thanksgiving that clogs airports across the USA. Already, the storm forced American Airlines to cancel nearly 1,000 flights at its Dallas/Fort Worth hub Sunday and Monday. ... United, the nation's biggest carrier, operates at major hub at Newark Liberty International, No. 2 Delta operates hubs at both New York LaGuardia and New York JFK. American and JetBlue each operate hubs at JFK. One of US Airways' biggest hubs is at Philadelphia, All of those airports can suffer delays — and occasionally spikes in cancellations — just from low clouds or strong winds from directions unfavorable to their runway layouts. Storm Expected To Slow Holiday Rush At Area Airports NY1 News - Full Text PA - DW - 000237 A looming storm could make things tough for travelers looking to get out of the city in time for Thanksgiving. Meteorologists say the Big Apple could see up to five inches of rain by Wednesday night and wind gusts up to 45 to 50 mph, Wednesday is traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, but the storm system is threatening to disrupt air traffic across the nation. Travelers who spoke with N Y l at LaGuardia Airport say they just want to beat the weather and get where they're going. "I just want to take off and land on time, that's what 1 want," said one air passenger. "Oh yeah, I don't want to have to rent a car here and drive all the way to North Carolina." "It's always busy this time of the year so you just want a flight with no delays," said another air passenger. Delta and JetBlue are offering free modifications to people looking to change their plans and leave ahead of the storm. The Port Authority says more than a million people will travel through its airports this weekend. AAA is expecting nearly 43.5 million Americans to travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving. Residents Sound Off On LaGuardia Airplane Noise, But No Relief on Horizon By Katie Honan DNAInfo The weekends are when physician Reena Karani, 43, says she likes to sleep in at her apartment and just "live." The past year, though, she's been woken up at sunrise to the "absolutely ear-shattering" sound of jets above her Jackson Heights apartment, just seconds after take off from nearby LaGuardia Airport. "The weekends have become unbearable," she said, noting that this has been the loudest of her 13 years in the neighborhood. She's not the only one. A town hall meeting on Nov. 25, sponsored by Councilman Danny Dromm, was packed with dozens of residents who say the sound of airplanes over their heads — often in the very early morning, on weekends — has become hard to adjust to. New York Airport Workers Organize to End Two-Tier Wage System Passenger service workers earn significantly lower wages than the largely unionized airline employees with whom they work. Now they're organizing to change that. By Allegra Kirkland The Nation Shareeka Elliott arrives to work in the dark and returns home in the dark. At 6 am, when she finishes her eight-hour shift as a cleaner at John F, Kennedy International Airport, she takes two buses, the B15 and B83, for an hour-and-a-half commute to the house in East New York that she shares with seven family members. The commute is grueling; the work, more so. Her hourly wage of $7.90 provides barely enough to cover basic living expenses for her and her two young daughters, and she receives no healthcare or benefits. If she misses a day, she is expected to provide documentation of her whereabouts. At 26 years-old, she is locked into a job that offers no prospect of becoming a career. PABT NJ Transit offering extra trains, buses for people who want to leave, stay for Thanksgiving By Mike Frassinelli The Star-Ledger NJ Transit is adjusting rail and bus routes on Thanksgiving and the days book-ending it to accommodate holiday travelers, parade-goers and shoppers. The statewide transportation agency is offering extra rail and bus service on Wednesday for workers who want to start their holiday eady or for travelers to Newark Liberty international Airport. On what is typically the airport rail station's busiest day of the year — with twice the ridership of a usual weekday — NJ Transit has scheduled "early getaway" train service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal beginning at 1 p,m, on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines, and additional buses on select routes from Port Authority Bus Terminal between noon and 4:30 p.m. Woodbury Common set for Black Friday onslaught Popular mall has plans in place By Judy Rife Times Herald-Record When the late U,S, Gen. George Patton observed that "success demands a high level of logistical and organizational competence," he was talking about winning battles and wars. When State Police Sgt. Mike Quinn makes the very same point today, he's talking about managing traffic around Woodbury Common Premium Outlets on Black Friday. "In the first 24 hours, we'll see tens of thousands of cars; tens, tens, of thousands," said Quinn, a 10-year veteran of the shopping holiday detail. "And every year, there are more stores and more shoppers, so we can't stop looking for solutions that keep the traffic moving."... The heavy traffic has been a bonanza for Short Line, which has seen its Woodbury Common PA - DW - 000238 service grow year after year. The bus company operates on a "load and go" basis at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and at the shopping center. PAPD Port Authority, NYPD duke it out for control of WTC security By Julie Strickland The Real Deal The Port Authority and New York City Police Department are locked in a game of one-upmanship at Ground Zero, duking it out for jurisdiction over security at the site. The tit-for-tat began when the Port Authority Police Department set up guard booths at the site decked out with the agency's logo. NYPD officials responded by pulling up In a large mobile command center, with their own logo, parked a few feet away, the New York Post reported. The PAPD then pulled up behind the truck with a shiny new command center crowned with a satellite dish. "Our truck came in the morning, and they brought theirs in the afternoon," an NYPD officer told the New York Post. "It's like, look, ours is bigger and newer than yours." A PA official, meanwhile, told the Post that his colleagues felt their space was being invaded. The competing agencies are also at odds over who should be paying for security at the site, and both told the Post that they have plans to patrol the area next year, after 1 Wodd Trade Center opens. This Man Nearly Went To Jail For Photographing Paramedics Gothamist On November 30th, 2011, a man jumped in front of a train at the 23rd Street F/M station. J,B, Nicholas, an NYPD credentialed photographer and paparazzo, arrived to take photos of paramedics rescuing the man, and was arrested by Port Authority police for obstructing governmental administration. After two trials, a hung jury, and the mysterious absence of a police witness, Nicholas was finally acquitted of the charge last week. Despite the law clearly permitting photography of police and rescue personnel performing their public duties so long as there is no physical interference, it's not uncommon for journalists to be arrested on the job. Still, Nicholas's case was unusual. His first trial ended in a hung jury last June. The vote was 5-1 to convict. "At one point this woman from the jury came out on the second day of deliberations and told the judge, 'We're having a problem. One of the jurors is no longer participating in conversations because he's saying the police in this case are acting like they do in Russia,'" Nicholas explains, "She said it to try and get him removed for some language barrier, but the judge shot that down." PANYNJ Daily Blotter By Antonio Antenucci, Kirstan Conley and Lorena Mongelli New York Post - Full Text The owner of a plumbing company was arrested for stealing thousands of dollars in Port Authority funds that were supposed to be used for his workers' benefit, authorities said. Paul Rasole, 43, who ran Paramount Plumbing and operated out of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, pocketed more than $58,000 provided by the Port Authority and intended to be used for his employees' fringe benefits between July 2011 until March 2012, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint states that on approximately 20 occasions, Rasole falsified weekly payroll reports, saying he had made payments to the Joint Plumbing Industry Board for benefits. Instead, he kept the money, the complaint says. Rasole was charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records. TV CLIPS NYl/toll increases PA - DW - 000239 From: Sent: Subject; Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, November 27, 2013 7:23 AM Morning Clips 11.27.13 TBT Bayonne adding lights at Pony League baseball field on West First Street By Joseph R, Vena The Jersey Journal Bayonne is spending $13,500 to add lights at its Pony League field, and city and recreation officials say the city will certainly get its money's worth. The money, which will also pay for electrical upgrades, was approved at the Nov. 13 City Council meeting. The addition of lights at the Joe Tagliareni Pony League Baseball Field, on West First Street, comes in response to losing two fields because of the project to raise the Bayonne Bridge. City Business Administrator Steve Gallo said given the number of leagues, teams and games, the field and the lights will see plenty of action next spring and summer. Still no explanation for GWB closings Herald News GETTING from New Jersey to New York at rush hour is never easy. Things get much worse whenever an accident or construction project blocks a key thoroughfare. That's what happened for five weekday mornings in early September when two of the three access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge toll booths were inexplicably closed. The closure, which occurred just as traffic volume was increasing after a summer lull, delayed countless numbers of commuters and caused major backups on surrounding streets. More than two months later, we still don't know why the lanes were closed. Officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who are never shy about increasing tolls, arrogantly refuse to talk candidly about what happened. This should not be a state secret. Commuters definitely deserve better. Road Warrior: A question of fairness? By John Cichowski NJ.com Monday was a busy day for the people who make and remake New Jersey's transportation laws. It should have been a big day, too, for those of us who have to live with changes proposed by the state Assembly Transportation Committee. But few of us learned of the panel's big ideas, such as endorsing a plan to bring driverless vehicles to New Jersey, extending a Queens rail line to our shores and adding more restrictions to distracted-driving laws. Some routine plans got upstaged, too, including a measure to keep headlights on while passing construction sites and a potential change that remained in committee. It would have allowed siblings to ride with their brothers or sisters in the first year after they get their licenses - a practice banned in 2010. Each of these ideas were important enough to generate a half-hour or more of deliberation, but they were given less time because of the "Bill Baroni Show" that kept the committee entertained and outraged for two hours. The deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey put on a good show — not as good as those hosted by Bill Maher or Stephen Colbert, but it approached the theatrical standard set by Governor Christie's town hall meetings. Port Authority to gobble up higher tolls starting Sunday By Theresa Juva-Brown Lohud-com As if Thanksgiving traffic and travel aren't aggravating enough, drivers will also start paying higher tolls on Port Authority crossings Sunday. "About a month ago we looked at the calender and saw that the toll hike would coincide with the holiday weekend — thanks a lot," said Robert Sinclair, spokesman for AAA New York. "It's coal in people's stockings," Some 3.4 million travelers will use Port Authority bridges and tunnels during the Thanksgiving holiday period, the Port Authority says. Starting Sunday, E-ZPass tolls on the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln and Holland tunnels will rise 75 cents, to $11 during peak hours and $9 at other times. PA - DW - 000240 AVIATION A Thanksgiving prayer for better airport wages and benefits By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger Newark airport workers held a Thanksgiving prayer this morning, trying to call attention to low wages and a lack of benefits for people who clean the jets that passengers fly home for the holidays. The prayer, led by the Rev. Ronald Tuff of First Bethel Baptist Church in Newark, was followed by a walk around Terminal C by more than two dozen workers who participated. The event was organized by Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which in 2011 launched a drive to unionize thousands of airport workers, many of them employed by airline contractors that pay little money and no benefits. "It was very powerful when the minister led the prayer," said Kevin Brown, the president of 32BJ. "And then a lot of the workers who were working in the terminal were cheering them on." Airport Workers Call for Higher Wages By Yi Yang Epoch Times Thanksgiving is this week, but many airport workers feel that they have little to be thankful for this year. On Tuesday, airport workers employed by contractors at the three major airports in the New York Metropolitan area held a rally at LaGuardia Airport to protest poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of respect in the workplace. Those protesting work mainly in security, baggage handling, and cleaning. Shaheen Khan, a security worker at LaGuardia Airport, said that it is impossible to support his family on his current wage. He holds a part-time job in order to make ends meet, "Fifteen to 16 dollars, plus benefits, then we can survive. Otherwise we can sleep on the street as soon as possible," Khan said. LaGuardia, Kennedy aircraft noise study goes forward By Aisha Al-Muslim Newsday The Port Authority is working on developing a plan to implement Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's directive to study aircraft noise in communities near Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, officials said. Noise-reduction advocates have been seeking answers on how the Port Authority - the manager of the two airports - will deal with Cuomo's order to conduct the airplane noise study and establish a community roundtable in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and other stakeholders. Cuomo's mandate came earlier this month after he vetoed a bill that called for the study, but needed approval from New Jersey lawmakers. "We are in the process of developing a plan and time frame for implementation of the study, which will be paid for by the agency," Port Authority spokesman Ron Marsico said in an email. He added most of the expenses for the study ~ to be done by an independent contractor - would be eligible for federal reimbursement, LaGuardia plane traffic draws hundreds as NE Queens activists speak By Bill Parry Times Ledger When City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) convened a town hall meeting to address the sudden increase in airplane noise from LaGuardia Airport, he was hoping to inform the community how best to complain to authorities. He was pleased to see representatives of the Port Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration attend along with 100 Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst residents. "They appeared willing to work with the community with a more transparent approach," Dromm said. The meeting took place Monday night at PS 69, at 72-02 37th Ave. to discuss the dramatic increase in airplane traffic since October, when the FAA rerouted flights into and out of LaGuardia without any notice to the community. Sprawling winter storm threatens holiday travel, Macy's Thanksgiving parade By Ryan Hutchins The Star-Ledger A deadly winter storm barreled toward New Jersey yesterday, threatening to create chaos on the busiest travel day of the year today and ground the large, iconic balloons at Macy's famed Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. Many Americans were sent clamoring yesterday to book earlier flights or study the forecast in hopes of finding the perfect window to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, A few airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport, were already experiencing delays last night, with the situation only expected to worsen today. "Travel up and down the East Coast is really going to be affected here over the next 24 hours," Danielle Knittle, an AccuWeather meteorologist based in State College, Pa., said yesterday. PA - DW - 000241 Airlines offer refunds, flight changes as big storm approaches By Zach Patberg And Abbott Koloff Record With up to 50 mile-an-hour wind gusts and four inches of rain expected in the next couple days, airlines in the New Jersey-New York area are offering refunds and ticket rescheduling through the holiday season. JetBlue announced that "due to forecasted inclement weather in the Northeast," people planning to travel Wednesday out of metro airports such as Newark can reschedule through Thursday. "Customers with cancelled flights may also opt for a refund," the aidine said. Despite the anticipated bad weather, crowds at Newark Airport were relatively light Tuesday afternoon, though that will almost certainly change as millions of people across the country prepare to travel over Thanksgiving. Flight delays were fairly scarce Tuesday. Thanksgiving commute nightmare begins as storm means delays, cancellations By Ann Mercogliano PIX 11 Don't set your Thanksgiving table just yeL At LaGuardia Airport, many travelers were trying to get ahead of the impending storm, but with the bad weather already in Queens, some were skeptical they'd even get out at all. On Tuesday, the rain started coming down in Queens and is projected to get worse on the roads and in the air. According to the American Automobile Association, about 43 million people are expected to travel from Wednesday to Sunday, Of those 43 million people, about 3 million are expected to fly. "I think that it would be awful to get stuck here," said Betsy Steinman. Winter storm puts city under weather advisories By Dan Rivoli AM New York New Yorkers certainly won't be thankful for the messy weather expected to hit the area. The city is under flood and wind advisories Wednesday due to the storm that hit the northeast Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. With gusts up to 50 mph, a wind advisory will be in effect until 9 a.m., while a flood warning was issued for the possible four inches of rain expected throughout the day until 6 p,m, "During the time of high tide we could see some localized coastal flooding" Wednesday morning, said Lauren Nash, a meteorologist at the NWS. Port Authority gearing up for hordes of holiday travelers By Judy Rife Record Online The Port Authority expects more than 4.7 million travelers to use its bridges, airports and tunnels during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The bistate agency will suspend construction and deploy additional staff at all of its facilities to assist travelers during one of the year's peak travel periods. It is still recommending, however, that travelers allow extra time to reach their destinations. About 1,3 million passengers are expected to use the Port Authority's four airports, including an estimated 4,200 at Stewart International in New Windsor. An estimated 3.4 million will use its bridges and tunnels. The Port Authority Bus Terminal and the PATH system, which serve commuters and travelers, will get heavier-than-usual use, as well. New York Airports See Flight Delays as Storm Moves to Northeast By Caroline Chen Bloomberg News Airports in New York began to see delays this evening as a winter storm moved into the Northeast bringing rain and strong winds. Departures from John F. Kennedy International Airport were delayed by an average of 28 minutes and flights both in and out of LaGuardia Airport were running late by at least 25 minutes at 5:15 p.m. local time, according to FlightAware, a Houston-based aidine tracking service. The storm has caused hundreds of flight cancellations since yesterday as it moved from the Gulf of Mexico and the heaviest travel for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday begins. Several U.S. aidines, including United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL), Delta Air Lines Inc. and AMR Corp. (AAMRQ)'s American Aidines, waived rebooking fees for flights to and from airports in the Northeast. The waivers allow travelers flying today or tomorrow to change a flight without charge. Thanksgiving Storm 2013: Airlines Waive Fees, But Plan To Fly Through Nor'easter By Mark Johanson International Business Times PA - DW - 000242 Here are two things that don't fit together nicely in the same sentence: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and a major winter storm, U,S. weather forecasters warned Tuesday evening that, while most heavy snow will fall inland of the densely populated Washington-to-Boston corridor, heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 65 miles per hour could cause power outages, downed tree limbs, flooding and senous airport delays up and down the coast. "The worst of the rain will end by the evening from New York City to Richmond, but will continue farther north from Hartford, to Boston and Portland, Maine," Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said, refernng to Wednesday, "It may take considerable time before aidines can catch up." Delayed? The Best Airport Restaurants to Eat at This Thanksgiving It's the day before Turkey Day—or even the holiday itself—and you're in airport hell and famished. Step away from the Cinnabon! From sushi at JFK to wine at Dulles, where to really eat. The Daily Beast You're tired. You're hungry. And you just want to get home and celebrate Thanksgiving with your family. But if you're among the 3,1 million travelers taking to the sky this holiday, you might be grounded in the East Coast's busiest airports, thanks to a deadly storm that's already torn through several Southern states. Before you fall into despair, know that just because you're stuck at the airport doesn't mean you'll be forced to feast on Cinnabons for Thanksgiving. Some airports these days are downright fancy, and restaurateurs have capitalized on travelers weary of overpriced and inedible fare. New York National Guard on Duty in New York City to Aid Holiday Travelers By Raymond Drumsta Defense Video and Distribution System News Thanksgiving week is no holiday for the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield, which will have all hands on deck dudng the busiest travel days of the year. The task force of 240 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen helps deter terronst operations in the New York City Metropolitan Area, by augmenting and assisting civilian police in the city's major transit hubs. Dudng the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, task force members normally assigned to training and administrative functions will be working security as well, said task force Commander Lt Col. Peter Riley, a New York Army National Guard officer. About 200 task force Soldiers, Airmen and Naval Militia members will be conducting roving patrols or manning fixed guard stations in Grand Central Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Site and the city's waterways, he explained. PAPD LaGuardia flier finds pictures taken with stolen iPad — months after it was lifted A South Carolina man visting his daughter in New York had his IPad swiped while waiting at Spirit Airlines gate in LaGuardia Airport, only to find new photos pop into his iCIoud account two months after it was stolen. By Edgar Sandoval & Rich Schapiro New York Daily News This money changer apparently has no cents. A South Carolina man whose iPad was swiped at LaGuardia Airport got quite a shock when photos of the apparent thief started popping up on his iCIoud account — which stores photos taken from the pilfered gadget It seems the not-so-sly suspect works at an airport currency exchange booth and was careless enough to use the iPad to photograph herself in uniform. "You would think you can trust an employee of the airport who is in uniform," Martin Alfonsi, 70, said after the Daily News tracked down the apparent bandit's workplace. "It's just patently dishonest" WTC Victim of 1993 World Trade Center bombing, whose $5.4M verdict was challenged, gets another shot Linda Nash, who suffered brain and lung damage after terrorist attack, was given another chance at $5.4 million jury verdict after it was overturned by lower court. By Glenn Blain New York Daily News A woman who suffered devastating injuries in the 1993 Wodd Trade Center bombing won a partial victory Tuesday in her battle to reinstate a $5.4 million jury verdict against the Port Authority. The Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, said the multimillion-dollar verdict won by Linda Nash in 2009 was wrongly overturned by a lower court judge and ordered new heanngs in the case. "I thought the case was going to be over, but there is more work to be done and we are going to do PA - DW - 000243 it," said Nash's attorney, Louis Mangone, A Port Authority spokesman declined to comment $5.4M Judgment Over 1993 WTC Bombing To Be Revisited By Jeff Sistrunk Law 360 - (Full TextO New York's highest court ruled that its 2011 decision absolving the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey of liability for injuries attributed to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing may not shield the agency from an eadier $5.4 million judgment for a victim of the attack, telling a lower court on Tuesday to revisit its order vacating the judgment In a 4-2 decision, the New York Court of Appeals reversed an intermediate appellate court's ruling that affirmed the vacatur of the $5.4 million award to Linda P. Nash, who suffered severe injudes in the 1993 bombing. A New York Supreme Court judge last year vacated the award, citing a Court of Appeals decision in a separate case that asserted the Port Authority was insulated from liability for injuries attributed to the bombing under the government immunity doctrine. That case involved Antonio Ruiz, another victim of the attack. But the Court of Appeals said Tuesday that the New York trial court should have reviewed the facts of Nash's case independently, rather than deferring to the state high court's ruling in the Ruiz case, which reversed a previous determination of liability against the Port Authority, "Our holding in Ruiz did not divest Supreme Court of its authority to review the equities with respect to these parties in determining whether to vacate the judgment, nor did it mandate that the court considering a [motion to vacate] grant the motion by rote," the opinion said. Tuesday's ruling marked the latest chapter in Nash's legal saga. Nash suffered traumatic brain injuries in the Feb, 26, 1993, truck bombing of the WTC's parking garage, which killed six people and injured more than 1,000, according to court documents. In a 2005 joint trial of Nash's case and hundreds of others, a jury found the Port Authority to be 68 percent liable in the bombing, while holding the terrorists 32 percent liable. An Appellate Division panel in 2008 affirmed the lower court's refusal to set aside the jury's verdict, opening the door for individual plaintiffs to sue for damages. In 2009, a Manhattan jury awarded Nash $5,4 million in her suit against the Port Authority, court documents said. But in September 2011, the New York high court ruled in the Ruiz case that the Port Authority was immune from liability for injuries suffered in the 1993 bombing. Following that decision, the Port Authority filed a motion to vacate Nash's award, according to court documents. Last year, a New York Supreme Court judge granted the Port Authority's motion, ruling that the Court of Appeal's Ruiz decision "eviscerated any judgment, holding or finding of liability" against the agency for the 1993 bombing, and required him "to find that the Port Authority was insulated from tortious liability," court documents said. The state Appellate Division affirmed the trial court's order vacating the judgment in a 3-2 ruling in January, prompting Nash to appeal to the high court. Nash argued that the state Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to vacate the $5,4 million award because the Port Authority failed to timely appeal from the June 2011 decision affirming the judgment. In Tuesday's opinion, the New York Court of Appeals' majority disagreed with Nash's argument, but said the lower court was not obligated to grant the Port Authority's motion because of the Ruiz ruling. Under the relevant statute, the state court should consider the facts of the case, the equities affecting each party, and the grounds for requested relief in determining whether to vacate the judgment the opinion said. Judge Victoria Graffeo and Karen Peters dissented in part, agreeing with Nash that the Port Authority should not have been able to move to vacate the judgment after it was finalized. "Having failed to timely appeal, the Port Authority should not be permitted to benefit from a change in the law that occurred after the Nash judgment became final," Judge Graffeo wrote. Nash's attorney, Louis Mangone, said Tuesday that he hopes the Court of Appeals' ruling will bring about a swift resolution to the case. "I hope the appeal will be over, and the case will be over," he said. "We've got more work to do here, and we're going to do it" A Port Authority representative was not immediately available for comment late Tuesday, Nash is represented by Louis Mangone. The Port Authority is represented by Gregory Silbert of Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP. The case is Nash v. Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, case number 238, in the Court of Appeals for the State of New York. PANYNJ Fitch Rates Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's Consolidated Bonds 'AA-' Hispanic Business Fitch Ratings has assigned 'AA-' ratings to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $483.4 million 178 series, $922.7 million 179 series and $107,4 million 180 series of consolidated bond issuances. The new debt is being used to refund the approximately $1.4 billion of outstanding consolidated bonds, with the remainder of new issuance money available to fund authority expenditures. Fitch also affirms the ratings for the authority's existing debt as follows: ~ $17.8 billion in outstanding consolidated bonds at 'AA-'; -Commercial paper (CP) notes, series A (AMT) (tax-exempt) at 'F1+', authorized up to $300 million ; - C P notes series B (Non-AMT) (tax-exempt) at 'F1+', authorized up to $200 million . The Rating Outlook for the authority's consolidated bonds is Stable. KEY RATING DRIVERS -Resilient Cash Flows And Stable Revenue Base: The authority has a monopolistic position over an expansive, diverse portfolio of transportation and commerce related assets, including four metropolitan New York / New Jersey airports, an interstate transportation network (tunnels, bridges, terminals, and ferries), and seaports. Strong demand characteristics for these commerce related assets PA - DW - 000244 are underpinned by the region's diverse and populous economy as well as its status as a global center for economic activity. Revenue Risk-Volume: Stronger -High Degree Of Rate-Setting Flexibility: The authority has demonstrated an ability to produce consistently healthy financial performance reinforced by the cost recovery nature of use agreements in place primarily at the airports and timely toll increases. PA - DW - 000245 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Wednesday, November 27, 2013 12:47 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Star-Ledger editorial Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka called to give us a heads up that the paper will run an editorial over the holiday weekend that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat and David to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue. The editorial writer is asking if Pat and David want to comment. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. PA - DW - 000246 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Baroni, Bill Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:17 PM Coleman, Steve Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Star-Ledger editorial No response. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:48 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka called to give us a heads up that the paper will run an editorial over the holiday weekend that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat and David to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue. The editorial writer is asking if Pat and David want to comment. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. PA - DW - 000247 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Coleman, Steve Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:35 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Star Ledger inquiry ~ GWB lane closings Ft. Lee PA Investigation Request Letter.doc Steve Strunsky called seeking comment on a letter (see attachment) sent by NJ Senator Richard Codey to PA Inspector General Robert Van Etten requesting that the IG investigate the issues surrounding the September closing of the GWB local access lanes. We will not respond. PA - DW - 000248 N E W JERSEY S E N A T E RICHARD J. C O D E Y SENATOR Z7TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 66 W E S T M T . F L R A S A N T A V E N U E L I V I N G S T O N , N E W J E R S E Y 07039 973-535-5017 FAX 973-535-5248 November 27, 2013 Robert E. Van Etten Inspector General Port Authority of NY & NJ 5 Marine View Plaza - Suite 502 Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 Dear Mr. Van Etten; I am writing to you in your capacity as Inspector General of the Port Authority of NY & NJ to formally request that you undertake an investigation into the closure of traffic lanes leading towards the George Washington Bridge in the Borough of Fort Lee New Jersey on September 9, 2013 to September 12, 2013. The closure of the traffic lanes, that took place without any warning, caused massive delays in the region and posed potential danger as local police were not notified and given the opportunity to prepare for the new traffic flow and backups it caused. Numerous questions have surfaced surrounding the events leading up to the sudden closure of these lanes ranging from, al worst, political motivations to retaliate against a local mayor, to at best, the desire to undertake a traffic study. What is certain is that the residents of Fort Lee and surrounding communities were adversely impacted without warning during the time of the closures and law enforcement was not provided any warning or information to prepare which put the safety of commuters at risk. It is disconcerting that the executive director of the Port Authority did not even know these closures were going to take place which only adds more fuel to the fire that nefarious reasons were behind these closures. PA - DW - 000249 The process that took place for the lane closures and the motivations behind them must be investigated so controls can be created to ensure that the situation that happened on those four days never occurs again. I thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Richard J. Codey Senator District 27 PA - DW - 000250 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Foye, Patrick Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:50 PM Coleman, Steve; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Star-Ledger editorial Please don't comment w respect to me until I come back to you. From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 12:46 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star-Ledger editorial Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka called to give us a heads up that the paper v^ill run an editorial over the holiday vi/eekend that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat and David to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue. The editorial writer is asking if Pat and David w/ant to comment. 1 w/ill not respond unless directed otherwise. PA - DW - 000251 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Foye, Patrick Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:50 PM Baroni, Bill; Coleman, Steve Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Re: Star-Ledger editorial I am checking. From; Baroni, Bill Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 01:16 PM To: Coleman, Steve Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Re: Star-Ledger editorial No response. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:48 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka called to give us a heads up that the paper will run an editorial over the holiday weekend that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat and David to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue. The editorial writer is asking if Pat and David want to comment. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. PA - DW - 000252 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:52 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa RE: Star-Ledger editorial I'm saying nothing unless told otherwise. From: Foye, Patrick Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 1:50 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Coleman, Steve Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Re: Star-Ledger editorial I am checking. From: Baroni, Bill Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2013 01:16 PM To: Coleman, Steve Cc: Foye, Patrick; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Re: Star-Ledger editorial No response. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:48 PM, "Coleman, Steve" wrote: Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka called to give us a heads up that the paper will run an editorial over the holiday weekend that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat and David to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue. The editorial writer is asking if Pat and David want to comment. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. PA - DW - 000253 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Coleman, Steve Wednesday, November 27, 2013 3:52 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniewski press release Foye Subpoena 112713.pdf; Foye SCHEDULE Document 112713.pdf; Foye Cover Letter 112713.pdf We have pending requests for comment from Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Bill Mooney ofPolitickerNJ.com and Michael Phillis of the Bergen Record on the assemblyman's press release. I'm not returning the calls unless told to do so. News from Assemblyman Wisniewski For Release: Nov. 27, 2013 Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Deputy Speaker Assembly Transportation Chairman p: 732-432-8460 e: AsniWisniewski@nileg.org www.assemblydems.com Wisniewski Subpoenas Port Authority of NY & NJ Executive Director to Explain George Washington Bridge Lane Closures Compels PANYNJ Chief to Appear at Special Dec. 9 Hearing in Trenton (TRENTON) - Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski on Wednesday subpoenaed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's executive director to attend a special December hearing on the agency's decision to close lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), the Assembly transportation committee chairman, ordered Patrick Foye, the authority's executive director, to appear at a special Dec. 9 hearing in Trenton. The subpoena comes after the authority's deputy director. Bill Baroni, refused on Monday to directly answer many committee questions on the lane closures and provide data to support his testimony. "Mr. Baroni's unprofessional testimony created many more unanswered questions," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). "It's important for the Legislature to understand the circumstances surrounding these lane closures, as the impact on emergency ser\'ices from the inexplicable lack of notification could have resulted in PA - DW - 000254 the loss of life. It's also now more than two months after the closure and no clear and convincing information has been forthcoming on how this decision was made and why it was suddenly necessary." Foye is ordered to appear for the 10 a.m., Dec. 9 hearing at the State House and produce documents, correspondence, books, papers and other writings requested by the panel. "The committee has a responsibility to its constituents to obtain answers to these questions and ensure that protections are in place to guarantee such an event will not happen again," Wisniewski said. "We need to know whether this was incompetence or political mischief by political appointees. A more public and thorough discussion of these issues is necessary, and I look forward to Mr. Foye's input." Under the subpoena, Foye is compelled to appear to testify and asked to produce: • All documents and correspondence, produced between Jan. 1, 2013 and the present date between Gov. Chris Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the Port Authority, concerning the decision to reduce from three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13,2013; • All documents and correspondence, produced between Jan. 1, 2013 and the present date, between and among employees, executives, or officers of the Port Authority, including any documents and correspondence sent or received by David Wildstein, Director of Interstate Capital Projects concerning the decision to reduce from three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13, 2013; • All documents and correspondence referenced and cited to by Baroni at Monday's Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee meeting, including, but not limited to, any traffic count, traffic report, or traffic study, produced by any employee, executive, or officer of the Port Authority or any third party working on behalf of any employee, executive, or officer of the Port Authority related to the decision to reduce from three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13,2013; • Ail documents and correspondence supporting Mr. Baroni's assertion at the Monday New Jersey Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee meeting that: (a) on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 the General Manager of the George Washington Bridge noted a four minute reduction in travel time for commuters using the 1-95 approach to the George Washington Bridge and a three minute reduction in travel time for commuters using local road approaches to the George Washington Bridge; (b) on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 the General Manager of the George Washington Bridge noted a reduction in travel time for commuters using 2 PA - DW - 000255 the 1-95 approach and the local road approaches to the George Washington Bridge; and (c) 105,000 regular EZ-Pass users cross the George Washington Bridge each morning and 4,839 of those users are from Fort Lee, New Jersey; Copies of all rules, regulations, or written policies of the Port Authority concerning the process for closing access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Copies of all rules, regulations, or written policies of the Port Authority concerning the process for approving and conducting traffic studies, including, but not limited to any rules, regulations, or written policies concerning public and law enforcement notification of lane closures in relation to traffic studies; and All information concerning the impact on toll collections or any other economic impact to the Port Authority or the New York, New Jersey Metropolitan Region resulting from the decision to reduce from three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13, 2013. On The Net: i Yu o I cii , 1 PA - DW - 000256 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, November 27, 2013 5:15 PM Evening Clips 11.27.13 AVIATION New Yorkers Prepare For Worst As Storm Complicates Busy Travel Day While most flights have been getting out on time Wednesday morning, the bad weather is still a cause for concern at local airports as New Yorkers battle stormy weather on the eve of Thanksgiving. Vivian Lee filed the following report. By Vivian Lee NY 1 There was a rush at Laguardia Airport Wednesday morning, one of four area airports expected to handle a third of all air travelers in the country during this Thanksgiving holiday. That's about 1.3 million people. So many passengers left home early with the same idea. "To make sure everything is OK," said one traveler. "Everything's been fine," said another traveler, who added that he was surprised at that. Storms Upending Some Holiday Travel Weather Watches & Advisories In Effect Across Tri-State Area CBS New York/ Associated Press Travelers flying into and out of New York's major airports are having to stay patient, with widespread delays being blamed on the pre-holiday travel crush and the weather. LaGuardia Airport has been reporting delays for inbound flights approaching an hour. Delays have been running slightly shorter at Kennedy but have averaged nearly an hour and 20 minutes at Newark Liberty Airport. "We are looking at the board and keeping an eye on it, our fingers crossed," said traveler David Sara. Wednesday flights off to bumpy, but not awful, start Ben Mutzabaugh, USA Today KSDK.com Air travel was off to a bumpy - though not atrocious - start on this busy day before Thanksgiving. Nationwide, nearly 400 flights had been canceled as of 1 p.m. ET, according to flight-tracking service FlightStats. Of the cancellations, nearly 80 come from tiny carrier Cape Air, which flies small turboprop planes to many small destinations in New England, The big problem for fliers today appears to be delays, with more than 2,700 delayed flights nationwide as of 1 p.m. ET. That also represents a sharp spike since 8 a.m., when only about 300 flights were being reported by FlightStats as delayed. Compared to noon Tuesday, delays are up more than 35% over yesterday, FlightStat says. Heavy rain, snow foil Thanksgiving travel in eastern U.S. By Reuters Metro New York A wintry blast of heavy rain, wind and snow across the eastern United States could disrupt plans on Wednesday for millions of people traveling ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. No widespread flight cancellations were reported, but planes headed to New York's LaGuardia Airport and Philadelphia International Airport were delayed due to wind and low clouds, according to the FlightAware.com tracking site. Travel conditions were expected to worsen later in the day, with a combination of wet weather and rapidly falling temperatures resulting in slick roads, said AccuWeather.com meteorologist Bill Deger "Travel around some of the big cities by road could be a little tricky if people wait until tonight," Deger said. PAPD Authorities I.D. man who died in George Washington Bridge crash By James Kleimann NJ.com - {Full Text) Police have identified the 71-year-old man who died after his van struck a tractor trailer on the George Washington Bridge on Monday. Anthony Ruberto, of Highland, N.Y., was behind the wheel of a 2012 Ford van just after 6 a.m. when PA - DW - 000257 the vehicle struck the back of a tractor trailer near the George Washington Bridge toll plaza, according to Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo. At the time of the crash, the tractor trailer was slowing down due to traffic ahead, Pentangelo said. Ruberto's vehicle jolted backward and he was pinned inside. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 49-yearold driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured. Several upper level lanes were closed for hours while police investigated the accident. No summonses were issued, according to Pentangelo. LaGuardia flier finds pictures taken with stolen iPad — months after it was lifted A South Carolina man visting his daughter in New York had his iPad swiped while waiting at Spirit Airlines gate in LaGuardia Airport, only to find new photos pop into his iCIoud account two months after it was stolen. By Edgar Sandoval And Rich Schapiro New York Daily News This money changer apparently has no cents. A South Carolina man whose iPad was swiped at LaGuardia Airport got quite a shock when photos of the apparent thief started popping up on his iCloud account — which stores photos taken from the pilfered gadget. It seems the not-so-sly suspect works at an airport currency exchange booth and was careless enough to use the iPad to photograph herself in uniform. "You would think you can trust an employee of the airport who is in uniform," Martin Alfonsi, 70, said after the Daily News tracked down the apparent bandit's workplace, "It's just patently dishonest" TBT Lawmaker asks Port Authority inspector general to probe GWB lane closures By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger A veteran Democratic lawmaker wrote Wednesday to the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey asking him to investigate the unannounced closing of George Washington Bridge local access lanes in September. "The closure of the traffic lanes, that took place without any warning, caused massive delays In the region and posed potential danger as local police were not notified and given the opportunity to prepare for the new traffic flow and backups it caused," the lawmaker. Sen, Dick Codey (D-Essex), wrote in a Sept. 27 letter to Inspector General Robert Van Etten. "Numerous questions have surfaced surrounding the events leading up to the sudden closure of these lanes ranging from, at worst, political motivations to retaliate against a local mayor, to at best, the desire to undertake a traffic study." Port Authority officials say the agency is conducting its own "review" of the episode. But the inspector general's office, an investigative arm of the bi-state agency vested with police powers, has not been Involved in the matter so far, Michael Nestor, the office's lead investigator, said Wednesday. Wisniewski Subpoenas Port Authority of NY & NJ Executive Director to Explain George Washington Bridge Lane Closures Compels PANYNJ Chief to Appear at Special Dec. 9 Hearing in Trenton By Tom Hester Politicker NJ Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski on Wednesday subpoenaed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's executive director to attend a special December hearing on the agency's finances and its decision to close lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), the Assembly transportation committee chairman, ordered Patrick Foye, the authority's executive director, to appear at a special Dec, 9 hearing in Trenton. The subpoena comes after the authority's deputy director, Bill Baroni, refused on Monday to directly answer many committee questions on the lane closures and provide data to support his testimony, "Mr, Baroni's unprofessional testimony created many more unanswered questions," said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). Transportation Comm. subpoenas Port Authority official By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ The Assembly Transportation Committee issued subpoenas Wednesday to compel Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Patrick Foye to appear before the panel. Committee Chair Assemblyman John Wisniewski clearly was dissatisfied with the testimony Monday by Authority Deputy Executive Director and former Sen. Bill Baroni concerning the September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that made for a traffic nightmare in Fort Lee, Three other Authority officials who had been asked to appear did not, and Baroni said they would not. Democratic state lawmakers have been angry over what they see as the lack of adequate explanations regarding the lane closures. PA - DW - 000258 Port Official Subpoenaed in George Washington Bridge Flap By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) A leading New Jersey lawmaker subpoenaed the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Wednesday, saying the bi-state agency has yet to sufficiently explain_the motives behind the closures of traffic lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat who chairs the transportation committee, issued the subpoena Wednesday to Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov, Andrew Cuomo who was responsible for reversing the lane closures and who warned fellow authority executives in writing that the move might have violated federal law. The subpoena compels Mr. Foye to appear before the committee on Dec. 9 and also to provide a wide range of documents and correspondence showing the reason for the closures, details of their impact on the region's economy, and any correspondence between Gov, Chris Christie's administration and the authority concerning the lane closure plans. The closures were ordered by David Wildstein, an authority employee and veteran political operative who is a political ally of Mr. Christie's. Mr. Wisniewski and others have said they are trying to determine if their purpose was not to study traffic — as the authority has said — but to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., by inundating the small borough in backed-up bridge traffic, Mr. Christie's reelection campaign spokesman called that notion "crazy." Mr. Wisniewski's decision to subpoena Mr. Foye answers an outstanding question: Did, the deputy executive director of the authority and another Christie appointee, blunt the momentum of Democratic lawmakers who want to investigate the matter? In a combative appearance Monday before Mr. Wisniewski's committee, Mr. Baroni apologized for the authority's failure to notify Fort Lee officials about the lane closures before they occurred, but also sought to turn the tables on his questioners. The purpose of Mr. Wildstein's order to close the lanes was to study whether it was fair to have them in the first place, Mr Baroni said. Since Fort Lee residents make up fewer than 5% of motorists crossing the bridge daily, he asked rhetorically, did it make sense to allow the town three dedicated toll lanes out of the 12 that run onto the upper roadway on the bridge? "Mr. Baroni's unprofessional testimony created many more unanswered questions," Mr. Wisniewski said in announcing the subpoena, "It's important for the Legislature to understand the circumstances surrounding these lane closures, as the impact on emergency services from the inexplicable lack of notification could have resulted in the loss of life. It's also now more than two months after the closure and no clear and convincing information has been forthcoming on how this decision was made and why it was suddenly necessary." In issuing the subpoena to Mr. Foye, rather than to Mr. Wildstein or other authority officials, Mr. Wisniewski singles out the authority executive who most explicitly denounced the lane closures. In an email reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Foye angrily ordered the lane closures reversed, told fellow leaders of the agency that key officials had not been warned of the impending traffic pattern changes, and openly worried that ambulance patients could have died after being caught in the snarls of traffic that backed up on the New Jersey side of the bridge. Mr. Foye is also a high-ranking appointee of Mr Cuomo, who shares control of the massive, bi-state authority, Mr. Cuomo has yet to address the lane closure dispute. His spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment. But pressure has continued to build for a more complete explanation of the incident. New York Sen. Adriano Espaillat, whose district sits on the New York side of the bridge, called Monday for legislative hearings in Albany on the matter. And also Wednesday, New Jersey Sen. Richard Codey wrote to the authority's inspector general to request a formal investigation Into the lane closures and their purpose. "Numerous questions have surfaced surrounding the events leading up to the sudden closure of these lanes ranging from, at worst, political motivations to retaliate against a local mayor, to at best, the desire to undertake a traffic study," Mr. Codey wrote. "What is certain is that the residents of Fort Lee and surrounding communities were adversely impacted without warning during the time of the closures and law enforcement was not provided any warning or information to prepare which put the safety of commuters at risk." Michael Nestor, the Inspector general's director of investigations, confirmed receipt of Mr. Codey's request, but did not comment further. Port Authority exec subpoenaed over GWB gridlock By the Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The top official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been subpoenaed to explain why two inbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee were shut without notice, causing massive traffic tie-ups. The subpoena was served Wednesday afternoon on Patrick Foye, the authority's executive director He was directed to appear Dec. 9 for a special hearing on the decision to abruptly shut down the lanes. The subpoena was ordered by Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski (Wis-NEW-skee) after a hearing on the closures ended with what he said more questions than answers. Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni was the only authority executive to testify. He said the closures were for a traffic study, but some Democrats say the motive was political. PATH How much for a PATH extention to the Airport? By Benjamin Kabak PA - DW - 000259 2""* Ave Sagas The slow lumbering ball that is the PATH train extension to Newark airport took another turn forward this week amidst some wheeling and dealing concerning Atlantic City, The stories and rationale are vague, and the extension's future remains murky. But no matter the outcome, various reported cost estimates that have risen precipitously over the past 14 months should have even the project's proponents eying it with some skepticism. The story as we know so far involves trade-offs. According to a September report. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been dangling the PATH extension in front of United in exchange for the aidine providing service to the struggling Atlantic City airport. TV CLIPS NY 1 - Thanksgiving holiday travel at PA major airports. NEWS 12 Long Island - Thanksgiving holiday travel at PA major airports. WABC NY - Thanksgiving holiday travel at PA major airports. NEWS 12 NJ - Thanksgiving holiday travel at PA major airports. PA - DW - 000260 From: Sent: To: Subject: Marsico, Ron Wednesday, November 27, 2013 5:38 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov,state,nj,us'; 'Joshua,Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 11/27/13 • Media Relations facilitated two media availabilities today - one at LaGuardia Airport and another at Newark Liberty International Airport - at which the Port Authority's holiday travel plans and customer service initiatives were discussed. The availabilities were done by Interim Aviation Director Tom Bosco and Interim Aviation Deputy Director Huntley Lawrence. The LGA availability was attended by 16 media outlets, including every NY TV station, CNN, CBS Evening News, WABC Radio, WCBS Radio and 1010 WINS Radio. About a half dozen media, including Channel 6, the Associated Press and Associated Press radio, attended the Newark availability. In addition, Tom Bosco did a live interview with Good Day New York to talk about the Port Authority's holiday travel preparations. • Media Relations facilitated a story for the CBS Evening News in which the station followed around a Newark Liberty International Airport Red Coat for a story on how they interact with customers on the busiest travel day of the year. Numerous media called throughout the day requesting updates on delays and cancellations at Port Authority airports. Star Ledger Editorial Writer Jim Namiotka is working on an editorial that calls for NJ legislators to issue subpoenas to Pat Foye and David Wildstein to come to Trenton to testify on the GWB local access toll lane issue, and sought comment from both of them. We did not respond. Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Ted Mannof the Wall Street Journal, Bill Mooney of PolitickerNJ and Michael Phillis of the Bergen Record are working on stories based on a letter sent by NJ Senator Richard Codey to PA Inspector General Robert Van Etten requesting that the IG investigate the issues surrounding the September closing of the GWB local access lanes. We did not respond. Reporters Strunsky, Mann, Mooney and Phillis, along with Shawn Boburg of the Bergen Record, Andrea Bernstein of WNYC and Angela Delli Santi of the Associated Press also inquired about a press release issued by New Jersey Assemblyman John Wisniewski saying that he subpoenaed Pat Foye and David Wildstein to attend a December 9 Assembly hearing on the GWB matter. We did not respond. Matt Friedman of The Star-Ledger called about the identity of a deceased woman located in the city of Newark, who was reported missing to PAPD yesterday. We confirmed her identify and referred other calls to Newark PD. Monica Miller of WCSB Radio called to request a telephone interview on the December 1 toll increase. We did not respond. Mark Crudele of Channel 7 inquired about a fire or smoke condition in PATH's Grove Street Station this afternoon. We told the reporter that there was a structure fire a block from the Jersey City station and that smoke infiltrated the station, but there was no impact on service. • • • • • • • Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico@panvni.Eov PA - DW - 000261 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Friday, November 29, 2013 9:07 AM Morning Clips 11.29.13 PAPD New Jersey teen found in Ohio after seven-day trek back home with parents By the Associated Press NJ.com-(Full Text) An autistic New Jersey teenager who went missing for a week before being found in Ohio is now back home. 19-year-old Michael Karwan of Marlboro and his parents arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday night, one day after he was located at a men's shelter in Cleveland, Monmouth County authorities say Karwan left his parent's home Nov. 11 and traveled by bus to Manhattan. He then went to upstate New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh before arriving in Cleveland on Saturday. Karwan tried to check-in to an overcrowded men's shelter that day, but a staffer there referred him to another nearby shelter which took him in. But the staffer at the first shelter soon recognized Karwan from a Facebook newsfeed item and called Marlboro police, who contacted Cleveland police. Officers who went to the shelter were able to confirm Karwan's identity, and he was soon reunited with his parents, "It might be only seven days (he was missing), but for us it was an eternity," Karwan's father, Walter, told reporters during a news conference at the airport. The elder Karwan says the family still doesn't know all the details of his son's time away from home. "Michael's still confused a little bit, I want to really give him time to sort everything out," Walter Karwan said, A phone tip on Tuesday led Jersey City police to search for Karwan in the city. TBT Port Chief Subpoenaed in Bridge FlapPort Chief Subpoenaed in Bridge Flap Patrick Foye Asked for Details on September's Lane Closures on George Washington Bridge By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) New Jersey Democratic lawmakers want to get to the bottom of a simple question: Why did an employee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey close lanes onto the George Washington Bridge, triggering massive traffic jams? New Jersey Democratic lawmakers this week signaled their intent to get to the bottom of a simple question: Why exactly did an employee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey close lanes onto the George Washington Bridge, surprising public officials and triggering massive traffic jams? New Jersey Assemblyman John Wisniewski on Wednesday subpoenaed the authority's executive director, Patrick Foye, to appear before the Transportation Committee Dec. 9 to provide more detail about what happened on the bridge in the second week of September. The subpoena comes after a combative hearing on Monday with a top authority appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie yielded few specifics about the intent of the lane closures in Fort Lee, N.J. It is a sign that high-level efforts from within the authority's New Jersey contingent to move beyond questions about the incident weren't successful. Mr. Foye, who has denounced the lane closures, will also have to provide a range of documents and correspondence showing the reason for the closures, details of their impact on the region's economy, and any correspondence between Mr. Christie's administration and the authority concerning the plans. The subpoena also puts the questions about the management of the bridge in the lap of another governor: Mr. Foye was appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who shares control of the authority with Mr. Christie. Neither governor's spokesman responded to requests for comment this week. In an appearance Monday before Mr. Wisniewski's committee. Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the authority and a Christie appointee, apologized for the authority's failure to notify Fort Lee officials PA - DW - 000262 about the lane closures before they occurred. The closures were ordered by David Wildstein, an authority employee and veteran political operative who is an ally of Mr. Christie's. The purpose of the order was to study whether it was fair for Fort Lee to have the lanes in the first place, since the borough's residents make up fewer than 5% of motorists crossing the bridge daily, Mr. Baroni said. But Mr. Wisniewski dismissed Mr. Baroni's testimony, saying it failed to answer key questions. "Mr. Baroni's unprofessional testimony created many more unanswered questions," Mr. Wisniewski said in announcing the subpoena. "It's important for the Legislature to understand the circumstances surrounding these lane closures, as the impact on emergency services from the inexplicable lack of notification could have resulted in the loss of life. "It's also now more than two months after the closure and no clear and convincing information has been forthcoming on how this decision was made and why it was suddenly necessary," he added. Mr. Wisniewski and others have said they are trying to determine if the closure wasn't to study traffic but to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee—by causing severe backups in his borough—for not endorsing Mr. Christie during his successful run for re-election. Mr. Christie's re-election campaign spokesman has called that notion "crazy." Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich wrote in a private letter to Mr. Baroni in September that he considered the lane closures "punitive." He has since recanted that opinion and didn't appear to testify in Trenton on Monday. Matthew Hale, an associate professor of political science and public affairs at Seton Hall University, said that Democrats have found an issue to paint the Christie administration as one that takes care of its friends and punishes its enemies. The lane closure issue "could hurt him down the road in places where brass knuckle politics isn't the norm," Mr. Hale said. Also on Wednesday, New Jersey Sen. Richard Codey called on the authority's inspector general to investigate the bridge matter. New York Sen. Adriano Espaillat, whose district sits on the Manhattan side of the bridge, had previously called for hearings in Albany. "Numerous questions have surfaced surrounding the events leading up to the sudden closure of these lanes ranging from, at worst, political motivations to retaliate against a local mayor, to at best, the desire to undertake a traffic study," Mr. Codey wrote. Michael Nestor, the inspector general's director of investigations, confirmed receipt of Mr. Codey's request, but didn't comment further. Subpoena Port Authority answers on Fort Lee closures: Editorial Star Ledger For three days in September, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey blocked two of Fort Lee's three local lanes onto the George Washington Bridge, leading to massive gridlock. Ever since, the agency has pinned the blame on a mysterious traffic study that required the lanes be closed. If that's true, then why have the agency's own traffic engineers said they knew nothing of the phantom "study"? New Jersey lawmakers have asked questions — and gotten nothing but excuses and tap-dancing in return. So now it's time to pull out the big guns and subpoena Port Authority honchos to testify, under threat of perjury, about the shutdown, the study and their connection to Gov. Chris Christie's re-election. The Port Authority's executive director, Patrick Foye, was subpoenaed Wednesday. It was a necessary first step, but New Jersey lawmakers shouldn't stop there. WTC Manhattan's newest skyscraper measures up to its 1,776 feet By Judith Dupre Providence Journal One World Trade Center is now officially 1,776 feet, ratified as the nation's tallest tower after years of speculation and debate. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's Height Committee made that decision this month after closedroom deliberations, (The World Trade Center buildings attacked on 9/11 were 1,368 feet tall.) During the meeting, the tower's lead architect, David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, made an emotional appeal, comparing One WTC's beacon to the torch held aloft by the Statue of Liberty, that inspired a change of heart in those present. Size, apparently, still matters, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. PA - DW - 000263 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Saturday, November 30, 2013 9:10 AM Morning Clips 11.30.13 TBT Overnight closures on Bayonne Bridge Monday-Wednesday By Judy L. Randall Staten Island Advance The Bayonne Bridge will be out of commission for three days early next week, during evening and overnight hours, as part of the $1.3 billion raising of the roadway, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Friday. The PA will close the span to drivers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. Traffic will be diverted to the Goethals Bridge, During its closure, the PA said posts will be installed between the new northbound and southbound lanes of traffic to permit traffic to operate in both directions during the next phase of the project. Construction crews will also start demolition of the eastern half of the main bridge deck and approaches, as well as construct the first half of the new approach road on the east side. Bayonne Bridge To Close Overnight For Construction Closures Will Be In Effect From 9 P.M. To 5 A,M. Monday - Wednesday CBS New York/ Associated Press If you're heading from New Jersey to Staten Island early next week, don't plan on taking the Bayonne Bridge during the late-night and early-morning hours. The Port Authority of New York and New Jerseywill close the bridge between 9 p.m, and 5 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the $1.3 billion raising of the roadway. Traffic will be diverted to the Goethals Bridge. Also on Monday, the JFK Boulevard northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp in Bayonne will be closed for the duration of the project. The bridge-raising project will raise the 82-year-old bridge's roadway by 64 feet in order to accommodate larger cargo ships anticipated to begin using the expanded Panama Canal by the end of 2015. The Bayonne Bridge project is expected to bring 2,500 construction jobs and even more business to the area when it is completed, officials said in June, Bayonne Bridge to close for construction By Associated press ABC Local-(Full Text) If you're heading from New Jersey to Staten Island early next week, don't plan on taking the Bayonne Bridge during the late-night and early-morning hours. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will close the bridge between 9 p,m, and 5 a.m, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the $1,3 billion raising of the roadway. Traffic will be diverted to the Goethals Bridge. Also on Monday, the JFK Boulevard northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp in Bayonne will be closed for the duration of the project. The bridge-raising project will raise the 82-year-old bridge's roadway by 64 feet in order to accommodate larger cargo ships anticipated to begin using the expanded Panama Canal by the end of 2015. Bayonne Bridge to close during overnight hours starting Monday By Joseph R. Vena The Jersey Journal The Bayonne Bridge will close In both directions during overnight hours for three nights in a row starting Monday, as the Port Authority continues its $1.3 billion bridge-raising project. The closures will begin 9 p.m, on Monday, with the bridge reopening at 5 a,m. on Tuesday. That night and on Wednesday night, the bridge will close again from 9 p.m. to 5 a m. All traffic will be redirected to the Goethals Bridge during those hours, Kennedy Boulevard on- and off-ramp closures will also go into effect starting Monday, and will remain in effect until the end of the project. Northbound traffic using the Kennedy Boulevard off-ramp will be diverted to the next exit to the north, on Route 440 at Fifth Street. All southbound local traffic using Kennedy Boulevard to access the Bayonne Bridge will be diverted to the Avenue A on-ramp via Kennedy Boulevard, West First Street and Avenue A. Tolls set to rise on NJ-NY crossings PA - DW - 000264 By Associated press Wall Street Joumal - (Full Text) Get ready to pay more to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey when you drive from New Jersey into New York City, The third of five annual toll hikes is scheduled to go into effect on Sunday at bridges and tunnels. Cars with E-ZPass tags will pay 75 cents more when they cross the George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges and Outerbridge Crossing, or go through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. That makes the E-ZPass peak toll $11 and the off-peak toll $9. Cars paying cash will continue to pay $13. The heaviest burden will be borne by trucks or towing combinations with six or more axles. Their off-peak E-ZPass rate will rise from $66 to $78 and the peak E-ZPass rate will rise $12 to $84. Toll hikes go into effect on Sunday My Fox NY Starting Sunday December 1 st, the third of five annual Port Authority toll hikes goes into effect. Cars with E-Z pass tags will pay 75 cents more. That comes to a peak toll of $11 and an off-peak toll of $9 when crossing the George Washington, Bayonne, and Goethals bridges, as well as the Outerbridge crossing. The same amounts will be collected at the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. Drivers using cash will keep handing over $13 dollars. Port Authority Raises Tolls For E-ZPass Users By 75 Cents NY 1 The Port Authority is raising fares on its bridges and tunnels for E-ZPass users by 75 cents beginning on Sunday, That means the off-peak price jumps to $9, while peak tolls will go up to $11, The cash price remains at $13 for the bridges and tunnels that connect New Jersey and New York. Tolls are also going up for trucks. The Port Authority says the extra money is needed for maintenance and upkeep. Tolls Set To Rise Sunday on George Washington Bridge, Other NJ-NYC Crossings NBC New York Get ready to pay more to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey when you drive from New Jersey into New York City. The third of five annual toll hikes is scheduled to go into effect on Sunday at bridges and tunnels. Cars with E-ZPass tags will pay 75 cents more when they cross the George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges and Outerbridge Crossing, or go through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. That makes the E-ZPass peak toll $11 and the off-peak toll $9. It's that time of year again: Toll hike on Staten Island Port Authority bridges kicks in Sunday By Judy L. Randall Staten Island Advance It's become a right of passage: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas comes a toll hike on Port Authority bridges. For the third year in a row, Dec. 1 will herald in yet the latest increase for motorists looking to cross the Goethals and Bayonne bridges and the Outerbridge Crossing, That's right, starting Sunday, E-ZPass rates during peak hours will be $11 and during off-peak hours, $9. That's a 75-cent increase per ride. Chump change? Not really, said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who suggested Friday that a tittle political pay back might be in order. NYC Tunnel and Bridge Tolls Go Up on Sunday By Kristina Skorbach Epoch Times Drivers will notice a slight increase in tolls on some bridges and tunnels in New York City beginning December 1st, Toll increases apply to the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, and the George Washington, Bayonne, and Goethals Bridges. Peakhour tools for passenger cars will increase from $10,25 to $11 for E-ZPass users. The off-peak E-ZPass rate goes up from $8,25 to $9.00. For those paying cash, the rate remains same as last year at $13. Next December, the cash cost will go up by a dollar. Weekly Roundup: Week of Nov. 25 By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lane closure mess from September ensnarled Statehouse corridors this week. The thought had been that no one from the embattled Authority would show up as requested by the Assembly Transportation Authority on Monday, Surprise. Like an unexpected guest walking on-stage from behind the curtain to PA - DW - 000265 surprise a talk show host. Authority Deputy Executive Director - and former state Sen. - Bill Baroni strode into the hearing room just as the session was scheduled to start. He came armed with posterboard-sized photos of the traffic situation and was prepared to talk about the need for traffic studies and the inequity of host town Fort Lee having three dedicated lanes while the other 95 percent of bridge users are crammed together. Study blamed for massive bridge delays Official: Traffic study created traffic gridlock Asbury Park Press An official with the Port Authority said a traffic study was to blame for massive delays approaching the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in September, but the head of the New Jersey Assembly's Transportation Committee said a hearing Monday into unannounced lane closures ended with more questions than answers. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, apologized for what he acknowledged was the agency's failure to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge would be closed for a week starting SepL 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. Democrats on the panel, some of whom believe the lane closures were a show of force by Gov. Chris Christie's administration after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee wouldn't endorse the governor for a second term, were skeptical throughout the hearing. Chairman John Wisniewski complimented Baroni on his ability to dodge questions, and Assemblywoman Linda Stender got into a shouting match with him. PAPD Atlantic City poker pro escapes from two airport robberies By Philip Messing and Natalie O'Neill New York Post What are the odds? A poker pro who was toting $100,000 after a big win in Atlantic City escaped with his cash from two harrowing robbery attempts while trying to catch a flight out of Kennedy Airport. Eric Riley, 32, got a ride to the JetBlue terminal on Wednesday from a so-called friend named Junior — but greed got the best of his pal when they got to the airport, police sources said. The driver tore away from Terminal 5 with his trunk still open just as Riley tried to grab his duffel bag of bills, the sources said. AVIATION Dromm holds noise meeting Queens Campaigner When City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) convened a town hall meeting to address the sudden increase in airplane noise from LaGuardia Airport, he was hoping to inform the community how best to complain to authorities. He was pleased to see representatives of the Port Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration attend along with 100 Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst residents. "They appeared willing to work with the community with a more transparent approach," Dromm said. The meeting took place Monday night at PS 69, at 72-02 37th Ave. to discuss the dramatic increase in airplane traffic since October, when the FAA rerouted flights into and out of LaGuardia without any notice to the community. Newark flight attendants soar with FormulaOneLife to provide Guatemalan babies with formula News 12 New Jersey Flight attendants based at Newark Liberty International Airport recently flew on a special flight - a Thanksgiving mission to feed orphans in Guatemala. Mary Beth Lavin began the mission "FormulaOneLife," a nonprofit made up of flight attendants who use their free travel perks to bring formula and baby supplies to orphans in third-world countries, "About five years ago I received an email from a friend of mine who is director of an orphanage in Ethiopia," Lavin says, "She had 35 infant orphans to care for and no baby formula to feed them. I filled my luggage with as much formula as possible and flew it to her myself." Lavin's United Airlines colleagues got on board with the project almost immediately, TV CLIPS PA - DW - 000266 NEWS 12 NY - Port Authority Toll hikes/ Bayonne bridge closures NY 1 - Port Authority Toll hikes WCBS NY - Port Authority Toll hikes WABC NY - Port Authority Toll hikes WNBC NY - Port Authority Toll hikes PA - DW - 000267 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Sunday, December 01, 2013 9:08 AM Morning Clips 12,01.13 PANYNJ A Super Bowl influx of visitors MetLife lockdown, blizzard predictions put focus on transit. By Lisa Fickenscher Grain's New York Business Super Bowl XLVIll will break with football tradition in more ways than the one most people talk about Yes, it will be the first Super Bowl to be played outdoors in a cold climate, but it will also rank as the first Super Bowl to draw most of its fans to the pregame festivities and the game itself via public transportation, according to Jonathan Tisch, co-chairman of the 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee, "Planning transportation is an enormous issue," said Mr. Tisch, who is also coowner of the New York Giants, and who spoke recently at a Manhattan forum on sports. Not only are there detailed plans to get 82,000 ticket-holders to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N,J., on Feb, 2; proposals are also afoot to transport the million football fans who are expected to descend on the Big Apple the week before the big game. TBT Toll hike on Hudson River bridges and tunnels takes effect Sunday By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger For countless bistate commuters, December not only means decking the halls or visiting grandmother's house, but also digging deeper to cross the bridges and tunnels run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "It's that time of year again," said Steve Carrellas, New Jersey's delegate to the National Motorists Association. "We're paying more again. And Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays," On Sunday, the third of five annual increases under a record 2011 toll hike will take effect, meaning tolls for E-ZPass subscribers will increase by 75 cents during peak and off-peak hours. Off-peak rates will apply on the first day of the increase, when E-ZPass users will pay $9 per crossing for a standard two-axle vehicle with single rear wheels, up from $8.25. On Monday morning, peak-hour crossings will rise to $11 for E-ZPass users. Study blamed for massive bridge delays Official: Traffic study created traffic gridlock Mv Central Jersey An official with the Port Authority said a traffic study was to blame for massive delays approaching the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee in September, but the head of the New Jersey Assembly's Transportation Committee said a hearing this week into unannounced lane closures ended with more questions than answers. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, apologized for what he acknowledged was the agency's failure to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge would be closed for a week starting SepL 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. Democrats on the panel, some of whom believe the lane closures were a show of force by Gov. Chris Chnstie's administration after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee wouldn't endorse the governor for a second term, were skeptical throughout the hearing. Chairman John Wisniewski complimented Baroni on his ability to dodge questions, and Assemblywoman Linda Stender got into a shouting match with him. With trucker tolls on George Washington Bridge rising to more than $100, some drivers say they'll avoid NYC By John Brennan Record PA - DW - 000268 As toll increases go, the one that starts today is pretty moderate, at least for most of us: an extra 75 cents on your EZPass bill to drive a car across the George Washington Bridge. But truckers are being asked to dig a lot deeper — deep enough, they say, to cut into or even eliminate their profits. And some say they are now at a crossroads in terms of their willingness to take runs into and through the New York Metropolitan area. It will now cost those who pay cash to cross in the biggest rigs more than $100, and all truckers are being hit for an extra $8 to $12 dollars per trip, even with E-ZPass. "We just cry," Max Molina, a 67-year-old Independent trucker from Humble, Texas, said Saturday as he took a break at the Vince Lombardi Rest Area on the New Jersey Turnpike in Ridgefield Park. Toll hikes start Sunday at New York-New Jersey crossings By Post Wires New York Post - (Full Text) Drivers must dig deeper into their pockets to get from New Jersey to New York, Under the third of five scheduled annual toll hikes on Port Authority bridges and tunnels, cars with E-ZPass tags pay 75 cents more beginning Sunday. That makes the E-ZPass rush-hour round-trip toll $11, with the off-peak toll at $9, Drivers using cash continue to pay $13. The tractortrailer off-peak E-ZPass rate rose from $66 to $78. PAPD Police officers help rebuild hurricane Sandy ravaged home By Alyssa Zauderer PIX 11 Port Authority police officers are helping rebuild one of the many homes destroyed by hurricane Sandy. Members of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association are working to rebuild a home in Midland Beach, The PBA says it's their way of giving back after the support they received after losing 37 officers on September 11th. Tools and materials were supplied by the Stephen Siller 'Tunnel to Towers" foundation. AVIATION JFK customs delays are a disgrace to city Long wait times deter business travelers and tourists coming to New York. By Jennifer Hensley and Tim Zagat Grain's New York Business Imagine getting off an international flight, tired and eager to get your destination, only to face a two-hour wait at customs. Unfortunately, this isn't imaginary at John F, Kennedy International airport. It's what millions of travelers are facing right now. At 120 minutes, JFK has by far the longest peak-hour maximum wait at customs of any U,S. airport. And waits have often exceeded four hours. The Global Gateway Alliance, which advocates for improvements to New York's metropolitan airports, compared wait times at the top five U.S. airports for international traffic: JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark Liberty and Chicago O'Hare. Continually plagued by extreme wait times, JFK's Customs and Border Protection operation is in serious need of reform. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, knows the problem exists but can't seem to fix iL JFK passengers have experienced extreme waits for more than a year, but booths remain understaffed, and new technology that could speed lines is still not in place. WTC Room at the top for observation decks New buildings mean more competition for stalwarts Empire State, Rock Center. By Daniel Geiger Grain's New York Business When the observation deck opens atop the hemisphere's tallest spire, 1 World Trade Center, in a little more than a year's time, it will offer three floors packed with shops, fine dining and streaming videos of the history of New York in the elevators, not to mention wrap-around views of the world's most famous skyline. All told, the attraction will cost $60 million to build. Chances are that the city's newest, tallest tourist draw will need all that, and more. Spurred by the dawning realization that million-dollar views can be world-class money spinners for decades on end, a record crop of landlords are planning to jump into the business that in recent years has been lucratively ruled over by a duopoly of the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock, "If you have a very tall building with great views, it's a business that you're starting to think about," said Annu Chopra, a principal at Atalanta Advisors, who has consulted on and helped PA - DW - 000269 arrange financing for several observation-deck deals, including an acquisition last year of the one atop the John Hancock Tower in Chicago by Montparnasse 56. "A lot more landlords are going to start fighting for that tourism dollar." TV CLIPS NY 1 - PA toll hikes at bridges and tunnels. NEWS 12 NJ - PA toll hikes at bridges and tunnels. WCBS NY - PA toll hikes at bridges and tunnels, WNBC NY - PA toll hikes at bridges and tunnels, WNYW NY FOX - PA toll hikes at bridges and tunnels, WPIX TV - PA cops help rebuild hurricane sandy ravaged homes. PA - DW - 000270 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, December 02, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 12.02.13 PAPD Port Authority police arrest man who walked on PATH tracks during morning rush By Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot Port Authority police arrested a Manhattan man who they said walked onto the PATH tracks, disrupting service, during today's morning rush. Service was interrupted for about 15 minutes after 34-year-old Brendan Duddy walked onto the tracks near the 14th Street station off Sixth Avenue, the authority's Joseph Pentangelo said. Duddy was charged with criminal trespassing and released on a summons after being taken into custody by Port Authority Officer Atiba Joseph Cumberbatch, Pentangelo said. He has a Jan, 22 date in Manhattan Criminal Court. TBT Higher tolls take effect on NJ-NY crossings News 12 New Jersey - (Full Text) Drivers are now paying more to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey when they drive from New Jersey into New York City. The third of five annual toll hikes took effect on Sunday at bridges and tunnels. Cars with E-ZPass tags will now pay 75 cents more when they cross the George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges and Outerbridge Crossing, or go through the Lincoln and Holland tunnels. That makes the E-ZPass peak toll $11 and the off-peak toll $9. Cars paying cash will still pay $13. The heaviest burden will be borne by trucks or towing combinations with six or more axles. Their off-peak E-ZPass rate has risen from $66 to $78, while the peak E-ZPass rate went from $72 to $84. New York and New Jersey Bridge and Tunnel Tolls Increase Trucking Info The start of December brought with it higher toll rates for bridges and tunnels operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Tolls for a five-axle truck increased by $10, bringing it to $65 for E-ZPass users during off-peak hours. It increased to $70 for E-ZPass users during peak hours and to $57.50 for E-ZPass users for weekdays overnight. Cash tolls now run $85. All rates apply to the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, the George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges, and the Outerbridge Crossing. Bridge Tolls Increase For Third Consecutive Year NJ Today On Sunday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey raised tolls on Hudson River crossings for the third year in a row. Commuters driving to work over the Goethals and Bayonne bridges and the Outerbridge Crossing this morning paid $11 if they use E-ZPass, 75 cents more than they did last week. The off-peak E-ZPass rate increased to $9. The toll remains $13 for motorists who pay cash. Truck drivers face a steeper increase - vehicles or towing combinations with six or more axles now pay $84 if they use E-Z Pass during peak hours or $78 during non-peak hours, up from $72 and $66, respectively, "Sunday's Port Authority toll hike is the third of five, which will end up resulting in a 50% toll increase at a time of stagnant wages and negligible inflation. It comes from an agency whose management has been described as dysfunctional, that operates with minimal accountability and no transparency, and that has lost sight of what it means to serve the public," said Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), chair of the Assembly's transportation committee. Chris Christie shrugs off questions about Port Authority and Fort Lee lane closures By Jenna Portnoy The Star-Ledger It's not like he was working the traffic cones. That was Gov, Chris Christie's reaction today when he was asked about speculation that he engineered the closing of lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge as political retribution. "I worked the cones. Unbeknownst to anyone, I was working the cones," Christie joked during a Statehouse news PA - DW - 000271 conference. Some believe the closures were orchestrated by someone loyal to Christie inside the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey because the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee didn't endorse Christie for governor, Christie: Fort Lee's dedicated lanes should be reviewed By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ Gov, Chris Christie took a shot at Democratic lawmakers over the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey laneclosure controversy Monday, Assembly Transportation Committee Chair John Wisniewski issued a subpoena last week for the Authority executive director to appear before the committee Dec. 9 with reams of documents and emails concerning the Fort Lee lane closures in September. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who has alleged a cover-up underway at the Authority, also wants subpoena power for upper-chamber lawmakers, "Just because John Wisniewski is obsessed with this, and Loretta Weinberg, just shows you they have nothing better to do," Christie said Monday during his first Statehouse press conference since his re-election, Christie Dismisses GWB Lane Closure Speculation By Noah Cohen Fort Lee Patch Gov, Chris Christie dismissed a question Monday about speculation that the closure of access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington bridge was political payback aimed the borough's Democratic mayor. "I worked the cones," the governor joked in response to a reporter's question, The Star-Ledger reported. "Unbeknownst to anyone, I was working the cones." The Port Authority's closure of two out of three lanes from Fort Lee to the upper level led to claims that the agency was striking back at Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing the governor's reelection bid. The closures surprised local officials and caused massive delays through Fort Lee in September. AVIATION Now passengers must pass through security when they LEAVE the airport as futuristic glass pods replace staff at exits By the Associated Press Daily Mail Passengers must now pass through security when they leave two airports in the Northeast - entering bulletproof glass pods for a few seconds before being able to exit The futuristic unmanned portals have replaced officers at the security exits of the Syracuse, New York and Atlantic City, New Jersey airports. They prevent passengers from backtracking into secure areas once they exit the plane and keep outsiders from entering through the exits. Travelers step into the elevatorsized cylinders and wait as a door slides closed behind them. After a couple of seconds, another door opens in front with a female voice coolly instructing, 'Please exit'. Airport Security Now Unmanned The Inquisitr Unmanned airport security portals the exits of two airports. The modern exit portals are currently installed at two small airports, A passenger departing from the terminal steps into the elevator-sized glass portal and waits while the cylinder rotates for them to exit The purpose of this is to prevent people from entering the terminal from the public side of the airport. Secure exits are normal at airports, however these are the first to be designed complete without the need for security personnel to be present at all times. Most airports have officers stationed at the exit gate to prevent re-entry by unauthorized persons. Atlantic city has had a similar system in place since 2009, however they upgraded to the new 5 portal exit gate as part of their recent $25 million dollar renovation. Syracuse Airport in New York has also installed eight of the T.S.A. designed pods as part of their recent renovations, TV CLIPS NEWS 12 NJ - Bayonne bridge closures, WNET TV (PBS) - GWB Lane Closure Speculation. PA - DW - 000272 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Tuesday, December 03, 2013 7:31 AM Morning Clips 12,3.13 AVIATION Glass exit portals: Security to leave the airport By The Associated Press Las Vegas Sun - (Full Text) Futuristic unmanned portals have replaced officers at the security exits of two small Northeast airports and added a few seconds in a bulletproof glass pod to the tail end of every passenger's trip. The exits at the Syracuse, N.Y., and Atlantic City, N.J,, airports are designed to prevent passengers from backtracking into secure areas once they leave and to keep outsiders from entering through the exits. Travelers step into a cylinder and wait as a door slides closed behind them. Another door then opens in front, allowing them to leave. The doors could be the wave of things to come as the Transportation Security Administration prepares to shift exit-monitoring duties to local airports next year. Airports with the doors say it save them the cost of staffing exits with guards. Direct flight to New York City area expands Bozeman Daily Chronicle - (Full Text) United Airlines announced Monday it plans to add another flight this summer to its nonstop service between Bozeman and the New York City area. The new flight will run Wednesdays from July 2 until Aug. 13, scheduled to depart Newark Liberty International Airport at 9:16 a,m. and arrive in Bozeman at noon. Returning flights are scheduled to leave Bozeman at 2:05 p,m. and arrive on the East Coast at 8:07 p.m., according to a news release from the local airport. Flights on Saturday and Sunday will continue from June 21 until Aug. 30. The direct flights began in the summer of 2012 after the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport received a $950,000 Small Community Air Service Program grant The community provided $688,000 from 17 area businesses. The money provided revenue guarantees for United. Next summer, the airport will also have daily service to Atlanta, Alleglant Air's 'doorbuster' fare sale sells out quickly By Jessica DiNapoli Record Online - (Full Text) Alleglant Air sold out its Thanksgiving Day "doorbuster" deal, spokesman Micah Lillard said. The deal: $30 one-way flights from Stewart International Airport to Clearwater International Airport in St Petersburg, Fla. Alleglant Air had 60 seats available at the $30 price, according to an ad. Tickets had to be purchased Thanksgiving Day and were for travel on certain days in January. This was the first time Allegiant offered the deals. The idea was to emulate what brick-andmortar shops do on Black Friday and Thanksgiving, and possibly get in on some of the sales action, Lillard said. TBT Find the truth about GWB 'traffic study' My Central Jersey tick with it, Democrats. Keep hammering away at the George Washington Bridge lane-closure debacle until you get satisfactory answers and some heads roll. Something smells rotten here. Last week. Assembly Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski subpoenaed Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to appear before his committee on Dec. 9, Other subpoenas could follow, and they should, to assure all of the necessary questions are answered about the unannounced September closures that wrought havoc with commuter traffic approaching the bridge. It was Foye who put a stop to the closures that reduced local approach lanes to the bridge exclusively from Fort Lee from three to one. He angrily fired off an e-mail to agency officials ordering the lanes returned to normal and warning that public safety had been endangered by a reckless approach to what was purportedly a traffic study. Remember, Foye is an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. That's crucial, because appointees tied to Gov, Chris Christie are behind this mess. One of them, Bill Baroni, the PA's deputy executive director, appeared before Wisniewski's committee last week, but his testimony was largely a joke. PA - DW - 000273 Christie Hits Democrats Over Bridge Controversy Governor Says Their Motivations on Issue Are Political By Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie attacked state Democrats on Monday for pressing for an explanation of why local access lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge were temporarily closed, saying their motivations were political and trivial. In his first extensive public comments on the controversy, Mr. Christie also said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey should review its policy on granting dedicated lanes to local communities at its bridges and tunnels. "The fact that one town has three lanes dedicated to it? That kind of gets me sauced," Mr. Christie said at an unrelated news conference in Trenton, His comments about the fairness of the local access lanes were in keeping with testimony last week from the Port Authority's deputy executive director. Bill Baroni, on the lane closures. In September, the Port Authority reduced the number of lanes—from three to one—between Fort Lee, N.J,, and the bridge, causing a traffic backup. The bi-state agency said it was conducting a traffic study, but local officials contended they weren't warned about the closures. Some local Democrats have put fonward a theory that the closures could have been pay back to Fort Lee's Democratic mayor, Mark Soktich, for not endorsing Mr. Christie for re-election in November. Mr. Christie's campaign has called that idea "crazy." On Monday, Mr. Christie said he can't remember if he has ever met Mr. Soklich, and said he generally isn't involved in traffic studies. He didn't say whether there had been one on the bridge lanes. He faulted state Democrats for twisting the issue for political gain. "Just because [Assemblyman] John Wisniewski is obsessed with this, and [Minority Leader] Loretta Weinberg, it just shows you they really have nothing to do," Mr. Christie said. "All the rest of the stuff is politics on the Legislature's part." Ms. Weinberg said the governor also should be interested in getting to the bottom of why the lanes were closed, and that it isn't a partisan issue. Mr. Wisniewski said the governor's comments further motivated him to uncover the reasoning behind the lane closures. Christie says it's Democrats, not he, playing politics with GWB traffic flap By Phillis Record Governor Christie said Monday that Democrats are playing politics by holding hearings into lane closures at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge that caused major traffic delays in September. "Just because [Rep.] John Wisniewski [D-Middlesex] is obsessed with this and [Sen.] Loretta Weinberg, it just shows that they really have nothing to do," Christie said. Some Democrats have said they believe the decision to close two of three access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge may have been politically motivated. One of Christie's top appointees at the agency, David Wildstein, ordered closing the lanes as part of a traffic study. Port Authority officials have said. The borough's Democratic mayor, Mark Sokolich, said in a letter to the Port Authority that he believed the closures were "punitive," but later backed off from that statement TV CLIPS NEWS 12 NJ - Bayonne bridge closures. PA - DW - 000274 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Coleman, Steve Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Star Ledger inquiry ~ GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. PA - DW - 000275 From: Sent: To: Subject: • n • • • Marsico, Ron Tuesday, December 03, 2013 6:53 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@goy.state,nj,us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec,ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 12/3/13 W P I X l l and WNBC called regarding the strange whistling noise heard from the WTC site on very windy nights. We told them that we can't confirm that the noise is coming from One WTC. We also explained that on very windy nights there are large sections of the site that are still wide open because of construction and could possibly create a wind tunnel that produces some noise. Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. We did not respond. Annie Kami from the NY Daily News called wanting to confirm that Chief Dunne met with Mayor-elect De Blasio regarding the NYPD Commissioner post. We declined to comment. Dan Geiger of Crain's New York Business called to confirm the pending departure of Chief of Capital Planning David Tweedy, and asked us to confirm Mr. Tweedy's new employer. We did not respond. Jerry DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot called about a possible jumper from the GWB. He was told the report was unfounded. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico^panvni.gov PA - DW - 000276 From: Sent: Subject: Sypa, Steven Wednesday, December 04, 2013 8:06 AM Morning Clips 12,4.13 AVIATION DEC goes after asphalt plant at Stewart State cites numerous violations By Jessica DiNapoli Record Online The state Department of Environmental Conservation found a host of stormwater, housekeeping and record keeping violations last month at the temporary asphalt plant at Stewart International Airport, Jointa Lime, the upstate New York company that runs the plant, had to immediately respond to some of the violations, removing asphalt sediment from a tributary of Beaverdam Lake and Moodna Creek, according to a copy of the letter the DEC sent the company. The company addressed other problems at the site by conducting employee training and moving stockpiled materials off site, according to a letter it sent the DEC. Jointa Lime officials did not return calls seeking comment Meridian Air Charter adds two aircraft to charter fleet Meridian Air Charter at Teterboro Airport has taken two business jets to its fleet of managed aircraft. By Terry Spruce Teterboro-based Meridian Air Charter has added two business jets to its managed fleet The first is a Hawker 900XP built in 2011, that seats up to eight passengers. The second is a Cessna Citation VII that also seats up to eight passengers. The Hawker 900XP is currently based in Manchester, New Hampshire, while the Citation VII is based at Meridian's facility in Teterboro, New Jersey, Both of these midsize planes are immediately available for charter, Dennis O'Connell, president of Meridian Air Charter, said: "With the addition of these two aircraft to our charter fleet we are now in a great position to offer our clients either a new or newly refurbished midsize that is modern, comfortable, and efficient TBT Find the truth about GWB 'traffic study' Daily Record Stick with it, Democrats. Keep hammering away at the George Washington Bridge lane-closure debacle until you get satisfactory answers and some heads roll. Something smells rotten here. Last week. Assembly Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski subpoenaed Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, to appear before his committee on Dec, 9. Other subpoenas could follow, and they should, to assure all of the necessary questions are answered about the unannounced September closures that wrought havoc with commuter traffic approaching the bridge. WTC 'Walling' sound from new WTC building spooks locals By Amber Sutherland New York Post Neighbors living near the World Trade Center site are unnerved by a horror movie-like "wailing" sound that echoes mysteriously from the new tower on windy days. "It almost sounds like a Gregorian chant — it will hold a single note, it's a very spooky wailing," neighbor Kenny Cummings, who taped the noise, told The Post "One can come to their own conclusions about why it's happening. But when something like this pops up at a such a sacred ground, it's a little disconcerting," he said. Even construction workers nearby admitted it was creepy. New Yorkers Report 'Eerie Sound' from WTC Malaysia Sun - (Full Text) PA - DW - 000277 New Yorkers have reported hearing an eerie sound coming from the new One World Trade Centre building. A strange howling sound from the building is even keeping the residents up at night. According to news.com.au, the building's 104storey Freedom Tower is 1776-feet high (541 metres), making it the tallest building in the US, On top of the tower is a spire, which appears to be the source of the disturbing sound as the wind blows. The creepy, choral-like sound was first reported during Superstorm Sandy, when the building was lashed with strong winds and rain, the report added. Chilling Howling Traced to world Trade Centre Spire: Reports Is New York's Ground Zero under siege by police? BBC News Magazine - (Full Text) In New York, neighbours of the One World Trade Center, the skyscraper which has risen up over Ground Zero, have sued to protest what they say are the siege-like security measures in the area. Even before the terror attacks on 11 September 2001, the old World Trade Center was struck by a truck bomb that killed six people. And police officials in New York say the security measures are necessary to protect the new complex. The BBC's New York correspondent Nick Bryant spoke to people on both sides of the debate, TV CLIPS WNYW FOX NY - Eerie sound from the WTC site. WNBC NY - Eerie sound from the WTC site. PA - DW - 000278 From: Sent: To; Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Wednesday, December 04, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12,4,13 PANYNJ NYC mayor-elect De Blasio chooses a deputy Associated Press - Full Text Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has appointed Anthony Shorris as his first deputy mayor. Shorris is a former executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He now works at the NYU Langone Medical Center. Shorris also served as deputy education chancellor and former Mayor Edward Koch's finance commissioner. He also directed Princeton University's Policy Research Institute at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The first deputy mayor is traditionally the mayor's right hand, in charge of running the city's day-to-day operations. Mayor Michael Bloomberg changed the structure somewhat. Patricia Harris was first deputy mayor and top aide, but Bloomberg empowered the deputy mayor of operations to run things, De Blasio has suggested he'll alter the structure back to the more traditional format, NYC's First Deputy Mayor to Be Former Port Authority Exec NBC New York - Full Text Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has announced his first deputy mayor will be Anthony Shorris, a senior vice president at NYU and former executive director of the Port Authority. The first deputy mayor oversees the operations of City Hall, advises the mayor on policy and personnel, and oversees certain city agencies. Harvard-educated Shorris has also worked as city finance commissioner and deputy chancellor of operations for the Department of Education. Outgoing Mayor Bloomberg's first deputy mayor is Patricia Harris. She has served since 2005. De Blasio Picks Ex-Director of Port Authority to Be Top Aide By Kate Taylor and David W. Chen The New York Times Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio on Wednesday made the first big appointment of his administration, naming Anthony E. Shorris, a former executive director of the Port Authority and commissioner in the Koch administration, to be his top deputy. Mr. de Blasio, speaking at a packed news conference in Lower Manhattan, said Mr. Shorris would become his first deputy mayor. In that post Mr. Shorris would be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of city government, and would most likely act as mayor when Mr, de Blasio is outside of the five boroughs. Mr, Shorris, 56, currently a senior vice president at the NYU Langone Medical Center, had a long and varied career in government He served as deputy budget director and as finance commissioner during the Koch administration, and as a deputy schools chancellor during the Bloomberg administration. In 2007, he was appointed executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey by Gov. Eliot Spitzer; the next year he was removed by Gov. David A. Paterson. De Blasio names Anthony Shorris first deputy mayor By Emily Ngo Newsday - Full Text Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio Wednesday named Anthony Shorris, a former executive director of the Port Authority, to be his first deputy mayor, Shorris, 56, has also served in several city government posts since Mayor Ed Koch's administration, including finance commissioner and deputy chancellor of the Board of Education. He is currently senior vice president, vice dean and chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center. "This will be the person I turn to run the day-to-day operations of government" de Blasio said. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio names Anthony Shorris as first deputy mayor Shorris, former executive director of the Port Authority, is currently senior vice president and chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center By Jennifer Fermino New York Daily News - Full Text PA - DW - 000279 Anthony Shorris, a seasoned city government hand and veteran troubleshooter, has been named first deputy mayor in Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's first major appointment. Shorris, former executive director of the Port Authority, is currently senior vice president and chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center, Shorris has a long history in city government having served as deputy schools chancellor from 2001 to 2003 and held posts in the Finance Department and the city budget office under Mayor Ed Koch. Shorris has a long history in city government, having served as deputy schools chancellor from 2001 to 2003 and held posts in the Finance Department and the city budget office under Mayor Ed Koch, He has a long history in city government having served as deputy schools chancellor from 2001 to 2003 and held posts in the Finance Department and the city budget office under Mayor Ed Koch. He is married to Maria Laurino, who was a speechwriter to former Mayor David Dinkins.De Blasio also named top campaign aides Dominic Williams as chief of staff and Emma Wolfe as director of intergovernmental affairs. De Blasio Appoints Anthony Shorris as First Deputy Mayor The Wall Street Journal New York City Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio on Wednesday named Anthony Shorris as his first deputy mayor. Mr. Shorris is senior vice president and vice dean of New York University's Langone Medical Center and is the former executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Mr. de Blasio called him "a natural leader for our team because of his extraordinary experience and accomplishment," The mayor-elect also appointed Dominic Williams, an aide who worked with Mr, de Blasio in the public advocate's office, as chief of staff to Mr. Shorris, He also named Emma Wolfe, another aide from the public advocate's office, as director of intergovernmental affairs. Mr. Shorris said, "all I ever guaranteed [Mr, de Blasio] is a lot of effort and a few mistakes," Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio announces Anthony Shorris as first deputy mayor PIX11 - Full Text Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio has appointed Anthony Shorris as his first deputy mayor. Shorris is a former executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He now works at the NYU Langone Medical Center. Shorris also served as deputy education chancellor and former Mayor Edward Koch's finance commissioner. He also directed Princeton University's Policy Research Institute at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The first deputy mayor is traditionally the mayor's right hand, in charge of running the city's day-to-day operations. Mayor Michael Bloomberg changed the structure somewhat. Patricia Harris was first deputy mayor and top aide, but Bloomberg empowered the deputy mayor of operations to run things. De Blasio has suggested he'll alter the structure back to the more traditional format. The announcement marks the first public revelation of the team that de Blasio will surround himself with, less than a month before he takes office on Jan. 1. There had been considerable speculation that de Blasio would announce his choice for police commissioner. Speculation has centered around Bill Bratton, who served as former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's top cop between 1994 and 1996. Bratton was credited with spearheading the city's dramatic decline in crime, and went on to have similar successes in other cities in the years since, including Los Angeles. Giuliani has endorsed Bratton to assume the job anew, almost 20 years after Bratton last held it. Former Port Authority Leader Named First Deputy Mayor NYl Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's administration took further shape Wednesday as former Port Authority executive director Anthony Shorris was named first deputy mayor. Speaking at City Hall, de Blasio said Shorris will be in charge of managing the day-to-day operation of city government and ensuring core services are provided across the five boroughs. Shorris was most recently employed by NYU Langone Medical Center. He also served as deputy education chancellor and former Mayor Edward Koch's finance commissioner, De Blasio also revealed public advocate chief of staff Dominic Williams will serve in the same role under Shorri and appointed his deputy campaign manager and political director Emma Wolfe to serve as the new administration's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Port Authority meets today amid lingering subpoena question on GWB closures By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is scheduled to hold its December monthly meeting this afternoon, as the issue of September's closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge continues to hang over the agency. The most pressing question regarding the unannounced closures is whether the agency's executive director, Patrick Foye, will comply with a subpoena issued last week demanding that he testify before the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee at a hearing this Monday, Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, had declined an invitation to testify voluntarily at a Nov. 25 hearing, citing a scheduling conflict. PA - DW - 000280 AVIATION Airport loose change bill would benefit servicemembers By Ledyard King USA TODAY The jingle of loose change abandoned at airport checkpoints might soon be sweet music to America's military personnel. The House passed a bill Tuesday that would require the Transportation Security Administration to give nonprofits such as the United Service Organization the approximately $500,000 in quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies collected every year at airport screening stations. The money would help finance airport programs that support service members as they trek from city to city. The USO operates lounges in nearly 40 major airports that offer food and other amenities exclusively to military personnel. House votes to give away TSA's $500,000 yeariy loose change The House on Tuesday voted to turn over money left at checkpoints by passengers to nonprofit groups such as the USO for airport rest areas for members of the military and their families. By Richard Simon Los Angeles Times Those nickels and dimes left behind by harried passengers at airport checkpoints sure add up — about $500,000 a year. But rather than let the Transportation Security Administration continue to use the unclaimed money to fund its operations, the House on Tuesday voted to turn it over to nonprofit groups such as the USO to provide airport rest areas for members of the military and their families. The TSA Loose Change Act, which passed on a voice vote, heads to the Senate. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, got the idea for the measure while passing through a checkpoint and noticing the change left behind, "What may seem like a small amount of change — nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies — amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and can make a significant difference if used wisely," Miller told colleagues Tuesday. TSA collected $531,395 in fiscal 2012, according to the agency. Passengers at Miami International Airport left behind $39,613 in fiscal 2012; travelers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport left $22,115; Los Angeles International Airport passengers left behind $21, 916; and $21,201 was left by passengers at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Jackson Heights, Elmhurst Oppose 'Roar Of Airplanes' Queens Gazette About 150 residents spoke about the increase of noisy airplanes plaguing Jackson Heights and Elmhurst at the event hosted by Councilmember Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst) on November 25. Representatives from Queens Quiet Skies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) joined the councilmember and other elected officials at P.S. 69. "Plane noise is a fact of life when you live close to an airport, but since October my district has been inundated with the roar of airplanes," Dromm said, "It has become a major quality of life issue for hundreds of residents living in Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. 1 would like to work with the regional and federal offices to create an action plan to address this problem." TB&T How New York's Toll System Got Completely Busted By Eric Jaffe The Atlantic Cities On Sunday, tolls at the bridges and tunnels managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey went up again — the third of five scheduled hikes in as many years. The peak E-ZPass fee is now up to $11. A commuter who drives through one of these tolls every work day will fork over nearly $3,000 a year. Driving in and around New York City is expensive, and it should be. The city has enormous amounts of traffic and a great public transit system. High tolls can help keep a transportation network balanced, efficient and equitable. The problem, says finance scholar Jonathan Peters of the College of Staten Island, is that right now New York City tolls accomplish none of these goals. They aren't coordinated to reduce traffic or encourage transit, and they aren't priced to help low-income residents or local businesses. Instead, he says, the tolls pad the pockets of agencies losing money in other areas. WTC Is New York's Ground Zero under siege by police? (VIDEO) 3 PA - DW - 000281 BBC - Full Text In New York, neighbours of the One World Trade Center, the skyscraper which has risen up over Ground Zero, have sued to protest what they say are the siege-like security measures in the area. Even before the terror attacks on 11 September 2001, the old World Trade Center was struck by a truck bomb that killed six people. And police officials in New York say the security measures are necessary to protect the new complex. The BBC's New York correspondent Nick Bryant spoke to people on both sides of the debate. CUNY School Co-Sponsors Special Exhibit on Worid Trade Center The Jewish Voice Thanks to a collaborative effort between BMCC and Silverstein Properties (SPI), the Shirley Fiterman Art Center in BMCC's new Fiterman Hall is now presenting a special exhibit Top of the World, which documents the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The exhibit showcases the work of SPI Lead Photographer Joe Woolhead, as well as that of over a dozen other featured artists: Michael Bowles, Michael Calcagno, Kelsy Chauvinas, Fred Conrad, Carl Glassman, Ben Jarosch, Tim Hetherington, Chris Hondros, Noel Jefferson, Erika Koop, Elinor Milchan, Spencer Piatt Vicky Roy, Tim Schenck, David Sunverg/ESTO and Nicole Tung. The exhibit's opening on November 12, 2013 was timed to coincide with the opening of the new Trade Center skyscraper, just a block away, and a catered reception in the Fiterman Art Center—replete with jazz standards played by Raven Williams on the Center's Steinway grand piano—was held on November 26. TV CLIPS • Eyewitness News/Anthony Shorris • NBC New York/Anthony Shorris PA - DW - 000282 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, December 04, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 12.4.13 PORT Port Authority approves $105M to fix NJ port roads By the Associated Press Chron.com - (Full Text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved more than $100 million to continue repairing and rebuilding aging roads at New Jersey's ports. Five major access roads at the ports will be affected, and a ramp that has been the site of numerous accidents over the past several years will be replaced. The board approved the expenditure Wednesday at its monthly board meeting In New York. It will ultimately be covered by cargo facility charges. The improvements on Port, Corbin, Marlin and Kellogg streets and Doremus Avenue include new paving, new center barriers and drainage, signals, signs and curbing. The Corbin Street ramp will be demolished and replaced. It's expected the project will result in reduced traffic congestion and lower emissions from idling trucks, NY-NJ Port Plans Performance Task Force Journal of Commerce - (Full Text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is organizing a Port Performance Task Force comprising a cross-section of industry representatives who will recommend ways to make the port run more smoothly. The impetus for the new group was last summer's operational delays, which resulted from a combination ofcomputer system implementation problems at Maher Terminals, longshore labor shortages, and construction. "If there was a silver lining from last summer, it was the recognition that everyone in this port has to work together," said Rick Larrabee, the port authority's port commerce director. "We haven't had everyone in the room like this before." Task force members will include terminal operators, ocean carriers, the International Longshoremen's Association, the New York Shipping Association, the Metropolitan Marine Mainenance Contractors Association, truckers, beneficial cargo owners, railroads, intermodal equipment providers and third-party logistics providers. The port authority will chair the group. Larrabee said members will be appointed within the next few days. An initial meeting is planned before Christmas, The tentative schedule calls for working groups to provide recommendations by January to the task force, which would issue its recommendations by June. Issues to be discussed will include chassis, terminal gate performance, and how to measure performance. "We want to find ways to measure performance, because what you can measure, you can manage," Larrabee said. The new NYSA-ILA contract sets productivity goals of 30 moves per hour per quay crane, rising by one move per year to 35 by the end of the six-year contract. Port Elizabeth ranks among the world's most productive ports in terms of berth productivity, as measured by average moves per hour by all cranes used on a ship while it is in port, tied with Long Beach for the top spot in the U.S, in 2012 figures compiled by JOC Group. The top performing terminal was APM Terminals Elizabeth, at 82 per hour. Maher Terminals Elizabeth, NYCT and Global Marine Terminal lagged, at 68, 62 and 54 moves per hour, respectively. Task force participants will represent their industry sectors, not their companies or organizations. Rates, service contracts, labor agreements and proprietary issues will not be discussed. Larrabee said task force members will be "people who have a stake in the port, people who understand how it works," "We want to look at this in a holistic way," he said. "We're optimistic about the port's future but we have some things to fix, and I think we can do that together." Though Larrabee described the task force as a positive move, he noted that the New York-New Jersey is a complex system and that some solutions may not be simple or quick, "If these things were easy," he said., "someone would have done them a long time ago," The ILA and NYSA are mired in a dispute with the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, for example, around the hiring of additional longshoremen to meet labor shortages. The dispute has resulted in a lawsuit against the Commission by the union and employers. Although still dominant on the U,S, East Coast the port has been losing market share to competitors. As of the end of June, New York-New Jersey's share among East Coast ports had fallen 1,5 percentage points since the second quarter of 2012, to 32.1 percent Through the third quarter of 2013, containerized throughput at the port was down 3.1 percent, while rivals Baltimore and Norfolk saw throughput rise by 6.4 and 6,3 percent, respectively. NYSA Board Reaffirms Support of Lawsuit Journal of Commerce - (Full Text) PA - DW - 000283 The New York Shipping Association's board unanimously reaffirmed its support of a lawsuit the NYSA and the International Longshoremen's Association filed against the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. The action came at the NYSA board's quarterly meeting today. The NYSA-ILA lawsuit in U,S, District Court in Newark, N,J., seeks to enjoin the Waterfront Commission from "interference" in dockworker hiring under a six-year labor contract that was signed last April. The Waterfront Commission said in response to the lawsuit that NYSA had "definitively demonstrated that it no longer represents the intersts of its terminal operator members but, rather, that of the ILA." NYSA President John Nardi said the association, which represents ocean carriers and terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey, will continue to work to implement the new contract "Any suggestion, by any party, that the NYSA does not represent the best interests of its membership reflects a lack of understanding of the priorities of the shipping industry and the economic engine it powers," Nardi said in a statement, "NYSA will continue with this focus on improving productivity and maintaining the region's competitiveness until our contract is fully implemented," Nardi said, AVIATION Noise Bill Vetoed, New Hyde Park Reacts By Rich Forestano New Hyde Park Illustrated New Hyde Park residents and officials reacted to Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to veto a state bill that would require the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to conduct a noise study of two major airports. A main sticking point in the bill was the necessity of the identical legislation put forth by the state of New Jersey, Rather than wait for New Jersey, the governor is ordering a study be held. New Hyde Park resident Kurt Lanjghar, a proponent of aircraft noise abatement in the community, was pleased, but puzzled. "He recognized that aircraft noise has been a concern to residents of Queens and Nassau County," he said, "Who would've known the governor could enact something like this and make the Port Authority do this. 1 wonder what the outcome is going to be." Lanjghar, who is also the Town Village Aircraft Noise Abatement Committee community liaison, an appointed position he has held since 1993, feels the main concern is transparency and timely response. LaGuardia Flights on AMR Said to Go to Southwest, Virgin By Mary Schlangenstein Bloomberg News Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) and Virgin America Inc. will add flights at New York's LaGuardia Airport as American Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. pull back under the settlement of a U.S. antitrust lawsuit against their merger, two people familiar with the matter said. The low-fare carriers are dividing rights to 34 daily takeoffs and landings being sold at LaGuardia after American and US Airways reached an accord with the U.S. Justice Department said the people, who asked not to be identified because the terms aren't final. Details such as the allocation weren't immediately available, the people said. Talks are still under way on how American and US Airways will divest slots for 104 daily flights at Washington's Reagan Airport, the people said. TBT Port Authority executive director will testify on GWB local access lane closures By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said today he will testify Monday regarding September's closing of the George Washington Bridge local access lanes in Fort Lee. Executive Director Patrick Foye was served with a subpoena to appear before the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee to testify and submit related documents at a hearing on the closures, which took place September 9 through 13. Foye made a brief statement following this afternoon's monthly Port Authority meeting. "I will be appearing before the New Jersey Assembly on Monday," Foye said, "I stand by my e-mail and will not be making further comments or taking questions on the subject" Port Authority police union wades into GWB lane closure tiff By The Associated Press North Jersey.com - (Full Text) The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's police union has inserted himself into the controversy over lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused traffic nightmares in September. New Jersey lawmakers are angry that local officials weren't notified in advance, and they've subpoenaed Port Authority officials to give their side. 2 PA - DW - 000284 Some legislators claim the chaos was retaliation by Gov, Chris Christie against Fort Lee's mayor, a claim Christie denies. At Wednesday's board meeting, police union head Paul Nunziato said the Port Authority routinely changes traffic patterns without notification. He said the incident was part of an ongoing power struggle over the Port Authority by New Jersey and New York, whom he likened to the fictional Sharks and Jets from the musical "West Side Story." WTC Court strikes down lawsuit holding developer responsible for Worid Trade Center building collapse Con Edison and its insurance companies claimed a company owned by developer Larry Silverstein and others was responsible for World Trade Center 7 being destroyed in the terrorist attacks. By Daniel Beekman New York Daily News The collapse of a third World Trade Center building several hours after the twin towers were destroyed on 9/11 terrorist cannot be attributed to negligence by its developer, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday. Con Edison and its insurance companies claimed a company owned by developer Larry Silverstein and others was responsible for World Trade Center 7 being destroyed in the terrorist attacks. The plaintiffs argued the 47-story building had structural deficiencies. But the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan said it would be "simply incompatible with common sense and experience to hold that defendants were required to design and construct a building that would survive the events of Sept 11, 2001." High-rise developers win court protection in 9/11 WTC case By Jonathan Stempel Reuters A federal appeals court in New York has given developers and builders of high-rises and other buildings added protection from lawsuits over property losses linked to terrorism, in a case stemming from the Sept, 11, 2001 attacks. A divided panel of the 2nd U,S, Circuit Court of Appeals said Consolidated Edison Inc and its insurers could not pursue damages for negligence over the crushing of the utility's electrical substation beneath the original 7 World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the attacks. Con Ed argued that negligence by companies controlled by Larry Silverstein, the developer and leaseholder, and the constructor Tishman Construction Corp., caused the 47-story tower to collapse, resulting in the substation's destruction. Circuit Judge Rosemary Pooler nevertheless concluded that the building, which was completed in 1987, "would have collapsed regardless of any negligence ascribed by plaintiffs' experts" to its design and construction, "It is simply incompatible with common sense and experience to hold that defendants were required to design and construct a building that would survive the events of September 11, 2001," Pooler wrote for a 2-1 majority. U.S. court: Negligence not cause of 3rd WTC collapse By The Associated Press Staten Island Advance - (Full Text) Negligence was not the cause of the collapse of a third World Trade Center tower several hours after the twin towers were destroyed in the Sept, 11 terrorist attacks, a federal appeals court said Wednesday, absolving a developer and others of responsibility in the destruction of the 47-story building. The 2nd U,S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said it was "simply incompatible with common sense and experience to hold that defendants were required to design and construct a building that would survive the events of September 11, 2001." The 2-to-1 decision upheld the rulings regarding World Trade Center 7 by U.S, District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who had written that the claims by the Consolidated Edison Co. of New York and its insurance companies were "too farfetched and tenuous" to survive. Con Ed and the insurance companies had claimed that a company owned by developer Larry Silverstein and other defendants could be held liable. Hellerstein had dismissed various defendants in a series of rulings. The building fell at 5:21 p.m. on Sept 11, 2001, nearly seven hours after the other buildings collapsed, A Con Edison power station beneath Tower 7 was crushed when the building fell. Judge Rosemary Pooler wrote in the majority decision that Con Ed's interpretation of liability would mean that those who designed and constructed the building would presumably be liable if it "collapsed as a result of a fire triggered by a nuclear attack on lower Manhattan." The judge wrote that while concepts that would allow an entity to pursue a liability claim "must by their nature, be fluid, at the end of the day they must engage with reality." In a dissent Judge Richard Wesley said a trial should have been conducted to at least establish from expert testimony why Tower 7 collapsed. Con Ed had claimed negligence resulted in part because Tower 7's tenants were allowed to install diesel backup generators. The fuel burned for hours in the building after hijacked planes struck the two nearby towers, flinging debris into the smaller skyscraper. Con Edison had maintained that fuel from the diesel tanks heightened the fire's intensity. The fire department decided to let Tower 7 burn because it was unable to reach adequate water supplies, there were no people in the building and 343 firefighters had already been killed that day, the appeals court noted. Lawyers for PA - DW - 000285 the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to messages for comment Bud Perrone, a Silverstein spokesman, said he was pleased with the appeal ruling. A new 52-story 7 World Trade Center was completed in 2006, Silverstein cleared of blame for 7 Worid Trade's fall on 9/11 The Real Deal - (Full Text) Silverstein Properties cannot be held responsible for the collapse of a third World Trade Center tower that tumbled a few hours after the twin towers were struck in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a federal appeals court has ruled. A group of plaintiffs led by Con Edison and several insurance companies brought a suit against Larry Silverstein's company, blaming alleged structural deficiencies for the fall of 7 World Trade Center. As the north tower plunged, debris fell into neighboring No. 7 and touched off a fire that firefighters were unable to contain, the court said. It would be "simply incompatible with common sense and experience to hold that defendants were required to design and construct a building that would survive the events of Sept 11, 2001," the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan said. The decision reaffirmed Manhattan federal Judge Joseph Hellerstein previous ruling along similar lines, TV CLIPS WNET TV PBS - Lane Closure Controversy on the George Washington Bridge, WCBS NY RADIO - Lane Closure Controversy on the George Washington Bridge, PA - DW - 000286 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Thursday, December 05, 2013 7:33 AM Morning Clips 12.5.13 WTC More of WTC for global mall operator By Lois Weiss New York Post Westfield Group, the global mall operator, will buy the 50 percent stake in the retail space at the World Trade Center it does not already own from the Port Authority for $800 million. The company paid $612.5 million for the other 50 percent in May 2012 and will make this payment to the Port within the next six weeks. "We bought [the first half] a year ago and since then, the building has progressed, leasing interest and demand is stronger than it was at that time and both the value and the rents are more certain," said Peter Lowy, co-CEO of Westfield, "It's really in the timing so they got a better price." Asking rents are in the $500- to $600-per-square-foot range, sources said, comparable with some streets in SoHo. No tenants have yet been announced, but some may surface during the International Council of Shopping Centers meeting in New York next week. Price of share in huge WTC retail complex jumps $200M Two years after buying half of the planned shopping mall for $600 million, Westfield agrees to buy the other half from the Port Authority for one-third more. Proceeds will go to fund transit improvements By Daniek Geiger Crain's New York The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Wednesday it has agreed to sell the remaining 50% interest in the sprawling retail complex to be built at the World Trade Center site to mall developer/operator Westfield Group for $800 million. The sale values the 365,000 square feet of space, much of it in a new transit hub being built on the site and in pedestrian corridors that connect the myriad of subway lines that converge there to the various towers, at over $4,000 per square foot among the most ever paid for retail space in lower Manhattan, Westfield purchased a half interest in the retail space two years ago for a little over $600 million, Scott Rechler, vice chairman of the Port Authority's board of commissioners and one of the top New York officials at the bi-state agency, said that the two deals amount to about $1.4 billion and possibly more including additional capital Westbrook is investing to help construct the interiors of the retail spaces. Westfield Takes Full Ownership of World Trade Center Retail Site By Ross Kelly Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) Westfield Group (WDC AU) said Thursday it has bought the remaining half of the retail wing of the new World Trade Center development from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for US$800 million. The deal means the Australian mall giant moves to full ownership of the retail hub in New York, which it said remains due for completion in 2015, Port Authority sells stake in WTC retail mall By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today approved the sale of the agency's 50-percent stake in a retail complex at the World Trade Center PATH and subway station to its private-sector partner in the venture. The Port Authority said the $800 million sale of 365,000 square feet of retail space to the Westfield Group was in line with the agency's effort to return to its core mission of enhancing transportation between the two states. The Westfield Group owns the former World Financial Center, now known as Brookfield Place, which is linked to the trade center via the West Concourse below West Street. Westfield to Buy Worid Trade Center Retail Stake By lain McDonald & Nichola Saminather PA - DW - 000287 Bloomberg News Westfield Group (WDC), Australia's biggest shopping mall operator, will invest $800 million to take full control of the retail space at New York's World Trade Center. The company agreed to buy Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's 50 percent stake in the retail part of lower Manhattan's World Trade Center site, bringing its investment in the property to more than $1.4 billion, the Sydney-based company and the Port Authority said in separate statements yesterday. The Westfield Group logo is displayed outside the company's shopping center in the central business district in Sydney. The group, which yesterday said it plans to split its domestic and international businesses, is building on that separation with the World Trade Center deal as it bets on faster grovrth outside its home country. The U.S. will account for two-thirds of properties managed by the new global business, Westfield Corp., and income from the assets will grow by as much as 6 percent in 2014, it said yesterday. Westfield to buy remainder of Worid Trade Center retail space Sara/7 Danckert The Australian WESTFIELD has announced it will be purchasing the remaining 50 per cent stake in the World Trade Center retail complex in New York for $US800 million, just a day after announcing the hiving off of its Australian business. Westfield brokered the deal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to buy the Port Authority's 50 per cent interest in the World Trade Center retail facilities. Westfield will now own 100 per cent of the retail complex being built on the site of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US. Only yesterday, Westfield announced it would split its Australasian and offshore operations into two separate companies to be known as Scentre and Westfield Corporation. Westfield invests US$800m into New York asset Emily Guterres Mv Wealth News Westfield Group (WDC) has signed a deal worth US$800m to buy out the Port Authority's 50% interest in the World Trade Center retail premises (WTCRP) in New York. Following the acquisition Westfield will own 100% of the retail project Westfield originally acquired a 99 year lease interest in WTCRP in 2001 and entered into a joint venture with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to own and operate the retail space in May 2012. "Westfield's $1,4 billion investment in the Wodd Trade Center retail project, which represents the largest private sector investment at the site, underscores Westfield's commitment to provide an exceptional shopping experience to all who visit and we look forward to the site's grand opening in 2015," said the Port Authority chairman, David Samson, TBT Christie's officials are hiding something in Bridge-gate: Editorial The Star Ledger (Blog) At first it seemed crazy to believe that Gov. Chris Christie's allies at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey would be stupid enough to mess with the traffic flow at the George Washington Bridge as an act of revenge against a mayor who refused to endorse the governor's re-election. But the administration, including the governor, has been so evasive and secretive that it's obvious they have something to hide. Most of the relevant players have simply refused to testify. And the one who did, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, was implausible. Port Authority official from N.Y. to testify in controversy over lane closures at George Washington Bridge By Shawn Boburg Record A top Port Authority executive from New York who privately described mysterious lane closures on the George Washington Bridge as "abusive" — and maybe even illegal — said Wednesday he plans to testify next week before New Jersey lawmakers looking into whether the world's busiest bridge was turned into a political weapon. Monday's planned testimony by Pat Foye, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's top appointee at the bi-state agency, threatens to open the first public rift between Governor Christie and Cuomo, rising stars in their respective parties who have made efforts to appear friendly. But the growing controversy — and the conflicting stories by each governor's representative at the agency — seem to have put them on a collision course, Christie's appointees have described the surprise lane closures, which caused three-hour traffic jams in September in Fort Lee, as a simple traffic study. PA - DW - 000288 AVIATION Signature Gets Ready for Some Football By Curt Epstein Aviation International News BBA Aviation subsidiary Signature Flight Support's new FBO at Newark International Airport (EWR) opened last month, after an 18-month construction project The $11 million facility occupies approximately 11 acres at the airport. It features a 39,000-sq-ft hangar and an 11,200-sq-ft terminal serving as the prototype for Signature's newly designed interior traffic flow pattern. Built to Leed Gold standard, the terminal provides three lounges, including a separate VIP area, "We are thrilled to be opening a new location for Signature in Newark," said Signature Flight Support president and CEO Maria Sastre, noting the company has had a presence on the airport for the last 45 years. Will more airiines follow United - back - to ACY International Airport? By Donald Wittkowski Press of Atlantic City United, Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest WestJet AirTran and even real estate mogul Donald Trump's ill-fated Trump Shuttle all tried at one time or another to succeed in the tough Atlantic City air market Ail left. United is the exception. It is coming back for a second try. Will other airlines follow? The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the transportation giant that took over the operation of Atlantic City International Airport in July, plans to use its clout in the aviation industry to attract more flights to the market The agency scored an early coup by persuading United to launch daily service to Atlantic City from Chicago and Houston beginning April 1. United last served Atlantic City in the eady 1990s with commuter flights to Dulles International Airport. PA - DW - 000289 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: TOPIC: Torres Rojas, Genara Thursday, December 05, 2013 9:40 AM Guzman-Hall, Diana Buchbinder, Darrell; Coleman, Steve; DiMarco, Gretchen; Duffy, Daniel; Eastman, Karen; Handel, Linda; Lado, Tina; Ma, John; Marsico, Ron; MacSpadden, Lisa; McDonough, John; Simon, Brian; Stickelman, Timothy; Van Duyne, Sheree; Wildstein, David FOI REQUEST REFERENCE NO. 14429 - MICHAEL PHILLIS (THE BERGEN RECORD) FOI Request No. 14429.pdf Request for copies of any emails or documents sent, received or produced by Mr. David Wildstein and his direct staff in regards to the partial closing of tlie George Washington Bridge between September 9 and September 13 of this year for the time period September 1, 2013 through the dte of the request Attached is a Freedom of Information request for your handling. Your response is due within three (3) business days. YOUR RESPONSE SHOULD INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO ANY SUGGESTED REDACTIONS. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CITE THE SPECIFIC EXEMPTION. Your written response should include any financial, policy or public relation concerns associated with the release of this material. Any staff representing you on this review should be thoroughly familiar with current departmental policy and business matters to represent your direct views in this matter. • • • If no records are found, please confirm that fact in writing. Please ensure that your search for records covers any copies at the facilities or off-site storage facilities. Please note that new documents should not be created in response to this request. Whenever possible, your response should be sent in electronic format, since it will be posted to the Port Authority's website Please keep track of time spent searching for records. This does not include time spent retrieving or copying the responsive records. Your response should note the amount of time, if greater than an hour, and the pay level of the person performing the search. If you have any questions pertaining to the attached request, please call Dan Duffy at (212) 435-2542 or Ann Qureshi at 212-435-6657. Att. PA - DW - 000290 From; phillis@northjersey.com Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 12:55 PM To: Cc; Subject: Duffy, Daniel Torres Rojas, Genara; Van Duyne, Sheree: Qureshi, Ann Freedom of Information Online Request Form Information: Firsi Name: Michael Last Name: Phillis Company: The Bergen Record Mailing Address 1: 125 West State Street. .Mailing Address 2: Press Row Room 212-01 City: Trenton State: NJ Zip Code: 08608 Bmail Address: phiUisi@northiersev.CQm Phone: 609-984-6659 Required copies of the records: Yes List of specific recQrd{s): I am requesting copies of any emails or documents sent, received or produced by Mr. David Wildstein and his direct staff in regards to the partial closing of the George Washington Bridge between Sept. 9 and Sept. 13 of this year. Please consider a date range for these documents to be from Sept. 1 to present. Please provide records more easily obtained first. 1 am happy to receive this request in pieces. Sincerely, Michael Phillis PA - DW - 000291 From: Sent: To: Subject: Coleman, Steve Thursday, December 05, 2013 6:00 PIVI Marsico, Ron; 'srechter@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David; Coleman, Steve Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report: 12/5/13 • Media Relations proactively pitched a story about the PAPD arrest of a Union City man on marijuana charges vjhWe he was at the Fort Lee Municipal Court on an unrelated marijuana charge. The PAPD arresting officer was at the courthouse on an unrelated matter. Rocco Parascandola of the NY Daily News, Dan Prendergast of the NY Post, Matt McGrath of NorthJersey .com, Jerry DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot and the Fort Lee Patch are working on stories about the arrest. B Media Relations is staffing tonight's meeting on the JFK runway safety project, LGA noise issues and LGA's CTB project at Queens Borough Hal! before the borough president's Aviation Advisory Council. B Joshua Stein of Zagat (now part of Google) is working on a story about what to do on a layover at JFK International Airport and inquired about the airport's offerings. We provided information about recent improvements at the terminals and referred the reporter to the airlines and terminal operators for more specific information on offerings at individual terminals. n Andrea Vasquez of NJTV called to request a one-on-one interview with ED Foye regarding his testimony on Monday before a NJ Assembly committee looking into the closing of GWB local access lanes in September. We did not respond. B Jim Norman of the Bergen Record called regarding flight delays at the Port Authority's airports due to the fog. We referred the reporter to the FAA website for the most recent data on airport delays. B Eddie Danna of the Staten Island Advance called about the speed restriction on the Staten Island Bridges this AM due to fog. He was given details. • Tom Tracy of the NY Daily News called about an alleged incident involving former PAPD Deputy Superintendent Jerry Speziale at Newark Liberty International Airport. The reporter was told no PAPD action was taken involving Mr. Speziale. B Mark Crudele of WABC-TV called to confirm the FAA website's listing of delays in the five-hour range at LaGuardia Airport this afternoon. We confirmed those delays because of today's heavy fog that impacted flights in and out of the airport. PA - DW - 000292 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Friday, December 06, 2013 2:14 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Bergen Record inquiry Shawn Boburg is writing a story - to be posted shortly - that will say that Cedrick Fulton also has received a subpoena to appear Monday before the NJ Assembly Committee investigating the GWB toll lane closing issue. Shawn is asking if Cedrick will appear. Please let me know if we should confirm this information. PA - DW - 000293 From: Sent: To: Co: Subject: Coleman, Steve Friday, December 06, 2013 2:15 PM Coleman, Steve; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Bergen Record inquiry The Wall Street Journal just posted a story on this issue. http://bloES.wsi.com/metropolis/2013/12/06/two-more-port-officials-subpoenaed-in-bridge-lane-closure/ From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Friday, December 06, 2013 2:14 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Bergen Record inquiry Shawn Boburg is writing a story - to be posted shortly - that will say that Cedrick Fulton also has received a subpoena to appear Monday before the NJ Assembly Committee investigating the GWB toll lane closing issue. Shawn is asking if Cedrick will appear. Please let me know if we should confirm this information. PA - DW - 000294 Marsico, Ron Friday, December 06, 2013 6:04 PM 'srechier@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.US'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 12/6/13 From: Sent: To: Subject: Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Phil Messing of the New York Post, Brian Lowder of Channel 2 and Andrea Vasquez of NJTV called for confirmation and comment on news reports that PA Director of Interstate Capital Projects David Wildstein had resigned. We did not respond. Shawn Boburg of the Bergen Record is working on a story about subpoenas issued to two Port Authority employees to testify Monday before a NJ Assembly Committee probing the GWB lane closing issue. The reporter asked if the two employees will attend the hearing. We did not respond. Phil Messing of the NY Post inquired about the Global Gateway group's position on the TSA exit lane issue. We did not respond. Brian Thompson-NBC inquired about a PA employee possibly being arrested at Newark Liberty International Airport. We did not respond as per the IG's Office. Maria Karidls of FIOSl called about yesterday's PAPD arrest in Ft. Lee of a suspect for possession of marijuana in a Ft. Lee court house. She was furnished with the details. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico(5)panvni.gov PA - DW - 000295 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Friday, December 06, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 12.6.13 PANYNJ Port Authority official resigns amid controvery over George Washington Bridge lane closures By Shawn Boburg Record The Christie appointee at the center of a controversy over unannounced lane closures on the George Washington Bridge has decided to resign from the Port Authority, The Record has learned. David Wildstein, the agency's director of Insterstate Capital Projects, submitted his resignation letter Friday, days before a legislative hearing to investigate the lane closures. Wildstein said he plans to leave on Jan. 1 "to pursue other opportunities." "My plan was to leave the agency at some point next year, but the Fort Lee issue has been a distraction, and I think it's better to move on earlier," he wrote in a letter to the agency's Deputy Executive Director, Bill Baroni. Port Authority official to step down over GWB local access lane closures By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger David Wildstein, the Port Authority official at the center of a controversy over the closing in September of the George Washington Bridge local access lanes in Fort Lee, said he will leave the agency in January. "The issue has become a distraction, and I'm going to move on," Wildstein said. Democratic lawmakers have alleged that the closures, which took place Sept. 9 through 13, were politically motivated, ordered by Wildstein in retaliation for the Fort Lee mayor's decision not to endorse Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. Wildstein, a former political blogger and Republican mayor of Livingston, currently serves as director of interstate capital projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's. Port Authority official resigns amid traffic probe By Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official is resigning his post effective Jan. 1, saying a controversy over a mysterious traffic problem on the George Washington Bridge has become "a distraction." David Wildstein's resignation was first reported by The Record {http://bit.ly/1967tmR ). The newspaper obtained a copy of his resignation letter, submitted Friday. In the letter, he says he intended to leave the agency next year but was resigning early because of the "Fort Lee issue." New Jersey lawmakers this week ordered two Port Authority officials to testify on Monday about unannounced lane closures in September. Officials say the September lane closures, which backed up traffic in Fort Lee, were for a traffic study and deny suggestions that they were orchestrated by Gov. Chris Christie as political retribution. David Wildstein resigns amid GW Bridge lane closure controversy By Alex Napoliello NJ.com David Wildstein has decided to resign from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey amid a controversy involving lane closures on the George Washington Bridge on SepL 9, according to a report from The Record. Wildstein, who was hired in 2010 as the authority's director of interstate capital projects by an appointee of Gov. Chris Christie, submitted his resignation letter Friday, the report said. "My plan was to leave the agency at some point next year, but the Fort Lee issue has been a distraction, and i think it's better to move on earlier," Wildstein wrote in a letter, obtained by The Record, to the agency's Deputy Executive Director, Bill Baroni. "I am grateful to you and Governor Christie for the opportunity to serve." TBT Two More Port Officials Subpoenaed in Bridge Lane Closure By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal Blog - (Full Text) PA - DW - 000296 Two more officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have been subpoenaed to explain why the authority abruptly reduced local access to the George Washington Bridge for one week in September, a politically charged incident that has become a headache for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. New Jersey Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat and chairman of the Transportation Committee, confirmed Friday that he had issued subpoenas to Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge, and Cedrick Fulton, the head of the authority's Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals division, to testify Monday about the incident Mr. Wisniewski had already subpoenaed Patrick Foye, the authority's executive director and an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to testify on Monday. Mr. Foye angrily reversed the decision to shut off two of the three dedicated local toll lanes after learning about the change in September. The lane change flooded the borough of Fort Lee, N.J., with traffic, and authority officials, including Mr. Foye in a private email to fellow authonty executives, have questioned the purpose of the move. Mr. Foye said the changes were done without notice to local officials, relevant officials within the authority, or the police, and warned that they could have violated state and federal law. The transportation committee will also hear from an independent engineer familiar with the process of traffic studies. Some officials at the authority have said that the lane changes were conducted to study traffic on the bridge, a contention that is contested by officials inside and outside of the authority. "There was no study," one person familiar with the matter told the Journal. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat, wrote in a private appeal to one authority official that he had concluded the lane closures were "punitive," though he has since backed away from that position in public comments. Mr. Sokolich had been asked to endorse Mr. Christie for reelection roughly two weeks eadier, people familiar with the matter say, but declined. Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni appeared before Mr. Wisniewski's committee in a combative hearing last month, in which Mr. Baroni said the purpose of the lane changes had been to determine the fairness of allotting toll lanes for local traffic on the bridge. State legislators have criticized that as misleading, and called on authority officials at a board meeting this week to deliver a more complete explanation of how the lane changes happened and why. Mr. Wisniewski said testimony from Messrs. Durando, Fulton, and Foye was needed to get to the bottom of a simple question: "How did this unfold?" The committee has not issued a subpoena to David Wildstein, the authority employee, political operative and longtime ally of Mr. Christie who ordered that the lane changes be made. Mr. Christie, in his first public comments about the matter earlier this week, mocked the controversy, and joked that he had rearranged the traffic cones on the bridge himself. AVIATION Virgin America May Find Troublesome Turf at LaGuardia Airport By Justin Bachman Bloomberg Businessweek The merger creating the world's largest airline has already produced a clear benefit in New York City for two rivals: Southwest (LUV) and Virgin America. Federal regulators said Thursday that Southwest had acquired the rights to 12 new takeoff and landing slots at LaGuardia Airport (as well as full control of 10 slots it had leased from American), while Virgin America will also take over 12 slots to enable its first-ever service at the airport. Yielding prized slots at key airports in New York and Washington was part of the deal American and US Airways (LCC) struck with the Justice Department to allow their massive merger, which is expected to close Monday. While the aged LaGuardia certainly doesn't win any "best airport" awards, airlines and business travelers prize it for being the closest airport to Manhattan. TV CLIPS WNET TV (PBS) - David Wildstein resigns amid GW Bridge lane closure controversy. PA - DW - 000297 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Saturday, December 07, 2013 8:28 AM Morning Clips 12.7.13 PANYNJ Port Authority official resigning over GWB lane closure controversy By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger David Wildstein, the Port Authority official at the center of a controversy over closing the local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, said yesterday he is resigning from the bi-state agency. "The issue has become a distraction, and I'm going to move on," Wildstein said, adding that the resignation will be effective next month. Democratic lawmakers have alleged that the closures, which took place SepL 9-13, were politically motivated, ordered by Wildstein in retaliation for the Fort Lee mayor's decision not to endorse Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. Wildstein currently serves as director of interstate capital projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He was hired by the agency's deputy executive director, Bill Baroni, a Christie appointee, with the governor's consent. Christie Ally Quits After George Washington Bridge Flap David Wildstein, Port Authority's Director of Interstate Capital Projects, to Leave Jan. 1 By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) A political ally of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who ordered disruptive lane closures on the George Washington Bridge this year has resigned from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, people familiar with the matter said. David Wildstein, a veteran political operative who was the authority's director of interstate capital projects, will leave his post on Jan. 1 and cited the continuing controversy over the bridge incident in early September in his resignation letter, one of the people said. Mr. Wildstein, whose salary is $150,000 a year, didn't respond to a message seeking comment Mr. Wildstein called the manager of the bridge in early September and ordered him to cut the number of local access lanes onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., from three to one, people familiar with the matter said. The week-long changes were made beginning Sept 9, these people said, without informing local authorities or other executives at the sprawling Port Authority, which is controlled by both Mr. Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The result was a week of major traffic backups in Fort Lee, a borough of about 35,000 people at the western end of the bridge. It has become a headache for Mr. Christie and his Port Authority appointees, as politicians, local authorities and executives within the authority debated why the lane closures occurred. Port Authority officials have said the lanes were closed to locals to conduct a study of traffic patterns. That assessment was contradicted by people familiar with the matter. "There was no study," one of those people said. Some Democratic lawmakers have said they believed the purpose of the closure was political. Lawmakers have said Mr. Wildstein's maneuver appeared to be retaliation against the borough's Democratic mayor, who had declined to endorse Mr. Christie's re-election two weeks before the lanes were shut off. Those who suspected a political motive included Mayor Mark Sokolich himself In a letter in September to authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, asking for relief from the traffic, Mr. Sokolich called the lane changes "punitive." He later backed off that suggestion.vMr. Christie's campaign spokesman has called the notion that the lane closures were political payback "crazy." Just days ago, Mr. Christie himself made light of the bridge incident and mocked the inquiries by Democrats in the state Assembly and Senate, saying he had moved the traffic cones himself. On Friday, a spokesman for Mr. Christie called Mr. Wildstein "a tireless advocate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority." "We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority and thank him for his service to the people of New Jersey and the region," he said. A person familiar with the matter said Mr. Wildstein resigned in advance of an Assembly hearing scheduled for Monday, at which the authority's executive director, Patrick Foye, is scheduled to testify under oath about the lane closures. Mr. Foye, an appointee of Mr. Cuomo, was upset when he learned of the lane closures and ordered them reversed. In an email, Mr. Foye warned fellow authority executives that closing the lanes without public notice could have violated state and federal law. Hours before Mr. Wildstein's resignation became public. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat who is chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, broadened the scope of his Monday hearing. In addition to Mr. Foye, Mr. Wisniewski on Friday subpoenaed two authority employees whom Mr. Wildstein called to order the lane changes: Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge, and Cedrick Fulton, the director of its Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals division. "We still have questions that the committee would like to have answered, and Mr. Wildstein's resignation does not provide those answers," he said. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, another Democrat who has criticized the closures, said Mr. Foye's testimony was necessary to determine Mr. Wildstein's PA - DW - 000298 intentions. "That people can engage in petty political payback for whatever reason, and use our infrastructure for that That to me is most shocking," she said. Mr. Wildstein has been invited to appear before the committee but hasn't shown up. He hasn't been subpoenaed. Mr. Baroni told the Assembly committee last month that the purpose of the lane changes had been to determine the fairness of allotting toll lanes for local traffic onto the bridge, an explanation that Mr. Wisniewski called "unprofessional" and misleading. Mr. Baroni also said Mr. Wildstein decided to make the lane changes at the urging of Paul Nunziato, the president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, which endorsed Mr. Christie's reelection. Mr. Nunziato has said he had suggested altering bridge lanes, among other projects, but hadn't known ahead of time that Mr. Wildstein would order the closures. He added that the spat over the closures had become a front for tensions between the New York and New Jersey delegations inside the authority, comparing the two sides to the gangs in the musical "West Side Story." On Friday, Mr. Nunziato said: "Wildstein was working on an issue I brought to his attention, and it was turned into a political game." Port Authority Official Resigns Amid Traffic Probe A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official is resigning his post effective Jan. 1, saying a controversy over a mysterious traffic problem on the George Washington Bridge has become "a distraction." By Townsquare News Network NJ 101.5-(Full Text) David Wildstein's resignation was first reported by The Record. The newspaper obtained a copy of his resignation letter, submitted Friday. In the letter, he says he intended to leave the agency next year but was resigning early because of the "Fort Lee issue." New Jersey lawmakers this week ordered two Port Authority officials to testify on Monday about unannounced lane closures in September. Officials say the September lane closures, which backed up traffic in Fort Lee, were for a traffic study and deny suggestions that they were orchestrated by Gov. Chris Christie as political retribution. PA - DW - 000299 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Sunday, December 08, 2013 8:24 AM Morning Clips 12.8.13 PANYNJ Port Authority ofticial David Wildstein resigns amid probe into unannounced lane closures in Fort Lee News 12 NJ The unannounced lane closures in September that backed up traffic on the George Washington Bridge has cost a Port Authority official his job. David Wildstein says he intended to leave next year, but has decided to resign earlier because of the Fort Lee issue. Officials say the unannounced lane closures were part of a traffic study. They have denied that the closures were politically motivated. Reports say that Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects, was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie and was one of his chief allies at the agency. Christie Ally Resigning From Port Authority By Emma G. Fitzsimmons New York Times - (Full Text) A Port Authority official with close ties to Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is resigning after state lawmakers questioned whether lane closures on the George Washington Bridge that led to extensive traffic backups in September were politically motivated. The official, David Wildstein, will resign as the director of interstate capital projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Jan. 1, according to a letter he wrote to the agency's deputy executive director, Bill Baroni. The resignation was first reported by The Record newspaper, of northern New Jersey. Mr. Wildstein said in the letter that the lane closure controversy had become "a distraction." The agency reduced the number of access lanes to the bridge without prior notice, causing traffic delays in Fort Lee, N.J., from Sept 9 to 13. Mr. Baroni told a panel of lawmakers last month that Mr. Wildstein had ordered the lane closures as part of a traffic study. But Democrats raised concerns that the decision could have been political because Fort Lee's mayor, Mark Sokolich, declined to endorse Governor Christie for re-election. Mr. Christie has denied any involvement in the lane closures. Mr. Wildstein, a former mayor of Livingston, N.J., is an experienced political strategist who went to high school with Mr. Christie, according to an article in The Record. He was hired to the Port Authority by Mr. Baroni, who was appointed by Mr. Christie. On Saturday, Mr. Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, said Mr. Wildstein had been a "tireless advocate" for the state's interests during his time at the Port Authority. "We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority and thank him for his service to the people of New Jersey and the region," Mr. Drewniak said in a statement The announcement came just days before another hearing by state lawmakers to examine the episode. The Port Authority's executive director, Patrick J. Foye, who was appointed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, will give testimony under oath before the New Jersey Legislature's Transportation Committee on Monday. The hearing will go forward as planned because there are still unanswered questions about the lane closures, the committee's chairman, John S. Wisniewski, said on Saturday. "The largest question still remains, and that is how this could happen at an organization that big," Mr. Wisniewski said. Mr. Wisniewski has said that the committee is trying to determine whether the closures happened because of "incompetence or political mischiet" Eadier this week, when a reporter asked Mr. Christie whether he had anything to do with the lane closures, he responded with a sarcastic remark. "I actually was the guy working the cones out there," he said. "You really are not serious with that question." TBT Loretta Weinberg says George Washington Bridge toll is among the highest in the country Politifact NJ Commuters who use the George Washington Bridge have followed with interest the recent political dustup about the closing of several access lanes in Fort Lee for a few days in September. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, among others, has questioned whether the closures were political retribution against Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for failing to endorse Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election last month, in a Nov. 14 radio interview on the John Gambling program on WOR 710 AM, she let fly a statement on how much the bridge costs to use. "We pay among the highest tolls in the nation for the privilege of crossing that bridge," Weinberg (D-Bergen), the Senate's majority leader, told Gambling as they discussed the closure controversy, which has since led to the Assembly subpoenaing Port Authority executives to testify PA - DW - 000300 about the matter. Weinberg is correct, dollars-wise. Before we get to bridge toll costs, let's note that bridges in the New York and New Jersey region are run by either the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, or the Metropolitan Transit Authority. It's worth noting that for every bridge we mention, we're using the peak toll cost for a standard two-axle vehicle. Raising New Jersey bridge to affect Southeast ports Tyrone Richardson Post and Courier The Bayonne Bridge may only connect a part of northern New Jersey with New York City, but a billion-dollar project to raise the iconic steel-arch connection is expected to bring more cargo to ports in the Southeast Raising the Bayonne Bridge What The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is raising the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge to give more air draft for larger cargo vessels. Why: The bridge's current 151 feet of draft is too short for many post-Panamax ships. How: Crews are building a roadway above the current four-lane roadway, which will be removed. When: The SI.3 billion project is slated to be completed by 2015. That's why, more than 700 miles south, Charleston and Savannah maritime officials are monitoring the project that will raise the Bayonne Bridge's roadway from its current 151 feet to 215 feet for the air draft needed to accommodate larger cargo vessels from an expanded Panama Canal. The raising of the bridge is considered a critical piece in the string of improvements to port infrastructures along the East Coast The improvements are geared toward enticing more larger vessels to stop at cargo terminals alt along the Eastern Seaboard, including the highly competitive Southeast region. "The raising of the Bayonne Bridge will remove a significant restraint for big ship deployment to the East Coast," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. State Ports Authority. WTC Timeline of Guy Tozzoli's career Record Evolution of Guy Tozzoli's relationship with the Port Authority: March 1961The Port Authority issues a report endorsing the idea of a World Trade Center in Manhattan. March 1966Construction on the Twin Towers begins. Late 1968 Guy Tozzoli, director of the Port Authority's World Trade Department, attends a meeting of executives from other ports around the world to discuss an association of trade centers. May 1969 Tozzoli incorporates the World Trade Centers Association, establishes New York City as its headquarters and proposes bylaws. For the next 17 years, he runs the WTCA from his Port Authority office, directing agency staff to handle its day-to-day operations. Prince of the Port: Exec behind $10 sale of World Trade Center name embodied Port Authority's power, excesses Record Back in 1975, when New York City was broke and crumbling — with its budget and crime rate out of control, the Bronx burning, and thousands of police officers and teachers being laid off — a high-ranking executive of the Port Authority was on a junket in Zaire. On the itinerary was a $320-per-person safari that would cost $1,400 per person today, guided sightseeing tours and lunchtime cocktails. Guy Tozzoli, director of world trade for the Port Authority, brought his wife and an agency employee responsible for handling travel arrangements and dispensing petty cash. The Port Authority paid. Hancock Center considers new way to look down By Ryan Ori Crain's Chicago Business Willis Tower, already knocked from its perch as the Western Hemisphere's tallest building by New York's One World Trade Center, soon could face a new challenge from within its own city. The owner of the observatory in the John Hancock Center on North Michigan Avenue is planning a tourist experience called the "Tilt" that would rival the Ledge, the popular and profitable glass-floor balconies on Willis' 103rd floor, according to sources familiar with the proposal. Parisbased Montparnasse Group 56, which bought the 94th-floor John Hancock Observatory for $44.2 million in 2012, has discussed creating an enclosed glass box protruding from the observatory that would hold several visitors. Once they're strapped in, the box would tilt, creating downward-facing views of downtown. More is at stake than prestige and vertigo. TV CLIPS WCBS NY - George Washington Bridge Toll. PA - DW - 000301 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Tuesday, December 17, 2013 7:31 AM Morning Clips 12.17.13 TBT 2 GWB upper-level westbound lanes shut for repairs till Tuesday morning Jim Norman Record Two New Jersey-bound lanes of the George Washington Bridge upper level were closed Monday night for emergency repairs on a support beam under the roadway, a spokesman for the Port Authority said. The spokesman said the closure would remain in effect until at least 5 a.m. Tuesday, while engineers assess the damage and workers repair it. It was the third time in three weeks that an issue with a support beam under the roadway had forced lanes to be closed for emergency repairs, the spokesman said. Monday nights closures caused delays of about an hour as westbound drivers were urged to use the lower level or choose the Lincoln Tunnel or Holland Tunnel as alternatives to New Jersey, the spokesman said. Road repairs finished on GWB By The Associated Press The Leader-Herald - (Full Text) All lanes on the upper level of the George Washington Bridge have reopened. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey had to close two upper-level westbound lanes on Monday so crews could complete emergency repairs. The shutdown created major traffic delays. The repairs come less than a week after emergency repairs on the bridge snarled traffic and emergency repairs closed three lanes heading into New York City one month ago. Emergency Lane Closures on George Washington Bridge Cause Gridlock for 2nd Time in Less than 1 Week NBC New York For the second time in less than a week, drivers trying to get into New Jersey from New York City Monday found themselves stuck in hours of gridlock because of emergency lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. Two westbound lanes were closed for much of the evening, causing massive backups. Another lane shut down at 9 p.m. for a planned rehabilitation project on the structural steel deck , leaving just one of the four upper-level westbound lanes open until all lanes were cleared for traffic Tuesday morning. The upper-level westbound lanes of the GWB were closed so emergency repairs could be made to a support beam under the roadway, according to The Record . PANYNJ West Virginia senator launches federal probe into how Port Authority is run By Melissa Hayes Record A U.S. Senator from West Virginia has launched a federal investigation into how the Port Authority is managed, joining a growing list of Democrats who remain unconvinced that a traffic study — the official explanation offered by Governor Christie appointees at the agency — was the motivation behind lanes closures at the George Washington Bridge. Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee sent a letter to the Port Authority board questioning its procedures and requesting answers to nine multi-part questions by Jan. 15. He also asked the U.S. Secretary Of Transportation to investigate the lane closures saying he's concerned about "political appointees abusing their power." "As the Committee with oversight responsibility of the Port Authority, I continue to have serious concerns about the actions of this agency," Rockefeller wrote in his letter to the Port Authority's board. "The gravity of this situation demands a comprehensive investigation. With friends like these Port Authority patronage pit poses problem New York Daily News PA - DW - 000302 The high school pal of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who plunged tens of thousands of George Washington Bridge motorists into gridlock, has been followed out the Port Authority door by the Christie crony who tried to cover up the offense. Good riddance to David Wildstein, salary $150,000, and Bill Baroni, salary $289,667. And good luck to Christie in trying to sell the notions that Baroni's quitting had nothing to do with "Bridgegate," and that he believes Baroni's story that Wildstein closed two of three local GWB access lanes on four morning rush hours as part of a "traffic study." Since no one at the PA — including Executive Director Pat Foye — has yet shown any awareness of such a study, Christie's tale won't wash unless he produces the document Good luck to him with that too. Chris Christie's nightmare traffic Jam By Richard Cohen Washington Post On Sept. 9, access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey to New York were suddenly closed . No warning was given — nothing posted days before or announced on the radio. Traffic backed up to the outskirts of Omaha (an approximation), reasonable people went mad, children were appropriately traumatized and the residents of Fort Lee, the New Jersey town at the western end of the bridge, got the gift of air pollution of the type that will, studies have shown, strike them down in later years as they venture out for the Eady Bird Special. Their last words, you can be almost certain, will be, "Damn you, Chris Christie." The New Jersey governor has asserted that he had nothing to do with the totally capricious lane closings. As for his aides who instigated the mayhem, they insisted they were not — as alleged — getting even with the mayor of Fort Lee, the Democrat Mark Sokolich, who had failed to endorse the Republican Christie's reelection, as some 60 other Democratic officials had prudently done. They said the lane closings — which lasted four days — were imposed to conduct a traffic study that, oddly enough, no one knows anything about and, furthermore, cannot find. It might prove that if you close lanes, traffic will back up. Congress May Be Asked to Join GWB Probe By Associated Press The Epoch Times - (Full Text) A New Jersey state lawmaker wants Congress to investigate the agency responsible for traffic jams caused by unannounced lane closings approaching the George Washington Bridge into New York City. Democrats claim the gridlock was an act of retribution by loyalists of Gov. Chris Christie, which the governor has denied. Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Bergen County said she will introduce a resolution Thursday that asks Congress to investigate the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Democratic-led Senate could pass the resolution by the end of the year. The authority's inspector general and the Assembly Transportation Committee already are looking into the land diversions that brought Fort Lee to a standstill during the first week of school in September. But the lawmaker said Congress would bring a wider perspective to the probe since it could examine whether changes are needed in the federal legislation that created the bistate authority that operates bridges, tunnels, rail service, and airports in the New York and New Jersey region. "Congress should be looking at the law that created the Port Authority, the lack of transparency, whether the law that created the authority requires changes, and that the structure of the authority needs to be amended," said Weinberg, a Democrat The lane closings have created a distraction for Christie, who won re-election by 22 points in November and is seen as a strong potential contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. The governor's top two appointees at the authority have resigned, and he held an hourlong news conference Friday to try to manage the story. Democrats contend the lane closings were political payback to Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who declined to endorse Christie for re-election. The closings were ordered by Christie's No. 2 man at the agency, David Wildstein, a childhood friend of the governor's and former political blogger. Christie's top deputy. Bill Baroni, knew about them but the agency's executive director, Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said he wasn't informed. Baroni later received a letter from Sokolich claiming the closings were punitive, but the mayor has since backed away from that statemenL Christie said Friday he has no reason to doubt the explanation of his two appointees, who contend the closings were for a traffic pattern study. Foye testified that he wasn't aware of any traffic study, and two Port Authority directors said they feared for their jobs if they failed to carry out Wildstein's order to divert traffic. Weinberg said she is troubled about the work environment described by the three under oath, and is still concerned by the results of a Government Accountability Office audit in August showing the Port Authority lacked transparency when it raised tolls by 50 percent on bridges and tunnels into New York after holding only one day of public hearings. Neither the governor's office nor the Port Authority responded to email requests for comment Monday afternoon. The Port Authority has until Thursday to turn over documents and emails subpoenaed by the state Assembly panel. For Chris Christie, lane closures at N.J. bridge attract scrutiny if not scandal By Philip Rucker Washington Post PA - DW - 000303 The issue at hand is small, even for local politics: The sudden closure, over four days, of a pair of access lanes from Fort Lee, N.J., onto the George Washington Bridge into New York. But in this traffic mystery. Democrats see a potential scandal that could permanently harm Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who has been riding high as a prospective 2016 presidential candidate. In September, two of Christie's top appointees at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ordered that the lanes be abruptly shut to traffic, causing days of gridlock in Fort Lee. Democrats allege that the move was political retribution against the town's mayor. Democrat Mark Sokolich, for not endorsing Christie for reelection this year. N.J. Lawmakers Ask Congress To Probe GWB Lane Closure Scandal Some Believe September Lane Closures Had Political Motivation CBS New York/AP - (Full Text) New Jersey lawmakers have complained they have not had much luck getting answers from the Port Authority about the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal, so Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) said it is time to turn to Congress for help. As 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon reported, Weinberg reasoned that Congress created the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and thus, maybe it can create some accountability "and see whether there needs to be changes in the federal law that will make it not so difficult to require transparency." Former Port Authority director of interstate capital projects David Wildstein allegedly ordered access lanes from Fort Lee on the George Washington Bridge to be closed four days in September, claiming a traffic study was being done. The closures resulted in major gridlock. Some Democrats believe Wildstein was sending a message to the Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Gov.Chris Christie in his re-election bid. Christie has denied the claims. Wildstein announced Dec. 6 that he would step down at the end of the year. He is a childhood friend of the governor, who had appointed him to the post. Port Authority executive deputy director Bill Baroni also resigned amid the scandal. In an unrelated development emergency repair work on the outbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge were expected to continue until Tuesday morning. The work caused delays of two hours or more Monday evening. Cornered by Accusations, Christie Parries With Jokes and Stonewalls With Snarls By Michael Powell New York Times - (Full Text) Gov. Chris Christie is a wonderfully primal New Jersey politician who embraces three truths: Transparency is for squares, bluster is your friend and fingerprints are a pain. A host of circumstantial evidence, not to mention a mother lode of common sense, suggests that aides close to him shut several traffic ramps to the George Washington Bridge after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee failed to see the wisdom in endorsing the Republican governor. Legislators are investigating. To date, the governor's childhood friend has resigned his position at the Port Authority, along with the governor's top appointee there. When a legislator asked about a culture of fear, top officials fell into sheepish silence. But no one sold out the governor. In fact Christie all but did a public pirouette, joking that, oh yeah, he moved those traffic cones himself Funny guy. Mr. Christie deploys his moves with muscular artistry. His administration announced last spring it would use federal disaster dollars to produce a public-relations campaign for the storm-ravaged Jersey Shore. Two ad firms were finalists. Sigma Group and its partner Weber Shandwick cut costs to $2.5 million. But the evaluation committee gave it to MWW and Brushfire, at $4.7 million. Here the coincidences pile up. The winning proposal from MWW noted that its vice president of public affairs once ran the Buriington County Republican Committee. Michele Brown, chief executive officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, led the selection team. A former federal prosecutor, she ran into a patch of trouble six years ago when she took a $46,000 loan from her boss, then United States attorney, Chris Christie. She resigned but Mr. Christie did not forget her. Upon becoming governor, he appointed her economic development czar at a salary of $225,000. Several New Jersey newspapers noted she lacked the technical background and expertise to participate in the selection process. The winning ad firm's proposed campaign prominently featured the governor and his family. Its television campaign, "Stronger Than the Storm," ran all last summer. Each commercial ended with Mr. Christie, wearing a pink dress shirt on a boardwalk with his family. "Because we're stronger than the storm," he says to the camera. There was a final stone-cold coincidence: Mr. Christie was running for re-election at the time. I called Shannon Morris of Sigma Group, which had the losing bid. She is an award-winning pro. But she is not a political player and she admitted that her proposal did not include the governor. "The Jersey Shore has such a strong identity; it is iconic," Ms. Morris said. "I thought Chris Christie was distracting." Her oops, right? The Asbury Park Press asked to see the bid papers. They ran afoul of another Christie rule: Transparency is for chumps. State officials told The Asbury Park Press there were "hundreds of potentially responsive documents." It promised to roll those out in early October. That did not happen. As the newspaper noted, the state released some documents in December, hours after the article appeared on its website. Finally, there's the shore reconstruction, which has bumped along with more than a few flat tires. Months ago, the Fair Share Housing Center, a well-known advocacy group, asked to examine detailed information about the recovery. Then they waited and waited and eventually a state judge peered at state lawyers and suggested, pointedly: Settle this. It turned out that there are great disparities between the aid given to black and Latino families, and white families. State officials also did not complete their eligibility manual until October, past the application deadline. The Fair Share Housing Center unearthed a script for the housing assistance line. Should questions from the displaced prove timePA - DW - 000304 consuming, employees were advised to reply: "I wish I had more time to talk with you, but I have a lot of your neighbors on hold waiting to speak with me." As stonewalling had failed him, and as his administration's fingerprints were unfortunately spackled all over these documents, the governor turned to a reliable standby: The snari. "Just so its general notice to all of you, don't ask me any questions about Fair Share Housing," said Mr. Christie. It not worth "my time or my breath." I told Ms. Morris that the governor has said he wants to run another round of ads. Would she bid again? She paused several beats. "Oh my gosh, would you bid again if you were me?" In New Jersey, probably not. Don't believe denials over GWB lane closures Daily Record Gov. Christie last week announced Bill Baroni's resignation as deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This comes in the midst of a developing scandal over September lane closures on the New Jersey approaches to the George Washington Bridge that came without warning and caused massive traffic tieups. Baroni told the Assembly Transportation Committee late last month that it was all part of a traffic study involving the Fort Lee access lanes, a study Baroni's authority boss, executive director Patrick Foye, has said didn't exist. Yet Christie said Baroni's resignation had nothing to do with the lane closure debacle. Thats not even remotely credible. Its yet another example of why the public is so deeply skeptical of the intentions of its political leaders. Christie expects to simply be trusted, without having earned that trust Democrats Expand the Scope of Port Authority Investigations By Mark J. Magyar NJ Spotlight Weinberg, Wisniewski want structural overhaul of Port Authority; U.S. Senate panel launches inquiry; criminal probe may be next. As they wait for Port Authority officials to comply with their most recent wave of subpoenas, key Democratic lawmakers are debating how to reform a powerful bistate agency they regard as dysfunctional, unresponsive, and out of control. They also must decide whether to seek a criminal investigation against those responsible for the Bridge-gate lane closures. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) said yesterday she will introduce a Senate resolution Thursday calling for a congressional review of the structure and operations of the Port Authority. Weinberg's legislative district was directly affected by four days of traffic tie-ups caused by a rogue Port Authority official's secret closure of two Fort Lee access lanes leading onto the George Washington Bridge. Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), whose panel hauled in senior Port Authority officials under subpoena last week, said legal staff at the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services is reviewing whether any federal or state laws were broken by the lane closures, which impeded interstate commerce from New Jersey to New York. Rachel Maddow: Chris Christie 'rotten and vindictive' political payback scandal deepens By Arturo Garcia The Raw Story Not only did a high school friend of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) lack both a resume and a job description for work at the center of a political mystery, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said on Monday, but the man has become a nuisance for people reporting on his suspected activities. "Something rotten and vindictive and petty has been going on in New Jersey," Maddow said. Maddow explained that David Wildstein, who resigned on Dec. 6 after being revealed as the person who ordered the suspicious closing of two lanes on the George Washington Bridge in September 2013, was paid more than $150,000 a year to serve as Christie's "director of interstate capital projects" at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a position that had no job description attached. The New Jersey Star-Ledger reported that no resume for Wildstein was turned over by the Port Authority in response to a Freedom of Information request filed by the newspaper for state employees in Wildstein's salary range. Setback for Christie is likely an omen 2 quit Port Authority; Dems issue subpoenas Asbury Park Press The recent startling housecleaning at the Port Authority forced two of Chris Christie's closest friends and top advisers out eariy from jobs that paid a combined $440,000, a rare political setback for the 51-year-old Republican governor. But analysts say its a signal of whats to come for Christie when he begins his second term in office Jan. 21 — a succession of bruising fights, thanks to his national ambitions and because New Jersey's term limit for governors braves up state Democrats looking to settle old scores with Christie. "There's going to be plenty of heat from inside the state, and the national Democrats, folks who did virtually nothing to help Chris Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election, are PA - DW - 000305 taking Christie seriously now," said Ben Dworkin, a Rider University political scientist "Thats because he's the presumptive favorite to win the GOP 2016 presidential nomination. He's a threat to the national Democrats." Cuomo Backs Christie in Bridge Lane-Closure Flap By Cathy Burke Newsmax Neighboring New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday backed Chris Christie's explanation of a bridge lane closure that has ensnared the New Jersey governor in controversy for weeks, two reports said Monday. Christie has insisted the lane closures in Fort Lee, N.J., leading to the heavily used George Washington Bridge into New York City, were precipitated by a traffic study. Some Democrats, however, said the unannounced lane closures were pure political revenge — because Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich wouldn't join other New Jersey mayors in endorsing Christie for re-election. "I am sure it is as Gov. Christie says it is," Cuomo said Monday, both the Daily News and Wall Street Journal reported. Democrats cross Chris Christie over bridge By Maggie Haberman Politico Democrats who have spent months agonizing over how to damage Chris Christie's presidential prospects think they've finally found an entry point Its on a bridge between New Jersey and New York. The Republican governor, who coasted to a double-digit reelection win in blue New Jersey in November, is being pummeled on a daily basis by local and national Democrats over the bizarre story of sudden lane closures eariier this year onto the George Washington Bridge, which caused massive traffic delays for days on the New Jersey side. Democrats allege the lane closures were retribution against the Fort Lee, N.J., mayor, a Democrat who declined to endorse Christie against his underfunded rival in the governor's race. Democrat Barbara Buono. Lanes in Fort Lee to the bridge were reduced from three to one for four days in September. PAPD Daily Blotter By Kirstan Conley, Daniel Prendergast and Dana Sauchelli New York Post - (Full Text) A driver has been charged with DWI after turning the Holland Tunnel into a bumper-car ride, law-enforcement sources said. Robert Castronovo, 31, of Secaucus, NJ, was driving west when he bounced his 2006 Jeep off the walls and curbs of the tunnel and then smashed into the back of another car, the sources said. Port Authority police pulled him over at around 6 p.m. Sunday after spotting an open container of booze in his car, authorities said. He blew a .27 on a Breathalyzer test more than three times the legal limit of .08, the sources added. The banged-up Jeep was towed and Castronovo was charged with driving while intoxicated, having an open container of alcohol inside a car and reckless driving. Amazingly, no one was injured in the incident MSNBC (All In with Chris Hayes) Part 1 - GWB lane closure controversy. MSNBC (All In with Chris Hayes) Part 2 - GWB lane closure controversy. MSNBC (Rachel Maddow) Part 1 - GWB lane closure controversy. MSNBC (Rachel Maddow) Part 2 - GWB lane closure controversy. MSNBC (Rachel Maddow) Part 3 - GWB lane closure controversy. WNYC FM - GWB lane closure controversy. News 12 NJ - GWB lane closure controversy. 1010 WINS AM - GWB lane closure controversy. WPIX TV - GWB construction. PA - DW - 000306 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, December 16, 2013 6:27 PM Evening Clips 12.16.13 TB&T 2 Upper-Level Lanes Of GWB Closed For Emergency Repairs Closure Impacts Outbound Traffic CBSNewYork Its going to be a rough commute. Two upper-level outbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge will remain closed until about 9 p.m. so crews can make emergency repairs, The Port Authority of New YorkG? and New Jersey said.The closures were announced at around 11 a.m. Monday. The Port Authority eariier said they hoped to have the lanes reopened by 2 p.m., but what they forecast as a roughly three hour repair job apparently is now poised to take closer to 10. The closures affect New Jersey-bound commuters, but not drivers heading from New Jersey to New York. Two Lanes of George Washington Bridge Shut Down for Emergency Repairs NBC-NY Two westbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge were closed Monday, causing massive backups that lasted through the evening rush. The lanes will be closed until Tuesday morning. Traffic on the bridge was further complicated because of an accident on eastbound Interstate 80 near Saddle Brook. That accident is causing hour-long delays. The upper-level westbound lanes of the GWB were closed so emergency repairs could be made to a section of the upper-level deck, the Port Authority said. The work was scheduled to last only a few hours, but before the evening commute, authorities said the lanes would remain closed into the night The lower level of the bridge remained open. Two upper-levels of GWB closed for emergency construction WPIX11 - Full Text Two lanes of the George Washington Bridge will be closed for emergency repairs, according to the Port Authority. Two upper-level westbound lanes were shutdown Monday morning as crews work to repair a section of the upper-level deck.The Port Authority estimates the lanes will reopen at about 2 p.m. The closures will impact those commuting from New York to New Jersey. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes, such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels. 2 George Washington Bridge upper-level westbound lanes closed (video) WABC (updated) - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has closed two upper-level westbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge to make emergency repairs to a section of the upper-level deck. The Port Authority says portions of the bridge will remain closed overnight for the repair work, and the closures are expected to last until Tuesday morning. The lane closures are affecting New Jersey-bound commuters, but will not impact commuters traveling from New Jersey to New York. Motorists traveling westbound to New Jersey should consider alternate routes such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, or use the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, as there are significant delays. The closures are causing major traffic delays on the Cross Bronx Expressway approaching the bridge. As of 4 p.m., it was 2 hours from Main Street in New Rochelle to the Jersey side of the bridge. The repairs are taking place right next to an area that underwent repairs last week leading to 4 hour delays. For up-to-the-minute traffic updates at all Port Authority crossings, motorists are encouraged to sign up for Port Authority alerts at PAAalerts.com. PANYNJ AP: Congress may be asked to join GWB probe Angela Delli Santi, Associated Press San Francisco Gate - Full Text A New Jersey state lawmaker wants Congress to investigate the agency responsible for traffic jams caused by lane closures at a bridge into New York City. Democrats claim the gridlock was an act of retribution by loyalists of Gov. Chris PA - DW - 000307 Christie. Democratic state Sen. Loretta Weinberg of Bergen County tells The Associated Press she is readying a resolution asking Congress to investigate the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In early September, two lanes from Fort Lee to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge were shut without warning at the behest of a Christie appointee, who resigned last week. Weinberg says Congress has a role to play since it created the Port Authority and its investigative arm has previously reviewed authority operations. The governor has denied the closures were politically motivated. Cuomo Supports Christie's Explanation for Bridge Closures By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he believes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie that controversial lane closures on the George Washington Bridge were the result of a traffic study, an explanation that a top Cuomo appointee rejected under oath last week. Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Christie have downplayed the controversy that has gripped the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since the lane closures were ordered in secret by a Christie ally in September. On Monday, the New York governor said that he thought that management problems at the authority, which operates the bridge, had been "addressed by the recent resignation." Bill Baroni, Mr. Christie's top appointee in the authority's management resigned on Friday. Mr. Baroni's deputy David Wildstein, who ordered the lane closures and observed how they flooded the borough of Fort Lee, N J . , had resigned one week eariier. Gov. Cuomo Buys Into New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's GWB "Traffic Study" Explanation By Ken Lovett New York Daily News Gov. Cuomo offered a vote of confidence Monday for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his explanation that the closing of lanes at the George Washington Bridge in September was done for a traffic study. When asked whether he believed Christie's story about a traffic study, Cuomo first joked that it was the "season for loaded questions," but then offered his support for his Garden State counterpart. "I am sure it is as Gov. Christie says it is," Cuomo said. Overall, however, Cuomo tried hard to keep his distance from the scandal that has dogged Christie in recent weeks. "The governor and I have a good relationship, good professional relationship, good personal relationship," Cuomo said. "The issue of the traffic study was primarily a New Jersey incident so our basic operating agreement is when it has to do with New Jersey, Gov. Christie handles it, when it has to do with New York, I handle it" Cuomo also said: "To the extent there was misbehavior by officials at the Port Authority, I think that has been addressed by the recent resignations." New Jersey Democrats have charged that the lane closures ~ which were ordered by Christie appointees and resulted in massive traffic jams on the Fort Lee side of the bridge ~ were done as political retribution for the refusal of Fort Lee's Democratic mayor to endorse Christie's re-election campaign. Two Christie appointees to the Port have since resigned. Cuomo's comments came after he hosted his final cabinet meeting of the year. Cuomo Totally Believes Christie About That Traffic Jam, in a 'Please, We Don't Want Any Problems' Way Joe Coscarelli New York Magazine - Full Text The actually not-so-crazy version of events that says Chris Christie's government goons shut down three lanes of the George Washington Bridge to get back at a political foe via traffic — thus intimidating colleagues into compliance — might be achieving its desired effect. Asked today whether he believes Christie's side, which claims the lanes were closed for a "traffic study" no one at the Port Authority has ever heard of. Governor Andrew Cuomo "paused for a full six seconds." From The Wall Street Journal: "Its a season of loaded questions," [Cuomo] eventually responded. "The governor and 1 have a good relationship-a professional relationship and a personal relationship. The issue of the traffic study was primarily a New Jersey incident so our basic operating agreement is, when it has to do with New Jersey, Gov. Christie handles it When it has to do with New York, I handle it. If its a management issue, dealing with the Port itself we do it jointly. But I'm sure it is as Gov. Christie says it is."The two longtime Christie associates/appointees involved in the "study" have since resigned, while its results should be available, um, any day now. Subpoenas seek any Christie correspondence in GWB lane closure debacle Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger An investigation into September's George Washington Bridge lane closures is now trying to penetrate Gov. Chris Christie's office. The Democratic lawmaker leading the investigation into the closures has subpoenaed any correspondence between Christie or his administration and officials of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding the closures, which turned Fort Lee streets into a parking lot the week of Sept 9-13. The lawmaker, 2 PA - DW - 000308 Assemblyman John Wiseniewski (D-Middlesex), issued subpoenas to key Port Authority officials demanding ""All documents and correspondence, produced between August 1, 2013 and the present date between Governor Chris Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the Port Authority." The Dec. 12 subpoenas, which require a response by Thursday, were issued to Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye and to the two Christie-backed Port Authority officials who have resigned amid the scandal. Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni and Director of Interstate Capital Projects David Wildstein. Copies of the subpoenas were obtained by The Star-Ledger. Any Christie correspondence related to the closures was among the information sought by Wisniewski in the second round of subpoenas he has issued in the bridge scandal, after testimony by Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye during a Dec. 9 hearing before the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, which Wisniewski chairs. The testimony seemed to undercut Baroni's eariier explanation that the closures were related to a traffic safety study, when Foye told the committee he was never told of any such study and remained unaware of it 6 unanswered questions from "Bridgegate" Darryl Isherwood NJ.com The flap over the George Washington Bridge has taken on a life of its own with subpoenas and resignations flying at a furious pace. To date, two officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have resigned and Gov. Chris Christie Friday signaled he's ready to turn the page on the whole controversy. Democrats say they're not quite ready to let it slide and last week issued a round of subpoenas. But is there more to learn? Here are six questions about the controversy dubbed "Bridgegate" that have yet to be answered. 1. How high up the chain of command do the lane closures go? David Wildstein, the former director of interstate capital projects at the Port Authority has taken the fall as the man who put in motion the lane closures that snaried traffic in Fort Lee for nearly a week. Both Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye and Deputy Director Bill Baroni fingered Wildstein and Wildstein has resigned. But did he do it on his own? Did it come from higher up? Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich called the lane diversion punitive but if so, who was punishing him? So far the damage has been contained to the Port Authority but does it go further? 2. Assuming Sokolich is right, what was he being punished for? Eariy stories about the bridge closure implied Sokolich was being punished for failing to endorse governor Chris Christie. But hundreds of Democratic mayors around the state failed to endorse Christie for reelection, including some, such as then Jersey City Mayor Jerry Healy and Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith, who also were at the mercy of the Port Authority's power. Why Sokolich? Both Healy and Smith endorsed Christie's opponent yet nobody messed with the PATH trains into Jersey City or the Bayonne Bridge. Gov. Chris Christie said he's not sure if he's ever met the man and just 35,000 residents live in Fort Lee's 2.9 square miles. To the extent that Sokolich's endorsement would drive any votes Christie's way, it would hardly mean a windfall. Exec Wrapped Up In George Washington Bridge Scandal Buys Domains With Public Ofticials' Names David Wildstein Announced Resignation Earlier This Month CBS-2 Why is the Port Authority official who allegedly ordered the closures of local-access lanes to the George Washington Bridge buying up Internet domain address bearing the names of public officials? The Record of Woodland Park reported that David Wildstein, the Port Authority's second-most powerful appointee from New Jersey who announced his resignation eariier this month, bought domains that use the names of Pat Foye, the authority's top executive; Barbara Buono, a Democratic state senator who lost to Gov. Chris Christie in this year's gubernatorial race; and her running mate, labor leader Milly Silva. How a highly politicized Port Authority made the GWB scandal possible NewsWorks The Bridge-gate scandal that forced the resignations of two of Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees was the inevitable result of divided leadership, growing patronage, and increased gubernatorial meddling in the operations of the multibillion-dollar New York-New Jersey agency, transportation experts said yesterday. In fact Jameson W. Doig, who wrote the definitive history of the Port Authority, warned almost two years ago of the dangers inherent in the growing "politicization" of the bistate agency. He also cautioned against the transformation of its 12 commissioners into "obedient assistants to the governors, passively accepting patronage appointments and whatever actions fit a governor's short-term political needs." Doig said yesterday he was not surprised by the growing scandal that has enveloped the Port Authority, the mega-agency that oversees airports, bridges, tunnels, ports, the PATH light-rail system, and the World Trade Center in New York and New Jersey. The scandal has already forced the resignations of Christie's top two operatives at the Port Authority ~ Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni and Interstate Projects Director David Wildstein. It has sparked a series of subpoenas and legislative hearings, and has been seized on by Democrats nationally to attack Christie, the GOP frontrunner for president in 2016. PA - DW - 000309 PAPD Man Arrested for Driving Drunk After Crashing in Holland Tunnel, PAPD Says Aidan Gardiner DNAInfo A New Jersey man's blood-alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit when he scraped his Jeep along the walls of the Holland Tunnel and rear-ended another car Sunday, the Port Authority said.Robert: Castronovo, 31, told police he was heading home from his job in Brooklyn when he careened out of control in the tunnel about 6 p.m., sources said. Drivers called 911 when they saw Castronovo strike the wall, and when officers arrived, they found an open container of alcohol in his car, a Port Authority Police Department spokesman said. During a breathalyzer test, Castronovo's blood alcohol level was .27, well over the legal limit of .08, the PAPD said. Castronovo, who lives in Secaucus, N.J., was charged with driving while intoxicated, having an open container in his Jeep and reckless driving, the PAPD said. Castronovo was released on bond and his Jeep was impounded, a Port Authority spokesman said. No injuries were reported in the collision, the Port Authority said. PORT COMMERCE Nine Admit Guilt in Largest Counterfeit Goods Conspiracy Ever Newsroom America Staff Nine members of a massive, international counterfeit goods conspiracy have admitted their roles in the scheme. Hal Dong Jiang, 37, and Fei Ruo Huang, 37, both of Staten Island, New York; Hai Yan Jiang, 34, of Richardson, Texas; Xiance Zhou, 39, and Jian Chun Qu, 33, both of Bayside, New York; and Ming Zheng, 48, of New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court. Dong Jiang, Ruo Huang, and Yan Jiang pleaded guilty to informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods. Xiance Zhou and Qu pleaded guilty to informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to structure money. Zheng pleaded guilty to an information charging him with a conspiracy to launder money.Wei Qiang Zhou, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty Decembers, 2013; Patrick Siu, 41, of Richardson, Texas, pleaded guilty December 4, 2013; and Da Yi Huang, 43, of Staten Island, pleaded guilty December 11, 2013, all before Judge Salas in Newark federal court, to informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:From November 2009 through February 2012, the defendants ran one of the largest counterfeit goods smuggling and distribution conspiracies ever charged by the Department of Justice. The defendants and others conspired to import hundreds of containers of counterfeit goods—primarily handbags, footwear, and perfume—from China into the United States in furtherance of the conspiracy. These goods, if legitimate, would have had a retail value of more than $300 million.The counterfeit goods were manufactured in China and smuggled into the United States through containers fraudulently associated with legitimate importers, with false and fraudulent shipping paperwork playing a critical role in the smuggling scheme. Some of the conspirators created and managed the flow of false shipping paperwork between China and the United States and supervised the importation of counterfeit goods, and others controlled the importation of the counterfeit goods into the United States.Other conspirators managed the distribution of counterfeit goods once those goods arrived in the United States. After importation, the counterfeit goods were delivered to warehouses and distributed throughout New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. Certain conspirators paid large amounts of cash to undercover law enforcement officers to assist in the removal of counterfeit goods from the port. AVIATION Southwest expanding at LaGuardia, San Diego and Portland Ben Mutzabaugh USA TODAY Southwest Airiines will grow its presence at New York LaGuardia, adding more flights on routes it already flies from the airport. Southwests expanded schedule there will begin May 11, when the carrier beefs up its number of flights to AkronCanton (Ohio), Chicago Midway, Houston Hobby and Nashville. Some of the flights on those routes are operated by Southwest subsidiary AirTran. With the LaGuardia announcement Southwest has revealed its intention for the LaGuardia slots it acquired in fallout from the American-US Airways merger. American and US Airways agreed to divest flight rights and gates at several U.S. airports in order to win antitrust approval from the Justice Department to proceed with their merger. As part of that. Southwest acquired six additional slot pairs - or rights for six new round-trip flights - at LaGuardia. WTC PA - DW - 000310 The Geography of Anti-Gentrification: Google Buses and the World Trade Center Why aren't Google and Twitter welcome in San Francisco? Jim Russell Pacific Standard The day after the 9/11 attacks, I had an opportunity to teach 250 students how geography could help make sense of the tragedy. Putting aside the whodunit I asked my audience to think through the why of the where. Why was the World Trade Center a target? As a class, we covered the geography of anti-globalization. I drew a distinction between blowing up a bomb at a McDonald's and trying to ovenA^helm an embassy. The WTC wasn't a typical icon of power. I asserted that the act of terrorism was a form of resistance to economic globalization and challenged the undergraduates sitting in the room to argue otherwise. Westfield Gains Rights to Subway-Hub Stores in Lower Manhattan By David Levitt Bloomberg Businessweek Westfield Group (WDC), which controls the right to lease retail space at lower Manhattan's Worid Trade Center, was selected to also rent out stores at the new eight-line subway hub a block to the east. The Sydney-based company, the No. 2 shopping-center owner globally by stock-market value, is poised to sign the master lease on about 180,000 square feet (16,700 square meters), including 40,000 square feet of store space, at the Fulton Street Transit Center, a subwayline transfer point The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board's finance committee picked Westfield as the winner of a competition for the lease, the agency said in a statement today. "This agreement will empower Westfield to generate revenues for us that will go right back into the system," MTA New York City Transit President Carmen Bianco said in the statement About 300,000 people a day are expected to use the transit hub, he said. PA - DW - 000311 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Monday, December 16, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12.16.13 TB&T 2 GWB upper-level westbound lanes shut for repairs Associated Press - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has closed two upper-level westbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge to make emergency repairs to a section of the upper-level deck. Officials say the closures should likely last until about 2 p.m. The lane closures will affect New Jersey-bound commuters, but should not affect commuters traveling from New Jersey to New York. Officials say motorists traveling westbound to New Jersey should consider alternate routes such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, or use the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, as there could be significant delays. 2 George Washington Bridge upper-level westbound lanes closed WABC - Full Text The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has closed two upper-level westbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge to make emergency repairs to a section of the upper-level deck. Bridge officials expect the lanes to remain closed until approximately 2 p.m. The lane closures will affect New Jersey-bound commuters, but will not impact commuters traveling from New Jersey to New York. Motorists traveling westbound to New Jersey should consider alternate routes such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels, or use the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, as there could be significant delays. For up-to-the-minute traffic updates at all Port Authority crossings, motorists are encouraged to sign up for Port Authority alerts at PAAalerts.com. TRAFFIC ALERT: Two Lanes of George Washington Bridge Shut Down for Emergency Repairs NBC New York - Full Text Two lanes of the George Washington Bridge were closed Monday morning so authorities could make emergency repairs to a section of the upper-level deck, the Port Authority said. Bridge officials expect the upper-level westbound lanes to be closed until about 2 p.m. The lower level of the will remain open, but heavy delays are expected. The lane closures will affect New Jersey-bound commuter, but will not impact travelers heading from the Garden State to New York City. The Port Authority advises motorists to consider alternate routes such as the Lincoln or Holland tunnels. Nighttime delivery may help truckers In NYC - and elsewhere By Daniel C. Vock USA TODAY Researchers say they have found a way to get trucks off clogged New York City streets during the busiest parts of the day, and they are hoping to use the same approach soon in other U.S. cities. A two-year experiment that paid customers, such as shops and restaurants, to receive their supplies at night worked better at changing truck delivery times than previous attempts to discourage daytime deliveries by raising tolls during peak hours, said lead researcher, Jose HolguinVeras, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. For city residents, a widespread shift in delivery times could make a huge impact on traffic. There are 7,000 restaurants in the city, Holguin-Veras said, each receiving several shipments a day. Moving those to nighttime would be equivalent to moving all of the traffic generated by the city's ports. Better-flowing traffic reduces air pollution, too. ... Trucks coming from New Jersey must pay hefty tolls on bridges and tunnels to cross the Hudson River into the city. At the beginning of December, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the crossings, raised tolls for semis by $10, to a maximum of $85. PANYNJ A Bridge to Somewhere By Steve Benen MSNBC PA - DW - 000312 When the New York Times first reported on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's (R) bridge scandal last week, it published a report on page A23. By Saturday, the controversy had worked its way to page A l . In other words, the political relevance of this story, which we've been following with great interest appears to be increasing. After having brushed off the scandal as "crazy" eariier in the week, by Friday the governor was willing to concede "a mistake got made." This is, of course, a classic of passive-voice politics - during the Bush/Cheney administration's U.S. Attorney scandal, then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said "mistakes were made." During the Iran-Contra affair in 1986, then-President Reagan said "mistakes were made." In the wake of the Abu Ghraib scandal, then-President Bush said, "Its also important for the people of Iraq to know that in a democracy, everything is not perfect, that mistakes are made." The problem with passive voice, of course, is that its intended to obscure responsibility. Christie is now prepared to admit "a mistake got made," but the question remains: who made the mistake? PAPD Port Authority PD: Jeep bounces off Holland Tunnel walls, DWI driver registers .27% By Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot - Full Text A Secaucus man's blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit when his Jeep bounced off the walls and curbs of the Holland Tunnel and then rammed another car headed into New Jersey, Port Authority Police said this morning. Robert Castronovo, 31, was charged with DWI, reckless driving and having an open alcohol container in his vehicle after his blood-alcohol content registered at .27%, the authority's Joseph Pentangelo said this morning. The legal limit in both New Jersey and New York is .08. The PAPD got the call from another motorist of the 2006 Jeep pinballing in the westbound tube of the tunnel before rear-ending another vehicle, Pentangelo said. No injuries were reported, he said. Secaucus man 3 times over legal limit in DWI crash in Holland Tunnel: cops By Ron Zeitlinger The Jersey Journal - Full Text A Secaucus man was involved in a crash after careening through the Holland Tunnel last night and police found his bloodalcohol level was more than three time the legal limit. Port Authority police said. When he was tested after the crash inside the tunnel, Robert Castronovo's blood-alcohol level was 0.27, P.A. police spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. The legal limit is 0.08. Castronovo, 31, was charged with DWI, having an open alcohol container inside his vehicle and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, Pentangelo said. Police say Castronovo was heading west through the Holland Tunnel at 6 p.m. ina 2006 Jeep when he struck the curbing and walls, and then he struck the rear of another vehicle. Pentangelo said no one was injured in the accident. AVIATION Signature Flight Support Newark Inaugurates Private Aviation Terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport Aviation Pros Signature Flight Support Corporation, a BBA Aviation company, hosted a grand opening and inauguration ceremony recently to celebrate the completion of its newly constructed private aviation terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) which opened for business on November 15, 2013. Signature Newark is a state-of-the-art terminal promising worid-class flight support services for private air travel. The new facility has a footprint of 510,000 sq. ft. of ramp space, 39,000 sq. ft. of hangar, and a new passenger terminal spanning 11,200 sq. ft. Designed and constructed to meet U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold Certification standards, the facility features new energy-efficient lighting and environmental control systems. The new terminal features amenities to complement the efficient transit of passengers and crew to and from the aircraft. Signature Newark features an executive conference room, free use of computers, wireless Internet services, 24-hour courtesy shuttle service to airport-area hotels and the commercial terminal, wheelchair access, a lobby area with comfortable modern seating, a large flat-screen TVs. A separate, dedicated lounge area provides privacy for customers, groups and specialty aircraft charters that can accommodate uniquely customized services to exceed customer expectations. Victory! NYC Airports Stop Killing Snowy Owls By Alicia Graef Care2 An unusually large influx of snowy owls in the Northeast this winter might be exciting birdwatchers, but their attraction to airports has led to them finding themselves in the crosshairs. Although no one is quite sure why the the owls who hail from PA - DW - 000313 the Arctic tundra are appearing in such large numbers, their draw to airports that resemble their preferred open habitat has led to safety concerns among aviation officials and the quick addition of snowy owls to the list of birds that airports can legally kill, complete with orders to shoot them on sight. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, five planes from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport were struck by snowy owls over the last two weeks. Media reports about snowy owls being added to the kill list which was followed by the news of three being shot at JFK led to outcry from the public and organizations, including Friends of Animals (FoA), Goose Watch NYC, Audubon New York and New York City Audubon, among others. A Care2 petition urging the Port Authority to cease fire gathered more than 63,000 signatures. PABT PNC BANK ADDS NEW BRANCH AT PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY BUS TERMNIAL The Wall Street Transcript PNC Bank announced it is adding a new branch location in Manhattan to serve customers working and travelling in New York. Located in the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 625 8th Ave., between 8th Ave. and West 41st St, the branch supports a client base that includes New York and New Jersey commuters and business banking clients who operate offices in both states. The Port Authority Bus Terminal branch further extends PNC's focus on serving New York area clients. The location complements branch locations at 11 Penn Plaza and 340 Madison Ave., where PNC's real estate finance, capital markets and business credit groups are headquartered. Across all three locations, PNC now occupies 50,000 square-feet of commercial real estate in Manhattan. TV CLIPS CBS New York/GWB emergency repairs CNN/GWB lane closures PA - DW - 000314 From: Sent: Subject: Albiez, Cheryl Ann Monday, December 16, 2013 7:49 AM Morning Clips 12.16.13 PANYNJ Relations between Gov. Cuomo, Gov. Christie growing uneasy over political spats (video) The governors of New York and New Jersey have had a close relationship for the first three years of Cuomo's term, with the two pushing together for federal aid after Hurricane Sandy and cooperating over the bistate Port Authority. But recent tensions signal the beginning of a rivalry leading up to a presidential race by the potential contenders, an expert says. By Kenneth Lovett New York Daily News It's getting less neighborly between two political heavyweights: Gov. Cuomo and his New Jersey counterpart, Chris Christie. The two outsized personalities have had a good relationship during Cuomo's first three years in office, working together on a push for federal aid following Hurricane Sandy, controlling the bistate Port Authority and even occasionally having dinner together. But that has been tested in recent weeks — even as those close to the two are playing down any tension. "We now have the bistate presidential skirmish, and this is the first round," said veteran Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf. The first incident that may have frayed cordial ties between the two govs occurred after Christie, head of the Republican governors association, met with Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who is considering a challenge against Cuomo, a Democrat, next year. Cuomo publicly said that Christie had called him to rebut a report that he told Astorino he was prepared to go all out to help him beat the Democratic governor next year. Cuomo's comments put Christie in an awkward situation with the national Republican Party, already wary of him because of his embrace of President Obama post-Hurricane Sandy. More recently, Cuomo was virtually silent over a Port Authority controversy in which a Christie appointee ordered two of three lanes on the George Washington Bridge shut down for several days in September, leading to traffic delays of up to four hours that spilled into Fort Lee, N.J. Some insiders said he was letting Christie twist in the wind. Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni said the lanes were ordered closed to conduct a traffic study — a statement contradicted by PA Executive Director Pat Foye, a Cuomo appointee. New Jersey Democrats said the move was retaliation against the Democratic Fort Lee mayor for not endorsing Christie's reelection this year. Cuomo referred to the incident last week as a New Jersey issue. Baroni and another Christie appointee have since resigned from the Port Authority. Analysts: Big fights ahead for Christie His national ambitions make him a ripe target By Bob Jordan , Asbury Park Press The Courier Post The recent startling housecleaning at the Port Authority forced two of Chris Christie's closest friends and top advisers out eariy from jobs that paid a combined $440,000, a rare political setback for the 51-year-old Republican governor. But analysts say Christie can expect other bruising fights when he begins his second term in office Jan. 21 — thanks to his national ambitions and because New Jersey's term limit for governors makes him a ripe target for state Democrats looking to settle old scores. "There's going to be plenty of heat from inside the stale, and the national Democrats, folks who did virtually nothing to help Chris Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial elecfion, are taking Chrisfie seriously now," said Ben Dworkin, a Rider University polifical scienfist. "That's because he's the presumpfive favorite to win the GOP 2016 presidenfial nomination. He's a threat to the national Democrats." Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director, and David Wildstein, another 1 PA - DW - 000315 Chrisfie appointee, left the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the wake of a furor over lane closures from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge. Christie's crifics claim the closures were meant as punishment for the town's mayor, who refused to endorse the governor in his re-election bid. Port Authority Scandal Is Result of Leadership, Patronage Mess, Analysts Say By Mark J. Magyar NJ Spotlight Transportation experts warned of dangers of growing cronyism, gubernatorial interference months before rogue lane closings in Fort Lee. The Bridge-gate scandal that forced the resignations of two of Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority appointees was the inevitable result of divided leadership, growing patronage, and increased gubernatorial meddling in the operations of the multibillion-dollar New York-New Jersey agency, transportation experts said yesterday. In fact, Jameson W. Doig, who wrote the definitive history of the Port Authority, warned almost two years ago of the dangers inherent in the growing "politicization" of the bistate agency. He also cautioned against the transformation of its 12 commissioners into "obedient assistants to the governors, passively accepting patronage appointments and whatever actions fit a governor's short-term political needs." Doig said yesterday he was not surprised by the growing scandal that has enveloped the Port Authority, the mega-agency that oversees airports, bridges, tunnels, ports, the PATH light-rail system, and the Worid Trade Center in New York and New Jersey. The scandal has already forced the resignations of Christie's top two operatives at the Port Authority ~ Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni and Interstate Projects Director David Wildstein. It has sparked a series of subpoenas and legislative hearings, and has been seized on by Democrats nationally to attack Christie, the GOP frontrunner for president in 2016. Doblin: GWB lane closure included 9/11 anniversary By Alfred P. Doblin The Record HERE'S the flaw in David Wildstein's story about ordering a traffic study on whether there was a need for three local lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee: 9/11. Wildstein's infamous decision to have a topsecret study of what would happen if two of three local lanes were closed in Fort Lee affected the week of Sept. 9, including the anniversary of 9/11.1 do not know what went on in the mind of David Wildstein, then a highranking Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official. Maybe he was not just a polifical appointee, full of his own importance and willing to create a traffic nightmare in a Bergen County town because the Democratic mayor of that town refused to endorse Republican Chris Christie for a second term as governor. Maybe he decided that a double-secret, tell-nobody-in-Fort-Lee traffic study was just the ticket for understanding why those entitled people in Fort Lee thought they had a right to special access to the GWB when people, say, in Westfield do not. While we are on that subject, if the state of New Jersey really wants to help Atlantic City, it should give A.C. residents local lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Damn the geography. Exec Wrapped Up In George Washington Bridge Scandal Buys Domains With Public Officials' Names David Wildstein Announced Resignation Earlier This Month By CBSNewYork/AP CBS NY Why is the Port Authority official who allegedly ordered the closures of local-access lanes to the George Washington Bridge buying up Internet domain address bearing the names of public officials? The Record of Woodland Park reported that David Wildstein, the Port Authority's second-most powerful appointee from New Jersey who announced his resignation earlier this month, bought domains that use the names of Pat Foye, the authority's top executive; Barbara Buono, a Democratic state senator who lost to Gov. Chris Christie in this year's gubernatorial race; and her running mate, labor leader Milly Silva. It's not clear why David Wildstein made the purchases. He declined the newspaper's request for comment, and a top political strategist for Chrisfie said neither he nor the governor were aware of Wildstein's acfivifies. "This was done independently of the campaign and without any authorization," Mike DuHaime said. "The governor had no knowledge either." PA - DW - 000316 Port Authority official behind GWB closure bought domains named for boss, Christie rivals By Ryan Hutchins The Star-Ledger The growing scandal over September's puzzling closure of George Washington Bridge lanes just got even weirder. A top Port Authority official who ordered the lane closures has been quietly purchasing internet domain names related to the agency's executive director and political adversaries to Republican Gov. Chris Christie, The Record reports. David Wildstein, who plans to resign as the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects, bought patfoye.com, according to the report. Pat Foye is the authority's executive director, a critic of the closures and was appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Wildstein, who went to high school with Christie, also purchased domain names related to former gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono and her running mate, Milly Silva, the report says. The Record reported that he owns buonosilva.org and millysilva.com. Buono, a state Senator from Middlesex County, lost to Christie in November's general election. The Record said it was not clear why Wildstein — who once anonymously ran the political site PolitickerNJ — has purchased those and dozens of other domains, noting he declined to comment. Christie's top political strategist told the paper that neither the campaign nor the governor were aware Wildstein was buying the domains. Ex-Port Authority exec buys officials' web domains By Associated Press Wall Street Journal — Full Text A former Port Authority official who allegedly ordered the mysterious lane closures at the George Washington Bridge has reportedly been buying Internet domain addresses that use the names of public officials. The Record of Woodland Park (http://bit.ly/lhVkvsh) says it's not clear why David Wildstein made the purchases. He declined their request for comment, and a top political strategist for Gov. Chris Christie said neither he nor the governor were aware of Wildstein's acfivifies. "This was done independently of the campaign and without any authorization," Mike DuHaime said. "The governor had no knowledge either." Among the addresses that were purchased are ones that use the name of Pat Foye, the authority's top executive; Barbara Buono, a Democratic state senator who lost to Christie in this year's gubernatorial race, and her running mate, labor leader Milly Silva. Those officials and others were unaware Wildstein reserved their Internet identities. Some were stunned to hear about the purchases. "It's amusing, but also creepy and strange," Silva told the newspaper. "The notion that this person purchased domain names I might seek to use is troubling." Internet records show Wildstein has purchased at least 48 domains and has renewed some of them annually. Domain names typically cost less than $ 10 a year. None of the domain names are redirected to sinister websites and most take users to the website of Wildstein's favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees. Wildstein served as the port authority's director of interstate capital projects before he stepped down on Friday. He is a childhood friend of the governor, who had appointed him to the post. Wildstein has been among several officials named in an escalating probe into whether Christie loyalists deliberately created traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge in early September in an act of political retribution. The governor has denied the lane closings at the bridge into New York City were politically mofivated. The town on the New Jersey side of the bridge is Fort Lee, whose Democratic mayor did not endorse Christie in his re-election campaign last month. While Christie is a Republican, his campaign focused heavily on bipartisan support to bolster his image as a pragmatic executive who will work with his political opponents when he needs to. PORT COMMERCE Changes in China's recycling could cost N.J. towns cash By James M . O'Neill The Record PA - DW - 000317 A crackdowTi on trash halfway around the world has disrupted the U.S. recycling industry and could cost North Jersey municipalities some of the coveted revenue they earn from selling the paper, plastic and aluminum cans that residents put out at the curb. For much of this year, China has rejected bales of recyclables shipped from the United States that are too contaminated by regular trash. China's effort to erect what's become known as a "green fence" against contaminated recyclables has prompted recycling companies here to start charging financial penalties to the towns and corporate clients whose recyclables are tainted with too much regular garbage. "Make no mistake: This is a serious situation that can have major repercussions for the future of the recycling industry in the U.S.," Chris Riviello, managing partner of Afiantic Coast Fibers, a Passaic-based recycling company, told the municipalifies it serves in a recent letter. It's not clear how much North Jersey towns stand to lose, but some municipalifies make between $300,000 and $500,000 on recycling. And towns in Bergen County could be especially vulnerable because they use a system in which their recycling hauls are more likely than those in Passaic County to include regular trash. Given the region's proximity to the Port of Newark, much of the recyclables collected in North Jersey, particularly paper, gets sent abroad, where mills turn it into new products. Much of it is sold to China, which bought $11.3 billion in scrap metal, plastic and paper from the U.S. in 2011. TV & RADIO CLIPS WOR-AM (radio) - GWB lane closures News 12NJ - GWB lane closures WINS A M (radio) - GWB lane closures WCBS-NY (radio) - GWB lane closures WCBS-NY - GWB lane closures WPIXll - GWB lane closures WABC-AM - GWB lane closures N Y l - Fulton Center/ Connection to WTC PA - DW - 000318 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Sunday, December 15, 2013 8:38 AM Morning Clips 12.15.13 PANYNJ George Washington Bridge lane closures remain a mystery By Post Editorial Board New York Post For a great example of government bureaucrats run amok, it's hard to beat the evolving Mystery of the George Washington Bridge Lane Closures. On the first day of school in September and for the next three days. Port Authority officials closed two access lanes to the bridge on the Jersey side in Fort Lee — with nary a heads-up to the local mayor, police or even the head of the agency, Pat Foye. Predictably, hours-long gridlock ensued. Fort Lee became a parking lot. The $64,000 question: Why were the lanes closed? PA Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, who was appointed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, testified that it was part of a traffic study. The man who gave the order, longtime Christie friend David Wildstein, had said the same thing. Bridgegate? Chris Christie's national ambitions could be hurt by GWB controversy Star Ledger Not too long ago, Chris Christie was joking about it. But as the controversy over lane closures at the George Washington Bridge continues to swiri. Democrats in Washington are pouncing on the Republican governor in the hope that they can stop his potential quest for the White House before it begins. For Christie, it's the first taste of what it's like to be his party's front-runner for the next presidential sweepstakes. "National Democrats will make an issue about everything about me so get used to the new world, everybody," Christie said at a news conference Friday. "We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy." Port Authority scandal: The rising star and the mystery man inside a growing investigation Star Ledger One was the mystery man of Jersey politics, operating in secrecy for years as an anonymous political pundit before nabbing a sweetheart $150,020-a-year patronage position with no job description at the Port Authority, courtesy of a high school friend who now is the governor of New Jersey. The other was a rising star in the Republican Party, a former state senator well-regarded on both sides of the aisle who became Gov. Chris Christie's right hand at the Port Authority, the bistate agency that oversees the metropolitan region's mass transit, major airports, river crossings and seaports. Now both have gone down in flames in the burgeoning Port Authority scandal that led to the resignation on Friday morning of Bill Baroni, the authority's $289,667-a-year deputy executive director, and of David Wildstein a week eariier, who agreed to step down from his position as director of interstate capital projects — both caught up in a widening investigation into allegations that they may have orchestrated a series of massive traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge as political payback against the mayor of Fort Lee. The two were the two highest-ranking Port Authority executives appointed by Christie and their absence leaves him scrambling to find replacements and tamp down a scandal that could become a political problem as the governor sets his sights on the White House. My prediction on how we can expect Chris Christie's crisis with the GW Bridge to develop By Paul Mulshine The Star Ledger My old pal Charles Stile of the Record has some thoughts here on how the GW Bridge scandal is going to work out for the governor. Probably not so well, says Chuck: Despite his business-as-usual nonchalance, Christie was in full damagecontrol mode, attempting to contain a crisis that threatens to tarnish the Christie brand at a time when national polls and pundits are certifying him as the eariy front-runner for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. As it stands now, the widening furor over the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge in eariy September does not appear to be the kind of issue that will doom Christie's presidential hopes. Christie appointee quits amid probe of N.Y. bridge tie-up Democrats press for a reason why lanes were shut on George Washington, amid suspicion of retribution. PA - DW - 000319 By Angela Delli Santi and GeoffMulvihill, Associated Press Phillv.com-(Full Text) Gov. Christie announced the resignation Friday of one of his top appointees amid an escalating investigation into whether Christie loyalists deliberately created traffic jams at a bridge into New York City in an act of political retribution. The governor denied that the lane closings were politically motivated. The resignation of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey deputy executive director Bill Baroni comes a day after a state lawmaker issued seven subpoenas to Baroni and other agency officials, and the Democratic National Committee tried to link the controversy to Christie, a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate. Christie, who is shuffling some staff positions as he begins his second term, painted Baroni's departure from a plum appointment as an expected move, though he also acknowledged that the questions about a bridge delay cause a distraction. "Sen. Baroni offered his resignation, and I accepted it, but this wasn't something I hadn't planned already," the governor said. Baroni is a former Republican state senator who was state chairman of John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign and has been Christie's top deputy at the bistate agency for four years. The new deputy executive director, Deborah Gramiccioni, has a long history of working with Christie, both in the U.S. Attorney's Office and in his administration. She also worked in the Justice Department in Washington. The issue involves the George Washington Bridge, one of the worid's most heavily traveled spans. The town on the New Jersey side of the bridge is Fort Lee, whose Democratic mayor did not endorse Christie in his reelection campaign last month. While Christie is a Republican, his campaign focused heavily on bipartisan support to bolster his image as a pragmatic executive who will work with his political opponents. On Sept 9, two of the three local-access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge's upper level were closed without warning. Officials at the Port Authority, the powerful agency that operates the bridge, said the closures were for a traffic pattern study. Christie said Friday that he believes that version of events, though he said Baroni and others did not communicate the plan properiy. Christie also said that he does not believe anyone on his own staff was involved in the lane closures and that he did not know about them until later. Fort Lee officials said they were not informed of the closures in advance. The closures led to gridlock in Fort Lee and were canceled after four days. Finishing a first term that by New Jersey standards has been scandal-free, Christie previously spoke about the issue in public only once. That time, he laughed it off. During a news conference this month, he joked that he personally put up traffic cones to close the lanes. Then he addressed his critics, including two Democratic lawmakers who have been pressing the issue. "Just because John Wisniewski and Loretta Weinberg are obsessed with this," he said, "it just shows you they really have nothing to do." He also denied a report in the Wall Street Journal that he called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, this week to complain that one of Cuomo's appointees at the Port Authority was pushing too hard for answers about the bridge incident. On Friday, Christie accused Democrats of making too much out of the bridge issue and exploiting "all the other politics swiriing around it" Democratic lawmakers have kept pushing the story by calling Port Authority officials to testify. Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye, a Cuomo appointee, told lawmakers under oath that he was unaware of any traffic study. David Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects and one of Christie's high school friends, sent a resignation letter last week saying he would leave the agency as of Jan. 1. He said in the letter that he planned to leave anyway in 2014 but was speeding up his resignation because the bridge issue had become "a distraction." The resignations of Baroni and Wildstein are effective Friday, Christie said. Baroni earned $290,000 a year as Christie's top deputy, while Wildstein, who was a political blogger under the pseudonym Wally Edge before joining the authority, made $150,000 annually. Exec behind GWB closure bought Web addresses named for PA chief, Barbara Buono By Abbott Koloff Record The Port Authority official who ordered the mysterious lane closures at the George Washington Bridge and sparked a political firestorm for Governor Christie has also quietly purchased Internet domain addresses that use the name of the agency's top executive and Barbara Buono, Christie's Democratic adversary in his recent reelection campaign. The official, David Wildstein, a Christie appointee who left the Port Authority on Friday after resigning amid the growing controversy, purchased patfoye.com, the name of Pat Foye, the agency's executive director who criticized the closures. And he also purchased domain names that could have been used by Buono and Milly Silva, her running mate, in the race against Christie, including buonosilva.org and millysilva.com. It is not clear why Wildstein, a childhood friend of Christie's, has been collecting domain names. In some cases, the Web addresses he's purchased have been in the names of presumed adversaries, like Foye. Bridge-gate scandal nips at Christie's heels: Moran By Tom Moran The Star-Ledger As scandals go, the manufactured traffic nightmare at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee is a mouse, not a lion. No one stole money. No one was hurt. And there was no sex. But it does have the key ingredient that breathes life into PA - DW - 000320 any scandal: a sloppy attempt by the key players to cover their tracks. Gov. Chris Christie's top lieutenants at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey knew their behavior could not be justified. Christie Allies Gone as Bridge Inquiry Poised to Widen By Elise Young and Terrence Dopp Bloomberg News New Jersey Governor Chris Christie withstood critics when he killed a $12.4 billion transit tunnel under the Hudson River to New York City. Now, on the verge of his second term, he's at the center of another commuter fury over four days of traffic tie-ups at the George Washington Bridge , the world's busiest. The Republican governor's opponents in New Jersey as well as inWashington are trying to build a case that unannounced lane closures were orchestrated to punish a community whose Democratic mayor failed to endorse the re-election of Christie, a possible 2016 presidential contender. Christie, 51, hasn't explained the reasons for the four-hour delays that brought traffic to a standstill in Fort Lee. Bill Baroni, the governor's top appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the bridge, resigned yesterday. Gov. Christie Appoints Livingston Native To Lead Port Authority Deborah Gramiccioni, who graduated from Livingston High School, will replace Bill Baroni as executive deputy director of the bi-state agency. By Mike D'Onofrio Livingston Patch Gov. Chris Christie tapped a Livingston native to be his top appointee in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as the governor accepts high-level resignations from the bi-state agency after September closures of several lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Deborah Gramiccioni will replace Bill Baroni as executive deputy director of the Port Authority after Baroni resigned Friday, according to NorthJersey.com. The resignation of Baroni is the second high-level executive at the bi-state agency in the last two weeks. The other executive who recently resigned was David Wildstein, the former agency's director of interstate capital projects and the former Republican mayor of Livingston, according to NorthJersey.com. Baroni and Wildstein came under intense scrutiny after the latter announced the closure of several lanes in September to the George Washington Bridge that are usually dedicated to Fort Lee traffic, according to NorthJersey.com. Christie: Bridge Traffic Controversy 'Sensationalized' By Sandy Fitzgerald Newsmax New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is frustrated with the growing scandal over the George Washington Bridge lane closures that gridlocked Fort Lee's morning traffic for four days in September. However, legislative hearings have led to the resignations of two of his close associates, reported The New York Times. In addition, allegations that the closures were ordered in retribution against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who refused to back Christie's reelection efforts, are growing. On Friday, Bill Baroni, the governor's chief appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, stepped down. Bumpy Ride: How Chris Christie's Traffic Scandal May Wreck His Presidential Bid By Trevor LaFauci Politicus USA Friday the 13th was a very unlucky day for Chris Christie. So unlucky, in fact, that it might cost him a chance at the presidency. Governor Chris Christie found himself in hot water this week after a story broke that initially appeared to be too sensational to be true. The story goes that in mid-September, two lanes were closed on the George Washington Bridge, an incident that led to extensive traffic backups for three days out of the town of Fort Lee, New Jersey. Cleariy, this was a case of bad timing and nothing more. However, rumors began to circulate that these lane closures were done by Christie as retribution to Fort Lee Democratic mayor Mark Sokolich, who refused to endorse Christie's re-election bid. Sounds far fetched, right? Here's where the story gets interesting. Last Friday, The Rachel Maddow Show reported that a man by the name of David Wildstein, the director of interstate capital projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, announced his resignation, effective January 1st, 2014. As snow blankets region, slowdowns at the airports and on the roads By Usa Rose The Star-Ledger PA - DW - 000321 Snow is beginning to snari air traffic, with cancellations and arrival delays in Newark and New York. The Associated Press is reporting that more than 300 flights have been canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport while planes landing at John F. Kennedy Airport are arriving about an hour late, according to FlightView , an air travel website. At LaGuardia Airport, flights are arriving up to 30 minutes late, according to FlightView. Things are looking better on the rails. Most NJ Transit trains are running on or close to schedule. AVIATION Snowstorm Causes Delays at New York Airports By Daniel E. Slotnik New York Times - {Full Text) A winter storm that was expected to blanket New England and the Ohio Valley with a foot or more of snow over the weekend caused significant delays and cancellations at New York City airports on Saturday, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration said that flights into Kennedy International Airport would be delayed by an average of about two and a half hours until late Saturday night The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said that 366 flights had been canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport as of 6:30 p.m., with 62 cancellations at Kennedy and 50 at La Guardia Airport. The National Weather Service reported that five inches of snow had fallen in Centra! Park by 10 p.m. and that six inches had fallen on the Upper West Side by 9:30 p.m. Total accumulation could reach up to 10 inches, it said, with about a quarter of an inch of ice after the snow turned to sleet or freezing rain overnight. Gusts of up to 35 miles per hour were possible. A winter storm warning was in effect until six a.m. Sunday, according to the Weather Service. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said on its website on Saturday evening to allow for additional travel time. The storm began on Friday in the Midwest, covering parts of Illinois with more than 10 inches of snow. The Associated Press reported that four people had died in car crashes caused by the weather in Missouri. LaGuardia bus finally takes off Zippy new Q70 brings relief after decades of slow slog on Q33 By Marine Cole Crain's New York Business It used to take Delta Air Lines employee Zaird Caicedo up to 90 minutes or more—depending on traffic—to get to his job at LaGuardia Airport. Frequently he got in late. But on Sept. 8, that all changed when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority replaced its infamously erratic Q33 bus, which ran from the Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Queens to the airport, with the Q70 Limited bus. The new service has not only halved Mr. Caicedo's bus commute, but it has also done so reliably. "This is perfect" he said. "I'm always on time now." After years of effort to find the most efficient and affordable way to connect Queens and much of Manhattan to LaGuardia by public transportation, the MTA has finally come up with a winner, riders say. PA says it will no longer shoot airport owls By Rich Bochmann Times Ledger The borough's airports will work with the state to humanely remove snowy owls that pose safety threats to aircraft in lieu of shooting them, officials said. The Port Authority said it is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to put together a program to trap and remove the nomadic birds from John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports. "The Port Authority's goat is to strike a balance in humanely controlling bird populations at and around the agency's airports to safeguard passengers on thousands of aircrafts each day," the agency said in a statement released Monday night "Over the past two weeks, five planes at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports were struck by snowy owls that have been migrating to our region in far higher than typical numbers this year." Snowy-owl overflow a risk to N.Y.-area airports Birds popularized by the Harry Potter books are heading south this year In larger numbers than usual and have been hanging out at airports in the New York area. At least five have died in encounters with airplanes. By Tina Susman Los Angeles Times First terrapins. Now snowy owls. Humans are not the only species flocking to airports this holiday season. At least five times in the past few weeks, airiiners at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports have been hit by the fluffy owls, which airport and National Audubon Society officials agree are migrating south in far higher numbers than normal. One was even seen in Bermuda recently, said Glenn Phillips, executive director of New York City Audubon. Phillips speculates that its an owl overflow from a population boom back home, on the edges of the Arctic Circle. The question facing the PA - DW - 000322 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airports, is how best to control the golden-eyed white creatures: by culling or by capturing. TV CLIPS MSNBC Part 1 - GWB lane closures controversy. MSNBC Part 2 - GWB lane closures controversy. WNYC FM - GWB lane closures controversy. PA - DW - 000323 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Saturday, December 14, 2013 8:55 AM Morning Clips 12.14.12 PANYNJ Christie Views Lane Closings on George Washington Bridge as Overblown By Kate Zernike Nev^ York Times - (Full Text) It began with a few orange traffic cones in September, when local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge abruptly closed for four days, gridlocking Fort Lee, N.J. But after legislative hearings, the resignations of two of his confidants and demands for more answers, the allegation that drivers were made to suffer for the sake of petty political payback has grown into a major irritation for Gov. Chris Christie. Facing reporters on Friday to announce the resignation of a second close associate in a week, Mr. Christie said the fuss about the two men's having ordered that lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge be shut — and whether they had done it to punish Fort Lee's mayor for failing to endorse Mr. Christie — had been "sensationalized." It was merely a mistake, he said, or rather, "a mistake got made." The article that said he had called Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York to complain that the controversy was getting too much attention? "The story was wrong." The resignation yesterday, by the man at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which controls the bridge? "This was a change I was going to make anyway," Mr. Christie said. But to explain that it was not such a big deal, the governor spent more than an hour of his time. And he said he had watched "most of the hearing this week that laid out the details of the closings — a hearing that had stretched for more than six hours. Even if the lane closings were not retribution, even if Mr. Christie did not know about them, the accusation of nasty politics goes to the heart of one of the governor's vulnerabilities as he prepares to run for president In how many other states, after all, do pollsters routinely ask voters whether they agree that their governor is a bully? So Mr. Christie, among the deftest of politicians, took pains to put any tone of bullying aside. His normally combative self, the wagging finger and borderiine contempt for reporters, was gone, replaced by a charmer, widening his eyes and offering extensive explanation. The "culture of fear" that workers described at the Port Authority? "The first I've heard of it" he said, and shrugged. Punishing the mayor of Fort Lee? "I don't have any recollection of having met the mayor of Fort Lee," he said. (Twitter then exploded with copies of a photo of the governor with the mayor, Mark Sokolich, a Democrat) Is there a bottom of this story to get to? "I don't think so," Mr. Christie said, shrugging again. He added, "We're going to turn the page now." Mr. Christie understands the stakes: that as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, Democrats and the news media will watch his every move. ("Get used to the new world," he told one reporter on Friday, smiling.) He was not quite taking responsibility: more like putting distance. The lanes had been closed, he said twice, "at the request of Mr. Wildstein" — David Wildstein, an old friend of Mr. Christie's, who resigned from his $150,000-a-year job at the Port Authority a week ago. Asked about Bill Baroni, another close friend and the governor's chief appointee at the Port Authority until he resigned on Friday, Mr. Christie said he had not spoken to him "in the last period of time." By the end of the hour, the governor tried to turn the situation to his advantage, offering that he wished more people in public life would own up to their mistakes. His office followed up by emailing a video clip from the news conference headlined, "I Take Responsibility for Things That Happen on My Watch." It opened with him saying, "I wouldn't characterize myself as angry." National Democratic groups had jumped on the controversy after details of the moves by Mr. Baroni and Mr. Wildstein came out at a legislative hearing here Monday, and Democrats in the State Legislature said their investigations would continue. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, who led the hearing Monday, said he expected more hearings to follow up on seven subpoenas he sent on Thursday, including for email correspondence between the governor's office and the Port Authority. That agency's inspector general is also investigating. "We still don't have a full accounting of what happened, why it was allowed to occur, everyone who was involved and what their motivations were," said State Senator Loretta Weinberg, the Democratic majority leader, who has attended Port Authority meetings in recent months to seek answers. She called the resignations "an admission of guilt" Mr. Baroni, who earned $291,100 at the Port Authority in 2011, is a former Republican state senator who was appointed by Mr. Christie in the face of a primary challenge for his legislative seat. At the Port Authority, he created a new job for Mr. Wildstein, who was a high school friend of the governor and who later became mayor of their hometown, Livingston, and started an anonymous political blog that was noted for scoops from the United States attorney's office when Mr. Christie led it Port Authority workers testified on Monday that the lane closings had caused emergency vehicles to be delayed, commutes to stretch to four hours and children to be late to the first day of school. It cost the agency toll revenue and overtime pay. Mr. Wildstein, the workers said, told them not to tell anyone about the closings, and had not followed procedure for such significant changes to traffic patterns — 75,000 cars use those lanes each day. The Port Authority workers said they had gone along with the plan despite warning it would PA - DW - 000324 "not end well"; they said they had feared for their jobs, because Mr. Wildstein worked for Mr. Baroni, and Mr. Baroni worked for the governor. If there was a traffic study, the workers testified, it had not resulted in any report that they knew ot Mr. Christie said, "I've heard more about this than I ever wanted to," and said he had better ways of spending Friday mornings than talking for an hour about traffic studies and road closings. Still, at the end of the news conference, in which he named a former prosecutor and close aide of his, Deborah Gramiccioni, to Mr. Baroni's post Mr. Christie suggested it might be worth examining why Fort Lee should have local access lanes. But he added that he was not about to call for it right away: "Everybody needs some time to calm down." Christie Aide Quits Over Traffic-Jam Controversy Lane Closure Has Turned Into a Headache for Potential 2016 GOP Contender By Ted Mann, Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) A top appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie resigned Friday as a controversy over a traffic jam in a New York City suburb mushroomed into a political headache for a potential 2016 GOP presidential contender. The resignation of Bill Baroni, Mr. Christie's top representative at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, represented the second time in a week that a Christie ally has stepped down over disruptive lane closures ordered at the George Washington Bridge. The New Jersey-to-Manhattan span along Interstate 95 is the worid's busiest, according to the authority. The controversy stems from a decision to reduce access to toll booths from local streets in the suburb of Fort Lee, N.J., at the bridge's western end. The changes were made Sept 9 without notice to local authorities and caused a weeklong traffic snari because a significant part of the bridge's traffic comes from Fort Lee streets, officials said. The Port Authority runs the Hudson River crossings into New York City and the region's airports and is jointly controlled by Mr. Christie, a Republican, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat New Jersey Democrats have accused Mr. Christie's Port Authority appointees of orchestrating the closures to punish Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, who didn't join other Democratic mayors in endorsing the Republican governor's re-election campaign this year. Mr. Christie racked up about 60 endorsements from Democratic elected officials across the state. Mr. Baroni and other Christie appointees have said access was reduced to the bridge for a traffic-management study. But others have questioned whether there was a study. At a news conference Friday, Mr. Christie said he didn't know about the closures until media reports in October. He said they had nothing to do with his re-election campaign. Mr. Christie said he believed Mr. Baroni was sincere when he said the closures were for a traffic study. He said the study wasn't carried out well. "When mistakes are made, people have to take accountability," Mr. Christie said. Mr. Christie praised Mr. Baroni and downplayed his resignation Friday, saying he had long planned to reshuffle positions. Mr. Baroni didn't respond to requests for comment His resignation came a week after the authority employee who ordered the closures, David Wildstein, a political operative, stepped down, citing the bridge incident as a "distraction." The controversy has highlighted differences between the camps of Messrs. Cuomo and Christie, two ambitious governors who control the sprawling authority and have different sets of employees there. Mr. Cuomo's top Port Authority aide, Patrick Foye, has said he wasn't told of the closure and called it "abusive" and the resulting traffic a safety hazard. Mr. Foye said under oath this week that he didn't believe there was a traffic study. Mr. Foye sent a Sept 13 email reversing the lane closures and vowing to investigate, triggering an immediate response from Mr. Baroni, according to correspondence reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. "Bill we are going to fix this fiasco," Mr. Foye emailed Mr. Baroni. Mr. Baroni replied: "I am on way to office to discuss. There can be no public discourse." The Journal reported Thursday that Mr. Christie recently called Mr. Cuomo to complain about Mr. Foye. Mr. Christie on Friday denied having such a conversation. A spokesman for Mr. Cuomo said Mr. Christie's comments on Friday were correct People familiar with the matter maintained on Friday the conversation took place. Aware that they largely gave Mr. Christie a pass during his re-election campaign last month, national Democrats have pounced on the bridge controversy to try to raise questions about the governor and his leadership style. So far, the controversy appears to have stirred little angst among national Republican donors and party leaders. Several said they were only slightly aware of the unfolding story, while others said they were watching events unfold to see how Mr. Christie handled the heat Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute in New Jersey, said the bridge incident represented a rare instance of Mr. Christie on the defensive. "This is the first time we've seen anything like this come out of this administration," he said. New Jersey Democrats have started referring to the flap as "Bridgegate." State Assemblyman John Wisniewski, the Democrat who has compelled people to testify under oath on the incident said: "Our investigation into what happened with these lane closings will continue." Chris Christie loyalist resigns from Port Authority over bridge lane closures 6/7/ Baroni's resignation as deputy executive director comes as New Jersey Democrats allege that officials loyal to the New Jersey's Republican governor on the agency, which runs the bridges and tunnels between New York and New Jersey among other transportation infratructure, shut down lanes on the busy George Washington Bridge as payback for the refusal of Fort Lee mayor, a Democrat, to back Christie's reelection. Fort Lee is directly affected by bridge traffic. By Kenneth Lovett and Celeste Katz New York Daily News PA - DW - 000325 New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's top appointee to the Port Authority resigned Friday — the second casualty of a growing scandal over lane closures that caused massive delays at the George Washington Bridge. New Jersey Democrats have claimed that Christie loyalists at the Port Authority shut the lanes as payback after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee — the town on the Jersey side of the bridge — refused to back the reelection of Christie, a Republican. At the time, the Christie camp was seeking the endorsements of local Democrats to increase the margin of his expected victory and burnish his credentials as a 2016 presidential candidate. The official who stepped down Friday, Bill Baroni, was the $289,000-a-year deputy executive director. Christie's top Port Authority appointee Baroni resigns amid escalating probe into GWB lane closures By Shawn Boburg and John Reitmeyer Record Governor Christie's top executive at the Port Authority resigned on Friday, the second official to exit the bi-state agency amid an escalating controversy over whether access lanes for the George Washington Bridge were closed for four days in September to exact political revenge. Christie, who announced Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni's immediate departure Friday morning, acknowledged that his top two executives at the agency had made mistakes. But the governor said he did not believe the lane closures — described by Baroni as a traffic study — were politically motivated. He also insisted that the abrupt resignation, which capped a week of explosive revelations — that began with a legislative hearing and ended with subpoenas and increasing calls for Baroni's removal — was not connected to the controversy. Democrats said the move would not halt an investigation into the motives behind the decision that clogged Fort Lee's streets and frustrated commuters and local officials. Recap of Assembly Transportation Panel Subpoena Hearing on Port Authority George Washington Bridge Access Lane Closures By James Sverapa IV Politicker NJ Democratic Assembly members ~ Deputy Speaker and transportation panel chair John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), transportation panel vice-chair Linda Stender (D-Union), transportation panel member Mariene Caride (D-Bergen), Majority Conference Leader Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen) and Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) - issued a multimedia package on Friday recapping portions of the Assembly transportation panel's continued investigation, via subpoenaed testimony, into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's unannounced September closing of the Fort Lee access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Monday's testimony did much to debunk the claim by Governor Christie's top appointees to the Port Authority that the closings were part of some sort of traffic study. The multimedia package consists of video commentary from Chairman Wisniewski and Vice-Chair Stender, excerpts from the committee hearing, and audio of same. Christie's new Port Authority pick battled corruption, wasteful spending By Michael Linhorst Record Governor Christie picked a lawyer with a reputation for pursuing waste and corruption to fill a top post at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as he faces continuing questions about possible political interference with the agency. Deborah Gramiccioni, who will take over as the authority's deputy executive director, spent more than a decade as a prosecutor before joining Christie's administration four years ago in a post responsible for investigating government spending. She helped clean up the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, tackling problems like widespread patronage. She also forced cutbacks at the Port Authority. Gramiccioni replaces Bill Baroni, who resigned Friday. Exit Baroni Record BARONI MAKES two. On Friday, Governor Christie announced he accepted Bill Baroni's resignation as deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Baroni is the second high-ranking Port Authority official to exit in the wake of controversial lane closings at the George Washington Bridge in September. What at first seemed like much ado over orange traffic cones eventually became a political nightmare for the Christie administration. David Wildstein, a Christie appointee at the authority, ordered the lane closures either for an unexplained traffic study or as political retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee. Top Port Authority official quits amid bridge probe Gov. Chris Christie said he intended to replace Bill Baroni before questions surfaced about the closing of lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September PA - DW - 000326 By Bloomberg News Crain's New York New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he accepted the resignation of his top executive appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as he continues to face questions about the closing of lanes onto the George Washington Bridge three months ago. Mr. Christie, 51, a Republican who won a second term last month, said he had planned to replace Bill Baroni even before Democrats started asking about the order that lanes be closed. The unannounced action turned typical half-hour delays into four hours. Given the "mistake," Mr. Baroni's resignation is "appropriate," Mr. Christie told reporters Friday in Trenton, N.J. The bistate Port Authority, which operates what it says is the worid's busiest span, says the morning rush-hour lane closings in September were for a transportation study. The governor's Democratic opponents in New Jersey as well as in Washington are trying to build a case that his allies orchestrated the mess as a show of might by a possible 2016 presidential contender. Christie ally steps down in wake of George Washington Bridge scandal By Jenna Portnoy The Star-Ledger Gov. Chris Christie's top appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey resigned Friday amid questions over whether he ordered a traffic jam at the world's busiest bridge as political payback. The Republican governor accepted the resignation of Bill Baroni, the agency's deputy executive director, effective immediately, and praised the former state senator's four-year stint at the bi-state agency. "Bill Baroni is a friend of mine, has been an outstanding public servant both in his time in the Legislature and his time at the Port Authority and I have no reason not to believe him," Christie said at a Statehouse news conference, noting their 20-year relationship dating back to the governor's days as a Morris County freeholder. Late last month, Baroni testified before a state Assembly committee that three lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee were closed Sept 9 to 13 to conduct a traffic study. Stile: Christie won't easily shake GWB flap By Charles Stile Columnist Governor Christie described Friday's abrupt departure of a trusted ally from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as part of a predictable staff shake-up that occurs before any governor begins a second term. "This was nothing that I hadn't planned already," Christie said at a State House news conference announcing Bill Baroni's resignation. But make no mistake about it. Despite his business-as-usual nonchalance, Christie was in full damage-control mode, attempting to contain a crisis that threatens to tarnish the Christie brand at a time when national polls and pundits are certifying him as the early front-runner for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. As it stands now, the widening furor over the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge in eariy September does not appear to be the kind of issue that will doom Christie's presidential hopes. Other candidates surmounted far more significant controversies on their way to the White House. Chris Christie calls flap over George Washington Bridge 'hullabaloo' United Press international New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Friday called the flap over the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge "a whole lot of hullabaloo." The governor announced the resignation of Bill Baroni, a longtime Christie friend and ally, as deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, CNN reported. Baroni, a former state senator, was New Jersey's highest official in the agency. Another old friend of the governor, Doug Wildstein, resigned from the agency last week. Deputy Director Bill Baroni resigns from Port Authority amid political firestorm 2nd official resigns in bridge flap Daily Record Gov. Chris Christie's top two allies at the Port Authority have now lost their jobs, in the wake of a simmering scandal over a phantom traffic study that shut down two access lanes of the George Washington Bridge. But it's unclear if Friday's resignation of former state Sen. Bill Baroni will help stem the bi-state uproar, fueled by speculation that the shutdown was a political retaliation against the Fort Lee mayor, who did not endorse Christie for re-election. But with Baroni's resignation, Christie gets to make another appointment to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Christie announced Friday that Deborah Gramiccioni of Wall, who is married to acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni, will become the Port Authority's deputy executive director. Baroni, who used to represent Mercer and Middlesex counties in the Legislature, resigned from the job Friday. 4 PA - DW - 000327 Christie Replaces Top Port Authority Appointee as Bridge Scandal Grows WPRO 630 Under pressure from Democrats in the state. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Friday accepted the resignation of his top staff appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey after a controversy over whether several local lanes were shut down on the busy George Washington Bridge for political reasons. Bill Baroni, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, will be replaced by Deborah Gramiccioni, who Christie called one of his "most trusted friends and advisers over the last ten years." Christie said that Baroni offered his resignation and he accepted, but he had planned to replace him with Gramiccioni ail along. "This was nothing that I hadn't planned already," Christie said. "He knew that I had planned to replace him a while back." AVIATION Jet terminal operator opens facility in Newark, ahead of Super Bowl By Richard Newman Record Newark Liberty International Airport's business jet terminal operator has rolled out new carpet leather-upholstered sofas, 60-inch televisions and a bar for the swarms of wealthy passengers expected to fly in for the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium, 51 days away. Signature Flight Support Corp., which provides ground services at Newark for jets carrying corporate chieftains, heads of state, and the Brooklyn Nets, held a ribbon-cutting Friday at its new 11,000-square-foot terminal, which opened last month with ample time to spare before the influx of traffic for the-^big game. "Three years ago we committed that we would be ready for Super Bowl XLVIll, and we did i f Maria A. Sastre.Uhe company's president and chief operating officer, said Friday to a gathering of employees, airport officials and reporters. The $11 million terminal, which took about 1 1/2 years to build, replaced a World War ll-era structure that was torn down to make way for the new one. Legislators call for more airline service to Atlantic City By Donald Wittkowski Press of Atlantic City New Jersey lawmakers are urging more airiine service for Atlantic City International Airport, saying it is critical for the region's economic development and to boost the tourism industry. In a unanimous vote, the five-member Senate Transportation Committee approved a resolution Thursday that notes additional air service will bring more tourists to Atlantic City from outside the traditional drive-in markets. "Currently, less than one percent of visitors to Atlantic City arrive by air each year," said Sen. James Holzapfel, R-Ocean, sponsor of the resolution. "To expand our reach, we need to be more accessible to people from beyond our immediate region who can't easily drive to us." Delta adding 2 dally flights to JFK in April Democrat and Chronicle Delta Air Lines confirmed Friday it will add two daily flights from Rochester to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning April 1. Spokeswoman Leslie P. Scott said those are in addition to the evening flight Delta now offers daily from the Greater Rochester International Airport to JFK. Delta also added a fifth daily flight to New York's LaGuardia Airport this fall, Scott said. A news release from the office of Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the airiine also will expand its service from Rochester to Minneapolis and Detroit next year. TV CLIPS WPIX TV - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WLNY - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WCBS NY-Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. NY 1 - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. NEWS 12 NJ - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. PA - DW - 000328 WOR AM -- Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. PA - DW - 000329 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Friday, December 13, 2013 6:30 PM Evening Clips 12.13.13 PANYNJ Top Chris Christie Appointee Quits Port Authority Over GWB Lane-Closure Scandal By Celeste Katz New York Daily News The appointee, Bill Baroni, oversaw the Port Authority official who ordered the September closure of two bridge access lanes in Fort Lee, N.J. on Sept. 9, triggering delays of up to four hours. Democrats in New Jersey have claimed the shutdown was straight-up payback for the refusal of Fort Lee's Democratic mayor to endorse the November re-election of Christie, a leading Republican presidential candidate in 2016. The calls for Baroni's departure intensified after Baroni claimed in Novemver testimony that the closure was part of a traffic study. Disputing those claims: Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye - an appointee of Gov. Cuomo, who's also being talked up as a possible 2016 White House contender ~ as well as Cedric Fulton, director of tunnels and bridges, and Robert Durando, who supervises the GWB. Timeline of the Port Authority's George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy By Christopher Baxter The Star-Ledger The controversy over the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge in September reached new levels today as Gov. Chris Christie announced the resignation of Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Here's a blow-by-blow account of how the bridge scandal has unfolded: Sept 6: The Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects, David Wildstein, orders the bridge's general manager to carry out the closures. Sept 9: The Port Authority closes two of three local access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, the nation's busiest crossing, bringing traffic to a halt and turning borough streets into a parking lot Christie on Cuomo Port Authority call: 'Categorically false' By Darryl Isherwood NJ.com Gov. Chris Christie today denied reports that he reached out to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to complain about a Cuomo appointee's handling of the flap over lane closures at the George Washington Bridge. Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Christie called Cuomo personally to say that Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was pushing too hard for answers on the lane closures in Fort Lee that snaried traffic in the town for a week. "That story is categorically wrong," he said. "I did not have that conversation with Gov. Cuomo in any way shape or form and he did not have that conversation with me." Christie said after the story of their alleged conversation broke Thursday, he reached out to Cuomo to ask where it came from, but did not discuss the actual lane closings. Another resignation comes in Christie administration over bridge scandal By Ashley Killough CNN New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Friday the resignation of New Jersey's top Port Authority official Bill Baroni, as controversy swirls regarding allegations that politics played a role in a traffic study that closed several access lanes to the George Washington Bridge-one of the busiest in the worid-in September. Christie said Baroni accepted responsibility for not following the right protocols in approving the traffic study, which was led by a political appointee of Christie, David Wildstein. The lane closures caused major traffic delays on the bridge, which runs from Fort Lee, New Jersey, to New York City, and is part of Interstate 95. "Mistakes are made and when mistakes are made people have to be held accountable for them," the Republican governor and potential presidential candidate said at a press conference. Christie accepts official's resignation in bridge controversy By Michael O'Brien 1 PA - DW - 000330 NBC News New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, accepted the resignation of a port authority official who ordered the closures of lanes on a major thoroughfare, creating a political controversy in the Garden State. Amid a growing Democratic uproar, Christie said he had accepted the resignation of Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the New York-New Jersey Port Authority, and a former state Republican lawmaker. Baroni has become a target of scrutiny for having ordered the closure of two lanes on the George Washington Bridge, one of the busiest thoroughfares between New York and New Jersey, in September. The lane closings created massive gridlock in Ft Lee, N.J., the mayor of which had declined to endorse Christie's re-election. The political appointee identified as having ordered the closing, David Wildstein, resigned from his position as the port authority's director of interstate capital projects last week. Aide To Gov. Cuomo Confirms NJ Gov. Chris Christie's Comments On GWB Flap By Kev Lovett New York Daily News An aide to Gov. Cuomo backed up New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's denials today of a report that he called Cuomo to complain that Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Pat Foye was pushing too hard for information on the September lane closures on the George Washington Bridge that led to traffic delays of up to four hours. "That story is categorically wrong," Christie said today of the Wail Street Journal report. "I did not have that conversation with Gov. Cuomo in any way shape or form and he did not have that conversation with me." Christie admitted there was a conversation, but that it centered on questions about where the report came from. A Cuomo aide confirmed the comments Appointee of NJ governor resigns amid bridge probe By Angela Dellisanti, The Associated Press News 12 New Jersey - (Full Text) Gov. Chris Christie announced the resignation Friday of one of his top appointees amid an escalating probe of whether traffic jams approaching a bridge into New York City were purposeful political retribution. But the Republican governor and potential 2016 presidential candidate said the lane closures at the heart of the brouhaha were not politically motivated, although they have become a distraction. The resignation of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey deputy executive director Bill Baroni comes a day after the Democratic National Committee tried to link the controversy to Christie, who is finishing a first term that by New Jersey standards has been scandal-free, and a state lawmaker issued seven subpoenas to Baroni and other agency officials. Christie, who is shuffling some staff positions as he begins his second term, painted Baroni's departure as an expected move. "Sen. Baroni offered his resignation and I accepted it but this wasn't something I hadn't planned already," the governor said. Baroni is a former Republican state senator and insider who was state chairman of John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign and has been Christie's top deputy at the bistate agency for four years. The new deputy executive director, Deborah Gramiccioni, has a long history of working with Christie, both in the U.S. attorney's office and in his administration. She also worked in the Justice Department in Washington. The issue at play involves the George Washington Bridge, one of the worid's most heavily traveled spans. The town on the New Jersey side of the bridge is Fort Lee, whose Democratic mayor did not endorse Christie in his re-election campaign last month. While Christie is a Republican, his campaign focused heavily on bipartisan support to bolster his image as a pragmatic executive who will work with his political opponents when he needs to. On Sept 9, two of the three local-access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge's upper level were closed without warning. Officials at the Port Authority, the powerful agency that operates the bridge, said the closures were for a traffic pattern study. Christie said Friday that he believes that version of events, though he said Baroni and others did not communicate the plan properly. Christie also said he does not believe anyone on his own staff was involved in the lane closures and that he did not know about them until later. Fort Lee officials said they were not informed of the closures in advance. The closures led to gridlock in Fort Lee and were canceled after four days. The one time Christie previously spoke in public about the issue, he laughed it off. During a news conference this month, he joked that he personally put up traffic cones to close the lanes. Then he addressed his critics, including two Democratic lawmakers who have been pressing the issue. "Just because John Wisniewski and Loretta Weinberg are obsessed with this," he said, "it just shows you they really have nothing to do." He also denied a report in The Wall Street Journal that he called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, this week to complain that one of Cuomo's appointees at the Port Authority was pushing too hard for answers about the bridge incident Christie has cultivated an image as both a blunt, tough-talking politician who takes on such adversaries as public workers' unions and a leader willing to make compromises for the greater good. Democrats have increasingly criticized him for tending to his national image in advance of a possible presidential run ~ something he has not ruled out ~ at the expense of taking care of New Jersey issues. On Friday, Christie blamed Democrats for making too much out of the bridge issue and exploiting "all the other politics swiriing around it" Democratic lawmakers have kept pushing the story by calling Port Authority officials to testify. Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, a Cuomo appointee, told lawmakers under oath that he was unaware of any traffic study. David Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects and one of Christie's high school friends, sent a resignation letter last week saying he would leave the agency as of Jan. 1. He said in PA - DW - 000331 the letter that he planned to leave anyway in 2014 but was speeding up his resignation because the bridge issue had become "a distraction." The resignations of Baroni and Wildstein are effective Friday, Christie said. Baroni earned $290,000 a year as Christie's top deputy, while Wildstein, who was a political blogger under the pseudonym Wally Edge before joining the authority, made $150,000 annually. Wildstein is a Christie appointee whom others have testified ordered the lane closures. On Thursday, Wisniewski, the chairman of the state Assembly Transportation Committee and one of Christie's most frequent critics, issued seven subpoenas to access documents and emails related to the lane closures. On Friday, Wisniewski said he welcomed Baroni's resignation but said that won't put the matter to rest. "Our investigation into what happened with these lane closings will continue," he said in a statement "We still don't have an explanation as to what happened here." Other Democrats also said Friday that questions remain. "Relieving Baroni and Wildstein with a pat on the back and a shrug of his shoulders is a far cry from the condemnation they deserve for recklessly endangering people in northern New Jersey," said John Currie, the head of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. Christie appointee resigns amid bridge traffic uproar Statehouse Bureau, Asbury Park Press USA Today With a controversy swiriing around his political appointees to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie announced the resignation of authority deputy director Bill Baroni and his replacement a trusted member of his inner office. Deborah Gramiccioni, one of the governor's deputy chiefs of staff, will move to the port authority. Baroni's resignation is the second at the authority amid a firestorm over access lane closures from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge that some have claimed was political retribution for the town mayor's failure to endorse Christie, a Republican, in his re-election bid. Gramiccioni, who also worked for Democratic Gov. JonCorzine, has served in a senior capacity in the Christie administration in several roles, most recently as the deputy chief of staff for policy and cabinet liaison. Chris Christie Replaces Top Port Authority Appointee Amid Growing Scandal By Abby D. Phillip ABC News Under pressure from Democrats in the state, N.J. Gov. Chris Christie today accepted the resignation of his top staff appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey after a controversy over whether several local lanes were shut down on the busy George Washington Bridge for political reasons. In the hastily arranged news conference this morning, Christie announced that Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the Port Authority, will be replaced by Deborah Gramiccioni, whom Christie called one of his "most trusted friends and advisers over the last 10 years." Christie said that Baroni offered his resignation and he accepted, but he had planned to replace him with Gramiccioni all along. "This was nothing that I hadn't planned already," Christie said. "He knew that I had planned to replace him a while back." Christie's Top Port Authority Ally Quits Amid Bridge Probe By Elise Young and Terrence Dopp Bloomberg Businessweek New Jersey Chris Christie said his top executive appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey resigned as lawmakers questioned the closing of lanes onto the George Washington Bridge three months ago. Christie, a 51-year-old Republican, said he had planned to replace Bill Baroni even before Democrats started asking about the order that lanes be closed. The unannounced action turned typical half-hour delays into four hours. The governor told reporters today that the closures were a "mistake," and said Baroni's departure was "the appropriate thing to do given all the distractions that have been going on." Baroni sought to head off public notification about George Washington Bridge lane closures, according to report By Darryl Isherwood NJ.com The state's highest-ranking official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey tried to squelch the public release of information about the September closure of traffic lanes to the George Washington Bridge, the Walt Street Journal reported today. In two separate emails to Executive Director Patrick Foye sent Friday Sept. 13, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, who resigned today, sought to dissuade Foye from releasing information on the lane closures - which critics have said were politically motivated - until the two had a chance to speak, the Journal reported. The exchange was prompted by the diversion of two of three lanes to the George Washington Bridge dedicated for use by Fort Lee residents. The diversion snaried traffic in the borough for neariy a week, causing delays as long as several hours for some commuters. PA - DW - 000332 Hal Chris Christie's Top Port Authority Official Resigns In Wake Of GW Bridge Fiasco By Jen Chung Gothamist What was once merely an annoyance for NJ Governor Chris Christie is now an official pain-in-the-ass: The outrage over a Christie appointee demanding last-minute lane closures from Fort Lee, NJ to the George Washington Bridge—resulting in hours-long backups for days—has now prompted Christie to give a press conference... and announce that his top official in the Port Authority has resigned! PA Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni has resigned and Christie said, "This was a change I was going to make anyway in the normal course of the transition. Bill said this has become such a distraction that he didn't want to cause any more problems so he knew he was going, so he went today." Well, yeah—check out this email (PDF), via the Wall Street Journal: Executive Director Patrick Foye, Mr. Baroni's counterpart [appointed by NY Governor Cuomo], alerted his top communications aide that he intended to "get word out" about the reopening of the bridge lanes on the morning of Sept 13. The lane closures had occurred without the consent of Mr. Foye, the top executive appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who had not been advised of them, or the ensuing traffic jams they caused. Second aide of N.J. Gov Christie resigns after bridge flap By Victoria Cavaliere Reuters New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced the resignation of another top appointee on Friday, amid a growing controversy over the closure of several access lanes to the George Washington Bridge that Democrats are calling political payback. The latest resignation came in the same week a Democratic group with ties to Hillary Clinton launched a social media campaign attacking Christie over the bridge flap in what could be seen as an eariy skirmish between the two likely contenders in the 2016 presidential race. It also came a week after long-time Christie ally, David Wildstein admitted ordering the lane closures and announced his resignation from the Port Authority. At a press conference in Trenton, Christie said he had accepted the resignation of Bill Baroni, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the bi-state agency that oversees the region's transportation facilities. His departure after four years "was nothing I hadn't planned," the governor added. Chris Christie Tries to Distance Himself From Very New Jersey George Washington Bridge Scandal By Caroline Bankoff New York Magazine Last week, Chris Christie's Port Authority appointee and longtime friend David Wildstein resigned after other Port Authority officials confirmed reports that he ordered that two George Washington Bridge lanes coming from Fort Lee, New Jersey, be shut down for a "traffic study" that likely never existed. The closure, which caused traffic jams in Fort Lee, appears to have been an act of revenge against the town's mayor, a Democrat who declined to endorse Christie's reelection bid. On Friday, Wildstein's former supervisor. Bill Baroni (who also just happens to have been a Christie appointee) gave up his job as well. In addition to possibly lying under oath about the study, Baroni allegedly worked with Wildstein to prevent their Port Authority counterparts in New York from going public with the scheme once they'd discovered it. Weinberg: Answers still needed at Port Authority By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ The Senate Majority Leader said today that the departure of New Jersey's top appointees from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey does not bring the investigation into unannounced lane closures to an end. "The resignations of the two highest-ranking New Jersey officials at the Port Authority is cleariy an admission of guilt but it doesn't put an end to this story," Sen. Loretta Weinberg said. "We still don't have a full accounting of what happened, why it was allowed to occur, everyone who was involved and what their motivations were." Bill Baroni resigned Friday over the September lane closures controversy, and Gov. Chris Christie sought to portray Baroni's departure as something that was planned for weeks. Chris Christie Denies Political Payback In Bridge Controversy As Top Appointee Resigns By Amanda Terkel Huffington Post New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) sought to quell mounting questions over whether his administration used the busiest U.S. bridge in a political retribution scheme, holding a lengthy press conference Friday where he gave his first extended remarks on the issue since the controversy erupted. Christie essentially admitted that some of his top appointees at the PA - DW - 000333 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey screwed up, but he insisted there was no political motivation behind what they did, and said he had not known what was happening. "I'm responsible for everything that happens in this government ... I didn't know anything about it, but I'm responsible," said Christie. "For every person who acts in this government 1 am ultimately responsible. So if you want to hear that, I'm happy to say that because it's true.... That's different obviously than direct responsibility, but ultimate responsibility, sure." Key official in Christie's bridge controversy resigns By Aaron Blake Washington Post New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has replaced his top official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as questions about politics and lane closures on a key bridge continue to dog the potential 2016 presidential candidate. Christie announced Friday that Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the port authority, has resigned. He has been replaced by Deborah Gramiccioni. Baroni is the second top Port Authority official to resign in the past week. Christie said that Baroni's departure was already part of his plans, prior to the controversy, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. Christie teeters, and Cuomo shoves By Dana Rubinstein Capital of New York Even as Chris Christie struggles to avoid being damaged by a burgeoning scandal at the Port Authority, Andrew Cuomo seems determined to see that it sticks. Today, the New Jersey governor announced the resignation of Bill Baroni, his deputy executive director at the Port Authority. Last Friday, David Wildstein, another longtime political ally whom Christie named to be the Port's director of interstate capital projects—even though Wildstein had no infrastructure experience and the position never existed before—also resigned. A third Christie appointee to the sprawling bistate agency. Port chairman David Samson,is missing in action. Christie Replaces Top Port Authority Appointee as Bridge Scandal Grows WPRO 630 Under pressure from Democrats in the state. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Friday accepted the resignation of his top staff appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey after a controversy over whether several local lanes were shut down on the busy George Washington Bridge for political reasons. Bill Baroni, the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, will be replaced by Deborah Gramiccioni, who Christie called one of his "most trusted friends and advisers over the last ten years." Christie said that Baroni offered his resignation and he accepted, but he had planned to replace him with Gramiccioni all along. "This was nothing that I hadn't planned already," Christie said. "He knew that I had planned to replace him a while back." Everything you need to know about Chris Christie's bizarre bridge-closure scandal How a temper tantrum allegedly turned one town into a parking lot for a week By Jon Terbush The Week New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has been having a rough time since winning a landslide re-election in November. First he unsuccessfully tried to oust the state Senate's Republican minority leader (who happens to be the son of one of his own allies). Then he appeared to walk back his past support for in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, drawing ire from critics who accused him of having endorsed the policy solely to help his campaign. Now he's caught in an even more bizarre scandal in which his allies at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey allegedly closed a portion of the nation's busiest bridge for five days in September as political payback, causing horrendous traffic jams for one town and its intransigent mayor. The scuttlebutt started over the summer when Mark Sokolich, mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey, declined to follow the lead of dozens of other Democrats around the state and endorse Christie's re-election bid. Soon after, two of the three access lanes to the George Washington Bridge — which connects Fort Lee to New York City — mysteriously shut down, snariing traffic and turning the town into a parking lot The Traffic Problems of a Small Jersey Town Won't Trip Up Christie 2016 By Philip Bump The Wire The top New Jersey official responsible for a massive traffic jam in the city of Fort Lee in September quit his job on Friday, a relatively minor employment change that may put to rest a burgeoning dispute that had an outside chance of sabotaging Gov. Chris Christie's presidential ambitions. Eariier this week, the state assembly held hearings about the sudden closure PA - DW - 000334 of two of the three lanes providing access from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, one of the three routes from New Jersey into Manhattan. The lane closures choked traffic the week of September 9, delaying emergency vehicles and in some cases quadrupling commute times. The city had no warning — and the rationale for the closures is still unclear. Christie ally and appointee Bill Baroni was, until today, the New Jersey representative for the Port Authority, interstate agency that manages the bridge. PAPD Car stop for inoperable headlight near GWB leads to pot bust of N.J. man By Mike Frassinelli The Star-Ledger What began as a vehicle stop for an inoperable headlight near the George Washington Bridge on Thursday night ended with the arrest of a New Jersey man who had a quarter-pound of marijuana, police said today. At about 7:40 p.m. Thursday, in the area of Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Lemoine Avenue in Fort Lee, 20-year Port Authority Police veteran Frank Emblem stopped a car that had one headlight out police said. After noticing a strong smell of marijuana from inside the car, the officer received permission from 25-year-old Nathaniel Carter of Westwood to search the sedan, police said. Emblem found a jar containing about 90 grams of marijuana, a sealed plastic bag containing about 30 grams of marijuana and a small electronic scale with marijuana residue, police said. Westwood man arrested after traffic stop on GWB By Matthew McGrath Record A Westwood man stopped by police on the George Washington Bridge this week for a burnt-out headlight remains in police custody because he was wanted on outstanding warrants and drug possession. Nathaniel Carter, 25, was charged with possession of 120 grams of marijuana in a vehicle, received several traffic tickets and was wanted on $5,000 worth of warrants - at least one warrant was for a motor vehicle offense, said Joseph Pentangelo, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey spokesman. Carter, gave Port Authority police permission to search his black 2008 Chrysler 300 sedan during the traffic stop Thursday night authorities said. Police found 90 grams of marijuana in a jar and a Ziploc bag containing 30 grams of marijuana and a small scale with marijuana residue in the car, Pentangelo said. Carter was allegedly driving with a suspended license and illegal tint, in addition to the inoperable headlight AVIATION Snowy Owls Shot At JFK: Port Authority Mulls Alternatives To Control Birds At NY Airports By Roxanne Palmer International Business Times A certain kind of holiday traveler is finding a very cold welcome in New York City. Three snowy owls were reportedly shot and killed at John F. Kennedy International Airport this past Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times. While the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hasn't confirmed the kills, it did offer a justification for adding snowy owls to its "kill list." "Over the past two weeks, five planes at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports were struck by snowy owls that have been migrating to our region in far higher than typical numbers this year," the agency said in a statement on Monday Upscale Fliers Get New $11 Million Terminal at Newark Airport General manager Eric Richardson says the awarding of the Super Bowl to MetLife Stadium in 2010 gave the project urgency By The Associated Press NBC New York Ever wonder where celebrities and sports teams go when they fly into Newark Liberty Airport and want to avoid prying eyes? One of the places is an unassuming building off an access road at the northern edge of the airport, yards from truck traffic lumbering down an interstate. Now, well-heeled travelers arriving for February's Super Bowl will find even cushier surroundings. Signature Flight Support cut the ribbon Friday on a revamped, $11 million private terminal that offers amenities including a lounge with large flat-screen TVs, an executive conference room, free Wi-Fi and courtesy shuttle service. Plans for the new building were already in place when MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford was selected to host the Super Bowl in 2010, according to general manager Eric Richardson. Gov. Christie Put On The Defensive Over GWB 'Traffic Study' Scandal PA - DW - 000335 Bill Baroni Is The Second Port Authority Head To Roll In Lane Closure Probe By CBS News and The Associated Press CBS News Another top official has resigned amid an escalating probe into ramp closures to the George Washington Bridge. As CBS 2's Marcia Kramer reported Friday, Gov. Chris Christie announced he accepted Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive deputy director Bill Baroni's resignation, effective immediately. Democrats had called for Baroni to step down over the scandal. Christie said he was already planning to replace Baroni as he headed into his second term, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported. "This was a change I was going to make anyway in the normal course of the transition," Christie said. "Bill said this has become such a distraction that he didn't want to cause any more problems, so he knew he was going, so he went today. For jetsetters, Newark Liberty Airport terminal a 'Signature' experience By Tom De Poto The Star-Ledger Two airiine passengers heading to Nashville, Tenn., pulled up to a terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday morning. Eddie Queen, who has worked at the airport the past 60 years, took their bags. They walked briskly through the terminal to a waiting van that took them to their jet Within moments, they were taxiing toward a runway. They most likely arrived at their final destination before passengers in the larger Terminal C made it through security and boarded their plane. Holzapfel Resolution Urging Recruitment of New Air Carriers to Atlantic City Airport Advances By Bschnure Politicker NJ A resolution sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-10) that seeks to expand air service to Atlantic City and surrounding attractions through the recruitment of new carriers to Atlantic City Airport was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The resolution, SR-75, urges the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), the owner of the airport, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the manager of the airport, to identify and recruit additional airlines to the airport. "The addition of new carriers and flights to Atlantic City Airport is critical to our efforts to grow the South Jersey economy through increased tourism to Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore," said Holzapfel. TV CLIPS WNYW FOX NY - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. NEWS 12 NJ - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WCBS NY - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WNYC FM RADIO - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WINS AM - Deputy Director, Bill Baroni resigns. WABC NY - Delays on GWB due to construction work. WNBC NY - Delays on GWB due to construction work. WCBS NY - Delays on GWB due to construction work. PA - DW - 000336 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Friday, December 13, 2013 12:31 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12.13.13 PANYNJ NJ Governor: Top appointee resigns amid probe Associated Press - Full Text New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has announced one of his top appointees has resigned amid an escalating probe into ramp closings on a bridge into New York City. Friday's announcement came after Democrats called for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive deputy executive Bill Baroni to step down. Democrats have been holding hearings into the closing that took place leading to the George Washington Bridge in September. Baroni said they were closed for a traffic study. Democrats claimed they were closed to punish a Democratic mayor for not endorsing the Republican governor's re-election campaign. Christie announced Deborah Gramiccioni would replace Baroni at the bistate agency. She worked with Christie at the U.S. Attorney's Office. Gov. Christie announces top Port Authority official has resigned after GWB flap By Brent Johnson The Star-Ledger Gov. Chris Christie today announced Bill Baroni, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has resigned, effective immediately. The announcement comes as the scandal over the closure of lanes to the George Washington Bridge has reached a national level. Baroni has said lanes were closed for a traffic study, but Democrats believe the move was retribution against the Fort Lee mayor for his failure to endorse Christie for governor. The governor said Deborah Gramiccioni will be taking over for Baroni. "This was nothing that I hadn't planned already," Christie said of the replacement of Baroni. "The fact is that Senator Baroni said when he testified that a mistake was made. They believe that the study needed to be done but they didn't do it correctly within the protocols of the Port Authority," Christie said. Top Christie Port Authority appointee Baroni resigns amid escalating probe into GWB lane closures By Michael Linhorst The Record - Full Text Governor Christie announced the resignation of the Port Authority's Executive Director at a news conference today. Bill Baroni is the second executive to announce plans to leave the bi-state agency in the last two weeks. Baroni and the other executive, David Wildstein, have come under fire for closing several lanes to the George Washington Bridge normally dedicated to Fort Lee traffic. Critics have suggested the lane closures were a political move by Christie's appointees after the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee chose not to endorse Christie during the gubernatorial election. In Baroni's place, Christie is appointing Deb Gramiccioni, who worked with him in the U.S. Attorney's office and is now his deputy chief of staff. She has had oversight of all state authorities and has worked on Port Authority issues, Christie said. Christie insisted that Baroni's resignation is not a result of the controversy over the bridge lane closures. He said Baroni, who has worked at the Port Authority for four years, was going to resign at the start of Christie's second term anyway. Christie Ally Baroni Resigns In Wake of George Washington Bridge Controversy By Ted Mann and Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal - Full Text Gov. Chris Christie announced the resignation Friday of Bill Baroni, his top executive appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Mr. Baroni had been besieged with calls for his resignation since testimony on Monday that undermined his explanation for the closure of traffic lanes onto the George Washington Bridge in September. Democratic lawmakers have said the lane closures were intended as political retaliation against the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., the town at one end of the bridge. Mr. Baroni is the second of Mr. Christie's political allies to resign from the Port Authority over the bridge matter. David Wildstein, a subordinate to Mr. Baroni and longtime associate of Mr. Christie who ordered the lane closures and that they be kept secret from local and New York officials, resigned last week. Mr. Christie suggested that Mr. Baroni's resignation was not connected to the bridge controversy. "Senator Baroni offered his resignation and I accepted it," he said at a news conference Friday. "But this was nothing I hadn't planned already." Mr. PA - DW - 000337 Baroni was Mr. Christie's top executive appointee at the Port Authority, which is jointly run by the governors and New York and New Jersey through their appointees in its senior management ranks and on its board of commissioners. Mr. Christie named Deborah Gramiccioni, a member of his executive staff, to replace Mr. Baroni at the authority. Christie accepts official's resignation in bridge controversy By Michael O'Brien NBC N e w s - F u l l Text New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, accepted the resignation of a port authority official who ordered the closures of lanes on a major thoroughfare, creating a political controversy in the Garden State. Amid a growing Democratic uproar, Christie said he had accepted the resignation of Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director of the New York-New Jersey Port Authority, and a former state Republican lawmaker. Baroni has become a target of scrutiny for having ordered the closure of two lanes on the George Washington Bridge, one of the busiest thoroughfares between New York and New Jersey, in September. The lane closings created massive gridlock in Ft Lee, N.J., the mayor of which had declined to endorse Christie's re-election. The political appointee identified as having ordered the closing, David Wildstein, resigned from his position as the port authority's director of interstate capital projects last week. Democrats have characterized the lane closings as retribution by Christie against political opponents. Christie on Friday "unequivocally" denied ordering the lane closures, and said he was personally not well-acquainted with Ft Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich. Port Authority executive resigns amid GWB lane closure mystery My Fox N Y - F u l l Text New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Friday that one of his top appointees had resigned amid an escalating probe into ramp closings on the George Washington Bridge. The announcement came after Democrats called for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey deputy executive director Bill Baroni to step down. Democrats have been holding hearings into the closing that took place leading to the George Washington Bridge on September 8. Baroni said they were closed for a traffic study. The inspector general for the Port Authority is investigating serious allegations of political retribution, that the democrat mayor of Fort Lee was punished because he did not support Republican Christie's reelection. The GWB is the busiest bridge in the world with more than 100 million vehicles crossing it Who put the cones out? Ledger Live dissects the George Washington Bridge lane closure flap Brian Donohue The Star-Ledger The plot continues to thicken in the controversy over the traffic-snarling secret closure of George Washington Bridge local entrance lanes in September. The explanation that the lane closures were done as part of a traffic study conducted by Port Authority appointee David Wildstein, a close ally of Gov. Chris Christie, have been exposed as lust too bizarre to believe by a probe by the state Assembly transportation committee. And so, an explanation once seemed utteriy ridiculous - that the lanes were closed to create traffic havoc in the town of Fort Lee as some sort of political retribution against the town's Democratic mayor - has actually emerged as the only logical explanation. There's plenty of hypocrisy to go around. Democrats, a party who for years have loaded the Port Authority with patronage appointees, are suddenly aghast at the specter of possible political meddling at the agency. And Gov. Chris Christie, so quick to verbally bludgeon teachers union officials, school superintendents and anyone else running afoul of his good government standards is sloughing off a boondoggle officials say actually created a threat to public safety. Baroni out at Port Authority Bill Mooney PolitickerNJ Gov. Chris Christie accepted Bill Baroni's resignation from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Friday. Baroni was dismissed over the growing controversy surrounding a traffic nightmare that occurred in September when two of three lanes in Fort Lee were shut without advance notice, turning the George Washington Bridge host town into a parking lot Another N.J. appointee to the bi-state agency, David Wildstein, fingered by other Authority officials as the person who made the decision to close the lanes and who also ordered those officials to tell no one about it, tendered his resignation eariier. And on Monday, N.Y.'s top official at the Authority, Patrick Foye, said that there was no traffic study conducted. On Nov. 25, Baroni had told N.J. lawmakers that the decision to close lanes could have been handled better, but that it was necessary to look into why Fort Lee had lanes dedicated to it at the expense of other bridge users. Then on Thursday, Transportation Chairman Assemblyman John Wisniewski issued more subpoenas for documents from seven Authority officials, including Baroni and Wildstein, who is a former PolitickerNJ editor. DNC takes jab at Christie over George Washington Bridge lane closures [video] 2 PA - DW - 000338 By Herb Jackson The Record In a new web video that concludes with the message "New Jerseyans Deserve Answers," the Democratic National Committee is jumping into the controversy over the closure of Fort Lee entrance lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September. The video not only highlights the suggestion the traffic study ordered by a now-resigned Christie appointee on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was connected to the Fort Lee mayor's decision not to endorse the governor's re-election, it also notes Christie's complaints about New York officials at the agency talking too much about what happened. The Assembly Transportation Committee, chaired by former Democratic State Chairman John Wisniewski, issued subpoenas on Thursday for more Port Authority records and testimony. Another national Democratic SuperPAC has also weighed in on the issue, indicating the party that largely ignored Christie as he campaigned for reelection was gearing up for his potential run for the presidency in 2016. Did Christie Ask for GWB Lane Closures To Get Back at Fort Lee Mayor? By Judy Pokras New Jersey Newsroom Media outlets are asking if Gov. Chris Christie arranged to have two of the George Washington Bridge's three tollbooth lanes coming from Fort Lee shut down in September (without warning residents) as a rebuke to the town's mayor. Democrat Mark Sokolich, who did not agree to endorse Christie's re-election bid. As Arturo Garcia writes for The Raw Story, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow was one of those who raised the question on her Monday show: 'You could still get on the bridge,' she explained. 'But a trip that took 30 minutes now lasted four hours. Happy first day of school, everybody. The backup was so bad it gridlocked not just near the bridge but basically the whole town.' 'it sounds crazy, right?' Maddow asked. 'It sounds mice-out-of-planes crazy. Somebody closes down a couple of lanes on the onramp to the busiest bridge in America because they're out to get your town? It sounds crazy, right?' So after 2016, we're all basically #%&''@ed Philly.com Meet the 2016 GOP frontrunner for president New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week to complain about a Cuomo appointee's handling of a growing controversy over traffic pattern changes on the George Washington Bridge, a person familiar with the matter said. Mr. Christie, a Republican, complained in a private phone call to Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat that Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was pressing too hard to get to the bottom of why the number of toll lanes onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., was cut from three to one in early September, according to this person. The lane closures occurred without notice to local authorities, officials have said, and snaried traffic for a week in the small borough on the Hudson River bluffs. AVIATION Family of pilot killed in Teterboro crash to receive $7.5M settlement James Kleimann NJ.com - Full Text The family of the pilot who was killed in a plane crash over Teterboro in 2009 will receive $7.5 million in a settlement with plane owners Quest Diagnostics, according to The Record. George Maddux, 54, of Pennsylvania, was the captain of the two-seater Beechcraft BE-58 Baron that aborted a landing, struck a 35-foot-tree near Teterboro Airport, and crossed Route 46 before striking the ground and bursting into flames on Aug. 21. 2009. The plane was transporting medical samples for plane owner Quest Diagnostics at the time of the crash. In the lawsuit the Maddux family claimed that then42-year-old co-pilot Sanil Gopinath was at the controls at the time of the crash, backed up by an interview with Gopinath in which he says he was at fault The Record reported. Gopinath survived his injuries, but Maddux was pronounced dead two weeks later. Maddux's widow argued in court papers that Gopinath was not experienced enough or qualified to fly a plane, and should have never been hired by Quest Diagnostics, according to The Record. Snowy owl invasion is a boon for birders, headache for airports By Mary Forgione Los Angeles Times Can an airport be mistaken for the arctic tundra? Not to pilots, but certainly to snowy owls invading the Northeast and Midwest in record numbers this year. What has turned into a headache for airports may be a boon to birdwatchers traveling for the holidays who want to add this usually reclusive creature to their life lists. "We're experiencing what could be the largest-ever influx of Arctic snowy owls into the Northeast and the Great Lakes states," a statement from the PA - DW - 000339 Cornell Lab of Ornithology released Tuesday says. "And more may be on the way." Sightings have included urban areas like New York City's Jones Beach and Chicago's Lincoln Park. No one's exactly sure why there's an owl boom this year. Experts say summer breeding conditions in the eastern Arctic must have been excellent to have so many birds appearing so far south. The owls love wide open marsh and dune areas, some of which only exist at airports. "Airports provide the most similar habitat that these owls can find to where they want to be," eBird.com reports. And that's the problem. JFK and LaGuardia airports reported five planes struck by the owls in the past two weeks, prompting a few owls at JFK to be shot on orders from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. The public outcry led by New York chapters of the Audubon Society and others caused the airport authority to have a change of heart PAPD Port Authority PD: Westwood man stopped with 4 ounces of pot near GWB By Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot - Full Text A Westwood man was carrying more than a quarter-pound of pot in his car when he was stopped near the Geroge Washignton Bridge for having a headlight out Port Authority police said this morning. PAPD Office Frank Emblem stopped the black 2008 Chrysler 300 sedan at 7:40 last night at Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Lemoine Avenue, the authority's Joseph Pentangelo told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. Emblem "immediately noticed a strong smell of marijuana from inside the car," Pentangelo said. The officer obtained consent to search the vehicle from the driver, 25-year-old Nathania! Carter of Westwood, and found a jar with more than three ounces of pot and a plastic bag with an ounce more, Pentangelo said. Emblem, a 20-year veteran, also reported finding a scale with marijuana residue. Carter, who was wanted on warrants elsewhere, was arrested and charged with drug offenses, Pentangelo said. Emblem also issued five traffic summonses to Carter for having a defective headlight tinted windows and drugs in the car, as well as for driving without a license and while on the suspended list, he said. Carter was being held on $5,000 bail in the Bergen County Jail following a court appearance this morning in Fort Lee. TV CLIPS • News 12 New Jersey/Bill Baroni resignation • CBS New York/Bill Baroni resignation • Eyewitness News at Noon/Bill Baroni resignation • CNN/Bill Baroni resignation PA - DW - 000340 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Friday, December 13, 2013 7:30 AM Morning Clips PANYNJ Investigating Political Hack Work Near the George Washington Bridge By Jim Dwyer New York Times - (Full Text) Apparently — by which I mean, definitely — a political hack shut lanes entering the George Washington Bridge for five days in September and ruined traffic. The motive remains a matter of speculation, as no credible explanation and only several false ones have been put forward by the agency operating the bridge, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In the interests of informed speculation, please note the following circumstances. First the mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., the borough adjacent to the bridge and the one that suffered most from the sudden shutdown of two of its three access lanes, had just failed to come through with an expected endorsement of Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. And second, the hack who closed the lanes got his job at the Port Authority through the patronage of Governor Christie, a high school classmate. Governor Christie's man was on a corner in Fort Lee at 7 a.m. on the first day of the lane closings, watching the traffic monstrosity build, according to recent testimony at hearings in New Jersey. So apparently — by which I mean, maybe — this was an act of retribution against the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee for his failure to join others of his party in making the case that Mr. Christie was irresistibly bipartisan. During the four and a half days of mayhem, elected officials pleaded for help from an aide to David Samson, the chairman of the Port Authority. Mr. Samson, another Christie appointee, has yet to talk publicly about what happened and did not respond to emailed questions on Thursday. (As The Record noted, Mr. Samson was openly outraged about jams on other bridges.) A New Jersey Assembly committee has subpoenaed phone, text and email records from the Port Authority, which could map out this episode in all its infuriating detail. The idea that a politician could use government resources to punish an enemy, perceived or otherwise, is not all that startling. But the surprise here is the blunt instrument that was used. By long custom — heck, by interstate pact — the Port Authority is a machine designed for the pleasure of politicians in two states. Jobs are split 50-50: The chairman is appointed by New Jersey's governor, the executive director by New York's. A police official from one state, a deputy from the other. It is the Noah's Ark of patronage, and the agency's bylaws spell out the order in which the two-by-twos are brought on board. The board is composed of gubernatorial contributors, cronies and lobbyists, who carve up billions in contracts and bond deals and construction projects, because the Port Authority is a whirlwind of revenues from tolls and fees. The George Washington Bridge alone brings in $646 million a year. Fully assembled, the whole Port Authority operation is a political orgasmatron, the machine Woody Allen imagined for the 22nd century in "Sleeper," only without politicians. "It's not like a sewage authority — it has a budget bigger than 26 other U.S. states," said John S. Wisniewski, a Democratic assemblyman who has been running the hearings on the episode. "It's like Louisiana under Huey Long, except it's a collective Huey Long — no one person can control the agency. You have rival gangs." Mr. Christie shares control of the agency and its spoils with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, and the two have, for the most part, played nicely with each other. Mr. Christie, though, is said to have complained to Mr. Cuomo about the aggressive digging into the creation of the traffic jams by an appointee of Mr. Cuomo's, Patrick J. Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority, according to The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Foye has testified that he did not learn about the lane closings — the agency's professional staff had objected to them — until they had been in effect for four days, as the calls were going to New Jersey appointees. The official who closed the lanes, David Wildstein, resigned last week just before the legislative hearings began. He has yet to explain his action, though initially, the Port Authority press office announced that it was part of a "traffic study." Mr. Foye has said there was no such study. So for what reason were tens of thousands of people delayed for hours, immense amounts of pollution added to the air, and ambulances, fire trucks and police cars slowed? Perhaps it was retribution. Or maybe it was sheer stupidity. A third explanation is that it was both dumb and nasty. That seems to exhaust the possibilities. 7 more subpoenas issued in escalating probe into George Washington Bridge lane closures By Shawn Boburg Record Seven more subpoenas were issued on Thursday in an escalating investigation by lawmakers into George Washington Bridge lane closures that clogged Fort Lee streets in September and have led to speculation that the span was used for political payback. The additional subpoenas landed as the Christie administration was forced to address a report that the governor had called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to complain that one of Cuomo's Port Authority appointees was 1 PA - DW - 000341 pursuing the bridge controversy too vigorously. Christie and Cuomo jointly control the Port Authority. And Cuomo's top executive appointee at the agency has called the lane closures, ordered by a Christie aide, abusive and potentially illegal. Executive Director Pat Foye also provided explosive testimony in Trenton eariier this week. Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, would not confirm the phone conversation between the governors, reported in a Wall Street Journal article that cited an anonymous source. Drewniak said the two governors speak often and that their discussions are private. Its unclear if the call took place before or after Foye's testimony. PA officials say they were instructed to keep Fort Lee In the dark Fort Lee Suburbanite In hours-long testimonies before the state Assembly's transportation committee on Dec. 9, two Port Authority officials admitted that they were instructed to keep Fort Lee in the dark about George Washington Bridge lane closures that enveloped the borough in neariy five days of gridlock in September. The state Assembly Transportation Committee, on Dec. 9, hears the testimonies regarding the closing of Fort Lee access lanes to the George Washington Bridge which resulted in heavy, days-long traffic in September. Two Port Authority officials admitted that they were instructed to keep Fort Lee in the dark about lane closures. Cedrick Fulton, director of tunnels, bridges and terminals for the agency, and his subordinate Robert Durando, general manager of the George Washington Bridge and bus station, said David Wildstein, the Port Authority's outgoing director of interstate projects, ordered the "traffic study" that reduced Fort Lee's entrance lanes to the bridge from three to one in order to gauge the impact of the move on lanes reserved for outside traffic. Wildstein thought informing Fort Lee of the planned closures would have skewed the data, said Durando, who was ordered by Wildstein on Sept. 6 to implement the changes — just three days before they went into effect TBT George Washington Bridge: maintaining world's busiest span My Fox New York The steel pate that was misaligned and backed up traffic on the George Washington Bridge Wednesday was repaired a day later. We should expect more maintenance during late night, because a five-year plan to replace the 80-year-old bridge's steel support cables is underway. Overall how is the maintenance of the George Washington Bridge? A civil engineering professor from CUNY says for its age it is overall good. Traffic on the George Washington Bridge was slow moving even at 2 p.m. Thursday because of sheer volume of vehicles. The George Washington is the busiest bridge in the world; more than 100 million vehicles crossing it so even a minor repair can cause traffic havoc. AVIATION Delta Air Lines confirms schedule for Athens-New York, JFK nonstop service in 2014 By Vicky Karantzavelou Travel Dally News Delta Air Lines has confirmed that its seasonal nonstop flight between Athens 'Eleftherios Venizelos' Airport and New York JFK will recommence, effective May 18, 2014. The flight will operate daily throughout the summer season using a Airbus A330-300 aircraft with 292 seats in conjunction with Delta's joint venture partner Air France KLM and Alitalia. "Delta offers customers from Athens increased choice flying to the United States by offering our service when customers most want to visit - during the peak summer months," said Perry Cantarutti, Delta's senior vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Customers will also see the changes onboard as we continue to invest in products and services with new onboard offerings and improved facilities at JFK." Delta's flight from Athens features 33 fully flat-bed seats in BusinessElite. Each forward-facing seat converts to a 180-degree full flat-bed and offers direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration. All feature a 10.6" individual screen and a broad range of on demand entertainment in addition to a 110v AC power source and USB port. Delta is also offering Westin Heavenly in-flight bedding, designed and manufactured exclusively for Delta by Westin Hotels & Resorts, in BusinessElite. In addition to the Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, BusinessElite passengers will receive Delta's Tumi amenity kit featuring Malin+Goetz products. TV CLIPS NEWS 12 NJ - GWB lane closures controversy. PA - DW - 000342 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • Valens, Chris Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:34 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 12/12/13 Tom Moran of the Star Ledger called to speak to ED Foye about the GWB local access lane closing issue. We did not respond. Shawn Boburg of the Bergen Record and Jenna Portnoy of the Star Ledger called for comment on additional subpoenas being issued to the Port Authority by the NJ Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee related to the GWB lane closings. We did not respond. Several news outlets including CBS, ABC, and Fox 5 called today to follow-up on the emergency lane closures at the GWB. We provided answers to their questions. Rich Newman of the Bergen Record called to inquire about whether there will be restrictions on when planes can fly in and out of Teterboro Airport after the Super Bowl or whether local residents could experience noise that lasts most of the night after the game ends. We told the reporter that the voluntary overnight curfew at Teterboro will be in effect. Jen Peltz of the Associated Press called to inquire about steps the PAPD is taking to protect public safety on PATH for SantaCon. She was told alcohol is not permitted on PATH and that personnel are deployed to address increased crowds throughout the holiday season. Kyle Swenson-Miaminewtimes (blog) called to Inquire about a past robbery report at JFK where the victim was allegedly robbed at gunpoint of $60,000. The victim claims he recovered the money soon the robbery was reported. The reporter was told the case is still open and active and we did not comment further. During the overnight, Ashley Southall of the NY Times and Jacqueline Ampuero of Fox 5 called about an American Airiines flight that returned to JFK due to an electrical problem. We told the reporters that the plane landed safely. During the overnight, several media outlets including ABC, CBS and Fox 5 called to ask what time the GWB upper level westbound lanes would reopen. We told them that the lanes would reopen at 5 a.m. this morning. PA - DW - 000343 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:33 PM Evening Clips 12.12.13 PATH Lady Liberty helps Jersey City student win PATH holiday poster contest By Chinedum Emelumba NJ.com With a colorful scarf around her neck, holiday lights around her crown and a candle in one hand, a smiling Lady Liberty looked every bit in the holiday spirit Ana Tejada's depiction of the Statue of Liberty earned her first place in the 24th annual PATH Holiday Poster contest Tejada, a seventh-grader at School 27 in Jersey City, and two runner-ups were honored today at a ceremony at the Journal Square PATH Station in Jersey City. "I feel really really happy," said Ana, who won tickets to the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular", 10-trip PATH SmartLink cards and a $50 American Express gift card. "It took me a few weeks (to complete)." PANYNJ N.J. Committee Asks for More Documents in Bridge Controversy By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The New Jersey legislative committee investigating the controversial lane closures on the George Washington Bridge in September subpoenaed a new array of documents related to the matter on Thursday from officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The documents requested by the Democrat-controlled committee, the New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee, include any correspondence or other records that would connect the administration of Republican Gov. Chris Christie directly to the decision to shut off the local access lanes, which triggered massive traffic jams and alleged delays in emergency response times in the borough of Fort Lee at the New Jersey end of the bridge. Mr. Christie's administration has denied any involvement in the matter. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Mr. Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo eariier this week to complain that a Cuomo appointee at the authority was pressing too aggressively in an effort to determine how and why the traffic lane changes were ordered. The new subpoenas seek documents, not testimony. On Monday, the committee heard testimony from three authority officials who received subpoenas, including the Cuomo appointee, Executive Director Patrick Foye. Mr. Foye said under oath that he did not believe the explanation that has previously been given for the closures by the authority and by allies of Mr. Christie: that they were ordered in order to perform a traffic study. Among the records subpoenaed are "all documents and correspondence, produced between August 1, 2013 and the present date between GovernorChris Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the Port Authority, concerning the reduction from three to one of the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge." Democratic lawmakers have said the closures were likely intended as political retaliation against the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, who had declined to endorse Mr. Christie for re-election. Assemblyman John Wisniewski issued subpoenas to Mr. Foye, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, and Director of Interstate Capital Projects David Wildstein. Mr. Baroni, a Christie appointee, is the one who said in a previous committee appearance that the purpose of the closures was to study traffic. Mr. Wildstein, the political ally of Mr. Christie who orchestrated the closures according to authority officials, resigned on Friday, effective Jan. 1. Also issued subpoenas were Cedrick Fulton and Robert Durando, the official in the authority's Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department who were ordered to keep quiet about the closures, Darcy Licorish, who was the police captain on duty at the bridge that week, and Paul Nunziato, the president of the authority's police union who has said he once suggested altering the traffic patterns in Fort Lee. "We have heard from four key Port Authority officials, yet we still don't have any clear explanation for why and how these lanes were closed without public notice, putting public safety at risk throughout an entire community of our state," Mr. Wisniewski said in a press release. "Mr. Baroni was especially evasive, and subsequent testimony called into question the honesty of his remarks." The subpoenaed documents are due Dec. 19. More subpoenas issued over GWB lane closings By The Associated Press News Times PA - DW - 000344 Executives at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have one week to turn over documents in a continuing investigation into lane closings approaching the George Washington Bridge. Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John Wisniewski issued seven subpoenas Thursday to access documents and emails related to the unannounced lane closings that brought Fort Lee borough to a standstill for four days in September. Wisniewski says he's gotten conflicting explanations so far. Democrats suspect two local access lanes were diverted to punish Fort Lee's mayor for not endorsing Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. Christie has denied it. The Wall Street Journal, citing an unidentified source, reported Thursday that Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to complain that his appointee was pushing too hard for answers. Governors Spoke Privately About Bridge Controversy Chris Christie Complained to Andrew Cuomo That His Appointee Was Pressing too Hard for Answers By Ted Mann, Erica Orden, Heather Haddon Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week to complain about a Cuomo appointee's handling of a growing controversy over traffic pattern changes on the George Washington Bridge, a person familiar with the matter said. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week to complain about a Cuomo appointee's handling of a growing controversy over traffic pattern changes on the George Washington Bridge, a person familiar with the matter said. Mr. Christie, a Republican, complained in a private phone call to Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, that Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was pressing too hard to get to the bottom of why the number of toll lanes onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J. was cut from three to one in eariy September, according to this person. The lane closures occurred without notice to local authorities, officials have said, and snaried traffic for a week in the small borough on the Hudson River bluffs. Messrs. Cuomo and Christie share control of the sprawling Port Authority, which oversees Hudson River bridges and tunnels and the region's airports and is rebuilding the World Trade Center complex in Manhattan. Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey have accused Christie appointees of ordering the lane closures to punish Fort Lee's mayor. Democrat Mark Sokolich, for not endorsing the governor's re-election campaign. Mr. Christie's campaign has denied that, and his Port Authority team has said the lanes were closed to study traffic patterns on the bridge. A spokesman for Mr. Christie said Thursday that the governor talks to Mr. Cuomo regulariy "on any number of mutual-interest topics. Those conversations are private." A spokesman for Mr. Cuomo declined to comment Asked in a radio interview Thursday whether he had spoken to Mr. Christie about the bridge matter, Mr. Cuomo didn't answer the question. "I don't know anything more than basically what has been in the newspapers," he said. The call between the two ambitious governors was another illustration of how the controversy has mushroomed into a headache for Mr. Christie. One of his top representatives at the authority, David Wildstein, resigned last week, citing the bridge closures. Democratic calls for the resignation of another top authority aide, Bill Baroni, have escalated this week. It wasn't clear how Mr. Cuomo responded to Mr. Christie's call or if it was the first time Mr. Christie had lodged a complaint The private exchange appears to stand in contrast to Mr. Christie's only public remarks on the bridge matter. At a briefing for reporters on Dec. 2, the governor mocked a Democratic lawmaker's inquiry on the lane closures and joked that he himself had moved the traffic cones that winnowed local access to the bridge. Mr. Baroni told lawmakers in November that the incident was the result of a traffic study intended to determine if the lanes should be permanently taken away from the local access ramp in Fort Lee and used for traffic coming from the local highway. That statement didn't precisely match the authority's initial written response to complaints about the lane closures, which said the authority was studying "traffic safety." Mr. Foye, testifying under oath on Monday after receiving a subpoena, said he didn't believe Mr. Baroni's version of the events was true. "I'm not aware of any traffic study," he said. It wasn't clear if the call occurred before or after Mr. Foye testified under oath about the bridge incident before a New Jersey legislative committee led by Democrats. The remarks gave new ammunition to Democratic legislators who say they think the lane closures were more likely a gesture of political retaliation against the Fort Lee mayor. Mr. Sokolich suggested as much in a private letter to Mr. Baroni, which was dated Sept. 12. He later backed away from that assertion and declined an invitation to testify on the matter before the committee. Mr. Foye, who officials testified had intentionally not been made aware of the changes, discovered them later that evening. Mr. Foye ordered the lanes open eariy on Sept 13, wrote an email to Port staff, calling the closures "abusive," saying he would "get to the bottom" of the incident and suggesting that closures had risked public safety and likely violated state and federal law. Political tensions aren't new for the Port Authority. Decisions, especially about how to allocate funds to pay for major infrastructure projects in both states, are customarily the result of behind-the-scenes horse-trading between administrations in Trenton and Albany. Republican lawmakers have defended the Christie administration and its authority appointees, and said a Democratic legislative inquiry into the lane closures was a partisan exercise. The controversy has greater potential ramifications for Mr. Christie if it is used against him in a possible 2016 presidential campaign. This week, a Democratic super PAC that focuses on hitting potential Republican 2016 presidential candidates seized on the bridge incident The group, American Bridge 21st Century PAC, released a web graphic superimposing Mr. Christie's face next to a picture of the bridge. A road sign in the corner of the image reads "Political Retribution." News of the toll scandal came in the final weeks of Mr. Christie's gubernatorial campaign, a delicate time that caused some concern in the campaign, according to a person familiar with the discussions. PA - DW - 000345 NJ lawmaker issues 7 more subpoenas in George Washington Bridge lane closures Investigation By Shawn Boburg Record A state lawmaker on Thursday issued seven more subpoenas in an escalating investigation into George Washington Bridge lane closures that clogged Fort Lee streets in September and have led to speculation that the span was used for political payback. The additional subpoenas landed on the same day the Christie administration was forced to address reports that the governor had this week called his counterpart in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo, to complain that one of Cuomo's appointees was pursuing the bridge controversy - an issue that has gained national traction - too aggressively. Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, would not confirm the private phone conversation, reported in a Wall Street Journal article that cited an anonymous source. Drewniak said the two governors speak often and that their discussions are private. The unannounced merging of three local access lanes that feed traffic onto the world's busiest bridge bridge clogged Fort Lee's streets on the first day of school in September and hindered emergency vehicles, local officials have said. Christie administration officials initially said it was part of a simple traffic study. N.J. lawmaker issues more subpoenas in George Washington Bridge closure controversy By Jenna Portnoy The Star-Ledger State Assemblyman John Wisniewski today issued seven subpoenas for documents and communications from Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials to determine what they knew about the traffic-snariing closure of lanes to the nation's busiest bridge. Wisniewski and some other lawmakers believe allies of Gov. Chris Christie closed the lanes to Fort Lee on the George Washington Bridge to punish the Democratic mayor for failing to endorse the Republican governor in his re-election bid. The Assembly transportation committee, which Wisniewski chairs, has already held two hearings on the flap. Last week David Wildstein, the agency's director of interstate capital projects, resigned, adding fuel to the theory that the lane closure was politically motivated. Gov. Chris Christie called Andrew Cuomo to complain about handling of Port Authority lane closing snafu, report says By Darryl Isherwood NJ.com New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called his counterpart in New York to complain about a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey appointee's handling of the flap over lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, according to a report. Citing a source familiar with the call, the Wall Street Journal said Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to tell him that PA Executive Director Patrick Foye was pushing too hard to uncover the truth behind the lane closings, which have been the subject of hearings by the Assembly Transportation Committee. Foye was appointed by Cuomo. Cuomo and Christie share authority over the massive bi-state agency. The Port Authority's ranking member from New Jersey, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni told the committee members that the study had been ordered by Port Authority employee David Wildstein. Wildstein resigned his position last week, effective January 1. The study was done in order to gauge the impact of diverting lanes currently restricted for local use by Fort Lee residents, Baroni told the committee. N.J. lawmaker issues more subpoenas in George Washington Bridge closure controversy By Jenna Portnoy The Star-Ledger State Assemblyman John Wisniewski today issued seven subpoenas for documents and communications from Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials to determine what they knew about the traffic-snariing closure of lanes to the nation's busiest bridge. Wisniewski and some other lawmakers believe allies of Gov. Chris Christie closed the lanes to Fort Lee on the George Washington Bridge to punish the Democratic mayor for failing to endorse the Republican governor in his re-election bid. The Assembly transportation committee, which Wisniewski chairs, has already held two hearings on the flap. Last week David Wildstein, the agency's director of interstate capital projects, resigned, adding fuel to the theory that the lane closure was politically motivated. Pro-Clinton Democrats highlight Christie in New Jersey skirmish By Victoria Cavaliere Reuters PA - DW - 000346 A Democratic group with ties to Hillary Clinton has launched a campaign attacking New Jersey Governor Chris Christie over a political flap in his home state in an eariy skirmish between the two likely contenders in the 2016 presidential race. The group. Correct the Record, is promoting a graphic on social media sites Twitter and Facebook depicting Christie at the George Washington Bridge with traffic signs that read "Political Retribution" and "Lanes Closed. Expect Christie?" The group said on Thursday it aims to put a national face on a local controversy that began in September, when two out of three local on-ramps to the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey were inexplicably closed in the town of Fort Lee. The closings snarled traffic and angered New York City-bound commuters who use the bridge, the busiest span in the nation. The lanes were re-opened after several days. Wisniewski Issues 7 More Subpoenas as Part of Investigation into Port Authority's George Washington Bridge Lane Closings By Tom Hester Politicker NJ Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski on Thursday announced he has issued seven more subpoenas as part of his continued investigation into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's decision to close access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge in September without public notice or explanation. The subpoenas seek documents and communications from the following key Port Authority officials: Patrick Foye; Executive Director, Bill Baroni; Deputy Executive Director; David Wildstein; Director of Interstate Capital Projects; Cedrick Fulton, Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals; Robert Durando, General Manager of the George Washington Bridge; Paul Nunziato, President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association; and Darcy Licorish, Port Authority Police Department Documents from Baroni, 6 others subpoenaed by Wisniewski By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey controversy won't go away anytime soon. Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski on Thursday announced he has issued seven more subpoenas as part of his continued investigation into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's decision to close access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge in September without public notice or explanation. Documents subpoenaed from the seven people include the man everyone talked about at Monday's hearing: David Wildstein, who already has submitted his resignation, and Bill Baroni, his boss, who testified voluntarily two weeks ago. These are the top N.J. appointees to the bi-state agency. Wildstein is a former PolitickerNJ editor. Report: Chris Christie calls Andrew Cuomo over traffic flap By Lucy McCalmont Politico New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie complained in a phone call with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo that a Port Authority official has been wading too deeply into controversial and potentially politically explosive lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, according to a report Thursday. The issue involves bridge toll lanes in Fort Lee, N.J., that were cut from three to one in September, causing a massive traffic backups. Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey have accused Christie of ordering the closures to punish Fort Lee's mayor, a Democrat, for not endorsing his reelection bid for governor. Christie's campaign has denied the charge, and the governor recently joked about it when asked at a press conference. "I worked the cones. Unbeknownst to anyone, I was working the cones," Christie said, according to The Star-Ledger. WSJ reports Christie complained to Cuomo about Port Authority inquiry By Matthew Arco Politicker NJ Gov. Chris Christie reportedly complained to New York's governor over his appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's handling of the controversy surrounding lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. The Wall Street Journal is reporting Christie complained on the phone to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo about the authority's executive director, Patrick Foye, "pressing too hard to get to the bottom of why the number of toll lanes onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., was cut from three to one in eariy September," the newspaper reports, citing an anonymous source. Cuomo, a Democrat appointed Foye to his role at the Port Authority. The newspaper reported it wasn't clear how Cuomo responded to the call and the New York governor's office declined to comment for the story. $150 to park at MetLife Stadium for Super Bowl By John Brennan PA - DW - 000347 North Jersey.com When 1 attended Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis two years ago (Giants over Patriots), 1 took note of what the free market was charging for parking downtown, within reasonable walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium. I spotted prices of $350, $250, $200, $150, and.... $60. On Feb. 2, all the parking spaces for the game are on state-owned land at the Meadowlands Sports Complex - so there's one flat price for cars: $150. There will be about 13,000 available - see superbowl.clickandpark.com for details {but hurry so you don't get stuck in Lot P, near the Paterson Plank Road entrance. 1 presume they would have shuttles, but its no picnic for $150). NFL officials would prefer you save about $100 and take a variety of mass transit options instead. Oh, you need details? from nynjsuperbowl.com What's going on with big transit projects in one of the busiest parts of NYC? By Greg Mocker PIX 11 Trips from Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx all go through lower Manhattan. The MTA and the Port Authority are working on a number of major projects around one of the busiest transit hubs in the region. On Wednesday, New York City Council held a hearing on projects in lower Manhattan, specifically the Fulton Center. The $1.4 billion project is set to be completed in June 2014. Although initial plans had it opening much sooner. It will allow passengers to connect to the A, C, E, J,R, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 subway lines. Shops and commercial space are also planned for the building. Plans have it eventually connecting to the Worid Trade Center Transit Hub. AVIATION Snowy Owl Shootings Cease By Rene Ebersole Audubon Magazine The influx of snowy owls winging from the Arctic Circle to New York City regional airports this winter will have a warmer welcome from now on, thanks to a change in policy by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Instead of meeting their end at the barrel of a gun, the rare visitors will be trapped and moved to a place where they are less likely to collide with planes. The Port Authority made the announcement on Monday evening, saying it will be working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to relocate the iconic owls when they are found sitting or perching near the runway: "The Port Authority is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to move immediately toward implementing a program to trap and relocate snovi/y owls that pose a threat to aircraft at JFK and LaGuardia airports." Quick Hits: Outcry over killing of owls at airports triggers policy shift Queens Chronicle - (Full Text) Snowy owls will no longer be shot at Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports in an effort to protect planes from bird strikes like the one that brought down Miracle on the Hudson Flight 1549 nearly five years ago. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airports, announced on Monday that it will work with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to relocate the birds instead of killing them. The move followed a Daily News report revealing that several snowy owls had been shot at JFK, causing dismay among animal activists and prompting offers to help move them instead from the city and state Audubon Society chapters and at least one private citizen. The PA said five planes have been hit by snowy owls in the past two weeks. The birds generally live farther north but have been more common than usual here this year. They stand a little more than 2 feet tall, have a wingspan around 5 feet and can weigh over 6 pounds. Flight 1549 safely landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009 after a collision with a flock of Canada geese knocked out its engines, highlighting the dangers birds pose to planes. Delta adding more flights from Syracuse to JFK and other key airports, Schumer says By Tim Knauss Syracuse.com Delta Airiines will add several new flights from Syracuse to major airiine hubs in 2014, including two new daily flights to JFK International Airport in New York City, U.S. Sen. Charies Schumer announced today. Schumer, D-N.Y., said he secured commitments from Delta to add the Syracuse flights during a meeting with Delta CEO Richard Anderson. Two new round-trip flights from Syracuse to JFK will be added in April 2014, Schumer said. In addition, Delta agreed to add an unspecified number of flights to Minneapolis during 2014, the senator said. Delta will beef up its service from Syracuse to Atlanta by flying larger airplanes on the existing flights, increasing the seating capacity by 8 percent, Schumer said. PA - DW - 000348 Crowley bill targets aircraft engine noise Silent Skies Act would replace or refit all U. S. commercial planes by 2035 By Michael Gannon Queens Chronicle Political heavyweights from throughout Queens were on hand at LaGuardia Airport last Friday as Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Bronx, Queens) announced legislation that would require airiines to stock their fleets with quieter planes. The Quiet Skies Act (HR 3650) will, if passed, give the Federal Aviation Administration until the end of 2015 to come up with regulations that would require all domestic airiines to phase in quiter aircraft, or those meeting the federal Stage 4 noise requirements. Speaking in the rotunda at LaGuardia's historic Marine Air Terminal, Crowley acknowledged that traffic at both LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports — as gateways to the city and country — will and must continue and increase. But under his bill, all domestic passenger airiines would have to have 25 percent of their fleets replaced or retrofitted with quieter engines every five years until 2035, when all commercial aircraft would be covered. TV CLIPS WABC NY - Construction on the GWB. WCBS NY - Controversy on the GWB lane closures. NEWS 12 NJ - Controversy on the GWB lane closures. WNYC FM - Controversy on the GWB lane closures. PA - DW - 000349 From; Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Lee, Megan Thursday, December 12, 2013 5:01 PM Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David; Buchbinder, Darrell; Garten, David; Kwon, Phillip Fulton, Cedrick; Durando, Robert; Licorish, Darcy; Nunziato, Paul FW: Scan Request Subpoena - Check #4769.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4768.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4767.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4766.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4765.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4764.pdf; Subpoena - Check #4763.pdf; FW_ Assembly Transportation Committee.pdf Attached are subpoenas directed to Messrs. Foye, Baroni, Wildstein, Fulton, Durando, Licorish and Nunziato seeking documents and correspondence produced from August 1, 2013 to date concerning the reduction of the Ft. Lee access lanes to the GWB from Sept. 9 - 1 3 , 2013 between or among the following parties: • • Governor Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the PA; and Any employee, officer or executive of the PA, including each of the above-named individuals. The subpoena addressed to Mr. Foye also seeks the following documents referenced during the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee meeting on December 9, 2013: • • • A copy of the media pendings from Sept. 9 - 1 3 , 2013; A timeline of events surrounding the reduction of the Ft. Lee access lanes to the GWB, including the date when it was determined that Darcy Licorish would be promoted and his promotion date; the dates and times when Mr. Wildstein ordered the lane closures and the date and time Insp. Licorish was notified of the same; and the date and time of any communications between the Ft. Lee borough police, mayor or staff and the PA; and Estimates for the average traffic delay at the Ft. Lee entrance to the GWB and the travel time impact for every other approach to the GWB from Sept. 9 - 1 3 , 2013. The subpoenas are returnable on December 19, 2013 and do not require the personal appearance of any of the individuals, but only their documents. Also attached is an e-mail David Kromm received from Leon Sokel reiterating that the Committee expects full compliance with the subpoenas previously served on Messrs. Foye, Fulton and Durando, as well at the attached subpoenas. From: Pierre, Vladimir Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 3:51 PM To: Lee, Megan Cc: Kromm, David Subject: Scan Request Megan, The scans you requested have been enclosed in this email for your viewing. Thanks, PA - DW - 000350 Vlad Vladimir Pierre The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Law Department 225 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor New York, NY 10003 Telephone: 212.435.3538 Email: Vpierre(S!panvni.gov PA - DW - 000351 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Thursday, December 12, 2013 3:29 PM Wildstein, David Tweets 12/11-12/12/13 #portauthority NorthJersevbrk @NorthJerseybrk #PortAuthority chairman silent on #GWB #George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy - shar.es/0bi8F Ted Mann (5)TMannWSj Good story from Boburg: where is Samson? MT ©NorthJerseybrk: #PortAuthority chairman silent on #GWB controversy shar.es/0bi8F Adrian Marchetti @Elevatorman311 Closing 2/3 lanes on the GWB at rush hour is dangerous! It's almost impossible to get emergency vehicles around. #gwb #portauthority #fdny bparkave @BBparkave78 Toll raise for a bridge with holes in it. What kinda fucking sense does that make? #NYG #MTA #PortAuthority # C R 0 0 K S Do ur fucking job#Pissed TransportationNation @Tran5portNation Happening now on @BrianLehrer show: ©GonzalezSarahA talks #portauthority lane closing scandal. Call in/listen @WNYC! flPANYNJ ACEC New Jersey @ACECNJ Port Authority official says GWB lane closure process was unprecedented #PANYNJ nj.com/news/index.ssf... ACEC New Jersey (©ACECNJ Christie Ally Resigning From Port Authority #PANYNJ nyti.ms/1bP3iOM Rainie Cole @ralnieco!e Scandal Brewing Around Chris Christie Appointees #GeorgeWashingtonBridge huff.to/lcxDYeD via @HuffPostPol #taguardia Natalie @nktanner I am finally on my plane and out of that avrful airport #goodbye #LaGuardia Natalie @nktanner NONE OF THE C H A R G E R S W O R K IN THIS AIRPORT! W H E R E AM 1!?!??! #LaGuardia or #Heli Natalie @nktanner How much would a cab be from NYC to Jacksonville? #LaGuardia Natalie @nktanner PA - DW - 000352 There isn't free WiFi. Its $5 an hour. This is bullshit. Let's riot. #LaGuardia Thea Panes @theapanes There's an iPad for every seat in boarding gates and restaurants at #LaGuardia airport. Cool! • #LGA Queens Quiet Skies @QnsQuietSkies Reminder to log your #LGA & #JFK airplane and jet noise complaints with the @ P A N Y N J Go online or call: 1-800225-1071 each & everytime #davidwildstein T Gard @Michiganborn58 #DavidWildstein HSbuddy of #ChrisChristie orders GeorgeWashingtonBridge #Shutdown. Told to KeepQuiet Retaliation to Mayor for NO Endorsement PA - DW - 000353 From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Cicolella, MaryAnn on behalf of Nestor, Michael Thursday, December 12, 2013 2:05 PM Wildstein, David GWB - OIG Request GWB-OIG Dox Requestdocx Please see attached request. Thank you, Michael Nestor Director Office of Investigations PA - DW - 000354 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ("PA"), Office of Inspector General ("OIG" or "this Office") is conducting an investigation relating to the September 2013 closure of certain Fort Lee access lanes to the George Washington Bridge ("GWB"). Your assistance and cooperation are requested in providing to this Office any and all records and documents\ in any form, that you have relating to the following. Please provide all records and documents in your care, custody, possession or control pertaining to the above referenced lane closures, and any history of such similar lane closures for the Fort Lee access lanes, including but not limited to: • Notes, memorandum, reports, studies, telephone messages and any other written documentation • Emails either sent or received • Text messages sent or received Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or need additional information. Please contact OIG Police Investigator Thomas M. Jobes at (973) 565-4383 to arrange pick-up of the documents when they are available. If you have already provided records or documents to this Office, please disregard this request. Thank you. ^ "Records and Documents" means any written, recorded, or computerized information, including but not limited to: letters, memoranda, notes, reports, comments, facsimile transmissions and electronic communications. PA - DW - 000355 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Thursday, December 12, 2013 12:31 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12.12.13 PANYNJ Governors Spoke Privately About Bridge Controversy Chris Christie Complained to Andrew Cuomo That His Appointee Was Pressing too Hard for Answers By Ted Mann, Erica Orden, and Heather Haddon The Wall Street Journal New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week to complain about a Cuomo appointee's handling of a growing controversy over traffic pattern changes on the George Washington Bridge, a person familiar with the matter said. Mr. Christie, a Republican, complained in a private phone call to Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat that Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was pressing too hard to get to the bottom of why the number of toll lanes onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J. was cut from three to one in early September, according to this person. The lane closures occurred without notice to local authorities, officials have said, and snaried traffic for a week in the small borough on the Hudson River bluffs. Messrs. Cuomo and Christie share control of the sprawling Port Authority, which oversees Hudson River bridges and tunnels and the region's airports and is rebuilding the Worid Trade Center complex in Manhattan. Gov. Cuomo Calls Port Authority Controversy Over GWB Lane Closures a 'New Jersey Issue' By Ken Lovett New York Daily News - Full Text Blame New Jersey. That was basically Gov. Cuomo's response when asked about the ongoing controversy regarding the September lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. 'This is more of a New Jersey issue," Cuomo said to host Susan Arbetter on public radio's "The Capitol Pressroom" this morning. He noted the New Jersey state Legislature is holding hearings on the issue. "I don't know anything more than basically what's been in the newspapers, but this is basically a New Jersey issue," Cuomo said. For four days in September, two of the lanes on the George Washington Bridge were ordered closed, leading to delays of up to four hours that backed up into Fort Lee, NJ. Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, an appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, has since said the lane closures were done for a traffic study. But Cuomo-appointed Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye, who ordered the bridge fully reopened after four days, said he wasn't aware of such a study. A host of lawmakers have called for Baroni to be fired by Christie. Some have said the lane closures that impacted Fort Lee were ordered by a close associate of Christie in retaliation for the Democratic mayor not endorsing the Republican governor's re-election bid~a notion Christie has dismissed. A bridge too far By Cari Golden NJ Voices By any measure, the last four years of Democratic control of the Legislature yielded the party little political benefit. In his first term. Gov. Christie dominated the public debate so completely that legislative majorities teetered on the edge of irrelevancy. For four years, the budgets Christie wanted were the ones he got The current budget in fact was approved by the Legislature neariy three weeks before the fiscal year deadline and with nary a substantive change from the governor's original recommendation. His flurry of vetoes were all sustained, even on issues which enjoyed broad public support — gun control, reinstatement of a surtax on millionaires and same sex marriage, for example. The Democratic leadership huffed and puffed and vented their collective outrage, only to be casually dismissed with a tart made-forYoutube retort from a governor who enjoyed seventy per cent plus approval ratings. Respite room comforts family of sick kids By Debra Rubin New Jersey Jewish News PA - DW - 000356 Rabbi Yosef Cariebach's grandson was born last year with a heart condition so serious doctors gave him little chance of surviving. However, after "many surgeries" that took him around the country and finally to the Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, the boy, Mendel Avtzon, is expected to fully recover. Along the way to that recovery, Carlebach said, he was given the unexpected opportunity to perform mitzvot for others. The infants condition also gave the executive director of Rutgers Chabad the chance to meet and ultimately partner with the hospital's president and CEO, Amy B. Mansue, to help others facing the serious illness of a child. ... Also honored at the dinner was former State Sen. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He was given the Ner Tamid Award on the seventh night of Hanukka for his role in ensuring the lighting of hanukkiot at Port Authority sites, including at its bridges and tunnels. Rabbi Mendy Cariebach of Chabad of North and South Brunswick said he and Baroni had lit a menora the previous night at 7 World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. Audit finds Becton in 'good' financial shape, but must monitor projects purchase and change orders By Kelly Nicholaides South Berqenite Despite paying over $1 million for extras over budget from capita! reserves, and having $1,669,000 left over for extras not covered by the Port Authority of NY/NJ and Federal Aviation Administration soundproofing and HVAC grants, the Becton Board of Education needs to pay closer attention to purchase orders and change orders, an audit reveals. However, the board is financially sound, particulariy taking into consideration a massive $19,165,000 soundproofing and HVAC project auditor Jeff Bliss told the board at the Dec. 11 meeting. "Financially, you're in good shape. There's a couple of things you need to tweak," Bliss said. "You're in a very good position. There's no structural deficit to make up for." East Hartem Group Using Homeless to Tackle Trash Problem Wins $100K Grant By Jeff Mays DNAInfo The merchant association that is using homeless people to help clean the streets of El Barrio won a $100,000 grant from the city Department of Small Business Services Wednesday to help turn the area near the Metro-North station into an "Uptown Grand Central." Kwanza Smith, executive director of the New East Harlem Merchants Association, said the money will be used to fund the group's collaboration with the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless. A group of 6 to 8 men will clean between Fifth and Second avenues, between 124th and 126th streets Monday through Friday. ... Now NEHMA is working with the Grand Central Partnership to get planters and other artifacts from Grand Central Terminal to beautify the area which is one of only three three tri-modal transportation hubs, with buses, subways and commuter rail, in the city along with Penn Station and Port Authority. PORTS Dozens of developers show interest in Bayonne Harbor land By Felix Alarcon The Jersey Journal More than two dozen development firms have already responded to Bayonne's official "request for an expression of interest" in 55 acres of undeveloped land at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor as the city is seeking high-end commercial interests. "Many exciting redevelopment projects are already bringing jobs and tax ratables to Bayonne," Mayor Mark Smith said. "The 55 acres that are now available for redevelopment at the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor will offer the biggest opportunity in several years to make a major impact on the future of Bayonne." City officials said: "While some of the Peninsula property has been sold to the Port Authority, there are still dozens of city-owned acres scheduled for private redevelopment projects. This 55-acre tract known as the Harbor Station South is one of them." Smith said the submissions are intended to be "high-level concept plans." AVIATION During Super Bowl week, Teterboro Airport will require reservations for arrivals, departures By Richard Newman The Record Private jet travel during Super Bowl week will not be the hassle-free, come-and-go-as-you-please experience travelers normally expect at local airports. Teterboro Airport, one of the busiest in the country for private jets, and at six miles away the closest one to MetLife Stadium, will not be able to handle all of the Gulfstreams, Falcons and Bombardiers expected to fly into the area for Super Sunday. Thats why federal authorities have declared that for a six-day period, from 6 a.m. on the Wednesday before the game until 6 a.m. on the Tuesday after, the only aircraft that will be cleared for landings and PA - DW - 000357 takeoffs will be those that made reservations well in advance. Normally, reservations are not required at Teterboro. Pilots who fail to comply with the temporary Previous Permission Required rule will be diverted to other airports, said Kirk Stephan, marketing manager at Meridian, one of several aircraft service station operators at Teterboro that are taking Super Bowl week reservations. "If you don't have a PPR, you won't be able to fly in or out of Teterboro," Stephan said. WTC Years late and over budget, Fulton Transit Hub nearly complete But displaced businesses decry a lack of relocation services By Julie Strickland The Real Deal Ten years and millions over budget, Fulton Street Transit Center is near completion. The City Council's Transportation Committee got an update on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's $1.4 billion Lower Manhattan megaproject Wednesday. The massive undertaking will ultimately link 11 different subway lines at 6 stations. By 2016, the center will also connect with the Port Authority's Worid Trade Center Transportation Hub. However, costly delays have been a source of ongoing frustration, city officials told the committee. "Its disappointing that the Fulton Center's project costs have increased by millions of dollars and that the construction itself has encountered so many unforeseen holdups," James Vacca, a Bronx Councilman, told N Y l . Another bone the community had to pick with the MTA is the displacement of 150 area businesses, which an MTA official said Wednesday will not have first dibs on the hub's retail space when it opens next year. The authority said it will announce Fulton Center's master lease holder for the site's 65,000 square feet of retail space within the next month, and that the winner will offer market-rate rentals to retailers. PATH Booze Will Be Banned on LIRR During SantaCon By Alan Neuhauser DNAInfo Leave the eggnog at home. The Long Island Rail Road is closing the doors on soused Santas this weekend — instituting a 24-hour booze ban from noon Saturday through noon Sunday that overiaps with the SantaCon bar crawl. "We do it based on experience, based on when we've had difficulties.. .when we're going to be inundated with a lot of people under 21, or maybe just over 21, where they've created problems in the past" LIRR spokesman Salvatore Arena said. The LIRR typically allows passengers to drink alcohol aboard the train, but it does "occasionally institute a ban for short periods of time," Arena said, such as on St Patrick's Day and the night before Thanksgiving. It also prohibits alcohol consumption between midnight and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. ... "As of now, a final determination has not yet been made regarding our policy for Saturday/Sunday," spokesman Will Smith said in a statement Wednesday, adding that alcohol consumption is prohibited aboard its buses at all times. The Port Authority, meanwhile, prohibits drinking on PATH trains. Representatives for Metro-North did not return a request for comment PA - DW - 000358 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:37 PM Evening Clips 12.11.13 TBT 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB By Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) Motorists are being urged to take alternate routes from New York to New Jersey because of emergency construction on the George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says two lanes on the outbound upper deck of the bridge have been closed for repairs to the roadway. The closures are expected to remain until Thursday morning. Inbound lanes won't be unaffected. The Port Authority is recommending that motorists take the Holland or Lincoln tunnels or take the lower level of the bridge. Two GWB lanes to remain closed for construction into Thursday: officials PIX 11 News Just in time for the evening commute, two westbound lanes on the George Washington Bridge have been closed for emergency construction and are not expected to reopen until Thursday morning. The lanes were initially closed after a construction plate blocked the roadway, it is still unclear how the plate shifted late Wednesday afternoon, causing the closure of the center and left lane on the upper level to New Jersey. Officials are urging commuters to take the Holland or Lincoln tunnels. GWB Emergency Repairs Shut Down 2 Lanes, Cause Long Delays NBC New York Two upper levels of the George Washington Bridge have been shut down for emergency repairs, causing long rush-hour delays. The westbound lanes were expected to remain closed until Thursday morning and will impact New Jersey-bound commuters, the Port Authority says. Backups of several miles lasting over an hour could be seen from Chopper 4 over the bridge during the evening rush. Traffic was jammed through the 1-95 and the West Side Highway, as well as the Harlem River Drive and the Deegan as a result Drivers going to New Jersey should consider alternate routes like the Lincoln or Holland tunnels. Traffic patterns to shift on Route 139 lower level for Pulaski Skyway project By Ron Zeitlinger The Jersey Journal One lane of the lower level of Route 139 in Jersey City will be closed starting Friday, Dec. 13, and the divider will be moved to allow for two lanes of traffic into and out of Jersey City during peak travel times, state Department of Transportation officials announced today. The lane closure and rolling divider are part of the DOT'S $1 billion project to rehabilitate the Pulaski Skyway, an 80-year-old elevated highway that carries 74,000 motor vehicles per day between Newark and Jersey City and serves as an express link for cars and buses between Jersey City and Manhattan. This phase of the project entails replacing the deck on Route 139 upper level eastbound and replacing five cross street bridges from Palisade Avenue to Kennedy Boulevard. The DOT'S contractor, Schiavone Construction Co., will close the right lane of Route 139 lower level eastbound, leaving three lanes on the roadway. Commuters: Public transportation not an option when northbound Pulaski Skyway closes in March Jersey Journal Right now, travelers in the Garden State are focusing on getting through the daily commute today made all the more difficult with the addition of freezing rain, sleet and an impending snow storm. But on Saturday, we polled readers asking if commuters planned on using public transportation while the two-year closing of the northbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway heading from Jersey City to Newark takes place. An overwhelming majority of commuters responded 'no' in our poll. In fact, 82 percent of those participating in our poll said they would not use public transportation. We offered several PA - DW - 000359 alternative routes to bypass the closing - including using the Turnpike extension to the south, the 1&9 truck route and taking Route 495 to Manhattan or 1&9 South. Poll: Will you use public transportation when the northbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway are closed? By Ron Zeitlinger The Jersey Journal State officials yesterday issued a news release to spread the word: If you use the Pulaski Skyway on a daily basis, you better figure out a different way to get where you are going before March - when the northbound lanes, going into Jersey City from Newark, will be closed. There are a variety of other ways motorists can get into Jersey City and Manhattan, but none of them are convenient There is the Turnpike extension to the south, which brings you through Bayonne and past the Liberty Science Center before turning toward Manhattan. There is also the Route 1&9 truck route, which brings you across the Lincoln Highway Bridge where Route 440 becomes Route 1&9. To the north, motorists can take the Turnpike up to the Secaucus exchange and try Route 495 to Manhattan or 1&9 South. Public transporation wilt offer more service in March to combat Pulaski Skyway closure traffic By Michaelangelo Conte The Jersey Journal State officials are coordinating with public transportation agencies to ease the expected traffic congestion when the northbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway are closed in March. NJ Transit plans to add additional seating on Raritan Valley Line trains operating to Newark Penn Station from 6 to 10 a.m. and from Newark Penn Station from 4 to 8 p.m. Also, efforts are under way to enable NJ Transit to debut a new bus line in eariy March that will offer regular, peak-hour service along the Route 22 corridor between Watchung and Newark Penn Station. The line will serve several intermediate communities via Mountain and Morris avenues. Pulaski Skyway travelers urged to find alternate routes before northbound lanes close By Michaelangelo Conte The Jersey Journal In preparation of the closure of the northbound lanes of the Pulaski Skyway in March, state officials are urging motorists to familiarize themselves with alternate routes and to consider using public transportation. In March the two northbound lanes, heading toward Jersey City, will be closed for two years as part of the $1 billion Skyway replacement project The southbound lanes, leaving Jersey City, will remain open, state Department of Transportation officials say. With the closure, neariy 40,000 daily vehicle trips will be diverted and DOT officials are proposing that motorists use alternate routes such as the New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur and the Turnpike Newark Bay-Hudson County Extension (1-78), where an eastbound shoulder will be converted into a third travel lane during morning and evening rush hours. Pulaski Closure Plan Fails to Prioritize Transit, Mitigate Congestion By Janna Chernetz Mobilzinq the Region Blog Late Friday afternoon, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced "travel options" for the impending two-year closure of the Pulaski Skyway's northbound lanes. Whether the options presented will be enough to mitigate the projects impacts for the 32,500 motorists who currently use these lanes each day, as well as the surrounding communities, remains to be seen. Changing modes, or changing routes? NJDOT conducted a survey to help guide the planning of alternate routes and additional transit options. According to the survey's results, neariy half (46 percent) of those surveyed said they would cons/c/er switching from a car commute to a transit commute. But the planned transit improvements don't appear to be enough to accommodate all of these potential new riders, so it's no surprise that 75 percent of respondents said they'll likely continue to drive. PANYNJ National Democratic group attacks Christie over GWB lane closures By Melissa Hayes Record National Democratic groups are now taking aim at Governor Christie, questioning his knowledge of lane closures at the George Washington Bridge after his close friend tendered his resignation over the issue. A new Washington D.C. Super PAC created to defend Democratic presidential candidates posted an illustration on its website today taking shots at Christie, who many expect to run in 2016. The image comes a day after the Democratic National Committee called on 2 PA - DW - 000360 Christie to answer questions about his knowledge of the closures, which snarled traffic in Fort Lee for days and have been the subject of Democratic-led legislative hearings in Trenton. Correct The Record, an arm of Washington, D.C.-based American Bridge Super PAC, posted a graphic on its website Wednesday that shows an image of Christie superimposed over the George Washington Bridge. It questions whether the lane closures were political retribution. N.Y. politicians: Christie Port Authority appointee should resign over GWB lane closures By Associated Press Record - (Full Text) Three New York elected officials have joined the call for the resignation of Gov. Chris Christie's top appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey following unannounced lane closings at the George Washington Bridge created a traffic nightmare in Fort Lee. Two New York state officials and a city council member issued a statement Wednesday saying Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni should resign immediately. Baroni, a former New Jersey lawmaker, told a New Jersey Assembly panel the September lane closings were for a traffic study. However, Executive Director Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, testified that he was unaware of any study. Democrats suspect another Christie appointee who works under Baroni ordered two-thirds of Fort Lee's lanes shut to punish the mayor for not endorsing Christie. The governor denies it calling the notion "crazy." Meanwhile, the Port Authority's inspector general says it will investigate why the lanes were closed. Last week, the Port Authority who ordered the traffic study — also a Christie appointee — resigned effective Jan. 1. He said in his resignation letter that he planned to leave later in 2014, but his decision was hastened by the Fort Lee controversy. Three New York Democratic officials calling for Baroni's resignation By Matthew Arco Politicker NJ New York state officials are the latest Democrats calling for Republican Gov. Chris Christie's appointee to the Port Authority to step down. A trio of New York Democrats issued a joint statement Wednesday calling for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's deputy executive director. Bill Baroni, to resign amid controversy over lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. The statement - released by state Sen. Adriano Espaillat Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa and New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez - comes on the heels of Assemblyman John Wisniewski saying publically that Baroni "outlived his usefulness" at the bi-state authority. "New Jersey Port Authority appointees have offered one unconvincing excuse after another, and failed to take responsibility for their role in this reckless incident NY Officials: Chris Christie Port Appointee Should Resign Three New York elected officials have joined the call for the resignation of Gov. Chris Christie's top appointee to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey following unannounced lane closings at the George Washington Bridge created a traffic nightmare in Fort Lee. By Townsquare News Network New Jersey 101.5 Two New York state officials and a city council member issued a statement Wednesday saying Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni should resign immediately. Baroni, a former New Jersey lawmaker, told a New Jersey Assembly panel the September lane closings were for a traffic study. However, Executive Director Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, testified that he was unaware of any study. Democrats suspect another Christie appointee who works under Baroni ordered two-thirds of Fort Lee's lanes shut to punish the mayor for not endorsing Christie. Did Chris Christie Screw Commuters for Political Payback? By Adam Weinstein Gawker Last September, traffic into New York on the George Washington Bridge got jacked up when a Chris Christie appointee ordered a shutdown of toll lanes. His office said it was for a traffic study. But it may actually have been to score some get back with a local mayor who angered New Jersey's cantankerous governor. The Port Authority, which oversees the bridge, originally said the human-caused traffic jam was a planned "lane closure to allow for a study of traffic patterns." But for the past month, anonymous workers had grumbled to journalists that there was no traffic study at all, and traffic to New York from Fort Lee was brought to a standstill for no apparent reason. Well, there was one possible reason: To send a message to Mark Sokolich, the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, whose city residents and motorists were hit hardest by the closures. According to the New York Times: Last summer, [Sokolich] of Fort Lee, N.J., was expected to follow a lot of other mayors in the state by endorsing Republican Gov. Chris Christie in his easy run for re-election. Mr. Sokolich, a Democrat, refused. PA - DW - 000361 AVIATION Best new airport amenities in 2013 Harriet Baskas USA Today In the sky, hassles abound as airiines squeeze in more seats on their planes and tack on more fees for checking baggage, changing flight plans and using other services. On the ground, its a rosier story. Airports are steadily upgrading their facilities and adding amenities that offer passengers more enjoyable experiences that can make the time spent waiting for a flight the best part of the trip. As we close out 2013, here are some of the best of airport amenities rolled out this past year. Snowy owls, new bane of airports, not issue in Westchester Lohud.com Snowy owls have shown up in recent weeks along Long Island Sound in Rye, Larchmont and Connecticut But none have landed at the Westchester County Airport and met their demise — unlike those that recently touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport and were reportedly shot. "We've never shot one, nor are we allowed to shoot one," Westchester airport manager Peter Scherrer said Wednesday. Normally Arctic residents, the large snow-white birds are flying far and wide this winter searching for food. Snowy Owl visits Springfield yard By Greg Saulmon The Republican Bitter cold temperatures were not the only Arctic visitor to the city Wednesday morning, as a Snowy Owl cozied up in a backyard at the edge of the city's McKnight and Metro Center neighborhoods. "I think its very interesting it decided to come and visit us," said resident Willie Palmer, who operates a daycare at her Armory Street home. "The children are loving it" Speaking in her kitchen as the female owl sat a stone's throw away on a metal fence. Palmer said she enjoys reading the National Wildlife Federation magazine Big Backyard with the children in her care. "And today, we actually have a live owl in our big backyard," she said. 3 Reasons Snowy Owls a Problem in N.J. By Bob Holt New Jersey Newsroom Its a big time for bird watchers in New Jersey. The snowy owl, normally found in Canadian regions, is paying a visit to New Jersey. They're coming in larger numbers than ever. Other people are not so happy to welcome them, like the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. CNN reported that the Port Authority said in a statement "In the last two weeks, five planes in New York airports were struck by snowy owls that have been migrating to the region in far higher than typical numbers." The Port Authority is working with the Department of Environmental Conservation on a plan to trap and relocate the owls. Logan Shows NY Airports Snowy Owl Solution WGBH News - (Full Text) This week New Englanders were dumbfounded to learn the way the New York Port Authority deals with pesky snowy owls is to shoot them. Snowy owls like to roost on vast stretches of frozen tundra- making airport fields the perfect spot So after a couple of the birds flew into airplanes at New York area airports officials ordered staff to shoot on sight After a huge outcry from the Audubon Society and birders, though - New York has wised up - taking a cue from how Logan handles the issue. Mass Audubon Society president Henry Tepper joined Greater Boston to discuss why we are seeing such an influx of these beautiful birds. Lasers, Fireworks and Nets: How to Keep Owls Out of Jet Engines By Ben Richmond Mother Board Blog The public loves snowy owls, but nobody wants to be in the next airtiner that goes down in the Hudson River, which means the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has the unenviable job of making them disappear. A plan to bring in "wildlife specialists" to shoot the owls who were showing up at the airports spawned a 3,000-signature petition, but given that the birds weren't scared away by fireworks or people "driving at them," the question still remains: how do you 4 PA - DW - 000362 keep the large, airiiner engine-clogging birds away from the airport? What the hell are they doing there anyway? Experts think that the owls are drawn to airports because the airfield resembles their native Arctic tundra. The New York metro area airports are also rare oases of unused land in an otherwise dense urban area, and all three area airports—JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International—are near water, which attracts large, heavy and hazardous flocks of geese and gulls. The city is also located at the geographic nexus of the Atlantic Flyway, and over 200 species of birds pass through. WTC Westfield's $800M takeover at WTC Real Estate Weekly The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Westfield Group announced an agreement for Westfield to purchase the Port Authority's 50% interest in the Worid Trade Center retail premises for $800 million. Following the acquisition, Westfield will own 100% of the retail project. "Since 2001, Westfield has believed in and remained committed to investing in this site and in this city. We take great pride and pleasure in amplifying that commitment today," said Peter Lowy, Westfield Group co-CEO. PORT Port of Virginia Outpaces New York-New Jersey in 2013 Journal of Commerce - (Full Text) To the extent the ports of Virginia and New York-New Jersey view each other as competitors — and they surely do — 2013 will show Virginia in the win column. As a result of a litany of problems at New York-New Jersey but also gains at Virginia, the ports have seen widely divergent growth rates and a slight shift in the market share they fight over. Through the first three quarters of the year, Norfolk saw its total container volumes, including empties, grow 6 percent, while New York-New Jersey saw a 3.7 percent decline, based on throughput data collected from the ports. That resulted in a slight market share shift in the Northeast in the first three quarters (a region including Virginia, Baltimore, NY-NJ, Boston, Montreal and Halifax), where Virginia's share grew from 20.1 to 21.2 percent while New York-New Jersey's share slipped from 55.1 to 53.1 percent "Without a doubt we've picked up volume that has been moving through other ports," said Joe Harris, spokesman for the Port of Virginia. The question is whether the trends seen this year are long term or temporary. New York-New Jersey is seeing 2013 as a forgettable year for any number of issues that it sees as one-time aberrations. Eariy in the year it was recovering from Superstorm Sandy while experiencing diversions due to threats of disruption tied to East Coast longshore negotiations that were completed in April and were largely focused on issues at New York-New Jersey. Then this summer the implementation of a Navis computer system at Maher Terminals went badly wrong, leading to huge truck lines, cargo delays and ship diversions, a situation that was compounded by a shortage of longshore labor. "A lot of the cargo that was supposed to go through New York-New Jersey this summer ended up in Virginia," said a senior New Jersey terminal executive. Virginia is gaining for various reasons. It picked up two additional services this year, the G6 CEC Suez service and the Zim ZCP Asia-Panama Canal service, though Harris said a lot of Virginia's gain this year came from more cargo moving on existing services. Also, Virginia is seeing gains in intermodal as benefits of the Norfolk Southern-run Heartland Corridor are increasingly felt in the port's volumes. Through October of this year 34 percent of the port's volumes is moving via intermodal rail, up from 28 percent in 2010. On one route from Norfolk to Greensboro, N.C, the port is seeing several thousand moves this year of cargo that prior to the initiation of the service in 2011 would have moved by truck through Norfolk or via the ports Savannah, Charleston or Wilmington. But some of Virginia's gains may be temporary. Hapag-Lloyd is moving intermodal volumes through Norfolk in the absence of rail at its NY-NJ terminal. Global Terminal in Bayonne. Rail will be up and running at the terminal in 2016, NY-NJ port officials say, which could bring some of that volume back. Officials at the Port of New York and New Jersey are also confident they will recapture volume once the Bayonne Bridge is raised in 2015, allowing ships of up to 13,000 TEUs to call the port, and due to its 50-foot channel into Newark Bay expected to be completed in 2014. But New York-New Jersey has other challenges, including a shortage of longshore labor, whose resolution is tied to litigation between port employers and dockworkers on one side and the Waterfront Commission on the other. "The Port of NY-NJ is drastically short of labor," and needs 300 to 600 additional dockworkers, according to Jeff Bader, head of the Bi-State Harbor Carriers Conference. TV CLIPS WNBC NY - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB WCBS NY - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB NEWS 12 NJ - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB 5 PA - DW - 000363 WABC - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB WNYW NY FOX - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB 1010 WINS AM - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB WPIX TV - 2 lanes shut down on outbound GWB PA - DW - 000364 From: Sent: To: Subject: • • • • • • • • • • • • Valens, Chris Wednesday, December 11, 2013 6:02 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.us'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 12/11/13 Media Relations issued a traffic advisory about tonight's closing of two upper-level westbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge to make emergency repairs to a section of the upper-level deck. We provided additional details to several print, radio and TV reporters. NY Daily News columnist Bill Hammond is working on a story about the rising cost of construction insurance premiums in New York due to the scaffolding law. He Is looking to talk to someone at the PA about the disparity in the premiums we pay for NY projects vs. NJ projects. Response pending. Megan Goldschmidt of theTrentonian called to get a comment on calls by the NJ Assembly Democrats that DED Baroni resign. We did not respond. Jessica Abo of NYl called to confirm a report in the Wall Street Journal that the Port Authority Inspector General is investigating the September closing of GWB local access lanes. We referred the reporter to the Inspector General's Office. Luke Margolis of News 12 NJ called to ask if the Port Authority wants to provide someone from agency leadership to appear on a show on Friday to discuss the GWB lane closing issue. We did not respond. Media Relations staffed an interview with ED Foye, Joann Papageorgis and NY Times reporter Sam Roberts regarding the length of the environmental review process for projects such as the Bayonne and Goethals Bridge. Media Relations staffed an interview of CSO Dunne by Pierre Thomas-WABC TV taped. The interview focused on holiday travel tips and an eariier arrest by PAPD of contract baggage handlers at JFK earlier this year. Reporter Allan Neuhauser of DNAInfo asked if the PAPD had any contingencies or additional Public Safety measures they may be taking to deal with SantaCon. He was told the PAPD has holiday personnel deployment in place to deal with the usual holiday crowds and Increased traffic this time of year. Omar Bourne of Channel 5 inquired about an emergency landing at JFK involving a report of a Caribbean Air plane with flap problems. We told the reporter that the plane landed safely. The CBS Morning Show requested access to JFK Airport to film the trapping of snowy owls. We declined the request. Mike Sedon of the Staten Island Advance requested a tour of the Bayonne Bridge and overview of the project. We are coordinating with program staff and engineering to find a suitable date. Downtown Express called to Inquire about the future of LMCCC. We told them that the Port Authority and other stakeholders are working to finalize a transition plan for LMCCC. PA - DW - 000365 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12.11.13 PANYNJ Group linked to Hillary Clinton attacks Chris Christie over Port Authority lane closure flap By Jenna Portnoy The Star-Ledger - Full Text The George Washington Bridge flap just went national. A Democratic group connected to Hillary Clinton is launching an attack against Gov. Chris Christie based on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's closure of lanes to the nation's busiest bridge, according to a report on CNN.com. Christie and Clinton have been the focus of dozens of national polls measuring support for potential 2016 presidential contenders. State lawmakers suspect top Port Authority employees appointed by Christie closed local lanes in Fort Lee to punish the town's mayor for not endorsing the Republican governor's re-election bid. David Wildstein resigned this week, saying the controversy was a distraction. Christie has denied involvement in the closures, joking that he was working the cones on the sly. "Correct the Record, formed in part to defend Hillary Clinton, is an arm of American Bridge, an pro-Democratic group that specializes in opposition research. The group launched a graphic Tuesday showing the Republican Garden State leader in front of the George Washington Bridge with a traffic sign that says 'political retribution' and 'Lane closed. Expect Christie?'" CNN reported today. State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) anticipated national attention last week. "There's a big huge country out there that might think this is a view into politics of this administration or how politics is done in the state of New Jersey, but I don't think we have a complete picture yet," Weinberg told The Star-Ledger on Friday. First on CNN: Dem group goes after Chris Christie on bridge controversy CNN A Democratic group is going up with one of their first attacks against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over his administration's lane closures to one of the nation's busiest bridges, allegedly for political purposes. Correct the Record, formed in part to defend Hillary Clinton, is an arm of American Bridge, an pro-Democratic group that specializes in opposition research. The group launched a graphic Tuesday showing the Republican Garden State leader in front of the George Washington Bridge with a traffic sign that says "political retribution" and "Lane closed. Expect Christie?" The issue began in September, on the first day of school, when two of the three access lanes from Fort Lee to the bridge were shut down. The closures sparked speculation by Democrats that the action amounted to political retaliation against the mayor of Fort Lee who did not endorse Christie's re-election. Subpoena Christie's political appointees to answer for GWB lane closures: Editorial The Star-Ledger The first time Bill Baroni spoke to lawmakers about the George Washington Bridge brouhaha, it was a laugher. That was just two weeks ago, when Baroni, deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, blamed a secret "traffic study" for traffic jams that crippled Fort Lee in September. Now that his cover story is starting to unravel, legislators should subpoena Baroni to testify again — this time under oath, with the threat of perjury hanging over his head. Baroni wants us to believe the Port Authority was studying the bridge's traffic patterns when it blockaded two-thirds of Fort Lee's entry lanes, sparking three days of gridlock starting Sept. 9. The agency, he testified, wanted to measure the effect of the Fort Lee shutdown on other bridge traffic. (Hint It moves faster.) Chris Christie Caught in Crony's Traffic Jam By Joe Coscarelli New York Magazine New Jersey Governor Chris Christie arrives to speak at his election night event after winning a second term at the Asbury Park Convention Hall on November 05, 2013 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Incumbent Governor Chris Christie defeated his Democratic opponent Barbara Buono by a commanding margin. Its certainly starting to look like the New Jersey governor's crew sought petty retribution against a political enemy by purposely causing traffic on the George Washington Bridge. Yes, really. It all feels very New Jersey, which is not the best thing for Chris Christie's national aspirations. The PA - DW - 000366 brewing scandal all started with a jam on the bridge in September, when three lanes from Fort Lee, New Jersey, were shut down for a "traffic study." But testimony from Port Authority officials yesterday confirmed the initial, somewhat outlandish speculation (and later, solid reporting): There was no study — instead, Christie appointee (and high-school buddy) David Wildstein may have ordered the lanes shut to get back at the Fort Lee mayor, a Democrat, for not endorsing the governor in his landslide run for reelection. "Mr. Wildstein instructed me 'do not speak to anyone in Fort Lee,'" Robert Durando, the General Manager of the George Washington Bridge, testified. Wildstein and his boss on the Jersey side, Bill Baroni, kept the plan from their New York counterparts as well. Baroni later testified under oath about the traffic study that no one else has heard ot Wildstein has since resigned. Tollgate-gate: Did a Christie Ally Cause a Traffic Jam as Political Punishment? By Philip Bump The Wire New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie high school pal is accused of severely disrupting traffic in one town in an act of political retribution. It sounds almost too "Jersey" to be believed, but a hearing held by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Monday suggested that the claim has merit. That ally, David Wildstein, was a high-ranking member of the Port Authority staff until resigning his position last week. From September 9th to 13th, two of the three toll booths on the western side of the Port-Authority-managed George Washington Bridge were closed. That resulted in a massive backup into Fort Lee, New Jersey — which was completely unprepared for the interruption that happened to coincide with the first week of school. And Wildstein, according to testimony from the hearing, appears to be entirely to blame. Wildstein is a long-time participant in New Jersey politics, a high school friend of Christie's, and the appointed second-in-command of the Jersey contingent at the Port Authority. Wildstein ordered the lane closures leading onto the bridge — one of three routes from New Jersey into Manhattan — according to testimony on Monday. And it was Wildstein who assured transit staffers they didn't need to inform Fort Lee. "Don't worry about that," Wildstein reportedly said. "We will take care of it" He didn't Last week, Wildstein resigned, calling the issue "a distraction." HOW A CULTURE OF FEAR CAN DAMAGE YOUR ORGANIZATION A RECENT EXAMPLE OF HOW LEADERSHIP GOES OUT THE WINDOW WHEN INTIMIDATION RULES. By Anya Kamenetz Fast Company Between September 9 and 13 of this year, some lanes were closed leading to the George Washington Bridge between New Jersey and New York City, causing crippling traffic backups in the town of Fort Lee, NJ. The Port Authority official who ordered the lane closings, David Wildstein, has just resigned. He was an old high school pal of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Originally, the story was that the lanes were closed for a "traffic study," but Port Authority officials have testified that there was no study. Many suspect that the real motivation was potitical~a petty revenge for the mayor of Fort Lee's failure to endorse Christie, who cruised to re-election in November. The crux of this story, for anyone who runs an organization, is why others at the Port Authority both obeyed Wildstein's nonsensical orders and kept them secret in advance from police, the citizens and the press. Record Talk Radio to host Port Authority reporter Shawn Boburg Thursday The Record - Full Text We'll talk about Shawn's recent story "Prince of the Port" which profiled the late Guy Tozzoli, the former Port Authority executive behind the $10 sale of the World Trade Center name. We will also discuss the legislative hearing on Monday that delved into the events that led up to a massive traffic jam for several days on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge in September. If you have a question for Shawn, email John Ensslin your suggestions. Saving Pouch Camp: Its preservation is a Staten Island triumph Staten Island Advance Staten Islanders will benefit for generations from the deal with the Boy Scouts of America to preserve about 100 wooded acres at Pouch Camp in the heart of the Greenbelt Its a triumph of good government and good will. From the grass roots here, to state offices in Albany, advocates for saving the William H. Pouch Scout Camp waged a campaign to keep the bucolic tract in Sea View out of the hands of developers. We commend and thank all who joined the effort. Their success means that 25,000 youngsters each year will continue to enjoy outdoor Scout activities. Plus the public will retain access to key trails through the Greenbelt. How this was brought about could serve as a text-book example for doing good on Staten Island. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will pay $6 million to the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America (GNYC/BSA), the owner of the property, for a conservation easement to protect 50 acres of Pouch Camp. Previously, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey made a $4 million payment to the GNYC/BSA for an PA - DW - 000367 easement to secure 43 acres from development The money came from the PA's Harbor Estuary Program for the environment not from tolls. AVIATION Snowy Owl visits Springfield yard By Greg Saulmon The Republican Bitter cold temperatures were not the only Arctic visitor to the city Wednesday morning, as a Snowy Owl cozied up in a backyard at the edge of the city's McKnight and Metro Center neighborhoods. "I think its very interesting it decided to come and visit us," said resident Willie Palmer, who operates a daycare at her Armory Street home. "The children are loving it" Speaking in her kitchen as the female owl sat a stone's throw away on a metal fence, Palmer said she enjoys reading the National Wildlife Federation magazine Big Backyard with the children in her care. "And today, we actually have a live owl in our big backyard," she said. ... A Snowy Owl controversy arose eariier this week when the New York Daily News reported that the Port Authority, concerned about the potential for collisions with airplanes, had adopted a policy of killing Snow Owls at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The newspaper reported: The agency that oversees the city's airports has added the majestic snowy owl to the list of birds it kills to protect airplanes from bird strikes. The Port Authority's "wildlife specialists" started exterminating the owls Saturday, killing three at JFK Airport with a shotgun, a Port Authority source said. WTC DAN TANGHERLINI: FEDERAL AGENCIES PLAN TO MOVE INTO ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER By Nicole Fray ExecutiveGov - Full Text The U.S. General Services Administration has announced plans to move its office and two other federal agencies to the One World Trade Center in New York City by late 2015. GSA, U.S Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection plan to move their regional or New York offices into the building in order to fulfill a goal to help redevelop the Worid Trade Center after 9/11, GSA said Tuesday. "We are excited to return to the World Trade Center Complex, which federal agencies have been a part of since 1973," said Dan Tangheriini, administrator for GSA. "From the day that the Port Authority started planning reconstruction, the federal government committed to remaining an important part of this building and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan," Tangheriini added. The agencies plan to move into floors 50 through 55 of the building and to build collaborative and flexible work areas meant to reduce each agency's footprint by approximately 40 percent. GSA's regional headquarters and USAGE New York District office will leave the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan, while CBP's New York Field Office will move from a leased office in Midtown Manhattan. GSA obtained a lease agreement from Port Authority in 2012 to rent about 270,000 feet of space in One World Center for a 20-year initial term. PA - DW - 000368 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Wednesday, December 11, 2013 7:30 AM Morning Clips 12.11.13 PANYNJ Road Warrior: The big bridge fiasco John Cichowski Record Don't tell anybody. Thats the kind of command that can turn a subordinate into an accomplice, which is what happened in September when David Wildstein — a Port Authority executive with plenty of political chutzpah but no engineering experience — ordered the general manager of the George Washington Bridge to keep mum about a little "traffic study" that snaried Fort Lee's roads for most of four days. "I was instructed not to speak to anyone in Fort Lee," Robert Durando told the state Assembly Transportation Committee this week. Why? Wednesday, Dec. 11 The Record No aid for students without documentation. Regarding "Tuition measure is an investment in the future" (Other Views, Dec. 10): I'm disappointed to be reading so many opinion pieces submitted by undocumented children clamoring for state aid for college. Their disappointment and frustration is pointed at the wrong people. They should be focusing their views toward their parents. It was not my fault they came here and bypassed a legal immigration process. Why should I pay a dime to help them when I have my family to care for in this pathetic economy? Collecting taxes from some to provide things to others is a form of theft, especially when it is not in mutual agreement Taxes fund far more than government operations. Christie's folly New Jersey governor must clean house at the Port Authority New York Daily News Oh so cavalieriy. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has tried to skate by a display of childishness by his underiings at the Port Authority that endangered and maddeningly inconvenienced tens of thousands of drivers. He needs to get real, stop treating the authority as a patronage playground and demand the resignation of his top man there. Bill Baroni, deputy executive director, salary $289,667. Motorists attempting to cross from Jersey to New York via the George Washington Bridge pay an $11 rush-hour toll and, for their pain, get to stew in monster daily jams. All of a sudden on Sept. 9 — and for the three following days — the backups mounted into four-hour delays and clogged the streets of Fort Lee with vehicles. What happened? Port Authority Investigating New Jersey Lane Closings By Kate Zernike and William K. Rashbaum New York Times - (Full Text) The inspector general of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey opened an investigation on Tuesday into the sudden closing of three lanes on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge in September, which caused huge traffic backups, and the actions of a close associate of Gov. Chris Christie who ordered the shutdown. Officials in Fort Lee, N.J., which turned into a parking lot when local access lanes to the bridge were closed on the first day of school, have charged that the closings were retaliation against the borough's mayor, a Democrat who had declined to endorse Mr. Christie, a Republican, for re-election. Michael Nestor, the deputy inspector general and director of investigations at the Port Authority, confirmed the inquiry, and another official with knowledge of the matter said it would seek to determine whether any crimes had been committed, and whether there was any "abuse of authority" or "gross mismanagement" At a legislative hearing in Trenton on Monday, two Port Authority employees said that they were told to close the lanes by David Wildstein, a high school classmate of Mr. Christie's and a former political blogger who worked as director of interstate capital projects; Mr. Christie's chief appointee at the authority created the position for him. They said Mr. Wildstein instructed them not to tell anyone, leaving in the dark Fort Lee officials, the news media and the Port Authority's executive director. They said they advised against the move but complied because they feared for their jobs and 1 PA - DW - 000369 understood that Mr. Wildstein was working at the behest of Mr. Christie's appointee, Bill Baroni. Mr. Baroni had previously testified that the lanes were closed as part of a traffic study. But the Port Authority employees and the executive director, Patrick J. Foye, testified that there was no traffic study. Mr. Wildstein said on Friday that he would step down on Jan. 1. Port Authority to probe bridge lane closings By Associated Press Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's inspector general will investigate why access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were closed. The closures stalled traffic. Some New Jersey Democrats claim the unannounced closings took place over four days in September to try to pressure the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee to endorse Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election. Christie has denied it and a Christie appointee, who is deputy executive director of the bistate agency, told a legislative hearing the lanes were closed for a traffic study. The order to close the lanes came from another Christie appointee, who has resigned. Lead investigator Michael Nestor tells The Star-Ledger of Newark (http://bit.ly/1 bvnmzr) the inspector general's office will interview everyone involved and get to the bottom of what happened. AVIATION Snowy Owls at NYC Airports Were Unfazed by Other Scare Methods: Port Authority NBC New York The agency that oversees New York's airports says it tried other methods of scaring away snowy owls from its airports before issuing the shoot-to-kill order for the birds. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has promised a new effort to trap and relocate the growing number of snowy owls at the city's airports, but said it was initially forced to shoot down the birds when other methods failed to scare them away. A total of five planes were hit by snowy owls in the last two weeks, including two at Newark, two at Kennedy and one at LaGuardia, according to the Port Authority. The agency tried using pyrotechnics, setting off fireworks and driving toward the birds to scare them away. However, snowy owls do not like to move and were apparently unfazed, a spokesperson said. Logan Airport leads the way on snowy owl issue NYC airports follow example, shift from shooting to catch-and-release By Martine Powers Boston Globe Call it the year of the snowy owl. In just the past month, the powdery white Arctic creatures have been spotted much farther afield than their usual habitats, with bird-watchers in the .Northeast reporting the most snowy owl sightings in recent memory. So it comes as no surprise that record numbers of the birds have arrived at Northeast airports, snowy owls' preferred proxy for the Arctic tundra. And as aviation officials grapple with the risks posed by the owls. New York's airports are now taking a cue from Logan International Airport and catching and releasing the birds, rather than shooting them. New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport made headlines on Sunday when it was revealed that officials had ordered staff to shoot snowy owls on sight after five of the birds flew into airplanes at New York-area airports in the past two weeks. Port Authority Forced to Shoot Snowy Owls When Scare Tactics Failed By Samantha Wilson Ail Media NY After five planes were hit by snowy owls in the last two weeks at Newark, John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey attempted to scare them away. But according to the agency, tactics like pyrotechnics and fireworks failed to faze the owls, which refused to move from the airports. When their methods failed, the Port Authority was initially forced to shoot down the birds that threatened to interfere with plane traffic. But when concern was raised after the birds were killed, the agency promised to try trapping and relocating the owls instead. New York-area airports grapple with snowy owl threat Airliners have been hit by snowy owls in the last two weeks, and authorities have to decide whether culling or capture is the best solution. By Tina Susman Los Angeles Times PA - DW - 000370 First terrapin turtles. Now snowy owls. Humans are not the only species flocking to airports this holiday season. At least five times in the last two weeks, airiiners at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports have been hit by the fluffy white owls, which airport and Audubon officials agree are migrating south in far higher numbers than normal. One was even spotted in Bermuda recently, said Glenn Phillips, executive director of New York City Audubon. Phillips speculates that its an owl overflow from a population boom back home, on the edges of the Arctic Circle. Port Authority: Snowy owls struck 5 planes at NY area airports News 12 New Jersey The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says that over the past two weeks five planes at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports have been struck by snowy owls. The agency released a statement yesterday saying it is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to immediately implement a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft. The plan comes after the owls were reportedly placed on the agency's "shoot to kill" list An unusual number of snowy owls have been spotted in the northern U.S. this year and have been setting up winter residence at airports, fields and beaches far south of their normal range. WTC Three Agencies Will Move Offices to One World Trade Center By Charles S. Clark Government Executive As part of a long-planned effort to keep a federal presence in the New York City areas damaged in the 2001 terrorist attacks, offices from three agencies will move Into the reconstructed Worid Trade Center, the General Services Administration announced on Tuesday. New York offices for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Customs and Border Protection, as well as GSA's own regional headquarters have signed GSA-negotiated 20-year leases to relocate in 2015 to floors 50-55 of One World Trade Center. Owned by the Port Authority, it is the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere. "We are excited to return to the World Trade Center Complex, which federal agencies have been a part of since 1973," GSA Administrator Dan Tangheriini said in a statement "From the day that the Port Authority started planning reconstruction, the federal government committed to remaining an important part of this building and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan." GSA said the lease will help the federal government reduce its overall real estate needs in Manhattan. To prepare for the move, it will offer government-owned space at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan to other tenants in the region, helping to reduce leased space. Agencies to move into One World Trade Center in 2015 By Andy Medici Federal Times The General Services Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Customs and Border Protection will move into offices at One World Trade Center in New York late 2015. The agencies will occupy 270,000 square feet of space on floors 50 through 55 for an initial lease of 20 years, according to GSA. GSA had pledged to sign a lease for space in One World Trade Center in 2006, when construction began on the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. "From the day that the Port Authority started planning reconstruction, the federal government committed to remaining an important part of this building and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan," said GSA Administrator Dan Tangheriini in a press release. PA - DW - 000371 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:29 PM Evening Clips 12.10.13 PANYNJ Port Authority Inspector General Investigating Bridge Closures By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's Inspector General formally launched an investigation Tuesday into the closure of several local lanes at the George Washington Bridge in September, which caused major traffic jams. The investigation was confirmed by Michael Nestor, the office's director of investigations. And New Jersey state lawmakers are weighing their next step into their investigation into the closures, one day after the Port Authority's executive director undercut the agency's official explanation for the traffic jams. The options for the lawmakers could include new subpoenas for appointees of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who would once again try to explain what happened, this time under oath. Monday's sworn testimony from Patrick Foye, the authority's executive director, contradicted voluntary testimony given to the New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee by another authority official on a key point whether a traffic study was really the reason lanes were abruptly shifted on the world's busiest bridge. Bill Baroni, the deputy executive director and a top appointee of Mr. Christie, had doubled down on that explanation in an appearance before the committee last month. Mr. Baroni said then that David Wildstein, his subordinate and another official with close ties to the governor, gave the order to close two of three local access lanes from Fort Lee, N.J., onto the bridge so the authority could make a decision about the fairness of dedicating toll plaza lanes to local traffic. But people familiar with the matter had long cast doubt on that explanation, and on Monday Mr. Foye, the top appointee of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said it wasn't true. "I'm not aware of any traffic study," Mr. Foye told the committee. "I don't know why it was done." Democratic lawmakers have suggested the lane closures were a gesture aimed at Fort Lee, which was beset by traffic due to the lane closures, and where the borough's Democratic mayor had declined to endorse Mr. Christie's reelection. A Christie spokesman has called that notion "crazy." One day after the hearing, the incident received new national attention. Fresh off an appearance on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show to discuss the matter. Assemblyman John Wisniewski said he was "not ruling anything out and not ruling anything in." Mr. Wisniewski is chairman of the transportation committee, and a former chairman of the state Democratic Party who has tangled with the Christie administration and the authority. Mr. Wisniewski said he wants to "take a look at the transcripts from both hearings and figure out where the holes are in the testimony, and what jumps out from those gaps." One of the biggest causes for concern, Mr. Wisniewski said, is Mr. Baroni's contention that he knew about Mr. Wildstein's plan to close the local lanes "a full week before the executive director did." "I've got to be honest with you there's something wrong with this story," Mr. Wisniewski said. "That's something that speaks to an institutional problem at the Port Authority." Mr. Wildstein resigned last week, effective Jan. 1, and Mr. Wisniewski and Democratic colleagues have said Mr. Baroni too should resign. A spokesman for Mr. Christie didn't respond when asked if the governor was confident in the accuracy of Mr. Baroni's testimony, or whether he believed Mr. Baroni should consider resigning. Messrs. Baroni, Wildstein, and Foye didn't respond to requests for comment relayed by an authority press officer on Tuesday. The Great GW Bridge Lane Closure Conspiracy Claims Chris Christie Is Petty Gothamist In September, two lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, NJ were suddenly closed, effectively fouling up traffic so much that the town became a "parking lot' where "half-hour bridge commutes stretched into four hours," screwing over buses as well as emergency vehicles. And who sanctioned this mess? Oh, just a childhood friend of NJ Governor Chris Christie. Some say that the closures were payback from Christie because Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat refused to endorse him for re-election. The conspiracy is as follows: Christie, who was looking for bipartisan support, had his pal, ex-blogger and"patronage hire" to the Port Authority, David Wildstein, demand the shutdown. NJ Democrats Keep Heat on Christie Over Traffic Scandal By Bill Hoffmann Newsmax PA - DW - 000372 New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is in hot water over the closure of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge that caused a massive traffic tie-up — and which Democrats say was only carried out as a form of political revenge. The brewing scandal escalated Wednesday as Democrats demanded the resignation of Christie's top appointee at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The demand follows the disclosure that an aide tried to keep the closures a secret from locals in the Fort Lee area. The closures were allegedly payback for the refusal of Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat, to endorse Christie's reelection, the Newark Star Ledger reports. Why did Cuomo wait to fix a Port problem? By Dana Rubinstein Capital NewYork Governor Andrew Cuomo technically shares control of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with Governor Chris Christie, though you wouldn't know it from his silence on the latest scandal to tarnish the reputation of the sprawling bi-state infrastructure agency. "To be hands-off and not be concerned about it, while the other governor has an active interest in arm-twisting the agency, that as far as I can recall is quite unusual," said Jameson Doig, author of the Port history, Empire on the Hudson, and a politics professor at Princeton. In yet another glaring example of the infusion of politics into the bridge, tunnel and port agency, the authority's executive director, Pat Foye, has admitted he couldn't fire Christie's appointee David Wildstein for flagrantly violating authority procedure by failing to notify emergency personnel before ordering the closure of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge, snariing traffic on the New Jersey side of the bridge for a week. The New Jersey Traffic Conspiracy By Eleanor Randolph New York Times Blog - (Full Text) Here are a few dots that are beginning to look suspiciously connected: Last summer, the Mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., was expected to follow a lot of other mayors in the state by endorsing Republican Gov. Chris Christie in his easy run for reelection. Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat, refused. A short time later, two of Fort Lee's three access lanes to the George Washington Bridge were mysteriously shut down. The traffic jam was horrendous. Short trips — it was the first day of school — took as much as four hours. The town of Fort Lee was a parking lot. Mr. Sokolich suspected that there might be a connection between his failure to support the governor and his town's sudden traffic nightmare. Mr. Christie appoints key members of the board for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which control the routes to the G.W., the busiest bridge in the worid. At a hearing Monday in Trenton, witnesses testified that a close friend of Mr. Christie's who works for the Port Authority ordered the lanes closed. Bridge workers were told it was part of a traffic study. And they were also told to keep quiet about it. Five days later Patrick Foye, the Port Authority executive director (appointed by New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo), learned about the "traffic study." He was reportedly outraged, since there was no such thing, and he ordered the lanes re-opened. Calling the episode "a low point in Port Authority history," Mr. Foye told New Jersey legislators on Monday that the lane closures had been ordered by David Wildstein. Mr. Wildstein is a high school friend of Mr. Christie and a longtime political supporter. Last Friday, he suddenly announced his resignation from the Port Authority, effective Jan. 1. Mr. Wildstein could not be reached, and he has yet to testify in Trenton before Assemblyman John Wisniewski, chairman of the state Assembly's transportation committee that is investigating the Fort Lee matter. Mr. Christie, for his part, thinks the notion that there was a conspiracy is simply "crazy." Strange, yes, but there is certainly more to learn before this whole Fort Lee matter is dismissed as mere coincidence. To determine if this was more than a traffic mishap, Mr. Foye should authorize a full investigation by the Port Authority's inspector General. Map: 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl's Gorgeous Vignetii Mass Transit Map Gothamist The 2014 Super Bowl will be held in East Rutherford, NJ on February 2nd because NYC never got a West Side Stadium. The host committee say 400,000 people are expected for game-related events—and 80,000 on game day—so they are pushing a lot of mass transit options, like a special "Fan Express" bus and a NJ Transit "Super Pass." To help guide them in style, here's a beautiful NJ-NY mass transit map. You can see the whole map here (PDF)—the MTA had Vignelli Associates design it. Massimo Vignelli designed the iconic 1972 subway map, beloved by design nerds but despised by geographic realists. (Vignelli Associates designed the MTA's current "Weekender" map.) The MTA notes, "The diagram shows all interconnections between the regional transit services, and highlights with a football icon those areas where Super Bowl -related events will occur on both sides of the Hudson River. PAPD PA - DW - 000373 Jersey City man charged with criminal sexual assault, terroristic threat charges after four-block chase, police say The Jersey Journal A 22-year-old Jersey City man was arrested by Port Authority police eariy Monday morning on criminal sexual assault charges as well as making terroristic threats and resisting arrest charges following an incident at the Journal Square Station, officials said. Maurice Alvarado is alleged to have grabbed the buttocks of a woman around 4 a.m. at the station before placing his hands in his pockets and simulating a weapon and making verbal threats as the woman and her accomplice tried to flee. Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. Alvarado, who had a previous run-in with police in March 2012 involving a massage therapist and a purse snatching incident in December 2012, chased the victim before she first hid inside a bank vestibule and then ran to a taxi line, each time followed by Alvarado who continued to harass her, police said. The victim then called 911 and Port Authority police chased Alvarado for four blocks before catching him at JFK and Tonnelle Avenue. AVIATION Port Authority to relocate Snowy Owls at Newark airport By Naomi Nix The Star-Ledger Airport officials are implementing a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to airplanes at local airports. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey announced today. The Port Authority said in a statement that five planes at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport were struck by snowy owls during the past two weeks. The birds have been migrating to the area at a higher rate than usual, the Port Authority said. In recent days, officials started killing the birds at the New York airports because they did not have permission from New York State to relocate them, according to the Port Authority. Snowy owls to be trapped, not shot, at New York airports By Allie Malloy CNN Responding to reports that snowy owls were being killed with shotgun blasts. New York airport officials are initiating a program to trap and relocate birds seen as a threat to air safety. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey said in a statement Monday that it would be work with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to implement the program. Numerous media reports cited sources as saying the Port Authority had the snowy owl on its no-fly list, allowing shotgun-toting specialists to shoot and kill the birds. Concerns were raised that the owls were interfering with planes. Snowy owls get reprieve at NYC airports United press International Officials running New York City's airports say they have backed off their decision to exterminate snowy owls hanging out near runways. The Port Authority said Monday night that instead of killing the owls, which present a danger to aircraft taking off and landing at the city's airports, they will trap and relocate them, the New York Daily News reported Monday night. The about-face came after bird-lovers' feathers were ruffled by word of the culling effort that started Saturday, the newspaper said. "The Port Authority is working with the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation to move immediately toward implementing a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft at [John F. Kennedy] and LaGuardia airports," the agency said in a statement Monday night Winter weather snarls travel plans By Holly Henry News Channel 3 Big flakes of wet snow and ice snaried travel across the country Tuesday and hit major airiine hubs in the Northeast More than 1,044 flight cancellations were reported across the United States as of 12:30 p.m. ET. according to the flight tracking site Flightstats.com. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which was hit by storms in the last few days, led with more than 100 departing flights canceled. The airports where the snow is currently falling, including New York's LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Washington, D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport, saw increasing delays and cancellations. PA: Snowy owls struck 5 planes at NY area airports By The Associated Press Philly.com - (Full Text) PA - DW - 000374 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says that over the past two weeks five planes at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports have been struck by snowy owls. The agency released a statement Monday saying it is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to immediately implement a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft. An unusual number of snowy owls have been spotted in the northern U.S. this year and have been setting up winter residence at airports, fields and beaches far south of their normal range. Bird strikes over New York have been getting special attention since 2009, when a flight successfully ditched in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese. Snowy Owls Removed From Airport Kill List, Lawsuit Due North Country Gazette After intense pressure from Friends of Animals following reports that three snowy owls were killed with shotguns at JFK Airport, The Port Authority of New York took snowy owls off their kill list Instead the birds will now be safely relocated if necessary which is the same policy that is already in place at Boston Airports. Friends of Animals intends to file a lawsuit next week against two government agencies in response to the shooting of three snowy owls at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York over the weekend of Dec. 6. In the meantime, snowy owls no longer have to fear for their lives if they happen to fly into one of New York's airports, which resemble the Arctic tundra they call home. TV CLIP WYC FM RADIO - Snowy owls get reprieve at NYC airports. NEWS 12 NJ - Weather Delays. PA - DW - 000375 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Tuesday, December 10, 2013 4:49 PM Wildstein, David Tweets 12/7-12/10/13 #portauthority SpltCreeKelly @SpItCreekRanch I love snowy owls too but I'd rather have the #PortAuthority shoot a couple than have another #MiracleOnTheHudson #Commonsense #morons TransportationNation @TransportNation Comment re #PortAuthority: "That remark...shows things between the two states are about as bad as they can get." wny.cc/18zkGB4 Homeopt @Homeopt @GovChristie caught your fat ass with your fingers in cookie jar. beginning of end. #PortAuthority #bridgeclosing Melissa Hayes @Record_Meli5sa Documents show #PortAuthority knew #GWB lane closures would cause major backups shar.es/DLxCK via @RecordPA LovelSLove @ltsMeDYK #ChrisChristie ordered #DavldWildstein, #PortAuthority, to close #GWB lanes because the #FortLee Mayor didnt endorse the Gov for reelection. #georgewashingtonbridge iuliehawali @]uliehawaii @GovChristie Hey, guv, did you shut down #GeorgeWashingtonBridge in spite? Not cool. WeCanVoteThemOut @patticar Fort Lee, #NJ and the #GeorgeWashingtonBridge #ChrisChristie #Jam corrupt political retaliation?? #TRMS @maddow @DeptofJustice #laguardia Rocco Vertuccio @NewsieRoccD Residents Hope #Crowley Bill Will Lower #A!rportNoise Pollution shar.es/DS9Wi #LaGuardia #queens #EWR Lior David Shragg @liornoteeyore To all my friends refusing to give into the wifi tyrants: Newark Boingo access code - MSC6HDTNVZZ6 #newark #EWR Jason Ferguson @JasonFergusonl7 Newark Airport has the most ignorant am security staff!!! So cheeky!! No Cust Serv Skills at all #Newark#EWR #Security #Airport PA - DW - 000376 #WTC NorthJersevbrk (©NorthJerseybrk Exec behind $10 sale of #WoridTradeCenter #WTC name embodied #PortAuthority's power, excessesshar.es/DSTnf #pabt Angry on NJT (g)NJT_Commuter @NJTRANSIT_NBUS my bus Is going abt 4 mph on the helix, express bus lane isn't so express today #pabt Angry on NJT @NJT_Commuter @GovChristie Once again @NJTRANSIT is unprepared for a storm, please investigate their total incompetence #njtransit #pabt #nyps Angry on NJT {5)NJT_Commuter @NJTRANSIT„NBUS Amazing how a light drizzle throw off your entire operation #pabt #njtransit Angry on NJT@NJT_Commuter @TMannWSJ («)TraiisportNation good riddance, now turn do^\^l the heat #pabt #davidwildstein Carmine DeMarco @CarmineADeMarco Gov. Chris Christie's Port Authority gut David Wildstein resigns, but how high up does scandal go? msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-... #davidwi!dstein Andrea Bernstein (©AndreaWNYC The E.D of (gPANYNJ #PatFoye, a @NYGovCuomo is testifying now. And he is throwing #davidwildstein, the Christie appointee, under the bus. Andrea Bernstein @AndreaWNYC Despite protests, @GovChristie friend #davidwildstein made it clear "Traffic study" that clogged up the streets of Fort Lee would continue. LovelSLove @ltsMeDYK #ChrisChristie ordered #DavidWildstein, #PortAuthority, to close #GWB lanes because the #FortLee Mayor didnt endorse the Gov for reelection. K H A R Y P E N E B A K E R @kharyp7h Thanks ChristielPort Authority official David Wildstein resigns amid probe into unannounced lane closures in Fort Lee,newjersey.news12.com/news/port-auth BlueJersev (§bluejerseyl9h Wow. @BarbaraBuono just called David Wildstein the Scooter Libby of the Christie administration. Ms. Net ^NETRetiredlSh David Wildstein official of hypocrite @GovChristie orders lanes closed on GWB n NJ? Betcha wish #Buono was ur gov now. Shaq u shame? #maddow PA - DW - 000377 J o n Hartmann ta;ionhartmanniazzl9h David Wildstein, an employee of Chris Christie, was the one who was told to shut down the George Washington Bridge. Dirty G O P tricks again. Prune Juice Media @PruneJuiceMedia19h David Wildstein closed the lanes on the G W Bridge. He was a political appointee of NJ Gov. Chris Christie. #maddow BlueJersey @blueiersey9 Dec Right now, in NJ Assembly Transport Cmmtte, the plan to have David Wildstein AKA "Wally Edge" take the whole fall is falling apart TransportationNation @TransportNation9 Dec Is it possible that Bill Baroni ordered David Wildstein to close the GWB lanes? "I can't speculate on that," says Pat Foye. BlueJersey ©bluejerseyQ Dec Pat Foye Port Authority ED: "This was an operation directed by David Wildstein - a low point in Port Authority history." TransportationNation @TransportNation9 Dec Question: are there any awards or farewell dinners planned for David Wildstein? Foye: if there are, I'm not going. TransportationNation @TransportNallon9 Dec Pat Foye playing the "before my time" card re: David Wildstein hiring at Port Authority. Ted Mann @TMannWSJ9 Dec Pat Foye just suggested David Wildstein would have been fired if he hadn't resigned last week. TransportationNation @TransportNatiori9 Dec PA head Pat Foye on GWB lane closures: "There is no question...that David Wildstein was the culprit, if that's the right word." BlueJersev (gbluejerseyQ Dec Foye, Port Authority ED/Cuomo appointee, throwing Christie appointee David Wildstein under bus. Not good enough - unless he cleans house Michael Aron ^|MichaelAronNJTV9 Dec Port Authority official tells Assembly panel when David Wildstein said "we'll notify," the "we" suggested him and Bill Baroni. Michael Aron (gMichaelAronNJlVS Dec Port Authority official tells Assembly Cte. David Wildstein ordered GWB lane closure the Friday before and "we'll notify" others. Ted Mann @TMannWSJ9 Dec "My exact words were 'This will not end well.'" @PANYNJ's bridge division head is testifying about his conversations with David Wildstein @ChasingMeg @Bakerme9 Dec PA - DW - 000378 @ P A N Y N J Tun/Bridge Director Fulton says David Wildstein called him to close Fort Lee lanes to GWB. Not norm. @ChasingNJ @My9NJ @FoxNews Luke iVIarqolis .@Lukervtargo!is9 Dec David Wildstein, is the PA's Director of Interstate Capital Projects (announced resignation last week, effective 1/1/14) Sarah Gonzalez @Gonzale2SarahA9 Dec PA director of tunnels says received call on Sept.6 from David Wildstein informing him he issued directive to close lanes @TransportNation Kate Linebaugh ©kate_linebaugh9 Dec Ally of Gov. Chris Christie, David Wildstein, quits Port Authority after George Washington Bridge flap .on.wsj.com/18Jljwm @TMannWSJ N J Against Christie @NJAgnstChristie9 Dec This is disgraceful. Christie's high school buddy and political crony David Wildstein resigned from the NY/NJ... .fb.me/6nhLAWZUR Jersey Justice i^)JerseyJustice18 Dec What was @GovChristie thinking when he appointed ©PolitickerNJ blogger to a @ P A N Y N J position? David Wildstein = everything wrong w/politics Eric Boehlert @ErlcBoehlert7 Dec first resignation in emerging Christie scandal; claims his NJ team created massive traffic jam to punish local pol; .bit.ly/1eYbuu7 NYC Informer @newyorkc!ty!nfo7 Dec #NYC Christie Ally Quits After Bridge Flap: David Wildstein, who ordered disruptive lane closures on the Georg... .bit.iy/1iKJY95 Trieye @TheTrieye7 Dec Port Authority official David Wildstein resigns amid probe into unannounced lane closures in... .fb.me/PeT3BFQ5 Barbara Buono @BarbaraBuono7 Dec .@PANYNJ lane closure abuse of authority story remains untold; David Wildstein the Scooter Libby of Christie Adm. Bergen Dispatch @BergenDispatch7 Dec Port Authority official at center of lane-closure controversy quits: David Wildstein, the agen... .tinyurt.com/m6nbyot @bergendispatch nihiredqun @njhiredgun7 Dec David Wildstein resigns amid G W Bridge lane closure controversy ..nj.com/politics/index Coopmike48 @coopmike487 Dec Blue Jersey:: David Wildstein Resigns bit.ly/1ge40Hd Daniel Wright {gDanSV\/nght7 Dec Another development in #Christie Port Authority Story -> ._bluejersey.com/diary/24299/da @ChasingMeg gSakermeG Dec PA - DW - 000379 @SenatorLorettaW re: David Wildstein, @GovChristie appointee at Port Authority resignation: "we made a step forward here" @ChasingNJ @My9NJ @ChaslngMeg @Bakerme6 Dec Re:David Wildstein resigning from Port Authority @SenatorLorettaW "what is the enviro like at the PA where hijinks like this can happen?" Alicia D'Alessandro @NJAticiaD6 Dec How long til he's back at ©PolitickerNJ? RT @TMannWSJ: Source: David Wildstein is out at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey." Wayne Cabot @WayneCabot6 Dec Head rolls in G W B "traffic study" closures - Christie appointee David Wildstein, Report in @NorthJerseybrk details on @wcbs880 Sal Rizzo @rizzoSL6 Dec Christie appointee David Wildstein resigns from @ P A N Y N J over GWB flap, via The Record _northjersey.eom/n ews/M o re_P o rt PA - DW - 000380 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:05 AM Morning Clips 12.10.13 PANYNJ Clues but No Full Account of Order That Turned a New Jersey Town Into a Parking Lot By Kate Zernicke NY Times It would seem a minor whodunit for a small suburb: On the first day of school in September, three access lanes leading from Fort Lee, N.J., streets to the George Washington Bridge were unexpectedly and mysteriously shut down. Cars backed up, the town turned into a parking lot, half-hour bridge commutes stretched into four hours, buses and children were late for school, and emergency workers could not respond quickly to the day's events, which included a missing toddler, a cardiac arrest and a car driving into a building. Port Authority Chief Testifies in George Washington Bridge Flap Patrick Foye Says Lane Changes Were Ordered by Christie Ally, Who Has Resigned By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal (Full Text) Democrats called for the resignation of a second top official of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Monday, after representatives from the agency testified they were hesitant to raise alarms about an abrupt change in traffic patterns on the George Washington Bridge this summer. The changes closed off two of three local access lanes to the bridge from the small borough of Fort Lee, N.J., and were done without any warning to local officials and police or to leading executives within the Port Authority itself, officials testified. The star witness before the New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee was Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's New York appointee and its executive director, who discovered the lane changes and ordered them reversed after five days. Mr. Foye testified that the lane changes had been ordered by David Wildstein, a career political operative and ally of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Mr. Wildstein resigned on Friday, effective Jan. 1, citing the inquiry into the purpose of the bridge incident as "a distraction." "This was an operation directed by David Wildstein," Mr. Foye said, calling the lane changes and subsequent traffic jams in Fort Lee "frankly a low point in Port Authority history." Democratic lawmakers have said they believe the motivation for the lane changes may have been political: to target the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee with traffic, after he declined to endorse Mr. Christie for re-election. Mr. Christie's campaign spokesman has called that notion "crazy." And a spokesman for him in Trenton declined on Monday to elaborate on the governor's only public comment on the matter so far, in which he joked about the incident, saying he himself had moved the cones that divide the lanes. Mr. Wildstein didn't respond to a request for comment. In his testimony, Mr. Foye defended the career records of the bridge managers who went along with Mr. Wildstein's order, including a direct order not to speak to officials in Fort Lee or Mr. Foye about what they were doing. Mr. Foye also defended Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, Mr. Christie's top appointee and nominally Mr. Wildstein's boss, whose resignation was demanded by Mr. Wisniewski and other lawmakers Monday. Mr. Baroni didn't respond to requests for comment Mr. Foye contradicted Mr. Baroni's testimony at an unsworn appearance before the same committee last month, at which Mr. Baroni acknowledged poor "communication" about the lane changes but said they had been part of an effort to examine the fairness of dedicating three lanes to the neighborhood around the bridge. Asked by one committee member if he knew of any traffic study, Mr. Foye replied, "I don'L" "I'm not aware of any traffic study," he continued. "I don't know why it was done." The questioning also laid bare the power calculations that are a part of the bistate authority's political DNA. The authority is jointly controlled by Mr. Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, through their appointees to the authority's board and executive leadership. When committee members pressed Mr. Foye about why Mr. Wildstein will continue receiving payments on his $150,000 annual salary through the end of the year, despite resigning, Mr. Foye said he would have promptly fired him. But Mr. Wildstein is a member of the authority's New Jersey contingent, and employed in Mr. Baroni's office. Mr. Foye also suggested that an Internal investigation is ongoing—Mr. Baroni told reporters after testifying last month that the review was over—and that it could lead to Mr. Wildstein's firing if completed before the end of this year. Assemblyman John Wisniewski, a Democrat who has frequently tangled with the authority, criticized Mr. Foye for not questioning Mr. Wildstein directly about the lane closures, and said the committee must still get more information about why the bridge incident occurred. He and others referred to a "culture of fear" within the authority, reflected in testimony from other authority officials about their reluctance to report to Mr. Foye or others what they considered an "odd" request from Mr. Wildstein—to abruptly realign lanes that had been in place for decades and to tell no one about it. Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge for 11 years, said Mr. Wildstein PA - DW - 000381 ordered him not to discuss the lane closures with anyone from Fort Lee and that Mr. Wildstein would handle contacting Mr. Foye about it "In my discussions with Mr. Wildstein during the course of this operation, I was told to not discuss this with anyone," he said. When Mr. Wisniewski pressed Mr. Durando to say if he felt his job would be at risk if he shared his concerns, Mr. Durando paused, then said he had not wanted to "tempt fate." Cedrick Fulton, the director of the authority's Bridges, Tunnels and Terminals Department, said Mr. Wildstein called him on Sept. 6, to "advise" him that he had directed Mr. Durando to alter the traffic lanes on the bridge beginning the following Monday morning. Mr. Fulton testified that he had urged Mr. Wildstein, in two phone conversations that day and again on Monday after the local lanes were limited from three to one, to make sure that Mr. Foye and Fort Lee officials were notified. Mr. Wildstein said "not to worry about that," Mr. Fulton said. Mr. Fulton said he knew the lane changes could cause traffic congestion in Fort Lee. "My exact words were, 'This will not end well,'" Mr. Fulton said. At one point, Mr. Wisniewski pressed him: Did what Mr. Wildstein was planning "seem wrong," he asked. "The question--" Mr. Fulton began, and then stopped himself. "Yes, it did," he said. Mr. Wisniewski said Christie's quip about moving the cones "shows he's not taking this situation very seriously," and said his praise for Mr. Wildstein was "inappropriate." Then he added this about Christie: "This is a man who wants to accede to higher office, and he plays shenanigans with the world's busiest bridge? It calls into question his fitness to be governor of New Jersey, let alone higher office." Democrats call for resignation of Christie appointee after Assembly hearings on GWB lane closures By Shawn Boburg The Record Democrats on Monday called for the resignation of Governor Christie's top appointee at the Port Authority after revelations that one of his key aides tried to keep controversial and unannounced lane changes on the worid's busiest bridge a secret from local officials and commuters. It was just one of a series of disclosures that painted a picture of a powerful agency employee who was determined to conduct an ill-fated traffic study, even though mid-level agency officials were skeptical about it from the beginning. Sworn testimony from three Port Authority officials before New Jersey lawmakers on Monday seemed to accelerate the controversy over unannounced lane changes that caused four-hour backups near the George Washington Bridge in September. The official who ordered the lane changes, David Wildstein, announced Friday he would resign at the end of the year. But that didn't appease Democratic lawmakers, who turned their focus Monday to the role of Bill Baroni, Wildstein's boss and the top New Jersey executive at the bi-state agency. Baroni did not appear on Monday, but testified at a previous hearing. The most significant testimony on Monday came from the agency's executive director, Pat Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Foye said that if Wildstein had been a New York appointee, he would have been fired immediately, a clear dig at Baroni that was likely to aggravate tensions between Trenton and Albany. Wildstein Is set to remain in his $150,000 job until the end of the year, and on Friday, Christie's spokesman praised his work, calling him a tireless advocate of New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority." The Record: 'W' double standard Editorial The Record THERE IS a lesson to be learned in New Jersey: You can be responsible for the loss of $120 million worth of rail equipment and keep your job, but don't mess with the George Washington Bridge. Last week, David Wildstein, a highranking Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official, announced he will resign amid the growing controversy over why he ordered two of three local entrance lanes to the GWB closed without notifying Fort Lee officials or following standard Port Authority protocol. The rumors were that Wildstein was exacting political payback on the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, who would not endorse Governor Christie in November's election. That story cannot be proved, but an almost equally fantastic version, that this was a traffic study that had to be conducted in secret, is being told by several Port Authority officials. The problem with this version is the need for smart people, people like Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, a Christie appointee, to now even question why Fort Lee has dedicated lanes to the bridge. Lawmaker demands shake-up at Port Authority over GWB lane closures By Steve Strunsky Star-Ledger A lawmaker leading an investigation into the abrupt lane closings that wrought havoc with traffic at the George Washington Bridge in September called for Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni to resign Monday because of how badly the closings were handled. The demand was made at an Assembly transportation committee hearing after Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye appeared to undercut Baroni, who has contended that the lanes were closed to enable the authority to conduct a traffic study. Foye stated publicly Monday for the first time that he was unaware of any traffic study. He also told the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities PA - DW - 000382 Committee that Baroni had not informed him of the closures, even though it was a direct subordinate of Baroni's who had ordered them. In GWB Hearing, "Aberrant" and "Illegal" Lane Ploy by Christie Men Draws Fire By Andrea Bernstein WNYC For as long as anyone can remember the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has worked like this: two governors divide up the board and staff appointments, and the contracts that flow from that No one blows the whistle on anyone else, because that might jeopardize one's own spoils. On Monday, the whistle blew as long and loud as a foghorn by the shoals of the Hudson River. The setting was a hearing room in Trenton, where State Assembly member John Wisniewksi decided to exercise a rare authority - using his subpoena power to summon officials to explain why three lanes onto the George Washington Bridge had been abruptly closed in September, causing a week's worth of traffic and sending the Port Authority's Executive Director, Cuomo appointee Pat Foye, into a rage. Back in September, Foye charged in a heated email that the closures were made without proper public notice, in possible violation of the law, and. In fact, without his knowledge. He immediately reversed the closures. Foye unaware of traffic study Testimony adds to the mystery of Sept. GW Bridge lane closure By Angela Delia Santi Associated Press The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said he wasn't aware of any traffic study being conducted when two lanes to the George Washington Bridge were shut without notice for four days in September. Monday's sworn testimony by Executive Director Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, directly contradicts eariier statements by New Jersey's top official at the authority. Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. Baroni, an appointee of Gov. Chris Christie, told a state Assembly Transportation panel two weeks ago that the lane closings were for a traffic study. Rachel Maddow: Was Chris Christie enough of a bully to shut down a bridge to spite a mayor? By Arturo Garcia RawStory Even if it seems like a random conspiracy theory, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow argued on Monday, the investigation into the closing of the George Washington Bridge in September 2013 and its effects on a New Jersey town is pointing toward a strange series of facts. Maddow explained that two of the bridge's three tollbooth lanes coming from the town of Fort Lee, New Jersey were shut down without the customary warning to residents. "You could still get on the bridge," she explained. "But a trip that took 30 minutes now lasted four hours. Happy first day of school, everybody. The backup was so bad it gridlocked not just near the bridge but basically the whole town." Chris Christie Administration In A Jam Over Charges Of Using Busiest U.S. Bridge In Political Payback By Amanda Terkel Huffinqton Post The George Washington Bridge connecting Manhattan to Fort Lee, N.J., is the busiest in the country. So it was no small matter when in September, two of the three access lanes to the bridge were shut down, creating significant traffic problems on the New Jersey side. The shutdown was ordered by a political appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Christie's administration said the closure was justified due to a traffic study, while Democrats questioned whether it was political retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee, who weeks before had refused to endorse Christie's reelection. But on Monday, the top Port Authority official threw cold water on the Christie administration's claim, testifying at a state Assembly hearing that he didn't know about any traffic study. The Christie ally who ordered the closure, David Wildstein, resigned on Friday, reigniting questions about whether the traffic snari created by the closure was all just political payback - allegations that the Christie administration has dismissed as "crazy." NJ Democrats: Christie Crony Shut Bridge Lanes as Retribution By Sandy Fitzgerald Newsmax PA - DW - 000383 New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is laughing off Democrats' accusations that he was behind closures that plugged lanes of traffic on the George Washington Bridge in September, but state Democratic lawmakers aren't finding the situation very funny. On Sept. 9-13, commuters found themselves stuck in traffic at the bridge when David Wildstein, director of interstate capital projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, ordered access lanes closed without prior notice. T h e N e w Y o r k T i m e s reports. For several years, three of the 12 eastbound toll booths heading into New York from New Jersey on the bridge have been set aside for morning rush-hour traffic. But during a traffic study, those lanes were cut to one and the other two lanes were dedicated to regular traffic. Democrat Calls for Christie's Port Authority Pick to Step Down Committee hears testimony from Port Authority chief about Fort Lee lane closures By Noah Cohen Patch The Port Authority's executive director testified Monday that he was not aware of any purported traffic study that Gov. Chris Christie's top pick at the agency claimed was to blame for the controversial closure of access lanes from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge in September. Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, told members of the Assembly's transportation committee that the lane closures were ordered by Christie ally David Wildstein, who resigned last week over the closures. Some have speculated that the lane closures were politically motivated and aimed at punishing Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for not backing Christie's re-election bid. Officials On George Washington Bridge Closures: There Was No Traffic Study Lawmakers Seek Answers Over September Gridlock CBS NY Three Port Authoritiy officials testified Monday that there was no traffic study being conducted whileaccess lanes from Fort Lee on the George Washington Bridge were closed in September, as was originally claimed. Appearing before the the state Assembly's Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, the officials also said the closure was ordered by David Wildstein, the second-highest appointee from New Jersey. Executive Director Patrick Foye told the committee he would have fired Wildstein, but he's not in the position to do that NY-NJ transit agencies outline Super Bowl plans By Dave Porter Associated Press The New York area's major transportation agencies announced separate plans for moving crowds of football fans for February's Super Bowl, and their presentations Monday carried a common theme: Don't drive. "I think it's the smartest thing — people don't know where they're going and it's a dense area," said Al Kelly, head of the Super Bowl host committee. "If you want to party, it's a safe way to get around, a reliable way to get around. I think people should put the getting around in the hands of the professionals." Those professionals gathered at the Secaucus Junction rail station to outline their plans. Absent was a plan to offer an all-purpose pass that could be used on all transit systems in New York and New Jersey. That had been discussed in the eariy stages after the game was awarded to MetLife Stadium in 2010, but was ultimately deemed too complicated, Kelly said Monday. AVIATION Whooo's humane: New York City airports to end owl slaughter A day after the Daily News revealed that the Port Authority had put the adorable snowy owl on its kill list, the agency announced a change of heart. It will now 'move immediately toward implementing a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft at' city airports. By Rocco Parascandola and Bill Hutchinson New York Daily News The Port Authority is putting a screeching halt on killing the snowy owl at New York airports, bowing to pressure from animal lovers who are angered that the birds were being blasted with shotguns. A day after the Daily News revealed in a front page story that the PA had put the adorable white owl on its kill list, the agency announced a change of heart. "The Port Authority is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to move immediately toward implementing a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft at [John F. Kennedy] and LaGuardia airports," the agency said in a statement Monday night Snowy Owls to Be Trapped Instead of Shot at New York Area Airports 4 PA - DW - 000384 By Emma Fitzimmons New York Times Airport officials in New York are starting a program to trap and relocate snowy owls after reports that the birds were being killed with a shotgun at Kennedy International Airport. Snowy owls pose a threat at airports in the region, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said In a statement on Monday evening. In the past two weeks, five planes at Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark Liberty International Airports were struck by snowy owls, the agency said. "The Port Authority's goal is to strike a balance in humanely controlling bird populations at and around the agency's airports to safeguard passengers on thousands of aircrafts each day," the agency said. PA: Snowy owls struck 5 planes a NY area airports Associated Press (Full text) The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says that over the past two weeks five planes at JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports have been struck by snowy owls. The agency released a statement Monday saying it is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation to immediately implement a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft. An unusual number of snowy owls have been spotted in the northern U.S. this year and have been setting up winter residence at airports, fields and beaches far south of their normal range. Bird strikes over New York have been getting special attention since 2009, when a flight successfully ditched in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese. Epic Snowy Owl Migration Causes Airport Woes By Pamela Leavey The Democratic Daily Birders are rejoicing this year as Snowy Owls flock south for the winter In epic numbers. I am about to enter into my 3rd year of amateur birding at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, where at least 9 Snowy Owls have been counted in the past week. Indeed, local birders are In seventh heaven flocking to the Wildlife Refuge to get a look or some photos of these magnificent Snowy Owls, who will often perch and stay put for hours at a time. Because they will stay in one spot for hours, it is a treat for birders to see them spread their wings and fly off to their next perch or better yet, pluck a tasty lemming off the cold ground. This year's grand migration of Snowy Owls caused problems at JFK Airport "after one flew into a jet's engine while the plane was on a tarmac at Kennedy last week," and the "Port Authority of New York & New Jersey issued the shoot-to-kill order for the birds." Port Authority Workers Are Running Around JFK With Shotguns Gawker A number of Port Authority workers have been authorized to use shotguns around JFK to shoot down any snowy owls that may cross into the airport's airspace. The Port Authority issued the owls' death warrant after one got sucked into a jet turbine last week. According to the Da//y News, there are at most five armed "wildlife specialists" currently hunting the birds with shoot-on-sight authorization. Opponents of the birdicide question why authorities can't ditch the fowl play and simply catch and release the owls, a process that's been effectively used at Boston's Logan Airport. Report: Workers at JFK International Airport shoot 3 snowy owls to prevent bird strikes Port Authority wildlife specialists exterminated three snowy owls on Saturday to prevent bird strikes. News 12 Long Island Long Island birdwatchers have been dazzled this season by the appearance of the snowy owl, which is more commonly found further north, but area airports are not so taken with the large arctic birds. A snowy owl that was nesting on an airport runway recently got sucked into an airplane turbine at JFK International Airport. After the bird strike. Port Authority wildlife specialists exterminated three more of the owls on Saturday to prevent further problems, according to the Daily News. Bird experts say that the creatures are the largest type of owl, standing at 2 feet tall with a 5-foot wingspan, creating the potential for serious problems if they become stuck in jet engines. Port Authority relocating owls that are threat to planes ABC-7 The Port Authority has changed its procedures after a string of recent 'owl strikes' at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports. The agency came under fire after published reports claimed it shot three birds over the weekend. Now the Port Authority says state conservation experts will trap and relocate the snowy owls instead. In the last two weeks, five planes have been struck by the owls, which are migrating through the tri-state region. An unusual number of snowy owls have PA - DW - 000385 been spotted in the northern U.S. this year and have been setting up winter residence at airports, fields and beaches far south of their normal range. Port Authority: 5 Planes Struck By Snovi^ Owls In Tri-State Area Port Authority Shot, Killed Several Owls At JFK CBS NY The Port Authority has said they are working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation in order to relocate snowy owls after it was revealed that the agency had shot and killed some of the birds. An unusually high number of snowy owls have been setting up winter residence at airports, fields and beaches far south of their normal range. The Port Authority said five planes from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport were struck by snowy owls over the last two weeks. "The Port Authority is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to move immediately toward implementing a program to trap and relocate snowy owls that pose a threat to aircraft at JFK and LaGuardia airports. The Port Authority's goal is to strike a balance in humanely controlling bird populations at and around the agency's airports to safeguard passengers on thousands of aircraft each day," the agency said in a statement PAPD After PATH Station Assault, Port Authority Cops Need Public's Help A New Jersey man was assaulted by six men and women early Sunday morning, according to police. By Joseph M. Gerace Hoboken Patch Police are seeking the public's help in the apprehend six people they believe were involved in the assault of a 44-year-old New Jersey man over the weekend. The assault took place at the Christopher Street PATH station in on Manhattan's West Village at approximately 6:30 a.m. Sunday, according to reports, and three men and three women were caught on surveillance camera. The victim was treated at Jersey City Medical Center for cuts to his head and hand, and released, according to CBS News. After PATH Station Assault, Port Authority Cops Need Public's Help By Joseph Gerace Patch Police are seeking the public's help in the apprehend six people they believe were involved in the assault of a 44-year-old New Jersey man over the weekend. The assault took place at the Christopher Street PATH station in on Manhattan's West Village at approximately 6:30 a.m. Sunday, according to reports, and three men and three women were caught on surveillance camera. The victim was treated at Jersey City Medical Center for cuts to his head and hand, and released, according to CBS News. Anyone with information can call Port Authority Police at 1-800-828-7273. All calls will be kept confidential, according to authorities. Daily Blotter New York Post (Full text) A man was stabbed in the neck outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal Monday, cops said. The 45-year-old man was standing in front on the corner of West 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue around 4:05 a.m. when an attacker plunged a sharp weapon into his neck, according to police. The man, whose name was not released, was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was in stable condition, authorities said. No arrests were made, and it wasn't immediately clear what led to the brutal attack, but the victim has an extensive criminal history, mostly for drugs, that dates back 30 years, police said. WTC Developments turn NYC into a tenants' market By Lois Weiss NY Post Many tenants are inking deals and boosting rents, especially downtown. But with dozens of new developments and renovations on the horizon, a sense of unease is growing as the new mayoral administration arrives. Jimmy Kuhn, president of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, ticked off a series of new projects that include Hines' 7 Bryant Park, the Port Authority and the Durst Organization's One Worid Trade Center, Larry Silverstein's 2, 3 and 4 Worid Trade Center, PA - DW - 000386 Related's Hudson Yards, Joseph Moinian's 3 Hudson Blvd., other Hudson Boulevard towers, Brookfield Office Properties' Manhattan West and Edward J. Minskoffs 51 Astor Place. If Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio rejiggers the zoning of Midtown East, it could affect plans for L&L Holding's 425 Park Ave., SL Green Realty Corp.'s One Vanderbilt and any buyer of the MTA's 347 Madison Ave. headquarters. Renovations are underway at RFR Holding's 285 Madison, L&L and RREEF's 380 Madison, Brookfleld's Brookfield Place and 450 W. 33rd St., as well as Vornado Realty Trust's 7 W. 34th and 330 W. 34th. Theory to be fact downtown By Steve Cuozzo NY Post Contemporary brand Theory is the latest to join the fashion crowd at Brookfield Place, where Brookfield Office Properties is completing a $250 million redesign of the former Worid Financial Center's retail, dining and public spaces. Theory just signed for 2,480 square feet in the street-level courtyard. Other boutiques setting up shop at Brookfield Place include Ermengildo Zegna, Burberry, Hermes, Michael Kors and Salvatore Ferragamo as The Post's Lois Weiss first reported. Deals have also been signed for Calypso, womenswear boutique Judith & Charles, and restaurants and cafes including Umami Burger, Farm, and a huge, Eataly-like French marketplace called The District However, a reported lease with Eileen Fisher is not yet done. TV Clips NBC Today Show - Snowy Owls MSNBC - GWB Lane closures part 1 MSNBC - GWB Lane closure part 2 PA - DW - 000387 From: Sent: To: Marsico, Ron Monday, December 09, 2013 7:30 PM 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Danielides, Philippe; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa; Coleman, Steve; Simon, Brian; Lado, Tina; Buchbinder, Darrell; 'michael.drewniak@gov.state.nj.US'; 'Joshua.Vlasto@exec.ny.gov'; Garten, David Port Authority Nightly Media Activity Report 12/9/13 Subject: • • • • • • • • • Steve Strunsky from The Star-Ledger, Shawn Boburg of the Bergen Record, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal and other media covered a hearing by the New Jersey Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee in Trenton on the closing of GWB local access lanes. Executive Director Foye, TB+T Director Cedrick Fulton and GWB General Manager Bob Durando testified. Steve Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal and Angela Delli Santi of the Associated Press called for comment on a call by NJ Assembly Democrats that DED Baroni resign as deputy executive director following today's Assembly Committee hearing on the GWB lane closing issue. We did not respond. Luke Margolis of News 12 NJ called seeking a statement from David Wildstein on today's Assembly Committee hearing on the GWB lane closing Issue. We did not respond. Numerous media outlets followed up on a NY Daily News story about Port Authority wildlife management at JFK Airport that necessitated the killing of three snowy owls. We let reporters know we working with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to immediately implement a program to trap and relocate snowy owls at JFK and LaGuardia airports. Media staffed the Super Bowl/Mass Transportation Press Conference held by the Super Bowl Host Committee. Stephen Kingsberry spoke about the Port Authority's role during the week of the Big Game, added train service on PATH, and unveiled the commemorative SmartUnk card. GSA issued a press release announcing the three federal agencies (GSA, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection) that will move into One Worid Trade Center in 2015. We provided quotes for their press release from the ED and DED. Channels 2, 7 and 41 called regarding Ice falling from the barrel cables onto the George Washington Bridge. We said that one upper level westbound lane was closed briefly late this afternoon, but was reopened by around 5:30 p.m. The south walk was closed throughout the afternoon. Media Relations proactively pitched to media the case of Sunday's assault on a 44-year-old man at the Christopher Street PATH station to help appeal to the public to help identify the suspects. Photos were sent to the media, including Aiden Gardiner of DNA Info, Jonathan Dienstof WNBCTV, Maria Karidls of FIOSl, Ann Mercogliano of WPIX-Channel 11, Wanda Prizinsano of WCBS-TV, Anne Kretlan of WCBS-880 Radio and Jerry DeMarco of the Cliffview Pilot. The story already has been carried by FIOSl, DNA Info, Cliffview Pilot, WPIX-Channel 11, WNBC-TV, WNBC, F0X5 and WABC-TV. Ann Mercogliano of WPIX-Channel 11 called for information on airport delays. We let her know that fog had led to a hold on incoming flights to JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports with delays of two hours at LGA and EWR and one hour at JFK. Eariier in the day, LIssa Kaplan of F0X5-News inquired about airport and bridge and tunnel delays. At that time, we let the reporter know there were no significant delays. Ron Marsico Assistant Director/Media Relations The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 212-435-7777 rmarsico(5)panvni.gov PA - DW - 000388 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, December 09, 2013 6:36 PM Evening Clips 12.9.13 PANYNJ Port Authority official says GWB lane closure process was unprecedented By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official told lawmakers today that September's closing of George Washington Bridge local access lanes was carried out in an unprecedented manner at the direction of a political appointee of Gov. Chris Christie. Director of bridges, tunnels and terminals Cedrick Fulton told an Assembly panel that the closures were directed by the agency's No. 2 man from New Jersey. That man, director of interstate capital projects David Wildstein, ordered the bridge's general manager to carry out the closures even though Fulton was the bridge manager's supervisor. On Friday, Sept. 6 Wildstein told Fulton he ordered the bridge manager to implement the closures, Fulton testified. Port Authority execs differ over GWB lane closings The Associated Press - (Full Text) The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says he was unaware of any traffic study being undertaken when two lanes to the George Washington Bridge were shut without notice for four days in September. Monday's testimony by Patrick Foye contradicts eariier statements by Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni that the lane closings were for a traffic study. Foye is an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He testified under oath before the Assembly Transportation Committee that he was not notified of a decision to shut local-access lanes to the bridge from Fort Lee. Foye says he reversed the decision on the fifth day following complaints of gridlock. Baroni is an appointee of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. He wasn't under oath when he testified two weeks ago. N.J. Politics Roundup: Port Authority official resigns over GWB controversy; Lesniak extends influence By Brent Johnson The Star-Ledger An embattled Port Authority official say he is resigning in the wake of ordering the controversial closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. "The issue has become a distraction and I'm going to move on," David Wildstein said. State Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) is using a super PAC to spread his already considerable influence in New Jersey. A county clerk and an independent candidate claim Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno broke state law by placing Republican Steve Lonegan's name at the top of the ballot in this year's special U.S. Senate election. Poll: Was the closing of three lanes on the George Washington Bridge politically motivated? By Christopher Baxter The Star-Ledger A top official of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey testified today before the state Legislature that the closing of three lanes on to the George Washington Bridge eariier this year was unprecedented and done at the direction of David Wildstein, a political appointee of Gov. Chris Christie. The testimony, provided by Cedrick Fulton, the director of interstate capital projects, came three days after Wildstein announced he was resigning his post and amid an ongoing hearing by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. The hearing seeks to learn how and why three local access lanes from Fort Lee were closed Sept. 9-13. The authority has said the closures were necessary to conduct a traffic study, and the governor has denied having any involvement But some believe the closures were orchestrated by Wildstein because the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee did not endorse Christie in his re-election campaign for governor. Wisniewski calls for Port Authority deputy executive director to step down By Darryl Isherwood NJ.com PA - DW - 000389 Assemblyman John Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee investigating the September lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, said today that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's deputy executive director must go. "Bill Baroni has outlived his usefulness as the Port Authority's deputy director," Wisniewski said in a statement Issued hours after Port Authority brass testified at a hearing that the handling of the lane closures was unprecedented. "The testimony showed that Mr. Baroni has not been honest with the public and this committee about these lane closures and his mythical traffic study. Mr. Baroni must go. No one can have any confidence in his abilities." Wisniewski's committee has been investigating September lane closures at the GWB that caused massive traffic backups In Fort Lee. Officials Testify They Were Told to Break Chain of Command in Bridge Controversy By Ted Mann Wall Street Journal Blog - (Full Text) An ally of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie specifically warned officials at the George Washington Bridge not to alert local officials that he was orchestrating a change in traffic lanes leading onto the bridge from Fort Lee, N.J., the two officials testified Monday in Trenton. The two also testified that they worried what the repercussions could be for breaking the authority's "chain of command" to alert others of the lane changes that were being ordered. Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said he was told not to alert local officials or the authority's executive director by David Wildstein, the official who ordered him to cut the number of local access lanes from three to one. "I was instructed not to speak to Fort Lee," Mr. Durando testified. "In my discussions with Mr Wildstein during the course of this operation, I was told to not discuss this with anyone. Mr. Wildstein resigned from the authority on Friday, citing the "distraction" of the ongoing inquiry into the bridge incident, which some Democratic lawmakers have said they believe was an instance of political retaliation against Fort Lee's Democratic mayor. A spokesman for Mr. Christie has called that suggestion "crazy." Cedrick Fulton, the director of the authority's Bridges, Tunnels and Terminals Department, said Mr. Wildstein called him on Sept. 6 to "advise" him that he had directed Mr. Durando to alter the traffic lanes on the bridge beginning the following Monday morning. Mr. Fulton testified that he had urged Mr. Wildstein-in two phone conversations that day and again on Monday after the local lanes were limited from three to one-to make sure Mr. Foye and Fort Lee officials were notified. Mr. Wildstein said "not to worry about that," Mr. Fulton said. Mr. Fulton said he knew the lane changes could cause traffic congestion in Fort Lee. "My exact words were, This will not end well,'" Mr. Fulton said. At one point, Mr. Wisniewski pressed him: Did what Mr. Wildstein was planning "seem wrong," he asked. "The question-" Mr. Fulton began, and then stopped himselt "Yes, it did," he said. Documents show Port Authority knew GWB lane closures would cause major backups By Shawn Boburg Record Port Authority officials knew beforehand that reducing Fort Lee's access lanes to the George Washington Bridge would result in major backups on the borough's roads, documents obtained by The Record show. Engineers predicted that the mysterious lane shift that rattled morning rush-hour commuters in September — and is the subject of an investigative hearing before state lawmakers in Trenton today — would cause 600-vehicle-long lines on Fort Lee roads that would not clear until noon each weekday, internal e-mails between agency officials show. Cedric Fulton, the agency's director of tunnels, bridges and terminals, testified that the study was a change from normal protocol. He said planning usually starts with his team and goes up and sometimes a study could be more than a year in the making. But the correspondence also shows that planning for the traffic shift began a week and a half before they were put in place and involved consultation with the agency's top engineers, who monitored the effect on traffic. Port Authority officials: We followed orders By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ Just following orders. That was the mantra repeated time and again Monday by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials testifying about the September lane closures at Fort Lee. Even though they thought the impending lane closures were going to cause problems, even though they thought that normal procedures were not being followed. Authority employees followed orders and on the morning of Sept 9 shut down two of Fort Lee's dedicated three lanes at the George Washington Bridge to conduct a traffic study. Authority officials Robert Durando and his boss, Cedrick Fulton - responding to Assembly Transportation Committee subpoenas - offered testimony today that was in sync: The decision by since-resigned David Wildstein to close Fort Lee lanes was unusual, but questioning Wildstein's superiors would have meant bypassing the chain of command. Rumana: They weren't lane closures, they were lane adjustments By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ PA - DW - 000390 North Jersey lawmaker Scott Rumana, (R-40), wanted Monday to focus the questioning of the Port Authority's Cedrick Fulton on the overall issue of the George Washington Bridge users who are inconvenienced because three lanes are given over to host town Fort Lee. "I know what it's like to sit in this traffic," Rumana said as the testimony and questioning of the Authority's head of tunnels and bridges entered Its third hour today. Rumana wanted information on historically who made the decision to dedicate three lanes to Fort Lee but Fulton had no information on that. "It took me two hours and 20 minutes to get here," Rumana said by way of example. "I would love to have a dedicated lane ... to Trenton. It's not practical." Wisniewski: We may subpoena Baroni, Wildstein By Bill Mooney Politicker NJ The head of the bi-state port authority told N.J. lawmakers today that procedures were violated and residents' safety was put at risk by one official's decision to shut down Fort Lee lanes at the George Washington Bridge in September. Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said that as a result he has put in place checks and balances to ensure nothing like this happens again. Foye, testifying today before the Assembly Transportation Committee after receiving a subpoena, is New York's top appointed official at the Authority. His criticism was leveled at New Jersey's second-highest appointee at the Authority, David Wildstein, who since has given his resignation. Foye decried what Wildstein did, but Transportation Chair John Wisniewski questioned why Wildstein was not fired as soon as his involvement became clear. Wisniewski also said they may subpoena Wildstein and Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. Official: GWB Closures 'Odd' Democrats in New Jersey are still trying to find out if access lane in Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge were closed in September as political payback to the town's mayor for not endorsing Gov. Chris Christie's reelection bid. The Assembly Transportation Committee subpoenaed three high-level Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials compelling them to testify today. By Kevin McArdle New Jersey 101.5 The director of the Authority's Bridges, Tunnels and Terminals Department Cedrick Fulton told the panel that the situation surrounding the closures was "odd." He said he was advised of the closures just three days prior. "Is that unprecedented?" asked Assembly Transportation Committee chairman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). "I've never participated in a process like that before," answered Fulton. "I am not schooled in the culture of the Port Authority so you'll excuse this question; did this seem wrong?" asked Wisniewski. Super Bowl Transit Plan Set With 400,000 Visitors Expected, Organizers Urge Fans to Leave Cars at Home By Joe Jackson Wall Street Journal - (Full Text) Organizers of the 2014 Super Bowl unveiled a mass transit plan Monday for the Feb. 2 game at MetLife MET +0.06% Stadium in New Jersey. With 400,000 visitors expected to descend on the region during the week and 70% of game day attendees expected to use mass transit, officials said they are making an unprecedented effort to support public transportation for the game. Parking will be significantly reduced at MetLife Stadium, with fewer than 13,000 spaces available by permit only; passenger drop-offs will also be strictly limited to permit-holders. "One of the things that's a great asset in this region is our mass transit," said Alfred Kelly, Jr. , President and CEO of the host committee, at a news conference at Secaucus Junction station. "And we are actually calling this the first mass transit Super Bowl because we want to take advantage of our transit assets as the way for people to get around." Officials from the N.Y./N.J. Super Bowl Host Committee and regional transit directors detailed their plans for express coaches to and from the game, special "unlimited ride" passes on some networks and increased rail services across the region during the week. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also announced the release of a special Regional Transit Diagram showing all public connections between New York City and New Jersey, as well as one million commemorative Super Bowl-branded MetroCards in four designs. "I think it's a smart thing," said Mr. Kelly following the briefing, of using mass transit. "People should put the getting around in the hands of professionals—whether those are the engineers or the bus drivers." He added: "People don't know where they're going; it's a dense area. If you want to party, it's a safe way to get around." The host committee will offer a pre-ticketed "fan express" coach bus system to the stadium, operating to and from nine locations in New York City and New Jersey and costing $51. Meanwhile, New Jersey Transit will introduce a commemorative "Super Pass" providing unlimited rides across its system between Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 for $50. On game day, it will also expand capacity by using 10-car, multilevel trains to and from the station at MetLife Stadium. Officials said PA - DW - 000391 the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will also aim to alleviate traffic around game day by dedicating additional lanes into New Jersey In the tunnels and on the George Washington Bridge. The MTA has also pledged to increase service on the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North and on some subway lanes to handle the additional passengers. "If there is any region that knows how to deal with public transportation, it's the New York, New Jersey region," said Jonathan Tisch, a co-owner of the New York Giants and a co-chairman of the host committee. Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson, another host committee co-chair and co-owner of the New York Jets, reiterated the pledge. "I've been to enough Super Bowls (to know) that we are not going to have a problem. 1 have a lot of confidence that we can do this, so let's get it done." Public transportation plans unveiled for Super Bowl PIX 11 Port Authority of NY & NJ: To help alleviate traffic congestion, additional lanes will be dedicated to traffic going into NJ before the game, and then will be dedicated to traffic going into NY after the game. For those coming from New York to New Jersey on game day, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will enhance its operations at the Lincoln Tunnel with four lanes; just after kick-off, these lanes will be open for those traveling into New York. There will also be dedicated approach lanes for those with priority access NFL placard on their vehicles. At the George Washington Bridge, new Variable Message Signs (VMS) will provide real-time travel information and special traffic advisories. Regular construction activity at the Port Authority river crossings that would affect travel to and from MetLife Stadium during the week of the Super Bowl will be suspended. NY-NJ Transit Agencies Outline Super Bowl Plans Organizers are billing the first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl as the first mass-transit Super Bowl By David Porter, Associated Press NBC NY The New York area's major transportation agencies announced separate plans for moving crowds of football fans for February's Super Bowl, and their presentations Monday carried a common theme: Don't drive. "I think it's the smartest thing — people don't know where they're going and it's a dense area," said Al Kelly, head of the Super Bowl host committee. "If you want to party, it's a safe way to get around, a reliable way to get around. I think people should put the getting around in the hands of the professionals." Those professionals gathered at the Secaucus Junction rail station to outline their plans. Absent was a plan to offer an all-purpose pass that could be used on all transit systems in New York and New Jersey. AVIATION Port Authority 'wildlife specialists' hunt snowy owls at New York City's airports Whooodunit? Snowy owls, apparently. After one was sucked into an airplane turbine, the species has been added to a list of birds that 'wildlife specialists' kill to protect planes from bird strikes. By Thomas Tracy, Edgar Sandoval and Tina Moore New York Daily News The Port Authority doesn't give a hoot about the lives of snowy owls. The agency that oversees the city's airports has added the majestic snowy owl to the list of birds it kills to protect airplanes from bird strikes. The Port Authority's "wildlife specialists" started exterminating the owls Saturday, killing three at JFK Airport with a shotgun, a Port Authority source said. The snowy owl — widely familiar to children as Hedwig, the beloved pet of boy wizard Harry Potter — was added to the kill list after one of them, nesting on top of a taxiway sign on an airport runway and got sucked into an airplane turbine. Snowy owls being shot down at JFK Airport: report PIX 11 Snowy owls have been added to the "kill list" at John F. Kennedy Alport, and as a result, are being shot out of the sky by Port Authority "wildlife specialists," according to multiple reports. Sources say the Port Authority killed three of the owls Saturday at JFK after one of the birds was sucked into an airplane turbine. Known as Harry Potter's companion Hedwig with children, the birds have never been known to cause problems at area airports. "Even a wildlife specialist didn't understand why they were being killed because they are not part of a large population and they are easy to catch and relocate, unlike seagulls," a source told the Daily News. 2 Snowy Owls Shot At Airport, As Birds Deemed Danger To Planes: Report By Amanda Scherker The Huffinqton Post PA - DW - 000392 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Issued a warning last week about an unexpected enemy in the sky: the snowy owl. Port Authority added the white bird to its "no-fly list" last week and instructed workers to shoot any snowy owls spotted in the area, WNBC reports. Since then, at least two snowy owls have been killed at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The new order was apparently issued in response to an incident last week in which an owl flew into a plane's engine while it was still on the tarmac, the outlet reports. Port Authority did not immediately answer The Huffington Post's request for comment Snowy owls targeted as hazards at New York airports United Press International The snowy owl is on the New York Port Authority's list of birds to kill to protect aircraft from sucking them into engines, a Port Authority source said. Three of the species, whose best-known example is Harry Potter's beloved pet Hedwig, were killed by "wildlife specialists" with shotguns Saturday at New York's JFK Airport, the New York Daily News reported Monday. The snowy owl, typically an arctic bird but one that flies south occasionally because of growing populations or a dwindling food supply, was added to the list after one, nesting atop a sign on an airport runway, was sucked into a turbine, the newspaper said. "I'm loath to second-guess aviation professionals, but cleariy, snowy owls commonly use airports and don't seem to be a species that is involved in dangerous collisions," commented Jeff Gordon, president of the American birding Association. Snowy owls shot and killed at JFK airport 2 owls were killed after the Port Authority ordered airport workers to shoot the birds out of concern that the creatures would fly into planes. By Laura Moss Mother Nature Network The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently ordered workers at JFK International Airport to shoot and kill snowy owls spotted there, according to NBC 4 New York. The agency issued the order after an owl flew into the engine of a plane on the New York airport's tarmac last week. On Dec. 7, JFK workers shot two snowy owls with a shotgun. Birds can rarely bring down planes like they did in 2009 when a flock of geese disabled a commercial jet's engine and the pilot famously landed the plane in the Hudson River. Snovi/y Owls Shot Down at Airport By Erik Tormoen Outside Online Port Authority workers shot two snowy owls at John F. Kennedy Airport with a shotgun on Saturday, following an order to kill any owls spotted there to ensure none flies into a jet's engine, NBC 4 New York reports. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued the order after an owl flew into a plane's engine last week while the plane was on a Kennedy tarmac. Bird interception by engines can destabilize an aircraft's flight—as in 2009, when a Canada goose caused a commercial airplane to land in the Hudson River. Bird strikes can also cost an airiine millions of dollars annually, according to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration. The risks are higher this year, as an influx of snowy owls has flow into the northeastern United States from the Arctic, says CBS Boston, possibly because of a shortage in food. PAPD Port Authority Police Hunt Suspects In Christopher Street PATH Station Assault 44-Year-Old Victim Treated And Released After Sunday Attack CBS Local A man is recovering from an assault at the Christopher Street PATH station. Port Authority police say six people were involved in the assault 6:30 a.m. Sunday. The victim, 44, was treated for cuts to his head, lip and hand. He was treated and released at Jersey City Medical Center. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Port Authority Police at 1800-828-7273. All calls will be kept confidential. Man assaulted at West Village PATH station WABC Local Authorities are searching for three suspects who attacked a man at a PATH station in the West Village Sunday morning. Police say a 44-year old man was assaulted at about 6:30 a.m. at the Christopher Street station. The suspects then fled PA - DW - 000393 the scene. Photos have been released of the three men police are looking for. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Port Authority Police at 1-800-828-7273. All calls will be kept confidential. Photos: Suspects In Christopher Street PATH Station Attack Gothamist The Port Authority released photographs of six people involved In an assault at the Christopher Street PATH station. According to the PA Police Department, the incident occurred yesterday morning, December 8, at 6:30 a.m. A 44-year-old man said that a group was blocking the turnstiles; when he asked them to move, they beat him up and fled. The suspects are three males and three females. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Port Authority Police at 1-800-8287273. All calls will be kept confidential. WTC Conde Nast to share 1 WTC with US Army officials By Steve Cuozzo New York Post - (Full Text) Conde Nast superstar editors Anna Wintour and Graydon Carter will be sharing their glamorous new 1 World Trade Center digs with US Army sandhogs. The US Army Corp of Engineers, as well as the US Customs and Border Protection agency and the federal General Services Administration, will move into the iconic tower in 2015, according to a source briefed on the moves. They will occupy 268,000 square feet of space, which the GSA leased last year from 1 WTC's owners, the Port Authority and the Durst Organization. The GSA is expected to announce the tenants later today. While the GSA lease, which got a big push from Sen. Chuck Schumer, is no secret, it wasn't known until now exactly which governmental units would take the space. Conde Nast is the largest tenant in the tower with more than 1.1 million square feet and China's Beijing Vantone took 200,000 feet The 3 million square-foot tower Is just over half-leased. PORTS Defining Diversity on NY-NJ Docks Joseph Bonney Journal of Commerce - (Full Text) How diverse is the longshore work force at the Port of New York and New Jersey? It depends on whom you ask, and on what they're counting. The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor contends the International Longshoremen's Association work force in the port is too heavily white and male, and that the ILA and New York Shipping Association haven't done enough to attract minorities and women. Commission officials cite a complaint by the New York Division of Human Rights alleging discriminatory hiring by three predominantly white ILA locals on the New York side of the harbor. The ILA and NYSA say the human rights division cherry-picked a group of locals whose memberships once reflected their immediate neighborhoods but that have shrunk along with the share of longshore work performed at New York terminals. More than 80 percent of cargo and work hours now are on the New Jersey side of the harbor. When those terminals are included, the port's overall work force is more than one-third African-American and Hispanic, according to NYSA statistics. Minority percentages vary widely among ILA locals. The highest concentration of African-Americans is in the historically black Local 1233 in Newark. Other port locals, notably 1235 in Newark and 1588 in Bayonne, have sizable Hispanic contingents. Other locals have lower percentages of minorities. The Waterfront Commission said Local 1804-1, representing maintenance-and-repair workers at New Jersey terminals, is less than 2 percent African-American, and that Local 1814 in Brooklyn, a once-vibrant local that's been shrinking for years, is only 8 percent black. Angered by the Waterfront Commission's allegations of discrimination, ILA officials say the commission has failed to practice what it preaches. "We'll match our diversity against the Waterfront Commission's any day of the week," ILA spokesman James McNamara said. The union's Facebook page juxtaposed photos of black ILA officials with those of Waterfront Commission leaders described as "pale, male and stale." Walter Arsenault, the commission's executive director, said the ILA was trying to create a smokescreen. "Its a typical example of the ILA misrepresenting the facts. This is just another attempt by the ILA to divert attention from its record," he said. Phoebe Serial, the commission's general counsel, said that since the commission undenwent a management shakeup five years ago, 11 percent of new hires have been black, 17.5 percent have been Hispanic, 6.5 percent have been Asian and 24 percent have been women. Serial said commission executives and directors, who until 2008 were all white, now include two Hispanics, two Asian-Americans, and one Egyptian-American. She said statistics weren't immediately available on the overall percentages of minorities and women among the commission staff. TV CLIPS PA - DW - 000394 WCBS NY - GWB lane closures. NEWS 12 NJ - GWB lane closures. WNYC FM RADIO - GWB lane closures. NEWS 12 Long Island - Snowy Owls Shot Down at Airport. NEWS 12 NJ - Snowy Owls Shot Down at Airport. WNBC NY - Delays on GWB due to falling ice. WNYW NY FOX - Delays on GWB due to falling ice. NEWS 12 NJ - Delays on GWB due to falling ice/ delays at PA airports due to weather. PA - DW - 000395 From: Sent: To: Subject: Schwarz, Arielle Monday, December 09, 2013 12:30 PM Schwarz, Arielle Afternoon Clips: 12.9.13 TB&T N.J. roads, rails slowed as wintry weather hits state this morning By Jeff Goldman The Star-Ledger Motorists are facing slippery conditions as rain replaces the snow that blanketed New Jersey. Parts of the state where temperatures are at or below freezing remain under a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. because of the possibility of ice. The state Transportation Department is treating highways with salt. Speed restrictions are in place on some roads. Three lanes are flooded on the Garden State Parkway just south of the Toms River toll plaza. ... The speed limit on the George Washington Bridge has been reduced to 45 mph, according to 511 nj.org, the Department of Transportation's traffic website. There is also a 45 mph speed limit on the New Jersey Turnpike between the southern end and Exit 8. Speed restrictions remain in effect at the Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossings between New Jersey and Staten Island. Icy roads, speed restrictions slow down the morning commute By Matthew McGrath and Katie Sobko NorthJersev.com The National Weather Service has extended a winter weather advisory for the area until noon due to freezing rain, and the winter weather is slowing down the morning commute. Motorists are facing slippery conditions this morning with icecoated roadways. There are speed restrictions on the Garden State Parkway and the George Washington Bridge. Other North Jersey highways are all moving slow with delays caused by volume. Two people are dead following a car crash on Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County. State Police say the vehicle veered off the eastbound lanes and slammed into a tree Sunday night Police have not released the names of the victims. PANYNJ Port Authority chief to testify today on September GWB lane closures By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger The Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee is scheduled to hear testimony this morning on the controversial closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September. Executive Director Patrick Foye of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is scheduled to testify during a 10 a.m. hearing at the State House in Trenton, three days after the Port Authority official at the center of the controversy said he will resign effective Jan. 1. The official, David Wildstein, said he was accelerating plans he had already made to leave the agency sometime next year because the Sept 9-13 closures were becoming "a distraction." The unannounced closures clogged local streets and angered commuters and officials accustomed to advance notice. Port Authority Chief To Testify On Unannounced GWB Lane Closures Lawmakers Seek Answers Over September Gridlock CBS New York The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is expected to tell what he knows about the unannounced closing of George Washington Bridge access lanes that caused traffic gridlock in September. Patrick Foye was subpoenaed to appear before the Assembly Transportation Committee Monday. Meantime, the director of bridges and tunnels for the Port Authority says he knew beforehand that shutting local-access lanes to the George Washington Bridge would cause gridlock in Fort Lee. Cedrick Fulton says he told his boss "this will not end well" before the lanes were closed in September. Port Authority exec: GWB lane closings 'will not end well' 1 PA - DW - 000396 Associated Press - Full Text The director of bridges and tunnels for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says he knew beforehand that shutting local-access lanes to the George Washington Bridge would cause gridlock in Fort Lee. Cedrick Fulton says he told his boss "this will not end well" before the lanes were closed in September. Fulton is testifying before the Assemby Transportation Committee Monday. The panel subpoenaed Fulton and two other authority officials to answer questions about the lane closures. The special hearing follows the resignation Friday of Dave Wildstein, the agency official at the center of the controversy. Democrats suspect a political motive. They claim the lanes were shut to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie's re-election. The governor has denied it LIVE NOW: Talk Chris Christie's pick for AG, medical marijuana and more with Star-Ledger experts By Susan K. Livio The Star-Ledger Gov. Chris Christie spent most of his week away from the Statehouse, but that didn't dampen the always lively Jersey political scene. The Republican governor nominated another loyal former federal prosecutor to be the state's attorney general, said he was done with more revisions to New Jersey's medical marijuana program and that he'll only accept a pared down version of a bill to allow the children of unauthorized immigrants. Christie also took off on his first mission to stump for Republican gubernatorial candidates, something that will occupy much of his time over the next year. By week's end the official of the Port Authority at the center of the controversial closing of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September called it quits, just days after Christie mocked suggestions that the action as political retribution against the Fort Lee mayor. It all gets another hearing at the Statehouse today. PATH Man assaulted at West Village PATH station WABC - Full Text Authorities are searching for three suspects who attacked a man at a PATH station in the West Village Sunday morning. Police say a 44-year old man was assaulted at about 6:30 a.m. at the Christopher Street station. The suspects then fled the scene. Photos have been released of the three men police are looking for. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Port Authority Police at 1-800-828-7273. All calls will be kept confidential. Man Attacked in Christopher Street PATH Station: Police NBC New York - Full Text Police are looking for three men and three women who attacked a PATH train rider in the Christopher Street station in Manhattan Sunday morning, authorities said. Port Authority police say the 44-year-old victim told detectives the suspects were blocked the turnstiles, and when he asked them to move, they started arguing with him. The argument escalated to a beating, and the victim suffered cuts to his forehead and lip and an injury to his left hand, police said. He was treated at the scene by EMTs. Anyone with information about the 6:30 a.m. attack is asked to call 1-800-828-7273. Port Authority PD seeks public's help finding PATH station beating suspects By Jerry DeMarco Cliffview Pilot - Full Text Port Authority police are seeking the public's help in identifying six suspects in the beating of a 44-year-old man at the Christopher Street PATH station in Manhattan eariy yesterday. Ail told, police are searching for three male suspects (photos above and left) and three female suspects, one of whom is pictured below. The victim sustained cuts to his head, lip and hand, for which he was treated at Jersey City Medical Center before being released. Anyone with any information about the incident or the identities of the suspects is urged to call the PAPD: 1 -800-828-7273. All calls will be kept confidential. AVIATION Snowy Owls, Listed as Threat to Planes, Shot Down at JFK Airport: Source By Pei-Sze Cheng NBC New York The agency that oversees New York's airports has added snowy owls to its no-fly list, shooting down at least two at Kennedy Airport and issuing an alert to kill any more that are spotted there, an airport source told NBC 4 New York. The PA - DW - 000397 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey issued the shoot-to-kiil order for the birds after one flew into a jet's engine while the plane was on a tarmac at Kennedy last week, the source said. Port Authority workers shot two snowy owls with a shotgun on Saturday amid concerns that they would also fly into planes. A wildlife specialist who works for the Port Authority spent 45 minutes chasing one of them down, the source said. The Port Authority had no immediate comment This isn't the first time the Port Authority has killed birds over flight concerns. More than 1,000 geese were caught and gassed near Rikers Island between 2003 and 2009 to curb the potential threat to aircraft, according to the Daily News. Report: Port Authority Targeting Snowy Owls At JFK 3 Owls Reportedly Shot, Killed At JFK Over The Weekend CBS New York Its open season on snowy owls at area airports after the Port Authority apparently added them to the list of birds it kills in order to prevent bird strikes, according to published reports. Port Authority workers used shotguns to go after snowy owls at John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing three over the weekend, according to a report in the Daily News. David Karopkin, founder of Goose Watch NYC, said many birdwatchers are upset by the report. "People that I know who are doing bird watching and going out to Floyd Bennett Field and other places around Jamaica Bay have been so excited to see the snowy owls coming into New York City for the first time in a very long time," he told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera. TV CLIPS • Eyewitness News/PATH assault • NY1/snowy owls • Good Dav New York/snowy owls • NBC New York/snowv owls PA - DW - 000398 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Monday, December 09, 2013 7:35 AM Morning Clips 12.09.13 AVIATION Port Authority 'wildlife specialists' hunt snowy owls at New York City's airports Whooodunit? Snowy owls, apparently After one was sucked into an airplane turbine, the species has been added to a list of birds that 'wildlife specialists' kill to protect planes from bird strikes. By Thomas Tracy, Edgar Sandoval and Tina Moore New York Daily fslews The Port Authority doesn't give a hoot about the lives of snowy owls. The agency that oversees the city's airports has added the majestic snowy owl to the list of birds it kills to protect airplanes from bird strikes. The Port Authority's "wildlife specialists" started exterminating the owls Saturday, killing three at JFK Airport with a shotgun, a Port Authority source said. The snowy owl — widely familiar to children as Hedwig, the beloved pet of boy wizard Harry Potter — was added to the kill list after one of them, nesting on top of a taxiway sign on an airport runway and got sucked into an airplane turbine. Harry Potter snowy owls 'being culled at JFK airport to stop them endangering planes' The iconic species is in the firing line after setting up camp in the transport hub Mirror News Snowy owls spend most of their time in the freezing cold tundra of the Arctic, Alaska and Canada. But in recent years enthusiasts have reported a mass migration towards the southern 48 states of the US. Thousands of the snow-white birds, which stand 2 feet tall with 5-foot wingspans, were spotted from coast to coast, feeding in farmlands in Idaho, roosting on rooftops in Montana, gliding over golf courses in Missouri and soaring over shorelines in Massachusetts. Wildlife experts said the phenomenon was likely down to a particulariy plentiful supply of lemmings, the rodent which accounts for up to 90 per cent of the bird's diet. Officials and Supporters Push for Silent Skies Act By Kristina Skorbach Epoch Times Rep. Joe Crowley, elected officials, and local advocates introduced the Silent Skies Act Friday morning at LaGuardia airport's Marine Air Terminal. The bill aims to alleviate noise pollution in Queens borough neighborhoods, where residents claim that aircraft noise has ruined their quality of life by disrupting sleep, impeding student learning, and reducing the time they spend outdoors. The act will require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue a regulation by the end of 2015 that requires all commercial airplanes to meet Stage 4 noise standards, which have a much lower decibel level than those of aircrafts used today. "Our airports are only getting busier," Crowley (D-N.Y.) said, which he noted is a good thing overall. Southwest Airlines to cease operations in three cities Theodore Koumelis Travel Daily News Southwest Airlines announced its decision to close three cities in the airiine's network. On June 7, 2014, Southwest will cease operations at Branson Airport (BKG), Key West International Airport (EYW), and Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN). Southwest began service to Jackson-Evers International in 1997. The airiine added Branson Airport and Key West International Airport to its route map in 2012 as part of its integration with AirTran, a wholly-owned subsidiary. "Unfortunately the level of local demand no longer allows Southwest to profitably serve these markets," said Bob Jordan, Southwests Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Southwest takes pride in becoming not only a great choice for air travel in the cities we serve, but we also become a member of the community. These decisions are never easy." Airport group urges TSA to continue staffing exit lanes By Steve Strunsky The Star-Ledger PA - DW - 000399 A plan by the Transportation Safety Administration to cease guarding exit lanes from secured areas of airports will cost the agency that runs the region's three major airports $8 million a year, said a local group calling on the TSA to continue staffing the exit lanes. "Our message to the TSA is clear — stop this plan. Their move is the embodiment of penny wise and pound foolish — impacting the maximum number of passengers while placing additional burdens on our local airports," said Global Gateway Alliance Chairman Joe Sitt "The Federal government should be paying its fair share to the most critical airport system in the country, not further shirking its responsibility." Effective Jan. 1, the TSA will end its longstanding practice of staffing exit lanes at some airports, including Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia, under a measure intended to trim $88 million from its $7.5 billion budget for 2014. City seizes 530 Illegal cabs at JFK By Rebecca Harshbarger New York Post The city has seized a record number of bogus cabs hustling for customers at JFK through a new enforcement base that was launched at the airport this fall. Since the base opened in October, Taxi and Limousine Commission inspectors have seized 530 illegal cabs — more than five times the number taken in the same period last year. "JFK is an exceptionally active transportation hub," said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky. "And for that reason, it is a magnet for illegal for-hire activity." In all, 980 illegal cabs have been taken off the streets since July at JFK and La Guardia airports. TBT Port Authority chief to testify on lane closings By The Associated Press Wall Street Journal The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is expected to tell what he knows about the unannounced closing of George Washington Bridge access lanes that caused traffic gridlock in September. Patrick Foye was subpoenaed to appear before the Assembly Transportation Committee Monday. The special hearing follows the resignation Friday of Dave Wildstein, the agency official at the center of the controversy. Two weeks ago. Gov. Chris Christie appointee Bill Baroni testified that the lanes were closed for a traffic study. Democrats suspect a political motive. They claim the lanes were shut to punish Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for not endorsing Christie's re-election. The governor has denied it The lanes were reopened after three days because of the congestion. TV CLIPS WCBS NY - GWB Lane closures PA - DW - 000400 From: Sent: Subject: Public Affairs Broadcast Sunday, December 08, 2013 8:24 AM Morning Clips 12.8.13 PANYNJ Port Authority official David Wildstein resigns amid probe into unannounced lane closures in Fort Lee News 12 NJ The unannounced lane closures in September that backed up traffic on the George Washington Bridge has cost a Port Authority official his job. David Wildstein says he intended to leave next year, but has decided to resign eariier because of the Fort Lee issue. Officials say the unannounced lane closures were part of a traffic study. They have denied that the closures were politically motivated. Reports say that Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects, was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie and was one of his chief allies at the agency. Christie Ally Resigning From Port Authority By Emma G. Fitzsimmons New York Times - (Full Text) A Port Authority official with close ties to Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is resigning after state lawmakers questioned whether lane closures on the George Washington Bridge that led to extensive traffic backups in September were politically motivated. The official, David Wildstein, will resign as the director of interstate capital projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Jan. 1, according to a letter he wrote to the agency's deputy executive director, Bill Baroni. The resignation was first reported by The Record newspaper, of northern New Jersey. Mr. Wildstein said in the letter that the lane closure controversy had become "a distraction." The agency reduced the number of access lanes to the bridge without prior notice, causing traffic delays in Fort Lee, N.J., from Sept 9 to 13. Mr. Baroni told a panel of lawmakers last month that Mr. Wildstein had ordered the lane closures as part of a traffic study. But Democrats raised concerns that the decision could have been political because Fort Lee's mayor, Mark Sokolich, declined to endorse Governor Christie for re-election. Mr. Christie has denied any involvement In the lane closures. Mr. Wildstein, a former mayor of Livingston, N.J., is an experienced political strategist who went to high school with Mr. Christie, according to an article in The Record. He was hired to the Port Authority by Mr. Baroni, who was appointed by Mr. Christie. On Saturday, Mr. Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, said Mr. Wildstein had been a "tireless advocate" for the state's interests during his time at the Port Authority. "We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority and thank him for his service to the people of New Jersey and the region," Mr. Drewniak said in a statement. The announcement came just days before another hearing by state lawmakers to examine the episode. The Port Authority's executive director, Patrick J. Foye, who was appointed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, will give testimony under oath before the New Jersey Legislature's Transportation Committee on Monday. The hearing will go forward as planned because there are still unanswered questions about the lane closures, the committee's chairman, John S. Wisniewski, said on Saturday. "The largest question still remains, and that is how this could happen at an organization that big," Mr. Wisniewski said. Mr. Wisniewski has said that the committee is trying to determine whether the closures happened because of "incompetence or political mischiet" Eariier this week, when a reporter asked Mr. Christie whether he had anything to do with the lane closures, he responded with a sarcastic remark. "I actually was the guy working the cones out there," he said. "You really are not serious with that question." TBT Loretta Weinberg says George Washington Bridge toll is among the highest in the country Politifact NJ Commuters who use the George Washington Bridge have followed with interest the recent political dustup about the closing of several access lanes in Fort Lee for a few days in September. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, among others, has questioned whether the closures were political retribution against Fort Lee's Democratic mayor for failing to endorse Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election last month. In a Nov. 14 radio interview on the John Gambling program on WOR 710 AM, she let fly a statement on how much the bridge costs to use. "We pay among the highest tolls in the nation for the privilege of crossing that bridge," Weinberg (D-Bergen), the Senate's majority leader, told Gambling as they discussed the closure controversy, which has since led to the Assembly subpoenaing Port Authority executives to testify PA - DW - 000401 about the matter. Weinberg is correct, dollars-wise. Before we get to bridge toll costs, let's note that bridges in the New York and New Jersey region are run by either the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, or the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Its worth noting that for every bridge we mention, we're using the peak toll cost for a standard two-axle vehicle. Raising New Jersey bridge to affect Southeast ports Tyrone Richardson Post and Courier The Bayonne Bridge may only connect a part of northern New Jersey with New York City, but a billion-dollar project to raise the iconic steel-arch connection is expected to bring more cargo to ports in the Southeast Raising the Bayonne Bridge What The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is raising the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge to give more air draft for larger cargo vessels. Why: The bridge's current 151 feet of draft is too short for many post-Panamax ships. How: Crews are building a roadway above the current four-lane roadway, which will be removed. When: The $1.3 billion project is slated to be completed by 2015. That's why, more than 700 miles south, Charieston and Savannah maritime officials are monitoring the project that will raise the Bayonne Bridge's roadway from its current 151 feet to 215 feet for the air draft needed to accommodate larger cargo vessels from an expanded Panama Canal. The raising of the bridge is considered a critical piece in the string of improvements to port infrastructures along the East Coast The improvements are geared toward enticing more larger vessels to stop at cargo terminals all along the Eastern Seaboard, including the highly competitive Southeast region. "The raising of the Bayonne Bridge will remove a significant restraint for big ship deployment to the East Coast," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of S.C. State Ports Authority. WTC Timeline of Guy Tozzoli's career Record Evolution of Guy Tozzoli's relationship with the Port Authority: March 1961The Port Authority issues a report endorsing the idea of a World Trade Center in Manhattan. March 1966Construction on the Twin Towers begins. Late 1968 Guy Tozzoli, director of the Port Authority's World Trade Department, attends a meeting of executives from other ports around the worid to discuss an association of trade centers. May 1969 Tozzoli incorporates the Worid Trade Centers Association, establishes New York City as its headquarters and proposes bylaws. For the next 17 years, he runs the WTCA from his Port Authority office, directing agency staff to handle its day-to-day operations. Prince of the Port: Exec behind $10 sale of World Trade Center name embodied Port Authority's power, excesses Record Back in 1975, when New York City was broke and crumbling — with its budget and crime rate out of control, the Bronx burning, and thousands of police officers and teachers being laid off — a high-ranking executive of the Port Authority was on a junket in Zaire. On the itinerary was a $320-per-person safari that would cost $1,400 per person today, guided sightseeing tours and lunchtime cocktails. Guy Tozzoli, director of worid trade for the Port Authority, brought his wife and an agency employee responsible for handling travel arrangements and dispensing petty cash. The Port Authority paid. Hancock Center considers new way to look down By Ryan Ori Crain's Chicago Business Willis Tower, already knocked from its perch as the Western Hemisphere's tallest building by New York's One World Trade Center, soon could face a new challenge from within its own city. The owner of the observatory in the John Hancock Center on North Michigan Avenue is planning a tourist experience called the "Tilt" that would rival the Ledge, the popular and profitable glass-floor balconies on Willis' 103rd floor, according to sources familiar with the proposal. Parisbased Montparnasse Group 56, which bought the 94th-floor John Hancock Observatory for $44.2 million in 2012, has discussed creating an enclosed glass box protruding from the observatory that would hold several visitors. Once they're strapped in, the box would tilt, creating downward-facing views of downtown. More is at stake than prestige and vertigo. TV CLIPS WCBS NY - George Washington Bridge Toll. PA - DW - 000402 Zipf, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 3:20 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks for the update Jose. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:39 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified New from GWB Manager: From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:28 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach I've been advised by DW that we will continue this current operation through tomorrow at a minimum Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the 1 Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end of the queue approaching from Martha Washington Way. (Diagram included showing this diversion. --jmr) I don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. File: GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still workin on travel time numbers on the mainline and will re or': back. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" of Traffic impacts - both positive and negative. Thanks, Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM . To; Ri' 'era, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? is that reasonable and doable? Let me know if I need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. ll. .. . LU dUUVtf, nuwevi;-I run Lee is LU LWU lanes Lnen rnergeu Into One lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM I To: Zi; f, Peter - Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf L.-.I.-s I l":GfiE tl"nS Pa Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY 8: NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 . mvera@panvni.gov I I C71 D. ha Ema J. UL.-1 S. ASSEMBLY PUBLIC WORKS AND STATE HOUSE ANNEX no BOX 068 NJ 08625-0068 J. RAMOS. JR. M. I JOHN F. E. RliMl'F December 12, 2013 Mr. David Wildstein, Director of Interstate Capital Projects Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South, 15th Floor New York, New York 10003 Dear Director Wildstein: <2:-ramnrs BUONO. JR. Qfficc Ca--Commilrcc Aides tans) 347-3340 (609) 291.0551 Please find attached hereto a subpoena requesting certain documents concerning the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Coznmittee's investigation of the Port Authority of New York and. New Jersey. The Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee would accept mail or messenger delivery of the requested records at the following address on or before December 19, 2013: Charles A. Buono, Office of Legislative Services, State House Annex, PO Box 068, Trenton, New Jersey 08625. We also enclose herewith a copy of the Code of Fair Procedure. Please be advised that if you fail to comply completely with the attached subpoena, you may be held in contempt and subject to penalties, including incarceration as set forth in Chapter 13 of Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. We look forward to your anticipated cooperation in this matter. If you have questions in this matter, please contact Charles A. Buono, Jr. at 609-847-3840. Very truly ASSE BL TRA PORTATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INDEP isnie W/mc Enclosures Members -- Assembly Transportation, Public Works an ndependent Authorities Committee Jillian Dempsey, Assembly Majority Office Glen Beebe, Assembly Republican Office Charles A. Buono, Jr., Office of Legislative Services UTHORITIES COMMITTEE ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE SUBPOENA TO: David Wildstein, Director of Interstate Capital Projects Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South, 15th Floor New York, New York 10003 WE COMMAND YOU, Laying aside all and singular business and excuses, to produce all documents, books, paper, and other writings, described below, that you have access to relevant to the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Comrnittee's inquiry and investigation of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as more particularly set forth on the attached Schedule A. These documents, books, papers, and other writings shall be returned on or before December 19, 2013 to: Charles A. Buono, Jr., Office of Legislative Services, State House Annex, PO Box 068, Trenton, New Jersey 08625. The Committee was constituted as a special committee of the General Assembly pursuant to Assembly Resolution No. 91 duly passed by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey on February 14, 2013. Your production of documents is governed by the Code of Fair Procedure and Chapter 13 of Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. A copy of the Code of Fair Procedure is delivered to you herewith. Failure to comply with this Subpoena shall make you liable for such penalties as are provided by law. WITNESS, the hand of The Honorable John S. Wisniewski, Chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Indepe thorities Committee, on this the 12th day of December, 2013. John . Wi i ski: Chairman Asse bly Tra sportation, Public Works and I depend nt Authorities Committee SCHEDULE A (to Subpoena dated December 12, 2013, issued by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.) For the purposes of this schedule, "employee, officer, or executive" of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey ("Port Authority") shall include, but not be limited to: the Executive Director, Patrick Foye; Deputy Executive Director, Bill Baroni; Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, David Samson; Director of Interstate Capital Projects, David Wildstein; Director of Bridges, Tunnels, and Terminals, Cedrick Fulton; General Manager of the George Washington Bridge, Robert Durando; President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, Paul Nunziato; and Darcy Licorish of the Port Authority Police Department; any current or former member of the Board of Commissioners; any employee or other staff of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; or any individual acting on behalf of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The terms "document," "documents," and "correspondence" include hard copy documents and correspondence as well as electronic mail transmissions, text messages, telephone records, including a log of telephone calls placed or received, and electronically stored data, documents, correspondence, and other pertinent data compiled or collected. Attachments, exhibits, and enclosures are included as well. In addition, please produce a log of any documents and/or correspondence withheld from production on the basis of any claimed privilege or protection, and retain such documents and/or correspondence. Please deliver the following documents and correspondence: 1. All documents and correspondence, produced between August 1, 2013 and the present date between Governor Chris Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the Port Authority, concerning the reduction from three to one of the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from September 9, 2013 through September 13, 2013; 2. All documents and correspondence, produced between August 1, 2013 and the present date, between and among any employee, officer, or executive of the Port Authority, including any documents and correspondence sent or received by Patrick Foye, Executive Director; Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director; David Wildstein, Director of Interstate Capital Projects; Cedrick Fulton, Director of Bridges, Tunnels, and Terminals; Robert Durando, General Manager of the George Washington Bridge; Paul Nunziato, President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association; and Darcy Licorish of the Port Authority Police Department concerning the reduction from three to one of the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge from September 9, 2013 through September 13, 2013. Code of Fair Procedure Definitions As used in this act: "Agency" means any of the following while engaged in an investigation or inquiry: l) the Governor or any person or persons appointed by him acting pursuant to - 941, c. 16, s. 1 (C. (2) any temporary State commission or duly authorized committee thereof having the power to require testimony or the production of evidence by subpoena, or (3) any legislative committee or commission having the powers set forth in Revised Statutes 52:13-1. "Hearing" means any hearing in the course of an investigatory proceeding (other than a preliminary conference or interview at which no testimony is taken under oath) conducted before an agency at which testimony or the production of other evidence may be compelled by subpoena or other compulsoiy process. "Public hearing" means any hearing open to the public, or any hearing, or such part thereof, as to which testimony or other evidence is made available or disseminated to the public by the agency. "Private hearing" means any hearing other than a public hearing. L.1968, c. 376, s. 1, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Personal service No person may be required to appear at a hearing or to testify at a hearing unless there has been personally served upon him prior to the time when he is required to appear, a copy of this act, and a general statement of the subject of the investigation. A copy of the resolution, statute, order or other provision of law authorizing the investigation shall be furnished by the agency upon request therefor by the person summoned. L.l968, c. 376, s. 2, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Right to counsel; submission of proposed questions A witness summoned to a hearing shall have the right to be accompanied by counsel, who shall be permitted to advise the witness of his rights, subject to reasonable limitations to prevent obstruction of or interference with the orderly conduct of the hearing. Counsel for any witness who testifies at a public hearing may submit proposed questions to be asked of the witness relevant to the matters upon which the witness has been questioned and the agency shall ask the witness such of the questions as it may deem appropriate to its inquiry. L.l968, c. 376, s. 3, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Records of public hearings; copies A complete and accurate record shall be kept of each public hearing and a witness shall be entitled to receive a copy of his testimony at such hearing at his own expense. Where testimony which a witness has given. at a private hearing becomes relevant in a criminal proceeding in which the witness is a defendant, or in any subsequent hearing in which the witness is summoned to testify, the witness shall be entitled to a copy of such testimony, at his own expense, provided the same is available, and provided further that the furnishing of such copy will not prejudice the public safety or security. L.l968, c. 376, s. 4, eff Dec. 27, 1968. Sworn statement by witness; incorporation in the record A witness who testifies at any hearing shall have the right at the conclusion of his examination to tile a brief sworn statement relevant to his testimony for incorporation in the record of the investigatory proceeding. L.l968, c. 376, s. 5, eff. Dec. 27, I968. Persons affected by proceedings; appearance or statement of facts Any person whose name is mentioned or who is specifically identified and who believes that testimony or other evidence given at a public hearing or comment made by any member of the agency or its counsel at such a hearing tends to defame him or otherwise adversely affect his reputation shall have the right, either to appear personally before the agency and testify in his own behalf as to matters relevant to the testimony or other evidence complained ofl or in the alternative at the option of the agency, to file a statement of facts under oath relating solely to matters relevant to the testimony or other evidence complained of, which statement shall be incorporated in the record of the investigatory proceeding. L.1968, c. 375, s. 6, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Rights or privileges granted by agencies Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent an agency from granting to witnesses appearing before it, or to persons who claim to be adversely affected by testimony or other evidence adduced before it, such further rights and privileges as it may determine. L.l968, c. 376, s. 7, eff Dec. 27, 1968. Dissemination of evidence adduced at private hearing Except in the course of subsequent hearing which is open to the public, no testimony or other evidence adduced at a private hearing or preliminary conference or interview conducted before a sing1e--membe1' agency in the course of its investigation shall be disseminated or made available to the public by said agency, its counsel or employees without the approval of the head of the agency. Except in the course of a subsequent hearing open to the public, no testimony or other evidence adduced at a private hearing or preliminary conference or interview before a committee or other multimember investigating agency shall be disseminated or made available to the public by any member of the agency, its counsel or employees, except with the approval of a majority of the members of such agency. Any person who violates the provisions of this subdivision shall be adjudged a disorderly person. L.1968, c. 376, s. 8, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Hearing conducted by temporary state commission No temporary State cornrnission having more than two members shall have the power to take testimony at a public or private hearing unless at least two of its members are present at such hearing. Nothing in this section, however, sl1all be deemed to prevent the State Commission of Investigation from conducting private hearings, on an investigation previously undertaken by a majority of the members of the commission, with one commissioner present, when so designated by resolution pursuant to the provisions of section 12 of c. 266 (C. L.1968, c. 376, s. 9, eff Dec. 27, 1968. Amended by L.1984, c. 110, s. 5, eff. Aug. 3, 1984. Right of members to file statement of minority views Nothing in this act shall be construed to affect, diminish or impair the right, under any other provision of law, rule or custom, of any member or group of members of a committee or other multimember investigating agency to file a statement or statements of minority views to accompany and be released with or subsequent to the report of the committee or agency. 3 L.1968, c. 376, s. 1.0, eff. Dec. 27, 1968. Chapter 13 of Title 52 of the Revised Statutes Article 1. General Provisions. 52:13-1. Attendance of witnesses; production of books and papers; legal and clerical assistance Anyjoint committee of the legislature, any standing committee of either house, or any special committee directed by resolution to enter upon any investigation or inquiry, the pursuit of which shall necessitate the attendance of persons or the production of books or papers, shall have power to compel the attendance before it of such persons as witnesses and the production before it of such books and papers as it may deem necessary, proper and relevant to the matter under investigation. Any such committee shall also have the power to employ such legal and clerical assistance as it may deem necessary to the proper conduct of the investigation. 52:13-2. Summons for witnesses; execution If any person upon being summoned in writing by order of any committee mentioned in section 52:13-l of this title to appear before such committee and testify, fails to obey such summons, the speaker of the house of assembly or the president of the senate may, upon application to him, by warrant under his hand order the sergeant at arms of the house over which he presides to arrest such person and bring him before the committee, and the sergeant at arms shall thereupon execute the warrant to him so directed. 52:13-3. Compensation of witnesses; swearing witnesses; perjury; immunity; refusal to answer or be sworn Witnesses summoned to appear before any committee authorized by this article or any other law to conduct an investigation or inquiry shall be entitled to receive the same fees and mileage as persons summoned to testify in the courts of the state. All such witnesses may be sworn by any member of the committee conducting the investigation or inquiry; and all witnesses sworn before any such committee shall answer truly all questions put to them which the committee shall decide to be proper and pertinent to the investigation or inquiry; and any witness so sworn who shall swear falsely shall be guilty of perjury. No such witness shall be excused from answering any such questions on the ground that to answer the same might or would incriminate him; but no answers made by any witness to any such questions shall be used or admitted in evidence in any proceeding against such witness, except in a criminal prosecution against the witness for perjury in respect to his answers to such questions. Any witness who refuses to answer any questions decided by the committee to be proper and pertinent shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and any witness who, having been summoned to appear before any such committee, fails to appear in obedience to the summons or, appearing, refuses to be sworn shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. 52:134. Expenses of investigations; payment The state treasurer shall, upon the warrant of the state comptroller, pay the fees and mileage of witnesses called, the compensation of legal and clerical assistance employed and the expenses of the sergeant at arms of either house in the execution of wan-ants pursuant to section 52:13-2 of this title, when the same shall be certified as correct and necessary by the chairman of the committee under whose authority and by whose order the same shall have been incurred, but only when the chairman's certificate has received the approval of the governor. Article 2. Contempts of Joint Legislative Committees. 52:13--5. What constitutes contempt; report thereof to legislature Whenever, in any investigation or inquiry by any committee constituted by joint resolution of the legislature to enter upon or make such investigation or inquiry, any witness summoned or subpoenaed to appear before such committee to testify or to produce books, documents, papers or records, shall willfully neglect or refuse to appear in obedience to the summons or subpoena, or shall willfully neglect or refuse to produce any books, documents, papers or records commanded to be produced by the summons or subpoena, or shall refuse to be sworn or affirmed, or shall refuse to answer any question put to him which the committee shall decide to be proper a11d pertinent to such investigation or inquiry, or shall in any other way contemn the authority or privileges of the legislature, and the facts alleged to constitute any such contempt shall have been reported. by any such committee to the legislature, the alleged contemner shall be tried, and the alleged contempt determined, as hereinafter provided. 52:13--6. Joint session to determine alleged contempt; order for arrest; service The senate and general assembly may by concurrent resolution direct that the senate and general assembly meet in joint session at a time and place therein fixed for the purpose of hearing the evidence and arguments regarding the alleged contempt and may order that a warrant, directed to any sergeant at arms of either house or of the joint session or to any sheriff, police officer, member of the state police, constable or other peace officer, issue in such manner as shall be prescribed in and by the concurrent resolution for the arrest of the alleged contemner and the production of him at the bar of such joint session, there to be heard. 52:13-7. Hearing by joint session At the time and place fixed as aforesaid, or at any adjournment, the joint session shall sit and summarily hear the evidence and the arguments relating to the alleged contempt. The joint session shall adjourn from time to time until the matter shall have been disposed of and the alleged contemner shall appear and attend at each and every such adjourned session. Contemner's rights Any alleged contemner shall have the right to be heard before the joint session, to be represented by counsel, to call witnesses in his behalf, and to examine and cross--examine witnesses. 52:13~9. Determination of contempt by each house separately; concurrent resolution After the joint session shall have heard the evidence and such arguments as may be made, the senate and the general assembly shall separately convene and shall separately consider and determine the alleged contempt; and the determination shall be by a concurrent resolution, which may originate in either house. 52:13-10. Sentence; order of commitment Any person found to be guilty of a contempt of the legislature by a concurrent resolution of the two houses thereof, as hereinbefore provided, may be sentenced to imprisonment in the state prison or in the common jail of any county for any period not exceeding six months as shall be directed in and by the concurrent resolution determining the contempt, for the execution of which such concurrent resolution may order that a commitment shall issue, directed to any sheriff, police officer, member of the state police, constable or other peace officer, and to the keeper of the state prison or the keeper of the common jail of any county, which commitment shall be signed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of assembly in office at the date of the issue thereof. 52:13-11. Continuing validity of commitment Any commitment issued in accordance with section 52:13-10 of this title shall remain valid and effective until the imprisonment therein set forth shall have been served, notwithstanding the legislature which directed the issue of the commitment may meanwhile have adjourned or ended. 52:13-12. Bail of contemner Any judge of the Superior Court may let to bail any person apprehended for hearing on a charge of contempt under a warrant issued by direction of a concurrent resolution as provided in section 52:13-6 of this Title, in such amount and with such surety as the judge shall determine to be reasonable, to appear before the Joint Session of the Legislature, at the time and place fixed by the warrant as well as at any and all adj ournments thereof, and to stand to and abide such determination and sentence as may thereafter be found or imposed against the person so apprehended. Such recognizances shall run in favor of the State of New Jersey and shall be filed by the judge in the office of the Secretary of State. Amended by L.l953, c. 49, p. 853, s. 2. 52:13-13. Powers given additional to other powers The powers given by this article shall be in addition to the powers given by article 1 of this chapter 52:13-1 et seq.). .28 mo E8 2: 3: Bombs 8 595m 28 womuomnsm >52 Jtomr .502 402m 52 nfisom o35>< utwm cmumba 282 E3 Mao? 252 mo bfiofi:< tom .38 .85 $230 8820:: mo Houomhm E25 8 wowsfi Eco BE Eiwm wfifiw E3 mowsfi E5300 0% mo EE wfiafiomfi 98 SE ocmww 2: mmfinfixo .3 mom: ?5233 GEES Eoka muss "mm mo mh/<< ism B02 fifld vflomy 30.2 mo hfiofisxw tom n$oo.8.Hm Rummu mo 8 woflofi 38 25 8. msfim can momamfi fluofioo ofi mo SE wfififiomfi 98 HE 2.28 2: mmufifixo mom: mcoomnsm awry>> 2: umfiom on flow donfiooum mo 2: no RE bum fimo mfi no >32 8 E025 EH6 mafia am mo mafia STATE OF NEW JERSEY Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee to David Wildstein, Director of Interstate Capital Projects Port Authority of New York and New Jersey SUBPOENA Duces Tecurn Writ Returnable on or before December 19, 2013 to Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee c/0 Charles A. Buono, Jr. Office of Legislative Services State House Annex PO Box 068 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 PORT AUTHORITY STATEMENT In 2012, more than 102 million vehicles crossed the George Washington Bridge (GWB), which connects Fort Lee, New Jersey and New York City, making it the busiest bridge in the world. More importantly, the GWB is a vital lifeline for commuters, visitors, and regional commerce. Due to the GWB's heavy volume, dfivers fiom 200+ New Jersey municipalities who commute across the GWB often endure trafiic delays of 45 minutes or more during the morning rusl1. This congestion not only wastes time for drivers, but also exacerbates air pollution in Fort Lee and New York City and undercuts the economic competitiveness of our region. There are twelve toll lanes on the Upper Level of the GWB. However, beginning a number of years ago, three of the twelve Upper Level lanes 11ave been set aside eveiy morning fi'om 6AM -- 10AM for the exclusive use of ort Lee local traflic. This arrangement enables Fort Lee residents to skip the general traffic backup at the GWB. To create these special lanes (the "Fort Lee Lanes"), Port Authority police oflicers place lraffic cones each moming to segregate the three right--most toll lanes fiom all other approaches. The result: 25% of tlie available Upper Level toll lanes are available just to Fort Lee local traflic, which makes up just 4.5% of all eastbound traflic' While the Port Authority is sensitive to the effect oftraflic on host municipalities and has provided nearly $15 million to Fort Lee over the past decade to mitigate these traffic impacts, none of the other five Port Authority crossings -- Lincoln Tunnel (Vl/eehawken, NJ), Holland Tunnel (Jersey City, NJ), Bayonne Bridge (Bayonne, NJ), Goethals Bridge (Elizabeth, NJ) and Outerbridge Crossing (Perth Amboy, NJ) -- provide segregated lanes for local traflic. Of greater concern, when these special 1 Please see Exhibit Afor a more detailed breakdown of the origin of eastbound traffic over the GWB. lanes were created, no one can identify any traffic study or analysis of the impact of creating segregated lanes was conducted prior to the implementation of the Fort Lee Lanes, nor were any other Bergen County municipalities or state government entities outside of ort Lee consulted. In August 2013, following multiple conversations with members of the Port Authority Police Department regarding traflic conditions at the GWB, Port Authority Director of Interstate Capital Projects David Wildstein met with Port Authority staif in Engineering, Traffic Engineering, and the Department of Tunnels Bridges and Terminals to review the situation. Following those meetings, Mr. Wildstein asked the Oflice of the Chief Engineer to formulate a study to determine whether the Fort Lee Lanes were causing a clear and marked increase in bridge trafiic for the 95drivers who live in other areas of Bergen and Passarc Counties and across the state. 2 Based on the options presented by the Port Authority Chief Engineer's recommendations, on September 5, Mr. Wildstein requested that a one--week study be conducted, beginning on Monday September 9. On September 6, the Director of TBT and the General Manager of tlie GWB were informed of the study and instructed to coordinate their respective traflic stafls' eiforts to analyze the resultant traflic flow. It was also determined that three signs would need to be changed for the duration of the study: one at the corner of Bruce Reynolds Boulevard (BRB) and Hoyt Avenue, one on the Hudson Street median just north of BRB, and one of the Martha Washington Way median just south of BRB. These signs, which depict lane usage approaching the Upper Level Toll Plaza, were to be 2 The Chief Traffic Engineer considered several scenarios that would reduce the Fort Lee Lanes to two, one, or zero, as illustrated in Exhibit B. It was the recommendation of the Chief Traffic Engineer that Fort Lee traffic should be segregated by traffic cones, regardless of the number of lanes, in order to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 3 Please see Exhibit for a briefsummary of the study's preliminary findings. covered by facility maintenance for the duration of the study. GWB staff also notified the Port Authority Police Department, whose officers moved the trafiic cones on the morning of September 9. At all times during the week of the study, the Port Authority Police Department monitored trafiic on the GWB. They were alert for any emergency vehicles in the area and prepared to further alter traflic patterns in the event of an emergency. While the impact of the Fort Lee Lanes on eastbound traflic on the GWB is a critically important issue that deserves finther review and analysis, the Port Authority recognizes the need to conduct such a review in a more open and transparent manner. The Port Authority's ability to fulfill its mission of meeting the region's transportation infrastnicture needs depends upon the close cooperation of agency leadership internally and with our community stakeholders externally. In this instance, the Port Authority did not provide timely notice of the lane closures to the Fort Lee Police Department, nor did we secure the complete buy- in fi'om within the agency before proceeding. These communications breakdowns are not consistent with the Port Autho1ity's commitment to transparency, and we must do better. Accordingly, effective immediately, I am proposing the following policies to improve our communication plan with respect to trafiic changes: 1) The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director must approve any non- emergency permanent change or study of a proposed permanent change to a lane configuration. A report of all approved permanent changes and/or studies of proposed permanent changes shall also be furnished to the Operations Committee of the Board of Commissioners. 2) With the exception of emergency actions taken in the interest of public safety, the Port Authority will provide two weeks' prior notice to any local municipality and county aifected by a pennanent change or study of a proposed permanent change to a lane configuration. Exhibit Summary of Preliminar_v Results of Studv Due in part to a traflic accident on the Cross Bronx Expressway on the morning of September 9 and to the early termination of the Study by the Executive Director prior to the morning rush on September 13, the data analyzed was limited. Nonetheless, Port Authority staff observed a noteworthy reduction in wait times for the 95% of vehicles that do not originate in Fort Lee. For example, on Tuesday, September 10, the Bridge General Manager noted that the I-95 approaches were fi'ee and clear by 8:30 AM. A further analysis by the Port Authority's Traffic Engineering Department produced the following results: Tuesday, September 10: I For traflic originating on the I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.00 minutes in travel time was observed -- a reduction of 47% of the time it normally takes. 0 For traflic originating on the I-95 Local lanes, an average reduction of 2.76 minutes in travel time was observed -- a reduction of 40% of the time it normally takes. Wednesday, September 11: 0 For traflic originating on the I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of4. 12 minutes in travel time was observed -- a reduction of 52% of the time it normally takes. 0 For traific originating on the I-95 Local lanes, an average reduction of 2.72 minutes in travel time was observed -- a reduction of 43% of the time it normally takes. (Office of Chief Traffic Engineer -- September 2013) In fight of the study's preliminary finding that a reduction of the Fort Lee Lanes fiom three to one improved travel times for the remaining 95% of eastbound morning trafiic across the GWB. the existing lane configuration of the Upper Level Toll Plaza deserves further examination by public oflicials and leaders both inside and outside the Port Authority. Furthermore, as this is clearly an issue of regional significance, the development of any alternative studies or pilot programs will also involve appropriate outreach to regional stakeholders. By including members of the public and their representatives, the Port Authority will benefit from the input of those who live and work around the GWB. The Port Authority has learned a valuable fiom the events of September 2013 and will do everything in its power will be a more open, inclusive and transparent agency going forward. Exhibit A Vehicle E-ZPass Registration for George Washington T0ta.l of Total Bridge Eastbound Traffic Vehlcles Vehicles Eastbound on' Lee 4, 839 4.50% Bergen County (69 Towns) 45,244 42.40% Essex County 6,528 6.10% Passaic County 4,793 4.50% Morris County 4,683 4.4% Hudson County 3,738 3.5% Middlesex County 2,946 2.8% Monmouth County 2,637 2.5% Union County 1,905 1.8% Somerset County 1,036 1.0% Mercer County 8 81 0.8% Northwest New Jersey 1,298 1.30% South Jersey 921 0.90% New York 15,747 14.8% Other States 7,188 6.7% Total Traffic 1 04,384 100% (Department of Tunnels Bridges and Terminals -September 2013) Exhibit Chart 1: Shows current composition of three segregated lanes from Fort Lee onto the Upper Level Toll Plaza. (0fl"ice of the ChiefEngz'neer, August 28, 2013) Chart 2: Shows possible scenario of two segregated lanes from Fort Lee onto the Upper Level Toll Plaza. of the Chief Engineer, August 28, 2013) Chart 3: Shows possible scenario of one segregated lanefrom Fort Lee onto the Upper Level Toll Plaza. (Ofi'ice of the Chief Engineer, August 29 2013) Chart 4: Shows zero segregated lanes from Fort Lee onto the Upper Level Toll Plaza. (Office of the Chief Engineer, August 28, 2013) THE OF NJ MEMORANDUM Engineering To: Daniel Duffy, FOI Administrator From: James Starace Date.' September 26, 2013 Subject: FOI REQUEST REFERENCE NO. 14294 - TED MANN (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL) Copy To: D. Berger, A. Abelians, G. Torres, A. Qureshi, S. Van Duyne These are the emails associated with this POI. . Staraee, P.E. Deptaty Chief Engineer THE or NY8. NJ A Engineering To: Daniel Duffy, FOI Administrator From: James Starace Date: September 26, 2013 Subject: FOI REQUEST REFERENCE NO. 14294 - TED MANN (THE WALL STREET JOURNAL) Copy To: D. Berger, A. Abelians, G. Torres, A. Qureshi, S. Van Duyne These are the emails associated with this FOI. James Starace, P.E. Dep?ty Chief Engineer JOHN S. Cluflrman LINDA D. STENDER Vice-C1m'r MARLENE CAIRIDE UPENDRA J. CHIVUKTJLA THOMAS P. GIBI-IN CHARLES S. MANOR RUBEN J. RAMOS, JR. CEIESTE M. RILEY JOHN F. AMODEO RIIDDER BRIAN E. RIJMPF DAVID W. WOLFE fish Emma fitaltr ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES CONLMZITTEE STATE HOUSE ANNEX PO BOX 068 TRENTON NI osszs-cuss CHARLES A. BU ONO, JR. PATRICK BRENNAN Ojjfice oflegislafiva Scrvicts Co-Committee Aides (609) 847-3840 (609) 292-0561. FAX November 20, 2013 Mr. David M. Wildstein Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Director of Interstate Capital Projects 225 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10003 'Dear Mr. Wildstein: As you know, on September 9, 2013 the Port Authority inexplicably and without prior public notice reduced the three eastbound lanes to the George Washington Bridge to one lane. These closures resulted in delays to the traveling public and, more importantly, to emergency service vehicles. The community of Fort Lee, New Jersey was engulfed in gridlock during the morning rush hour until the lanes were reopened on September 13th. I respectfully invite you to testify before the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee conceming these issues. The committee will be meeting on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:00 am in Committee Room 11, Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey. Please be advised that failure to appear before the committee will result in the issuance of subpoenas to require personal appearance to testify before the committee on this matter. It would be greatly appreciated if you or a staff member would contact Jillian Dempsey at the Assembly Majority Office to discuss your availability to testify before the committee. Ms. Dempsey can be reached at (609) 847-3500 or at idempsev@nileg.org and would be happy to discuss any questions or other issues you may have. Mr. David M. Wildstein Page 3 November 20, 2013 I look forward to your presence at this meeting. me Jillian Dempsey, Assembly Majority Office Very Truly Yours, 3 bairman, Assembly Transportation Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee - Fernandez, Vanessa From: Quelch, Gerard Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:39 AM To: Muriello, Mark Cc: Jacobs, Daniel Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified lcan't really see the diagrams from the BB but ifthis configuration is during the peak hour it will have a direct impact on the local approach. We typically give 3-4 toll lanes to Ft Lee in the AM. Suggest checking Skycomp to get base conditions then recalculate toll lane thruput with reduced capacity to back into local street queuing. I apologize forthe short writeup on the outreach super bowl section but I didn't have much time to devote to it Hope it was We just pulled into jacksonville fl so I'm going to stretch my legs. Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 08:51 AM To: Jacobs, Daniel; Chung, Victor Cc: Quelch, Gerard Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified lam going to need you guys to jump in on this right away, while Jerry is away on vacation. Cedricl< will be looking for us to do a quick assessment on Fort Lee impacts to be used for a discussion with the Fort Lee Mayor next week. I think what we need is an analysis of traffic by toll by hour for this past week, and some estimates ofwhat we think might be likely next week with the new toll plaza configuration that is planned. "Currently the Fort Lee approach is three roadway lanes feeding three toll lanes (essentially #2 of4 in the attached). What is being proposed is tow roadway lanes from Fort Lee, feeding one toll lane of4 in the attached). Presumably the impact may be having more people stay on the main approach rather than getting off and find their way into Fort Lee. However, there are likely to be increased delays and queuing on the local approach roads (River Road, Bruce Reynolds Blvd., Martha Washington Way, etc.). Victor -- Please stop by so that we can discuss this morning and get started and collecting some data. Dan We can discuss when you get back in on Monday. Jerry I bet Florida is looking a whole lot better now! Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street - 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 231-395-3935 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmurieilo@penynj.gov This email (along with attachments) is intended only for and/ or confidential information. If you are not the inte distribution or copying of this email (and any attachments) is strictly immediately. the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged nded recipient of dais email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:31 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Muriello, Mark; Ehier, Diannae; Durando, Robert Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level-Toll-Plaza Modified - -- - Peter, ljust spoke with Bob Durando. He will involve Jerry Quelch. Ced Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 6, 2013 8:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Hi Ced rick, This is what called about I just wanted to make sure that you were aware ofthe below plan. I assume GWB staff have already advised you --just wanted to be sure. Ifyou don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great dayll Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). "seam is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thankslosel Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: 1. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 2. Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic UJ flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 4. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, -David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 5. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various ap roaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. 7. Shows a mock up ofa potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic Traffic Engineering flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf - . pr 3+1 I -F L. hope this helps. Please advise rr you need add-itrona. smormatson. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office: 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL I Archie, Gwendolyn From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:51 AM To: Jacobs, Daniel; Chung, Victor Cc: Quelch, Gerard Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attachments: GW UL Totts 6.pdf I am going to need you guys to jump in on this right away, while Jerry is away on vacation. Cedrick will be looking for us to do a quick assessment on Fort Lee impacts to be used for a discussion with the Fort Lee Mayor next week. think what we need is an analysis of traifc by toll by hour for this past week, and some estimates of what we think mi ht be iik iy xt week with the new toll piaza configuration that is pianned. Currently the Fort Lee approach is three roadway ianes feeding three toil lanes (essentiaiiy #2 of 4 in the attached). What is being proposed is tow roadway lanes from Fort Lee, feeding one toll lane 0154 in the attached}. Presumably the impact may be having more peopie say on the main approach rather than getting off and their way into .-. L-..-. 'Ins:-3 .-.. Fur: . . -- .. uificly Tu wt: in uciaya Cl iu qdcuifig I inc iULai app: UcILi'i l'ucCi:: Ruaffi, luL.t: I ort Lee. However, there ar Reynolds Blvd., Martha Washington We Victor -- Please stop by so that we can discuss this morning and get started and collecting some data. Dan -- We can discuss when you get back in on Monday. Jerry I bet Florida is looking a whole lot better now! Mari: F. Eirestor 'Funnels, Bridges and Terminals Department 'Elite Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Mo etgo rrtery Street. -- Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Pho rte: Fax: 291-395-?404? Emait: 'I1'1.rr7s (aflozmgwiflcn is itmtefldedl Em: the use alt' or email may' Lmalv-ifizgedl aaitdl//or HEBEIH1 are ntott titre: fxmtentdfedl you are that dfiaaerrtimanfomamiy iis firm E1'e=a'se the scataclfez From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 06pf, Peter Cc: Muriello, Mark; Ehler, Diannae; Durando, Robert Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified ll lies-it sp:o'ke Bozbi ll-lie: ifrwoliye Jerry' Cad! Sent from my Biacl> or does your gro up get its own; Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Iose-ii Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified A\s dlia?maaedl,, arttaclinedl is a revised! iillite luigrper ltexiiell Pllavzal iuimdler ifousrr scoermami'o:ss:: 2 1. Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 2. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. 3. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes oft'ne toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak. periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Li. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--rnost lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic he segregated from the other approaches hi; use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of L-.. Srueswrpe Cr dsiitb. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified D.-avidi, As requested, attach ed is a= suggested modification. Jose will: cer.tain.lLy= work out the details/lfu rther development with GWB as needfedi. One additional" scenario could be a merge down: to one l'ane, if needed. From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified an l:3iEEl;= sho.wing the Upper I13-Ilavzai tuznrrilfer three stremiazriesz 5. Shows 3) typicall mid-dlaiy opelraatifarmy, whzerre ttrailiifiie eomtes are set aside and! hrarfifife fireehy fllne 62.. am much Luips mmezmmiinrg peak where the trralfliife com:-es are ty-picailillyl set': Luna) fro) segire the three llatrmes limrrmi Fart Lee ta) flfawx the three ri?gil1tt--rfine7slt Iemzes of the tail! Shams a much imp erlf a porttemrtiiall mntonmzi?rrg peek: perifcadl thrree llarmes firecnrm lFo'rtt Lee are mnteirgedl iinzton llanes feed! the two: ri? . 1 '-mmst llarness cwlitthe p=lla1zaL. Siimtcce the tinazlfiife fillomls are contgestedl the peak Ermgjinneeriirng recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardiess ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Piease advise if you need additions! Jose M. Rivera, P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Auth of 8.: I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newar!<, NJ 07102 I I BIackBerry: 862-754-4781 irivera@Danvni.eov I Zipf, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:23 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Hi Cedrick, This is what I called about-- I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan. I assume GWB staff have already advised you --just wanted to be sure. If you don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great dayl! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, ~ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: G'v'v'B Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 - - .. - . .. irivera@panvni.gov I .- ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK lT Zipf, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:23 AM To: - Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Levei Toll Plaza Modified Hi Cedrick, This is what called about-- I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan. I assume GWB staff have already advised you --just wanted to be sure. if you don't mind it would be good ifour respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great dayl! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). is there any waythat Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are s-t aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified -. -fuhiqsna-Hike . Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up ofa potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Po Authority NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT gpf, Peter .From: Zipf, Peter Semt: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:26 AM To: Rivera, Jose cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified fyi .. .-. .. . .. .. . .. . . From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:31 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Muriello, Mark; Ehler, Diannae; Durando, Robert Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified 'Peter, I just spoke with Bob Durando. He will involve Jerry Quelch. Ced Sent from my B|ackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. - .. From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 6, 2013 8:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Hi Cedrick, This is what I called about - I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan. i assume GWB staff have already advised you --just wanted to be sure. If you don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great dayll Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on 9 Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: 1. Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 2. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. 3. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 4. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as - needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 5. Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to . segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 7. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB ULTo|ls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I - - I itivera@banyni.gov I . .. rm. - ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT Paonessa, Diane From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:39 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified New from GWB Manager: From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09,2013 2:28 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach I've been advised by DW that we will continue this current operation through tomorrow at a minimum Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09,2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end of the queue approaching from Martha Washington Way. (Diagram included showing this diversion. --jmr) I don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. File: GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still working on travel time numbers on the mainline and will report back. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" ofTraffic impacts -- both positive and negative. Thank; Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? is that reasonable and doable? Let me know ifl need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified ThanksJose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: 3 Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose 5 5 1 OIHI I Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28,2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 'Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 |jrivera@panynj.gov I Abelians, Ana From: Bates, Jennifer Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 3:40 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Bill Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 11:39 AM To: Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Baig, Rlzwan (Mirza); Patel, Umang; Laub, Ryan; Altan, Osman; Fraser, Craig; Rawashdeh, Anis Cc: Lepore, Armando; Bates, Jennifer; Paradiso, John Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified All -- I am actually at the facility today and was asked by Ricky to accompany he, Bob, and Ken on a visit to the site. A few observations: - All Fort Less lanes will be tapered into toll lane 24, the southern-most toll lane, which currently operates as mixed mode. - There are three signs that will be impacted by this change - one at the corner of BRB and Hoyt, one on the Hudson Street median just north of BRB, and one on the Martha Washington median just southof BRB. These signs, which currently depict lanes usage approaching the upper toll plaza will be covered by facility maintenance prior to Monday morning. - The pavement markings on Martha Washington approaching the Hudson Street entrance permit for three lanes to go through. Based on my discussions, all tapering of these lanes into one will happen north of BRB. The facility is expecting heavy congestion and delays during Monday morning's rush. Let me know if I can provide anything further. From: Diculescu, Michael [mdicules@panynj.gov] Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 10:57 AM To: Shabih, Raheel; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Patel, Umang; Laub, Ryan; Altan, Osman; McMenamin, Bill; Fraser, Craig; Rawashdeh, Anis Cc: Lepore, Armando; Bates, Jennifer; Paradiso, John Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified We should probably also do some field observations once this is implemented to assess the situation. This would be more of a qualitative assessment rather than quantitative, but could be used to supplement the travel time/queue data. In addition, the Fort Lee approach is currently striped as three lanes, and there are existing signs out there depicting the lane configuration/lane-use on the approach. (Anis: Please provide some photos showing this.) I'm assuming that the three lanes will be coned into the rightmost toll lane. We should take a look at how they plan 1 to do this and work with them to make it as safe as possible. If this becomes permanent, we will need to modify the markings and signs accordingly. Thanks, Mike From: Shabih, Raheel Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 10:45 AM To: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Patel, Umang; Laub, Ryan; Altan, Osman; Fraser, Craig Cc: Lepore, Armando; Diculescu, Michael; Bates, Jennifer Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Rizwan, I spoke with Jose about this. We can measure the improvement in delays on the mainline but cannot measure the impact on the Fort Lee approach, as there are no travel time readers on local streets. Jose suggested that I talk to Jerry and see what TBT is planning to do. Jose also suggested that Skycom can be used to assess the queues. Jerry is out on vacation. I am reaching out to Bob Durando to see who is working on this from TBT side and what they are planning to do to measure the impact. Raheel A. Shabih, P.E., PTOE Principal Traffic Engineer - ITS Group Port Authority of NY NJ 2 Gateway Ctr, 14th Fl, Newark, NJ 07102 (W) 973 565 7841 (C) 201 953 1714 (F) 973 565 7648 From: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:55 AM To: Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel; Laub, Ryan; Altan, Osman; Fraser, Craig Cc: Lepore, Armando Subject: Fw: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Importance: High Yes or no if no what needs to be done Sent from my RizBerry Wireless Device Original Message From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 08:23 AM To: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Cc: Shabih, Raheel; Patel, Urnang; Diculescu, Michael Subject: W: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Rizwan, Will it be possible to monitor delays using the travel time readers similar to the orthotropic deck project? How involved would it be to set that up? Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Hi Cedrick, This is What I called about -- I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan. I assume GWB staff have already advised you -- just wanted to be sure. If you don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great day!! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified - Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GVJB UL Tolls 6.pdf>> Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose 1 Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM . To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5 Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf>> I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 - irivera@p anyni .gov -.-.-A .nyni .goV<1ttp ani .,qov> ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT SRC 1 OD 1 qcm12ZXJ 110 GF ue W5 01 NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. Abelians, Ana From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" of Traffic impacts - both positive and negative. Thanks, Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? Is that reasonable and doable? 7 Let me know if I need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter' From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/ further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5 Shows a typical rnid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 jrivera@panynj . gov . gov elians, Ana rom: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:17 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? Is that reasonable and doable? Let me know if I need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as Well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? 1 ianks, I-'eter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 2 .<.File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf JJS6 From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/ further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Abelians, Ana 'From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer 1 'Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 ,Office:,97 I I ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT .. World - United Efaies - NJ- Fort Lee - Borough Center 'f I 1 . . -a 2.4.7 . I I I traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. GWB ULToll Plaza 4 Mid-Day Operation I . pin," Did" . air . . I Traffic cones would normally be - set up to allow three lanes from - Fort Lee to flow into the three . 1- t. - - - I gpamuun @2012 Picionmrp lnle'-Innlfanalfimp. . 5 .- .1, 5. I If 1 t. . O1-"world - United States - Bergen Co 2&7 . .- Fort Lee - Borough Center I I 1 I ll'. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of Shown here is Fort Lee traffic feeding the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. . At. FORHEE if Abelians, Ana 1- From: Bates, Jennifer Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:40 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Ramirez, Enrique; Shabih, Raheel; Diculescu, Michael Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza l\/lodified - Travel Time Analysis . 4 Categories: Blue Category Bob, Thank you. Yes,' Traffic Engineering is compiling the travel time information. The analysis for yesterday's operation (9/10/13) is ready and will be sent to you shortly. The analysis for this morning's operation (9/11/13) will be available tomorrow morning. Jennifer Bates, RE. Senior Engineer Traffic Engieeing From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:06 AM To: Bates, Jennifer Cc: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Ramirez, Enrique Subject: FW: Here's whatl told GOCOR this morning. This operation has the potential to be very expensive and labor intensive. Annualized toll collector costs for the additional coverage this operation requires is in the $600k range. There are also additional, as yet undetermined police costs, due to PAPD covering corners through the extended rush. It's my understanding that TED is pulling together travel time information. . . .true? From: Lado, Tina Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 8:03 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: Re: So same diversion as yesterday? Any calls yet? I've not received any yet - Please excuse any typos; sent using BlackBer1y handheld device. tlado@p anyni gg Original Message From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 08:01 AM To: Lado, Tina CC: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: RE: Good Morning Tina, Same as the last two days. The mainline on 1-95 is running very well. The borough continues to be congested, but it is;0800. Police are diverting traffic to provide alternate access to the Bridge. From: Lado, Tina Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 7:59 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: How's it going this morning? Please excuse any typos; sent using Blackl3 erry handheld device. Abelians, Ana From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 5:10 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Durando, Robert Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Peter, Traffic Engineering performed the analysis for Tuesday, September 10,2013 and did observe some improvement in the overall travel time on the mainline during the morning peak period (6:OOam to Noon). The attached file graphically represents the impact ofthe new traffic pattern on travel times on I-95 local and express lanes to the GWB UL toll plaza. The summary of findings is as follows: For traffic originating on I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.00 minutes in travel time was observed For traffic originating on I-95 Local Lanes, an average reduction of 2.76 minutes in travel time was observed. The improvement in the travel time on the mainline should be weighed against the deterioration of level of service for the local traffic originating from Fort Lee. The facility and are assessing those impacts. We will coordinate with them and report back on the findings. GWB - Toll lanes Also, the daily report from the facility is as follows: From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:06 AM Subject: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/11/13 Here's what I told GOCOR this morning. This operation has the potential to be very expensive and labor intensive. Annualized toll collector costs for the additional coverage this operation requires is in the $600k range. There are also additional, as yet undetermined police costs, due to PAPD covering corners through the extended rush. It's my understanding that TED {Traffic Engineering Division) is pulling together travel time (Yes - as per this email.) Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:22 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Shabih, Raheel Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peten Traffic Engineering looked at the mainline travel time data from yesterday, but because of an incident on the CBX that resulted in traffic delays across the bridge, the travel times recorded are not suitable to assess the impacts ofthe new traffic pattern. Since no incident occurred during the morning peak period today, the comparison oftoday's travel times with the typical travel time on a Tuesday will be more indicative oftraffic impacts. We will perform that analysis and share it with the group tomorrow morning. Report from Bob Durando on Tuesday morning, "test": From: Durando, Robert Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:05 AM Subject: RE: Fort Lee Approach -- 9/10/13 A little better than yesterday but still not good. l-95 approaches were free and clear by 0830 and the Ft Lee approaches were packed. We addressed that by diverting Martha and BRB traffic up to Center and directed that traffic into toll lanes 20 and 22, which they should have access to, had we given them the 3 lanes as per the agreement. This diversion is very labor intensive. File: GWB Fort Lee O9--10--13.pdf Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified 4 Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end of the queue 2 . . approaching from Martha Washington Way. (Diagram included showing this diversion. -jmr) don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. File: GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still working on travel time numbers on the mainline and will report back. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose S-0 HE. fl'\ r\ uppci LCVC Jose, Great. . alsojust sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" ofTraffic impacts - both positive and negative. Thanks Peter Message-~-u From: Rivera, Jose A Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? Is that reasonable and doable? Let me know ifl need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peten I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks Peter From: Zipf, Peter . Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. . Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could bea merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lahesofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls Sa.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. ChiefTraffic Engineer NJ 07102 I - I Express Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza (T-.mir-nl TI 1m-h) midi fl 16.00 I I 14.00 flflag 0 12.3.00 F, 600 E). Lanes (9/10TypicaiTuesday 2.00 2* I I 0.l'\l P-i Fl I--l I-1 Time of Day Note: Shaded area in the graph was not included in review due to incident (police activity in response to a jumper). Local Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza (Typical Tuesday Vs. Tuesday, September 14.00 12.00 If"? I if-.1' I la' 10-00 I 5 3 8'00 55-3 -5 5-00 I 2 3 4.00 -Q: Ts/Dica|Tuesday I 2.00 I I 0.00 Pd 00 0 LD f'\f"\l r'~J - TimeofDay Note: Shaded area in the graph was not included in review due to incident (police activity in response to a jumper). Torres Rojas, Genara From: Lado, Tina Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 4:05 PM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Subject: FW: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Attachments: Port Authority Letter- September 2013.pdf Bill an d. D-ax-'id, I just received th.e attached. letter from the office of Congressman Bill I have not responded. From: Coleman, Kyle Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 4:02 PM To: Lado, Tina Subject: Letter to Mr. Bill Baroni Hi Tina, I hope all is well. My name is Kyle Coleman; I was told to pass the attached letter from Congressman Pascrell to you. Also, this letter has not been sent to any press or media outlets. However, our office did forward it along to the borough of Fort Lee. Thank you for your time and please let 1ne know if you have any questions. Best, Kyle Coleman Office of Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ--9) 2370 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 P: 202.225.5751 F: 202.225.5782 Kvle.Coleman@mail.house.gov I BILL PASCRELL, JR. "m I COMMITTEE ON VVAYS AND MEANS Sun . on 23/0 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 0" Tilt BUDGET WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (202) 2253-13751 225-5782 FAX on . 4.. at the ROE ttritimr nf (973) 573-Eilfi? (973) FAX In hill. pass: 0 ll@I September 13, 2013 Mr. Bill Baroni Deputy Executive Director The Port Authority ol'New York New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003 Dear Mr. Baroni: was surprised to read reports of tollbooth closures in The Record article "Road Warrior: Closed tollbooths a commuting disaster". According to this article, The Port Authority ofNew York New Jersey has reduced the number of tollbooths to just one for all traffic approaching the George Washington Bridge from Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Martha Washington Way in Fort Lee. This reduction has created significant delays for our constituents who live in the communities closest to the George Washington Bridge, especially for the residents of Fort Lee. Commuters who rely on the George Washington Bridge every day are experiencing extreme delays. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned that local officials and local law enforcement agencies were not properly notified of any change before it was implemented. Not only is this a problem for commuters, it also a public safety issue and could possibly hinder economic growth in the surrounding area. Thanl< you for taking the time to consider this important issue. I look forward to reviewing the explanation for the recent reports of reduction in tollbooths. can provide any additional insight, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Deputy Chief of Staff Assad Akhter in my office at (202) 225-5751. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Member of Congress ll-ibelians, Ana From: Bates, Jennifer Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:13 AM To: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Patel, Umang Subject: Fw: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/10/13 Categories: Blue Category Please see below for Bob's report on the traffic conditions this morning. Jennifer Bates, P.E. Senior Engineer Sent using B|acl3 fioiomfio Egon mmc3mE I _g:wE$o E: :33 E595 3 >:omQmo 5255 E. t3.o__um._n_ 29>: mmsosd . 33.5 m.._mo_om 25 . . . QEE :32 05. mm: .2325 3.. .E oEm.: >39 :o_EE:mwm cc wm>> I eg .520 2:00 E5 fia?swma E. u_.o EQE 2 EQEQ mm? u$?w WEE dad .E Eek :30? 3 .323 :3 mi .3 95 Am P0000 T200/0l M0000 Mainline (I-95) Travel Time Comparison to Typical T12welTimes GWB (w/New Fclart Lee Toll Lane Configuraticm]-V: Sep 10th 2013: 6 - 10 AM 25.00 20.00 3 2 .51 V3 5 1.. 0115.00 10.00 5.00 00:99:00 00:09:00 00:90:00 00:00:00 00:92:00 00:02:00 0_0:92:00 00:02:00 00:91:00 00:01:00 00:90:00 00:00:00 00:09:30 00:90:30 00:00:30 00:92:30 00:02:30 00:92:30 00:02:30 00:91:30 00:01:30 00:90:30 00:00:30 00:99:20 00:09:20 00:90:20 00:00:20 00:92:20 00:02:20 00:92:20 00:02:20 00:91:20 00:01:20 00:90:20 00:00:20 00:99:90 00:09:90 00:90:90 00:00:90 00:92:90 00:02:90 00:92:90 00:02:90 00:91:90 00:01:90 00:90:90 00:00:90 Tvpical Travel Time Actual Travel Time Time Improvement . .52 fin; .5 >3 .5 3 So E5. mwmn_N-m cm I ??om?e 9: >3 m@_oEm> .8 >:wE omm iv mi tom _uB.mE_..mw so . . . oE.m.: U5 Ummuxm >m_w_c 9: mmozz ta: Em mosmsc :w>m I 3 oom.w _m:o_EcUm cm 2 _moo__ 5.59; ho cam go moses: to; :0 tommn .>m_mu 3 9:0: m_uEm> an ES 93 _gm$:EE fim.>mm :23 9: we $2.2 9: Nmmf' m:_E:mw< Eatgmaam Ema u.e.E% m:.:EmE ES mfi . mafimgufiaw Page 1 of 2 From: Rechler, Scott Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 8:29 AM To: Foye, Patrick Cc: Fulton, Cedrick; Durando, Robert; Baroni, Bill; Dunne, Joseph Koumoutsos, Louis; Zipf, Peter; Samson, David; Buchbinder, Darrell Subject: "Re: Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB This is terribly disturbing and incomprehensible to me. How can a decision like this be made without it being discussed and considered at the highest level? I am particularly disturbed that this was occurring without regard to this being the Jewish high holiday weekend. Pat, please let us know whatlhappened. Thank you. Scott Scott Rechler CEO and Chairman RXR Realty .. nf. ov> wrote: On Sep 13, 2013, at 7:44 AM, "Foye, Patrick" fo .e - - After reading last night's media pendings, I made inquiries and received calls on this matter which is very troubling. Here is what I learned: reversing over 25 years of PA GWB operations, the three lanes in Fort Lee eastbound to the GWB were reduced to one lane on Monday of this week without notifying Fort Lee, the commuting public we serve, the ED or Media. A decision ofthis magnitude should be made only after careful deliberation and upon sign off by the ED. Reports are that Fort Lee has experienced severe traffic delays engulfing the entire Fort Lee area since Monday. I am appalled by the lack of process, failure to inform our customers and Fort Lee and most of all by the dangers created to the public interest, so I am reversing this decision now effective as soon as TBT and PAPD tell me it is safe to do so today. I am making this decision for the following reasons: 1. This hasty and ill--advised decision has resulted in delays to emergency vehicles. I pray that no life has been lost or trip ofa hospital- or hospice--bound patient delayed. 2. This hasty and ill--advised decision has undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity in both states. That is contrary to the directive we have from our Governors to do everything . possible to createjobs in both States. . . 3. I will not allow this hasty and ill--advised decision to delay the travels of those observing Yom Kippur tonight or the holidays to follow. 4. I believe this hasty and ill--advised decision violates Federal Law and the laws of both States. To be clear, I will get to the bottom of this abusive decision which violates everything this agency stands for; I intend to learn how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency. Finally, lam open to considering changes to each of our facilities ifthere is a case to be made that change will benefit the public interest. In the case of the Fort Lee eastbound access lanes, approval of this action will require: 1. Written sign off by TBT, Traffic Engineering and PAPD. That sign off was not sought or obtained Page 2 of 2 here. 2. Prior discussion with the local government and a communication plan and plenty of advance notice to the commuting public. That did not occur here. 3. Consideration ofthe effects on emergency vehicles and sign off by PAPD. That did not occur here. 4. "Consideration ofthe financial impact on the PA in terms of That too did notoccur here. Cedric and let this group know when access to three lanes in Fort Lee can be restored as soon as possible today. This is a matter of public safety and time is of the essence. Pat NOTICE: THIS E--MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E--MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. n1-fir] Abelians, Ana From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 5:21 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Durando, Robert Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Please DISREGARD my previous email and use this one instead. We have provided more detail in the write--up below. Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 5:10 PM To: Zipf, Peter . Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Durando, Robert Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Traffic Engineering performed the analysis for Tuesday, September 10, 2013 and did observe some improvement in the overall travel time on the mainline during the morning peak period (6:OOam to Noon). The attached file graphically represent the impact of new traffic pattern on travel times on I-95 local and express lanes to the GWB UL toll plaza (1.4 mile section). The summary of findings is as follows: 0 For traffic originating on I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.00 minutes (about 47%) in travel time was observed 0 For traffic originating on I-95 Local Lanes, an average reduction of 2.76 minutes (about 40%) in travel time was observed. The improvement in the travel time on the mainline should be weighed against the deterioration of level of service for the local traffic originating from Fort Lee. The facility and are assessing those impacts. We, -- will coordinate with them and report back on the findings. GWB -- Toll lanes Also, the daily report from the facility is as follows: From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:06 AM Subject: FW: GWB Fort Lee Approach -- 9/11/13 Jose Here's what I told GOCOR this morning. This operation has the potential to be very expensive and labor intensive. Annualized toll collector costs for the additional coverage this operation requires is in the $600k range. There are also additional, as yet undetermined police costs, due to PAPD covering corners through the extended rush. It's my understanding that TED (Traffic Engineering Division) is pulling together travel time (Yes - as per this email.) From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:22 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Shabih, Raheel Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Traffic Engineering looked at the mainline travel time data from yesterday, but because of an incident on the CBX that resulted in traffic delays across the bridge, the travel times recorded are not suitable to assess the impacts ofthe new traffic pattern. Since no incident occurred during the morning peak period today, the comparison of today's travel times with the typical travel time on a Tuesday will be more indicative of traffic impacts. We will perform that analysis and share it with the group tomorrow morning. Report from Bob Durando on Tuesday morning, 09/10/13 "test": From: Durando, Robert Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:05 AM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/10/13 A little better than yesterday but still not good. I-95 approaches were free and clear by 0830 and the Ft Lee approaches were packed. We addressed that by diverting Martha and BRB traffic up to Center and directed that traffic into toll lanes 20 and 22, which they should have access to, had we given them the 3 lanes as per the agreement. This diversion is very labor intensive. File: GWB Fort Lee Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zlpf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09,2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end of the queue approaching from Martha Washington Way. (Diagram included showing this diversion. -jmr) I don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. File: GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still working on travel time numbers on the mainline and will report back. Jose -3 4-1-1' I I From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" of Traffic impacts - both positive and negative. Thanks Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06,2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks - can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? Is that reasonable and doable? Let me know ifl need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, Septen To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Pete r, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified ThanksJose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. .3 L. ll to egregate three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plazauvva a .. um . peak per where the tra.f:c cones are typically set up Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. ealz neg-{Gd \vA'IherD 1'l'\n fraffir r~nn_oc are ll She'**2: Sh 1 mock "p ofthe mornme .. - .. .- -. --. segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 I Express Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza (Typical Tuesday Vs. Tuesday, September 10th) 16 .00 - 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 Lanes (9/10) -:Typical Tuesday 6.00 Actual Travel Time 4.00 2.00 0.Time of Day 5 24 6:00 6 36 7 12 Note: Shaded area in the graph was not included in review due to incident (police activity in response to a jumper). Local Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza (Typical Tuesday Vs. Tuesday, September 14.00 12.00 10.00 0 8'.-..s ocal Lanes (9/10) 3 '-gl 4.00 I I t' 2.00 I I 0.Time of Day Note: Shaded area in the graph was not included in review due to incident (police activity in response to a jumper). 0 0 Abelians, Ana From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Patel, Umang Thursday, September 12, 2013 1:29 PM Rivera, Jose Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Shabih, Raheel GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified, Report for Wed,9/11/13. Jose, here is a draft summary for Wednesday, September 11, 2013: "Peter, We performed the analysis for Wednesday, September 11, 2013 and did observe some improvement in the overall travel time on the mainline during the morning peak period (6:OOam to Noon). The attached file graphically represent the impact of new traffic pattern on travel times on l-95 local and express lanes to the UL Toll Plaza (1.4 mile section). The summary of findings is as follows: -- For traffic originating on I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.12 minutes (about 52%) in travel time was observed - For traffic originating on I-95 Local Lanes, an average reduction of 2.72 minutes (about 43%) in travel time was observed The improvement in the travel time on the mainline should be weighed against the deterioration of level of service for the local traffic originating from Fort Lee. The facility and are assessing those impacts. We will coordinate with them and report back on the findings. Jose" r; GWB - Toll lanes Thank you, Umang Patel Staff Services Engineer, Traffic Engineering - ITS Group Engineering/Architecture Design Division Port Airthonfy of NY 8. NJ Engineering Department Two Gateway Center. 14th Floor Newark NJ 07102 Q-mar': ate! an n. olvl flip.' GWAY119 Express Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza Typical Wed. Vs. Wed., September 11"' 16.00 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6_00 Lanes (9/11) 3 4.00 --Typica| Wednesday 2.00 0.00 0 ID O0 '21I-1 I-1 I--l Time of Day Local Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza Typical Wed. Vs. Wed., September 11"' 12.00 10.00 Ill 5 l: 8.00 9 6.00 IL 3 400 in anes (9/11) I A Wednesday 2.00 0.r_Time of Day 'AbeHans,Ana I From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end ofthe queue approaching from Martha Washington Way. (Diagram included showing this diversion. -jmr) I don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still working on travel time numbers on the mainline and will report back. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" of Traffic impacts - both positive and negative. Thank; Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Working with should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks -- can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? is that reasonable and doable? Let me know ifl need to call anyone. Thanks From: Rivera,Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:13 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. 'Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thank; Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sh.eet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. .. *"L'l'fl GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. lo+ rho I/nnuu i'F uni: noorf an IKI KIKA VV ll 1 Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. - File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Abelians, Ana From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11 AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Tha ks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up ofa potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right--most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. _Cnie'f Traffic Engineer "Port Authority of NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT Ab_e|ians, Ana From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number oftoll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane ofthe toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. elk" GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, A5 requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know ifyou need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB ULTol|s 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 .- . I lirivera@panvni.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT - 2 - 0 World - Unlled States - NJ- Bergen Co. - Fort Lee - Borough Center - . -.: xv Traffic cones would normally be set up to allow three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. GWB UL Toll Plaza AM Peak Period Fort Lee - Borough Center. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswige crashes. Shown here is Fort Lee traffic feeding the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. . 2? GWB UL Toll Plaza Modified AM Peak Period jut World - Uniled States - NJ- Bergen Co. - Fart Le congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB UL Toll Plaza Modified AM Peak Period Po '~'Abelians, Ana From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 4:50 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchanan, James; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Bates, Jennifer Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Peter, Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza. The first page indicates a typical mid--day operation, where the traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. The second page is mocked up to indicate a morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. l"s in-. J4-the GWB UL Tolls 4.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT Authorit of NY NJ 1 Two Gateway Center, .. - GWB UL Toll Plaza Mid-Day Operation Traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. H8.-7 st. 0 World - Unlled Blades - NJ - Bergen Co. - Fort Lee - Buruulgh center" Traffic cones would normally be set up to allow three lanes from . 3 Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. . GWB UL Toll Plaza AM Peak Period .. Abelians, Ana From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Categories: Rivera, Jose Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM Zipf, Peter Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Blue Category Peter, (modified as discussed) Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 Office: 973-565-7866 B|ackBerry: 862-754-4781 irivera@panyni.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL I n. . ..L Nae' traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. yrs. -514 77. - E3--4.. . . GWB UL Toll Plaza Mid-Day Operation States - NJ - Bergen Co. - Fort Lee - Borough Center . - -- I . Traffic cones would normally be set up to allow three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. .- - 1, WB UL Toll Plaza AM Peak Period - United Slates - NJ - Bergen Co. - Lee- Borough Center . -I -- . . Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Fort Lee traffic should be segregated from the other approaches, by use of traffic cones, regardless of the numberof toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswige crashes. Shown here is Fort Lee traffic feeding the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. GW UL Toll Plaza Modified AM Peak Period juo Abelians, Ana i From: Bates, Jennifer Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:40 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Ramirez, Enrique; Shabih, Raheel; Diculescu, Michael Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified - Travel Time Analysis . - Categories: Blue Category Bob, Thank you. Yes,' Traffic Engineering isrcompiling the travel time information. The analysis for yesterday's operation 10/ 13) is ready and will be sent to you shortly. The analysis for this morning's operation (9/1 1/13) will be available tomorrow mornin . Jennifer Bates, P.E. Senior Engineer Traffic Engineering ibates@nanyniggov Abelians, Ana 'From: Bates, Jennifer Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:40 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (lvlirza); Ramirez, Enrique; Shabih, Raheel; Diculescu, Michael Subject: RE: |_lp,oer Level Toll Plaza Modified - Travel Time Analysis Categories: Blue Category Bob, Thank you. Yes, Traffic Engineering is compiling the travel time information. The analysis for yesterday's operation (9/10/13) is ready and will be sent to you shortly. The analysis for this morning's operation (9/11/13) will be available tomorrow morning. Jennifer Bates, P.E. Senior Engineer Traffic Eniineering From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:06 AM To: Bates, Jennifer Cc: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Ramirez, Enrique Subject: FW: Here's what I told GOCOR this morning. This operation has the potential to be very expensive and labor intensive. Annualized toll collector costs for the additional coverage this operation requires is in the $600k range. There are also additional, as yet undetermined police costs, due to PAPD covering corners through the extended rush. It's my understanding that TED is pulling together travel time From: Lado, Tina Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 8:03 AM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: Re: So same diversion as yesterday? Any calls yet? I've not received any yet 'Please excuse any typos; sent using Blacl Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 7:45 AM To: David Wildstein Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Foye, Patrick" Date: September 13, 2013, 7:44:29 AM EDT To: "Fulton, Cedrick" "Durando, Robert" Cc: "Baroni, Bill" "Dunne, Joseph "Koumoutsos, Louis" "Zipf, Peter" "Samson, David" "'Rech|er, Scott"' "Buchbinder, Darrell" Subject: Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB After reading last night's media pendings, I made inquiries and received calls on this matter which is very troubling. Here is what I leamed: reversing over 25 years of PA GWB operations, the three lanes in Fort Lee eastbound to the GWB were reduced to one lane on Monday of this week without notifying Fort Lee, the commuting public we serve, the ED or Media. A decision of this magnitude should be made only after careful deliberation and upon sign off by the ED. Reports are that Fort Lee has experienced severe traffic delays engulfing the entire Fort Lee area since Monday. I am appalled by the lack of process, failure to inform our customers and Fort Lee and most of all by the dangers created to the public interest, so I am reversing this decision now effective as soon as TBT and PAPD tell me it is safe to do so today. I am making this decision for the following reasons: 1. This hasty and ill-advised decision has resulted in delays to emergency vehicles. I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed. 2. This hasty and ill-advised decision has undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity in both states. That is contrary to the directive we have from our Governors to do everything possible to create jobs in both States. 3. lwill not allow this hasty and ill-advised decision to delay the travels of those observing Yom Kippur tonight or the holidays to follow. 4. I believe this hasty and ill-advised decision violates Federal Law and the laws of both States. To be clear, I will get to the bottom ofthis abusive decision which violates everything this agency ew= pt&q baroni f0ye&q s=true&search=q uery&th=1411724536160038 112 12/4/13 Grnail - Fwd: Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB stands for; I intend to learn how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency. Finally, I am open to considering changes to each of our facilities if there is a case to be made that change will benefit the public interest. In the case of the Fort Lee eastbound access lanes, approval of this action will require: 1. Written sign off by TBT, Traffic Engineering and PAPD. That sign off was not sought or obtained here. 2. Prior discussion with the local govemment and a communication plan and plenty of advance notice to the commuting public. That did not occur here. 3. Consideration of the effects on emergency vehicles and sign off by PAPD. That did not occur here. 4. Consideration ofthe financial impact on the PA in terms of That too did not occur here. Cedric and Bob--please let this group know when access to three lanes in Fort Lee can be restored as soon as possible today. This is a matter of public safety and time is of the essence. Pat NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-M AIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERM ANENTLY DELETE THIS E-M AIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. .g oog pt&q =baroni foye&q s=true&search=q uery&th=1411724536160038 2/2 en; 1- OF NJ V, M. Q4295 W30 AN meg - AM ruenezzuefiso mew W99 68?? -W cm EN :lO Afifififiififiiflfifi Eivi?. amva NIELSGTIM fig: we M, 3" bis Lam-9 S3lJ.i1lZ1V.:l Oi. $58313 113.1,. s1aaroa&jvfiav33gy1saau<< El ma LZOLZ nod . A . ism. ma -, < Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 4:04 PM To: Bridget Anne Kelly No sarcasm here,| genuinely liked bill can dyke. Nice guy and one of the easiest candidates I ever had. On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:31 PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: You are way too obnoxious. I'm on line at bill van dyke's wake On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:30 PM, David Wildstein wrote: That will undoubtedly be the highlight of my day On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:11 PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Will call in about an hour On Aug 28, 2013, at 7:46 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Whenever, not urgent, just by Tuesday On Aug 28, 2013, at 7:18 PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Ok. Away with kids. Will call in the moming. On Aug 28, 2013, at 5:08 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Call when you have a chance re: Ft- Lee can wait for tomorrow .goog pt&q =bridg s=true&search=q uery&th= 140d0d34bb8671 b1 Grreil - Re: David Wildstein Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 10:09 AM To: Bridget Anne Kelly Will call you in 5 minutes On Sep 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Great. I called you yesterday to talk PATH On Sep 7, 2013, at 9:43 AM, David Wildstein wrote: lwill call you Monday AM to let you know how Fort Lee goes. On Sat, Sep 2013 at 9:30 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Yes. lwill let you know. On Sep 6, 2013, at 2:50 PM, David Wildstein wrote: We are ready to do this, can you have someone call the Mayor of Springfield and tell him that Gov has approved $60k for their traffic study. The Township of Springfield has requested LAP funding for a Master Plan Re-examination Report. The Township requested that the Re-examination include a critical Traffic Study for Morris Avenue to assist in the redevelopment of the downtown and a Sustainability Element to assist the Township in getting certified by Sustainable Newlersey. $60,000. oog ew=pt&q =bridg s=true&search=q uery&th=140f8c157ddbe8Q4 1/1 12/13113 Grnail - Re: Phone call: Mayor So}-colich 201-224-4000 re: urgent rrzaa-'er of miles sa:'etyin La not . .31. Re: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee Bridget Anne Kelly Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:14 AM To: David Wildstein Ty On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:13 AM, David Wildstein wrote: Radio silence His name comes right after mayor Fulop On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:06 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Did he call him back? On Sep 9, 2013, at 9:48 AM, David Wildstein wrote: Forwarded message From: Baroni, Bill Date: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 9:41 AM Subject: Fwd: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee To: David Wildstein Sent from my iPhone Begin fonlvarded message: From: "Bell, Matthew" Date: September 9, 2013, 9:29:02 AM EDT To: "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "DiMarco, Gretchen" Subject: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT 4 1? 12113113 Grnail - (no subject(no subject) David Wildstein Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:11 PM To: Bridget Kelly "michaeI.drewniak" From: Cichowski, John Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 01:17 PM To: Valens, Chris Subject: GWB toll booths from Bruce Reynodls Hi, Chris: I've been getting several calls and emails like the one below about fewer toll booths beind open to the GWB from Bruce Reynolds Blvd. Can you respond to these complaints, especially the 5 questions posed by the reader below? I'm at 973-586-8153. My cell is: 973-476-6333. Much appreciated. john John Cichowski The Road Warrior The Record, Herald News northjersey.com 100 Commons Way Rockaway, NJ 07866 On Monday Sept 9, the local Ft Lee approach to the GWB via Bruce Reynolds and Martha Washington Way changed dramatically. What used to be 3 toll booths from the local approach has turned into one toll booth, creating a large traffic backup that stretches back onto Hudson Terrace all the way to Englewood Cliffs. Our commute to midtown Manhattan from Tenafiy used to take 30 - 35 minutes. On Monday, it took 2 hours and 15 minutes and on Tuesday it took 90 minutes. At the advice ofthe Ft Lee Police Dept, we got onto Rt 4 in Englewood and merged onto 95 and the last two momings the commute took over an hour. The Fort Lee Police do not have any answers, they claim it's the Port Authority's decision to close the local toll booths and that I should complain to them. I tried to call the PA but I can't get a live person on the phone. My questions to you are why didn't the Port Authority wam commuters about this change? Why did they do this? How long will it last? What is the goal ofthese local tollbooth closures? .g oog =bridg uery&th=1411396449a0529a 1/1 12/13113 Gmail - (no subject) . J14: . .. (no subject) David Wildstein Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:18 PM To: Bridget Kelly "michael.drewniak" The Port Authority is reviewing traffic safety patterns at the George Washington Bridge to ensure proper placement of toll lanes. The PAPD has been in contact with Fort Lee police -- throughout this transition. oog 1/1 4 4 no-4 L.cI..cn Wildstein, David Fronu Lado,11na Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 11:24 AM To: Baroni, Bill; Wildstein, David Cc: FuHon,Ceddck Subject: Ft Lee wanted you both have a heads up--~Peggy Thomas, Borough Administrator, called me regarding the increased volume and congestion of AM rush traffic throughout the Borough as a result of the toll lanes adjustment that occurred. . She mentioned that there were 2 incidents that Ft Lee PD and EMS had difficulty responding to; a missing child (later found) and a cardiac arrest. She stated additionally that the Borough and PD had no advance notice of the planned change. Also, Bill the Mayor had placed calls to your office. If there is anything you need me to do, let me know. Thank you. Please excuse any typos; sent using BlackBerry handheld device. tlado@panyn1.ggy Wildstein, David From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 8:36 PM To: Wildstein, David Good Evening, I'm out of the office tomorrow on a V--day, however, I'm available via BB or cell (261) 832- 2462 if you need to contact me. Wildstein, David From: Sent To: Sumea: Sure. Durando, Robert Wednesday, August 21, 2013 9:50 AM Wildstein, David Re: Original Message From: wildstein, David Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2613 09:49 AM To: Durando, Robert Subjectfew minutes after this meeting? Wildstein, David From: Durando, Robert Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:09 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: Out of Office: I be out of the Port District this weekend, Sept 6 through Sept 8. I will be available throughout via BB and cell phone should you need to Contact me. Wildstein, David From: Durando, Robert Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:22 AM To: Wildstein, David Submct Re So will I. Ops is on board, Mtce is covering signs tonight, and Police are aware that they will be controlling traffic in the intersections For the extended rush. we've also brought a toll collector in on overtime to keep toll lane 24 (the extreme right hand toll lane Upper level) in the event the collector assigned to TL 24 needs a personal. See you in the morning. Original Message From: wildstein, David Sent: Sunday, September 68, 2013 16:99 AM To: Durando, Roberto Subject: will be at bridge early Monday am to view new lane test. Wildstein, David From: Sent To: Subject: ok Durando,Roben Monday, September 09, 2013 7:31 AM Wildstein, David RE: From: wildstein, David Sent: Monday, September 09, 2913 7:28 AM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Going to take a ride with chip and see how it looks Wildstein, David From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 9:10 AM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae Just got off the phone with FLPD Chief who's not happy about our new traffic pattern. He's particularly upset that no one from the GNB, either civilian or PAPD had the courtesy or the "neighborly" intent to call either the Mayor's Office or FLPD about testing a new traffic pattern. The Chief asked how he goes about ending this "miserable failure". I advised him to have thee Mayor call Bill Baroni. I also, at their request, met with them at the facility and advised them of same in person. They advised that the mayor would be calling Bill this morning. Bob Wildstein, David From: Durando, Robert Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 6:47 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: Re: Please call me after 6am He asked about the test. He asked why he wasn't told. Original Message From: wildstein, David Sent: Friday, September 13, 2613 66:13 AM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Re: Please call me after 6am Let's me know what he says, thanks On Sep 13, 2613, at 6:64 AM, "Durando, Robert" wrote: Fyi VV Original Message From: Foye, Patrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2613 66:61 AM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Please call me after 6am 917 533 8268 Wildstein, David From: Sent To: Subject: Fyi Durando, Robert Friday, September 13, 2013 6:05 AM Wildstein, David Fw: Please call me after 6am Original Message From: Foye, Patrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2613 66:91 AM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Please call me after 6am 917 533 8298 . .il.n' . . . .1111. 52 mNm_n_ 350 mm:m_ m5 firm: mm._ to"_ .6 32m. oz: m_ Eu; Esosm .m..Emm._u mn_..smw_u_m 3 gm: 9.: musty. m_ mm:m_ of mo amcou u_o mm: >n .mm_._umo._nEm 9: E9: ma Esocm u_tmh tom .muo_._mn mc_c._oE me: >_mEwbxm Em Esoz mfi mu:_m . 3. . SE mum: =3 .5 m>>u Egfl numcmumfl u_tm.a. mm._ m_ mam; u_.O muzumz Du. m_ H: moan. :3 .6385: may .6 amcou u_tmb mm: 3 awsumoiam of Eo.c .muo_._wq mw._ tom xmma mfi uwumwwcou Mu .7 ma. w._m E50: of wufim L. ..1uI4..l' I. A 94' -.-.. m~m_n_ mi *0 mm:m_ ..moE amt: 9: BE 26: 9. mm._ to". E0: mm:m_ __so=m 3 9.. "mm u_tm._.r ma 2:95 mwcou . .. . . . . . ii .- w.2.. .. . . cozfimqo m~m_n_ m>>15.11 ..-L. amgumoaam 9: E9: Du. um>>o__m m_ _u:m mfimm "mm m._m mmcou .Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 5: Shows a typical mid--day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 6: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Sheet 7: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY 8: NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office: 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I irivera@panyni.gov I ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL I Wildstein, David From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday. August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up ofthe morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 97.01' GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose ti) v_mmn_ mNm_n_ Eso .m~m_n =09 *0 9.2. mc_um? u_tm._u m_ Esozm .mm_._mmb .6 gm: of wuzuw. 3 m_ 8cm. :3 .5 9: we amcou u_tm.: 05 mm: >3 .650 9.: an Ezosm mm._ to". .mno_._wa mc_EoE 2: uwumwmcou Em mac: ufmb .111} 41. V. . . Fa . :3 met. .6 mw:m_ amt: 9.: BE 26: 3 to". mm:m_ 3 as "mm ma mwcou u_mm.n_ m~m_n_ m>>'Em thinIi}? . all. l.v..anr..l . 11. .I cosfimqo >mo-u Sm: .mm_tmo._nEm 9: >_mmE m>oE 9. _um:so__m m_ .. -.5. A new m_u_.u.m Em Em mmcou ufmfi . . . A . .. . .. 44. ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL I Wildstein, David From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right--most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. o-uh'; GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf 1 hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. ChiefTraffic Engineer Port Authority of NY NJ Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor Newark, NJ 07102 Office: 973-565-7866 I 1 Deputy D1'rect'0r Willimn Briroizi November 2010 Page 3 Please remain assured that our community has not given up hope and has tried to cope with the daily traffic onslaught and increased frequency of complete gridlock traffic events. We offer free (borough--subsidized) bus service to the local ferry system in Edgewater, we have installed a new state--of-the--art camera system to monitor all intersections impacted by the GWB to better and more quickly dispatch our officers, we now offer a "real-time" traffic alert system advising all subscribers of traffic events and alternate routes which is accessible through our webpage which is known as (see Most telling and based on a recent study commissioned by the Borough of Fort Lee, we employ approximately fifteen police officers directly as a result of our proximity to the George Washington Bridge and the traffic it generates on our local thoroughfares. We estimate that our Borough expends in excess $3.5 Million per year between alternative transportation initiatives, salaries (inclusive of benefits and pension contributions) and infrastructure maintenance and replacement which would not otherwise be required. In other words, Fort Lee has and is doing more than its part to address the extiaorclinary burden placed on our community and we respectfully request the Port Authority to likewise make an effort. You had indicated. in our meeting that you would be our contact to address any concerns or grievances that our Borough had and I implore you to intervene in this matter. We are host community to the George Washington Bridge and respectfully request attention to the critical issues raised herein. Absent some form of relief, we find ourselves with no other alternative other than to direct the Chief of Police tocompletely close off our local roads over which we maintain exclusive jurisdiction to avoid Fort Lee from becoming a parking lot in the future and thereby require all vehicles to remain on the major approach thoroughfares Route 46, Route 4, Route 80, I-95, etc.) and not otherwise meander through our local thoroughfares which causes safety concerns (especially for children) and complete traffic shut--down for all of our residents. This is an action that I would rather not take; however, we find ourselves with no other alternative. Please contact me as soon as possible witli. regard to this matter. I am available to meet with you and your representatives at any time to discuss the issues raised in this correspondence and establish a protocol going forward to address the ongoing traffic shutdowns we experience here in Fort Lee and avoid the extraordinary step of closing down 1 access to our roads. We simiflv have no other alternative. lVl.lS2ml cc: Borough Council Borough Administrator Pc_ilice_Chief Thomas O. Ripoli Young, Por Authority Cllent Manager Deputy Director Willirmz Barorzi November 9, 2010 Page 2 The traffic caused by these events, and others too numerous to mention, cripples our entire coniinunity holding our residents hostage until the traffic subsides. I continue to meet with our Chief of Police, our Traflic Department and our engaged Traffic Consultants to determine how and if these ongoing gridlocks can be avoided or at least somewhat abated. There is one conclusion that we have all reached which is that this regular traffic sht_it-down in our Borough must somehow be alleviated. We concede that there are many circumstances which contribute to the traffic problems that we face in Foit Lee. There is, however, a contributing factor which is easily addressed. On -each and every occasion when complete and crippling traffic gridlock occurs, we contact the Port Authority Police Department and request the ranking officer to dispatch officers to the intersections committed to be manned by the Port Authority and otherwise facilitate the flow of traffic and to prohibit vehicles from "blocking the box". Vehicles which "block" the box are a direct and proximate cause of the complete traffic shut--down in our Borough. Prohibiting vehicles from blocking the intersections will certainly not cure or completely abate the traffic; however, it will at the very least allow our residents to drive through their own community to get to work, school, doctor's appointments so forth and so on. On limited occasion, the Port Authority Police Department will comply with our requests to assist our local department due to what we are told is a severe shortage of manpower. With no other alternative, we in Foit Lee dispatch our own officers to man the posts that the Port Authority is required to man, thereby depleting our resources to attend to other responsibilities required by our officers during these regular gridlock events. Consequently, we recall officers who are off--duty to assist at exorbitant expense to the Borough. Essentially, rarely is our Borough provided with assistance from the Port Authority during periods when we are most in need of assistance. In order to personally understand and appreciate the hundreds of complaints that I have received, I have taken my children to Fort Lee High School in the morning as opposed to utilizing the public school bus service. Essentially, each and every morning I ultimately arrive at the intersection of Avenue and Bridge Plaza South and remain at a complete standstill for 30 minutes solely as a result of four or five vehicles which sit in the intersection and "block the box". Accordingly, I along with a line of hundreds of other vehicles extending back to the southernmost end of Fort Lee remain at a complete standstill. By merely preventing vehicles from blocking the intersection, hundreds of vehicles would be free to travel through the intersection to their ultimate destination and help relieve our community. This circumstance occurs at several other critical intersections in Fort Lee and are a direct cause of the regular traffic gridlock that we experience. The mere dispatching of Port Authority Police Officei's to these critical intersections would substantially alleviate the problems that we face on virtually a daily basis. Another circumstance that is readily rectifiable and the cause of regular and avoidable traffic gridlock is the Port Authority's election to substantially reduce the number of toll booth workers and resultant reduct_ion in toll lanes on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Consequently, many vehicles exit the major approach roads and utilize our local thoroughf_ares as a "short-cut" in search of available toll booths. Accordingly, even weekends no longer provide a respite from traffic and gridlock on our roadways. BOROUGH OF FORT LEE Office of the 309 Main Street Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024 -4 799 Telephone (201) 592-3500 -Ext. I003 Facsimile (20 l) 592-1657 Nlark Sokolich l3-mail: Mayor Via Facsirnile 212-43576489 November 9, 2010 1l'Ir. William Btzrolzi Deputy Director P0rtAuflzority of New York New Jersey 225 Park A venue South, 15"' Floor New York, New York 10003 Re: PROPOSED SHUYLDOPWV or FORTLEE ROAD WA 155' Dear Director Baroni: I preface the following correspondence to you by conceding we are all very frustrated here in Fort Lee and we are hopeful that tl1e Port Authority will intervene and assist our co_rnmunity with our day-to-day battle with crippling traffic gridlock that we experience. Fort Lee has always had to deal with the extraordinary traffic burdens caused by the George Washington Bridge however, lately the traffic has reached unbearable status and without some assistance from the Port Authority, Fort Lee will be in a perpetual state of emergency. As you may recall, we met on September 16, 2010 to discuss various issues regarding the Port Authority, the Borough of Fort Lee and the promotion of an open-line co1nmt1t1i'catio11. While we here in Fort Lee undertake to handle as many problems internally as possible utilizing all resources available to us, we have unfortunately reached a point where we are considering taking extraordinary measures to address the regular traffic shut--down and gridlock occurring in our Borough. Please permit me to elaborate. On approximately 20 occasions over the last fotty days, our Borough has been completely gridlocked. Traveling from the south to the north end of our Borough takes upwards of one horn". Our safety vehicles are unable to traverse our own thoroughfares to attend to emergencies which place our residents in harms way. Most recently, on October 30' through October 31, scheduled construction occurred on the lower level of the GWB which caused complete traffic gridlock in our Borough. Other causes of traffic shut--down include unscheduled and unanticipated events such as vehicular accidents, holiday and event tral'fic and even modest vehicle brealc--downs on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Gmail - (no subject) (no subject) David Wildstein Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 6:26 PM To: Bridget Kelly Statement from Jeff Bader, President of the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers, on today's Assembly Transportation Committee hearing: Today's committee hearing was nothing more than a dog and pony show which provided no solutions to real problems facing transportation industries that operate in New Jersey. While we are very sensitive to the effect that the three day lane closure had on the residents of Fort Lee, today's hearing underscores the shortsightedness of the Assembly Transportation Committee and the effect that they have on the economy of the entire Northeast. We are grateful to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for looking out for the 95% of drivers, including thousands oftruckers every day, who can only use 75% of the toll lanes available entering the George Washington Bridge. It is only fair that their interests are looked out for as well. It is our hope that we can move on from this issue of lane closures and work toward improving the way in which the transportation industry operates in New Jersey. .goog ew= pt&q =bridg s=true&search=q uery&th=1429195910de51ca 1/1 1215/13 Grnail -- (no subject) (no subject) David Wildstein Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 8:00 AM To: Bridget Kelly O'Scanlon: 1,544 vehicles from his district and 2,637 vehicles from Monmouth County wait an extra five minutes to cross the GW bridge every day because 3 of 12 Upper Level George Washington Bridge lanes are dedicated to Fort Lee local traffic. That's nearly 22 extra hours of unnecessary waiting time a year. Jeff Bader: Trucks limited to Upper Level only. Taking 25% of all lanes (3 of 12) out of circulation for Fort Lee backs up truck traffic from Route 4, 46, 80 and 95, causing delays. District 39: 8,316 vehicles. Vehicle E-ZPass Registration for George Washington Bridge Total of Total Eastbound Traffic Vehicles Vehicles Eastbound Fort Lee 4, 839 4.50% Bergen County (69 Towns) 45,244 42.40% Essex County 6,528 6.10% Passaic County 4,793 4.50% Morris County 4,683 4.4% Hudson County 3,738 3.5% Middlesex County 2,946 2.8% Monmouth County 2,637 2.5% Union County 1,905 1.8% Somerset County 1,036 1.0% Mercer County 881 0.8% Northwest New Jersey 1,298 1.30% South Jersey 921 0.90% .g oog I e.corn/rnai e\/F pt&q bri dg s=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af 1/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) New York 15,747 14.8% Other States 7,188 6.7% Total Traffic 104,384 100% Distributed Typical Weekday Counts for GWB Cape May 1 Lower Township 0.05% 56 DISTRICT 1 56 Gloucester 3 Newfield 0.04% 47 DISTRICT 3 47 Gloucester 4 Williamstown 0.03% 29 DISTRICT 4 39 Gloucester 5 Wenonah 0.04% 47 DISTRICT 5 47 Camden 6 Cheny Hill 0.13% 133 DISTRICT 6 133 Burlington 7 Willingboro 0.08% 79 Burlington 7 Moorestown 0.07% 76 DISTRICT 7 155 Burlington 8 Medford 0.13% 140 Burlington 8 Lumberton 0.03% 29 :/lmai I .g oog le.corn/mai k: 505bd3dfe2&vi ew= pt&q bridg etannekel s= tr ue&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) Burlington 8 Columbus 0.03% 28 DISTRICT 8 207 Ocean 9 Surf City 0.11% 112 DISTRICT 9 112 Ocean 10 Toms River 0.04% 47 Ocean 10 Brick 0.03% 29 Ocean 10 Lavallette 0.03% 29 Ocean 10 Point Pleasant 0.03% 29 DISTRICT 10 134 Monmouth 11 Freehold 0.13% 141 Monmouth 11 Neptune 0.09% 94 Monmouth 11 Ocean Grove 0.04% 39 Monmouth 11 West Long Branch 0.10% 101 DISTRICT 11 375 Monmouth 12 Creamridge 0.04% 39 Monmouth 12 Englishtown 0.07% 78 Monmouth 12 Matawan 0.08% 84 Monmouth 12 Perrineville 0.21% 215 Monmouth 12 Roosevelt 0.12% 125 Ocean 12 Jackson 0.03% 29 .g oog Ie.com/rnai b505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q =bridg etannekel I s=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af Gmail -- (no subject) I .g oog pt&q bridg etannekel s=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af DISTRICT 12 570 Monmouth 13 Highlands 0.04% 39 Monmouth 13 Leonardo 0. 05% 56 Monmouth 13 Marlboro 0.04% 39 Monmouth 13 Morganville 0.10% 106 Monmouth 13 New Monmouth 0.04% 39 Monmouth 13 North Middletown 1.11% 1,161 Monmouth 13 Port Monmouth 0.05% 52 Monmouth 13 Sea Bright 0.05% 52 DISTRICT 13 1,544 Middiesex 14 Jamesburg 0.28% 296 Middlesex 14 Cranbury 0.21% 216 Middlesex 14 Plainsboro 0.04% 42 Mercer 14 0.08% 232 Mercer 14 West Trenton 0.04% 42 DISTRICT 14 828 Mercer 15 Trenton 0.22% 126 Mercer 15 Princeton 0.22% 82 Mercer 15 Hopewell 0.12% 42 Mercer 15 Princeton Junction 0.12% 234 4/16 12/15l13 Gmail - (no subject) Mercer 15 Pennington 0.04% 123 DISTRICT 15 607 Middlesex 16 Kendall Park 0.08% 89 Middlesex 16 Monmouth Junction 0.09% 94 Middlesex 16 Dayton 0.06% 67 Hunterdon 16 Flemington 0.02% 20 Hunterdon 16 Raritan 0.05% 56 Hunterdon 16 Stockton 0.03% 32 Hunterdon 16 Three Bridges 0.06% 59 Hunterdon 16 White House Station 0.07% 68 Somerset 16 Basking Ridge 0.23% 240 Somerset 16 Hillsborough 0.04% 42 Somerset 16 Belle Mead 0.04% 42 Somerset 16 South Branch 0.08% 84 DISTRICT 16 892 Middlesex 17 Piscataway 0.25% 258 Middlesex 17 North Brunswick 0.14% 148 Middlesex 17 New Brunswick 0.26% 268 Somerset 17 Somerset 0.22% 233 oog |e.corn/mai 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q bridg etannekel s=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af 12/15/13 Gmail -- (no subject) .g oog le.com/mai pt&q =bridg s=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af DISTRICT 17 907 Middlesex 18 Edison 0.35% 370 Middlesex 18 East Brunswick 0.19% 194 Middlesex 18 South Plainfield 0.10% 110 Middlesex 18 Metuchen 0.08% 82 Middlesex 18 South River 0.06% 67 DISTRICT 18 822 Middlesex 19 Carteret 0.17% 180 Middlesex 19 Woodbridge 0.13% 134 Middlesex 19 Parlin 0.10% 109 Middlesex 19 lselin 0.09% 98 Middles ex 19 Avenel 0. 08% 84 Middlesex 19 Sayreville 0.04% 42 DISTRICT 19 647 Union 20 Elizabeth 0.18% 186 Union 20 Union 0.12% 123 Union 20 Industrial Hillside 0.09% 95 Union 20 Roselle 0.06% 67 DISTRICT 20 470 Union 21 New Providence 0.29% 299 6/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) Union 21 Westfield 0.21% 218 Union 21 Cranford 0.16% 170 Union 21 Summit 0.09% 98 Union 21 Berkeley Heights 0.06% 67 Somerset 21 Watchung 0.04% 42 DISTRICT 21 892 Union 21 Springfield 0.09% 94 Union 22 Linden 0.13% 133 Union 22 Scotch Plains 0.13% 137 Union 22 Rahway 0.11% 112 Union 22 Plainfield 0.06% 67 Union 22 Fanwood 0.04% 42 Somerset 22 Green Brook 0.04% 42 DISTRICT 22 627 Hunterdon 23 Annandale 0.02% 19 Hunterdon 23 Glen Gardner 0.02% 20 Somerset 23 Bedminster 0.14% 149 Somerset 23 Bridgewater 0.12% 123 Warren 23 Hackettstown 0.13% 135 Warren 23 Phillipsburg 0.06% 67 ://mail.g oog |e.corn/rnai pt&q bridg 5=true&search=q uery&th=1428f58d265d89af 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) 513 DISTRICT 23 Morris 24 Mount Olive Township 0.04% 42 Sussex 24 Branchville 0.02% 20 Sussex 24 Glenwood 0.02% 20 Sussex 24 Hamburg 0.11% 112 Sussex 24 Highland Lakes 0.04% 41 Sussex 24 Hopatcong 0.03% 32 Sussex 24 Lafayette 0.03% 32 Sussex 24 Lake Hopatcong 0.05% 52 Sussex 24 Newton 0.11% 118 Sussex 24 Ogdensburg 0.02% 20 Sussex 24 Sparta 0.16% 164 Sussex 24 Stanhope 0.07% 76 Sussex 24 Vernon 0.02% 20 Warren 24 Blairstown 0.03% 32 Warren 24 Oxford 0.03% 32 Warren 24 Great Meadows 0.02% 20 DISTRIRCT 24 836 Morris 25 Boonton 0.11% 110 Morris 25 Brookside 0.02% 25 https://mail .g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.i ew= pt&q = bridg etannekellf/o40yahoo.com&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 8/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) 111 Morris 25 Chester 0.11% Morris 25 Den\o111e 0.07% 68 Morris 25 Landing 0.03% 26 Morris 25 LonQ Valley 0.04% 42 Morris 25 Mendham 0.08% 84 Morris 25 Morris Plains 0.24% 253 Morris 25 Morristown 0.31% 329 Morris 25 Mount ArlinQton 0.04% 42 Morris 25 Randolph 0.08% 79 Morris 25 Succasunna 0.12% 125 Morris 25 Wharton 0.05% 52 DISTRICT 25 1,346 Essex 26 Fairfield 0.68% 706 Essex 26 West Caldwell 0.41% 433 Essex 26 Verona 0.03% 37 Morris 26 Kinnelon 0.18% 187 Morris 26 Lincoln Park 0.10% 108 Morris 26 Mont\o111e 0.04% 42 Morris 26 Mountain Lakes 0.04% 42 https://mail.g oog le.com'mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 9/16 12/15/13 Grnail- (no subject) Morris 26 Oak Ridge 0.03% Morris 26 Parsippany 1.39% 1,448 Morris 26 Pine Brook 0.21% 220 Morris 26 Rockaway 0.25% 266 Passaic 26 West Milford 0.18% 187 Somerset 25 Bernardsville 0.04% 40 Passaic 26 Hewitt 0.08% 84 DISTRICT 26 26 3,824 Essex 27 West Orange 0.45% 469 Essex 27 LivinQston 0.27% 283 Essex 27 Maplewood 0.25% 260 Essex 27 Short Hills 0.22% 225 Essex 27 South Orange 0.13% 136 Essex 27 Roseland 0.10% 100 Essex 27 Millbum 0.04% 39 Morris 27 Cedar Knolls 0.05% 56 Morris 27 Chatham 0.03% 26 Morris 27 East Hanover 0.15% 157 Morris 27 Florham Park 0.22% 227 Morris 27 Madison 0.15% 153 https://rnai l.g oog le.comlrnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = bri dg etannekellf/o40yahoo.com&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 10/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) Morris 27 Whippany 0.26% 271 2,402 DISTRICT 27 Essex 28 Nutley 0.47% 494 Essex 28 Bloomfield 0.34% 358 Essex 28 Glen Ridge 0.08% Essex 28 Newark 1.90% DISTRICT 28 81 1,987 2,919 Monmouth 30 Howell 0.04% 39 Monmouth 30 Manasquan 0.04% 39 Monmouth 30 Wall 0.10% Ocean 30 Lakewood 0.03% DISTRICT 30 99 29 205 Hudson 31 Bayonne 0.09% 90 Hudson 31 Jersey City 1.16% 1,210 DISTRICT 31 1,300 Bergen 32 Edgewater 0.95% 994 Berqen 32 Fairview 0.11% 110 Hudson 32 Secaucus 0.93% 972 Hudson 32 West New York 0.47% 495 https://mail .g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bri dg etannekellf/o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 11/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) Hudson 32 Harrison 0.14% 147 Hudson 32 Kearny 0.03% 27 2,745 DISTRICT 32 Hudson 33 Hoboken 0.42% 435 Hudson 33 Weehawken 0.29% 304 Hudson 33 Union City 0.06% 59 DISTRICT 33 799 Essex 34 Montclair 0.39% 404 Essex 34 Orange 0.22% 229 Essex 34 East Orange 0.06% 62 Essex 34 Upper Montclair 0.05% 56 Passaic 34 Clifton 0.72% 753 DISTRICT 34 1,504 Bergen 35 Elmwood Park 0.21% 217 Bergen 35 Garfield 0.45% 472 Passaic 35 Paterson 0.69% 719 Passaic 35 Prospect Park 0.21% 220 DISTRICT 35 1,629 Bergen 36 Cliffside Park 0.84% 876 Bergen 36 Little Ferry 0.22% 226 https://mai l.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bridg etannekelly"/o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 12/16 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) Ber!=)en 36 North Arlington 0.12% 125 Bergen 36 Ridgefield 0.70% 730 Bergen 36 Ridgefield Park 0.57% Bergen 36 Rutherford 2.02% 2,110 Bergen 36 South Hackensack 0.38% 395 Bergen 36 Teterboro 0.37% 385 Bergen 36 Twp of Washington 0.82% 858 Bergen 36 Wood Ridge 0.13% 137 Passaic 36 Passaic 0.32% 334 592 DISTRICT 36 6,767 Bergen 37 Fort Lee 4.63% 4,839 Bergen 37 Alpine 0.58% 604 Bergen 37 Cresskill 0.74% 768 Bergen 37 Englewood 3.82% 3,994 Bergen 37 Hackensack 1.89% 1,971 Bergen 37 Leonia 1.21% 1,269 Bergen 37 Palisades Park 0.86% 894 Bergen 37 Rockleigh 0.38% 399 Bergen 37 Tenafly 1.46% 1,531 https://mai l.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q =bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 13/16 12115/13 Grnail- (no subject) Bergen 37 West Englewood 5.17% 5,401 DISTRICT 37 21,670 Bergen 38 Bergenfield 1.22% 1,274 Bergen 38 Fair Lawn 1.05% 1,096 Bergen 38 Hasbrouck Heights 0.67% 701 Bergen 38 Lodi 0.35% 369 Bergen 38 Maywood 0.60% 631 Bergen 38 New Milford 0.75% 779 Bergen 38 Oradell 0.29% 303 Bergen 38 Paramus 1.36% 1,424 Bergen 38 River Edge 0.84% 876 Bergen 38 Rochelle Park 0.52% 544 Bergen 38 Saddle Brook 0.22% 228 DISTRICT 38 8,226 Bergen 39 Closter 0.55% Bergen 39 Demarest 0.36% 373 Bergen 39 Dumont 0.78% 811 Bergen 39 Emerson 0.24% 249 Bergen 39 Harrington Park 0.28% 292 Bergen 39 Haworth 0.24% 249 574 https://rnail .g oog le.comlrnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew=pt&q = bridg etannekelly"/o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 14/16 12/15/13 Grnail - (no subject) Berqen 39 Hillsdale 0.25% 257 Berqen 39 Mahwah 0.76% 795 Berqen 39 Montvale 0.57% 600 Bergen 39 Norwood 0.58% 602 Berqen 39 Park Ridge 0.32% 337 Berqen 39 Ramsey 0.48% 502 Bergen 39 Saddle River 0.59% 612 Ben.1en 39 Waldwick 0.17% 176 Berqen 39 Westwood 1.21% 1,261 Passaic 39 Ringwood· 0.31% 322 Passaic 39 Wanaque 0.20% 209 Passaic 39 Bloomingdale 0.03% 28 Passaic 39 Haskell 0.06% 66 DISTRICT 39 8,316 Bergen 40 Allendale 0.64% 668 Bergen 40 Franklin Lakes 0.70% 733 Berqen 40 Ho Ho Kus 0.08% 81 Bergen 40 Midland Park 0.12% 125 Berqen 40 Oakland 0.30% 309 Bergen 40 Ridgewood 1.91% 1,992 https://rnail.g oog le.com'rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = bri dg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 15/16 12/15/13 Grnail- (no subject) Bergen 40 Wyckoff 0.35% 364 Essex 40 Cedar Grove 0.16% 171 Morris 40 Pompton Plains 0.06% 67 Passaic 40 Wayne 1.19% Passaic 40 Woodland Park 0.40% 416 Passaic 40 Totowa 0.13% 132 Passaic 40 Pompton Lakes 0.07% 76 1,247 DISTRICT 40 6,379 https://rnai l.g oog le.comlrnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1eVF pt&q =bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.corn&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 1428f58d265d89af 16/16 12/15/13 Grnail- Re: NJ .com: Lawnaker to seekansv.ers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeting Monday Re: NJ.com: Lawmaker to seek answers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeting Monday Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein Sun, Oct 6, 2013 at 6:50 PM Ok On Oct 6, 2013, at 6:49PM , David Wildstein wrote: Baroni spoke to McKenna over weekend, Loretta will speak at start of committee meeting though there is no public comment at this meeting) and Schuber is chairing (e~n On Sun, Oct 6, 2013 at 5:52PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: A story from NJ.com: Lawmaker to seek answers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeti ng Monday Download the NJ .com app for your iPhone from the App Sto re today! https://rnai l.g oog le.com/rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = bri dg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1418ff6e45cada0d 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- NJ.com: La\Mllaker to seekansv..ers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeting Monday NJ.com: Lawmaker to seek answers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeting Monday ··----------------·--------·----- ----·---....- ....--.....______________________....____________..._ .. Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein Sun, Oct 6, 2013 at 5:52 PM A story from NJ.com: Lawmaker to seek answers on GWB closures at Port Authority meeting Monday Download the NJ .com app for your iPhone from the App Store today! https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&\1 ew= pt&q =bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 1418fc1 ac6645fab 1/1 12115/13 Gmail - Re: Port Authority chiefs email demands answers to closing of lanes leading to George Washington Bridge- NorthJersey.com Re: Port Authority chiefs email demands answers to closing of lanes leading to George Washington Bridge - NorthJersey .com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thu, Oct 3, 2013 at 10:01 PM Bridget Anne Kelly To: Da~d Wildstein No doubt. Faye is a bad guy. >On Oct 3, 2013, at 9:59PM, Da~d Wildstein wrote: > > Still pissing me off > > >>On Oct 3, 2013, at 9:52PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: >> >> This is the article I sent you this morning. >> >>>On Oct 3, 2013, at 9:50PM, Da~d Wildstein wrote: >>> >>> http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/Email_shows_Port_Authority_chief_assailed_ closing_of_traffic_lanes_leading_to_George_Washington_Bridge_last_month_.html https://mai l.g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\oi ew= pt&q = bri dg etannekelly"/o40yahoo.com&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 14181328df970634 1/1 Gmail- Re: NJ .com: Truck spills metal across Turnpike in Fort Lee, slov..ing e-..ening commute 12/15/13 G I Re: NJ.com: Truck spills metal across Turnpike in Fort Lee, slowing evening commute - - - - - - - - - - - - -----·-·-Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein - - - - · - - - - - - - - -·· Thu, Oct 3, 2013 at 9:51 PM That's what I was going to say to be funny. But refrained On Oct 3, 2013, at 9:50PM, David Wildstein wrote: They'll just blame me On Oct 3, 2013, at 9:45PM , Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Can we blame the Assistant Commissioner for this? Or is this the PA's fault too? A story from NJ.com: Truck spills metal across Turnpi ke in Fort Lee, slowing evening commute Download the NJ. com app for your iPhone from the A pp Store today! https://mai l.g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bri dg etannekellf/ o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1418129e869168f3 1/1 Grnail- Re: 12/15/13 Re: Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 3:34 PM Sure On Oct 1, 2013, at 3:33PM, David Wildstein wrote: Ok to come visit around 4? On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 3:26 PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Yes >On Oct 1, 2013, at 3:26PM, David Wildstein wrote: > > In statehouse tomorrow afternoon with Baroni, are you around? https://rnail .g oog le.com'rnai l/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = bridg etannekelly"/o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1417584708dca7b2 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Letter from Senator Weinberg Re: Letter from Senator Weinberg David Wildstein To: Bridget Anne Kelly Mon, Sep 23, 2013 at 5:59 PM Call me during your drive home On Sep 23, 2013, at 5:53PM , Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Bridget Kelly" Date: September 23, 2013 at 5:19:38 PM EDT To: Subject: Fw: Letter from Senator Weinberg From: Jeanne Ashmore Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 05:17 PM To: Bridget Kelly; Nicole Crifo Subject: FW: Letter from Senator Weinberg fyi Attached is a letter from Senator Weinberg to Commissioner William Pat Schuber, complaining about the traffic pattern change on the GWB. https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui =2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bri dg etannekelly%40yahoo.corn&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1414cd5e520e35d7 1/1 NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE MAJORITY LEADER COMMI'ITEES LORETI'A WEINBERG BUDGET SENATOR, 37TH DISTRICT JUDICf.ARY 545 CEDAR LANE TEANECK, NJ 07666 COMMISSIONS PHONE: (201) 928·0100 NJ ISRAEL COMMISSION NJ HISTORICAL COMMISSfON FAX: (201) 928·0406 LEGISLATNE SBRVICES September 19,2013 Commissioner William Pat Schuber The Pmt Authority ofNew York and New Jersey 225 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003 Dear Conunissioner Schuber: Again, I find myself at a loss for words in responding to the questions posed by my constituents in regards to the rationale behind decisions made by the P01t Authority of New York and New Jersey. Last year I was at a loss in discussing the rationale behind the toll increases without meaningful public input and now I am at a loss for words regarding the Authority's sudden change in the traffic flow pattern to the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee. Reducing the number of lanes during peak traffic times has caused a significant hardship for many in the area. This decision, made with no public conunent, has created significant congestion m Bergen County. I am disappointed in the Authority's response, but on a personal level I am disappointed in your lack of advocacy on behalf of the residents of Bergen County. When you were confirmed before the Senate you stated, both privately to me and publicly, that you were going to be the voice for Bergen County residents to the Authority. Sadly, at least based on your public actions, this does not appear to me to be the case. It is my hope that this will change and you will ask for answers for the residents of Bergen County. I. also hope that you will insist on greater transparency from the Authority. Printed on Recycled Paper Commissioner William Pat Schuber September 19,2013 Page2 In the next couple weeks, I would like you to meet with me and my colleagues from the District to discuss the change in traffic patterns as well as the greater issue of transparency with the Authority. Please let me know when you are available to meet. Sincerely, . -~ ....----. c//#~~~ Loretta Weinberg Senator, District 37 cc. The Honorable Governor Chris Christie Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson The Honorable Mark Sokolich, Mayor of Fort Lee Chainnan David Samson 12/15/13 Gmail- (no subject) G (no subject) Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 8:18AM Check out the Road Warrior. I'm confused. https://mail .g oog le.cornlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1411 c 7035cbfde76 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Port Authority Letter- September 2013.pdf Port Authority Letter- September 2013.pdf David Wildstein To: Kelly Bridget '!!] Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 5:03PM Port Authority Letter- September 2013.pdf 468K https://mail.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1411922b154077d6 1/1 BIL L PASCRE LL , J R. 9 n~ COMMITTEE ON W1WS M'ID M[:;\NS D:sno:cr, f-l Ew Jet:s::·: COM M ITTEE ON THE BU DGET 23"70 nAYBUnN HOUSE OF fi CE BUII. Dii·!G WASHI ~! GTO I•l , DC 205 I 5 i~021 2~~5 - 515 1 !202! 22!)·!>?82 FI\X l' To: Bridget Anne Kelly Fri , Sep 13, 2013 at 12:07 PM Yes, unreal. Fixed now On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 11:47 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: What?? On Sep 13, 2013, at 11 :44 AM, David Wildstein wrote: > The New York side gave Fort Lee back all three lanes this morning. We are appropriately going nuts. Samson helping us to retaliate. https://mai l.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-...; ew=pt&q = bridg etannekell y%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 14118136921 b3fb6 1/1 Grnail- Re: 12/15/13 Re: --··-·--------·-·----- David Wildstein To: Bridget Anne Kelly - - - - ·------------·-··- Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 6:41AM Ok. On Sep 13, 2013, at 6:33AM , Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: > Let's talk on my way in. > > https:!/rnail .g oog le.com/rnail/u/0/?ui = 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&vi ew= pt&q = bridg etannel To: Bridget Anne Kelly ----------·-------- Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 5:30PM of course On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 5:27PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: On way to seaside. Will call later On Sep 12, 2013, at 3:56PM, David Wildstein wrote: call me when you have a moment On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:46PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: Christina Genovese Renna Date: September 12, 2013, 3:36:20 PM EDT To: Bridget Kelly Subject: Fort Lee This afternoon, Evan received a call from Mayor Sokolich. It came from a number he was not familiar with that was actually a secretary who patched the Mayor through to Evan. The Mayor is extremely upset about the reduction of toll lanes from 3 to 1. Not only is is causing a horrendous traffic back up in town, First Responders are having a terrible time maneuvering the traffic because the back up is so severe. The Mayor told Evan that he has no idea why Port Authority decided to do this, but there is a feeling in town that it is government retribution for something. He simply can't understand why that would be the case however, because he has always been so supportive of the Governor. Sokolich explained that the Council wants to organize a press conference with picketers at the foot of the bridge. The Mayor feels he is about to lose control of the situation and that he looks like a "fucking idiot." Evan told the fine Mayor he was unaware that the toll lanes were closed, but he would see what he could find out. https://rnail .g oog le.com/rnai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bri dg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 14114153fd740a07 1/2 12115/13 Gmail - (no subject) (no subject) ----David Wildstein Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 7:11AM Bee: "Stepien, Bill" , Michael Drewniak , Bridget Kelly < bridgetannekelly@yahoo. com> ~-------·· Port Chief Fumed Over Bridge Jam Patrick Foye Fired Off an Email Message After Learning of Lane Closures ByTED MANN CONNECT The abrupt closure oflocal access lanes to the George Washington Bridge last month triggered a pointed private response from the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who said the move likely broke state and federal laws and could have caused deaths because of snarled traffic. The executive director, Patrick Foye, fired off an email message early on the morning of Sept. 13, after he learned of the lane closures and subsequent traffic backups in Fort Lee, N.J., from a daily internal list of pending media inquiries. Mr. Faye's blistering email, which was sent to top executives of the authority and was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, denounced the closures as "abusive" and pledged to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed," Mr. Foye wrote, a reference to ambulances caught in traffic. Associated Press Patrick Foye The closure of the lanes was seen by some in Fort Lee and Bergen County as retribution from surrogates of Republican Gov. Chris Christie-who shares control of the authority and its bridges with https://mail.g oog le.cornlmai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&\i ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 14178dd38155bc56 1/3 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) More Mr. Faye's email Earlier: Bridge Jam's Cause a Mystery I New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo-at Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who hasn't endorsed Mr. Christie for re-election. 09/17/2013 Mr. Christie's campaign has denied the suggestion, and called the notion "crazy." The governor's appointees at the authority have said that the lanes were closed to conduct a traffic study, though they have declined to provide any supporting materials or findings. Mr. Christie's spokesman referred questions to the Port Authority, where a spokesman declined to comment. Mr. Foye, an appointee of Mr. Cuomo, wrote that the lane closures were made without informing numerous interested parties, including himself, local and Port Authority police, Mr. Sokolich, and commuters. His email also throws into question the Port Authority's prior explanation for the shutdown: that the lanes were closed so the authority could perform the traffic study. In the email, Mr. Foye listed the divisions within the authority that weren't consulted before the traffic pattern was changed, including the police department, and the Traffic and Engineering division. The authority's public response has described the lane closures as part of "a week of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns." People familiar with the matter disputed that. "There was no study," one of them said. Mr. Faye's email was sent to Robert Durando, the general manager of the bridge for more than a decade, and Cedrick Fulton, director of the Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department and Mr. Durando's boss. Copied on the message were the highest level leadership of the authority, including Mr. Christie's two top appointees, Chairman David Samson and Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. Mr. Durando referred inquiries to the authority's press office. Requests to speak to top port executives weren't answered Tuesday. The lane closures winnowed the approach routes from Fort Lee to the bridge to one from three, and triggered massive congestion in Fort Lee for four straight weekdays, officials said. The lanes were reopened within minutes of Mr. Faye's email on Sept. 13. Some Bergen County Democrats were livid over the sudden closures. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Democrat who represents the county, wrote to authority Commissioner William Schuber to express her dismay last month, saying she was at a "loss for words" about the closure, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. "This whole traffic jam still remains a mystery," she said Tuesday. https://mail.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 14178dd38155bc56 213 12/15/13 Gmail- (no subject) Mayor Sokolich said he hasn't received answers to his request for information about why the authority ordered the closures. Still, the mayor said he was a supporter of many of Mr. Christie's policies, and didn't believe that the closures were intended to punish him, a theory he said had been the subject of "rumors." -Heather Haddon contributed to this article. Write to Ted Mann at ted.mann@wsj.com https://mail .google.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail .com&qs=true&search=query&th=14178dd38155bc56 313 12/15/13 Gmail - F'Ml: Christie and GWB G Fwd: Christie and GWB - - - - - - - - ---··-·--- David Wildstein To: Bill Baroni ---·-··--------------------- Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 3:25 PM - - - - Forwarded message - - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 3:21 PM Subject: Fwd: Christie and GWB To: David Wildstein FYI Sentrrom myiPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Michael Drewniak" Date: October 1, 2013, 2:49:11 PM EDT To: Subject: Re: Christie and GWB I answered this a couple weeks ago. The Port Authority is an independent agency, and I would refer you there about its traffic studies . From: Mann, Ted [mailto: Ted.Mann@wsj.com] Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2013 01:21PM To: Michael Drewniak Subject: Christie and GWB Michael, We're working on a follow-up story about the lane closures on the GWB the week of Sept. 9. We've confirmed that many of the stakeholders were not told this was being done, including police, local officials and the Port Authority's executive director. We'll be mentioning question raised in earlier stories about whether these closures were in some way intended as retribution for Mayor Sokolich's failure to endorse Gov. Christie's re-election bid. Do you have a response to that? https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/ulO/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-,;ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 141757b9a4522bc9 1/2 12/15/13 Gmail- Fw:l: Christie and GWB Further, did Gov. Christie know that the lanes were being closed by the Port Authority? Did he order it? If he didn't, did he approve of making this move without notifying key officials within the Port Authority , the local police, PA police, or the public? Does he approve of the way this was handled? This story may run in tomorrow's paper, so I'll need an answer sometime this afternoon, please. Thanks, Ted Mann Ted Mann Reporter The Wall Street Journal. 1211 Sixth Ave. New York NY 10036 212-416-2660 (o) 646-535-6072 (c) ted.mann@wsj .com https://mai l.g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 141757b9a4522bc9 212 12/15/13 Gmail- for heather ... for heather... Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 4:24PM Pardon? It' s an independent agency, and I'll refer you to the Port Authority. Traffic studies or pilots are done all the time. They're temporary, and if they're not done, how can the effectiveness of a new approach be tested? https://mail .google.comlmail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail.com&qs=true&search=query&th=1412d98107ec0511 1/1 Gmail- Re: 12/15/13 il Re: -----·--------------- David Wildstein To: Bill Stepien Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 7:43AM In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king. On Oct 2, 2013, at 7:36AM, Bill Stepien wrote: For what it's worth, I like you more on October 2, 2013 than I did on October 2, 2009 On Oct 2, 2013, at 7:28AM, David Wildstein wrote: Yeah, but we need to addresss leaks from Foye and his messing with us 5 weeks before election. Baroni and I are at statehouse this afternoon - need to be sure all understand that a trash train bringing NYC garbage by rail through Westfield, east Brunswick, etc is a very bad idea - and will talk to Drewniak and Bridget while there. I feel terrible that I'm causing you so much stress this close to November. On Oct 2, 2013, at 7:15AM, Bill Stepien wrote: I saw. Ultimately, not an awful story. Whatever. From: David Wildstein To: Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 7:11AM Subject: Port Chief Fumed Over Bridge Jam Patrick Fove Fired Off an Email Message After Learning of Lane C 1 os(Jres By TED MANN CONNECT The abrupt closure of local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge l ast month triggered a pointed private response from the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who said the move likely broke state and federal laws and could have caused deaths because of snarled traffic. The executive director, Patrick Foye, fired off an email message early on the moming of Sept. 13, after he leamed of the lane closures and https://mail .g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui =2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q =b_stepi en%40yahoo.com Sokol i ch&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 14178fb0f1 bd746a 1/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: subsequent traffic backups in Fort Lee , N.J., from a daily internal list of pending media inquiries. Mr. Faye's blistering email , which was sent to top executives of the authority and was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal , denounced the closures as "abusive" and pledged to investigate "how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency." "I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospicebound patient delayed ," Mr. Faye wrote , a reference to ambulances caught in traffic. The closure of the lanes was seen by some in Fort Lee and Bergen County as retribution from surrogates of Republican Gov. Chris Christie-who shares control of the authority and its bridges with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo-at Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who hasn't Associ ated Press endorsed Mr. Christie for re-election. Patrick Foye Mr. Christie's campaign has denied the suggestion , and called the notion "crazy." The governor's appointees at More the authority have said that the lanes were Mr. Foye's email closed to conduct a traffic study, though Earlier: Bridge Jam's Cause a Mystery I they have declined to 09/17/2013 provide any supporting materials or findings. Mr. Christie's spokesman referred questions to the Port Autho ri ty, where a spokesman declined to comment. Mr. Faye , an appointee of Mr. Cuomo , wrote that the lane closures were made without informing numerous interested parties, including himself, local and Port Authority police , Mr. Sokolich , and commuters. His email also throws into question the Port Authority's prior explanation for the shutdown : that the lanes were closed so the authority could perform the traffic study. In the email, Mr. Faye listed the divisions within the authority that weren't consulted before the traffic pattern was cha nged , including the police department, and the Traffic and Engineering division . The authority's public response has described the lane closures as part of "a wee k of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns." People fam iliar with the matter disputed that. "There was no study," one of them said. Mr. Faye's email was sent to Robert Durando , the general manager of the bridge for more than a decade , and Cedrick Fulton, director of the Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department and Mr. Durando's boss. Copied on the message were the highest level leadership of the authority, including Mr. Christie's two top appointees, Chairman David Samson and Deputy Executi ve Director Bill Baroni . Mr. Durando referred inquiries to the authority's press office . Requests to speak to top port executives weren't ansvvered Tuesday. The lane closures winnowed the approach routes from Fort Lee to the bridge to one from three, and triggered massive congestion in Fort Lee for four straight weekdays, officials said . The lanes were reopened within minutes of Mr. Faye's email on Sept. 13 . Some Bergen County Democrats were livid over the sudden closures. Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg , a Democrat who represents the county, wrote to authority Commissioner William Schuber to express her dismay last month, saying she was at a "loss for words" about the closure, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. "This whole traffic jam still remains a mystery," she said Tuesday. Mayor Sokolich said he hasn't received ansvvers to his request for information about why the authority ordered the closures. Still, the mayor said he was a supporter of many of Mr. Christie's policies, and didn't believe that the closures were intended to punish him, a theory he said had been the subject of "rumors." -Heather Haddon contributed to this article. Write to Ted Mann at ted .m an n@wsj .co m https://mail.google.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view=pt&q=b_stepien%40yahoo.com Sokolich&qs=true&search=query&th=14178fb0f1bd746a 2/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Re: Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 5:30AM David Wildstein To: Bill Stepien I had empty boxes ready to take to work today, just in case. It will be a tough November for this little Serbian. On Sep 18, 2013, at 5:16AM , Bill Stepien wrote: It's fine. The mayor is an idiot, though . When some, lose some. On Sep 18, 2013, at 4:54AM, David Wildstein wrote: THE W S ALL TREET JOURNAL. NY TRANSIT Updated September 17, 2013 , 11 :12 p .m. ET Bridge Jam's Cause a Mystery N ew Jersey Officials Say Th ey W eren't Wamed That Lo cal Lanes Would Be Closed By TED MANN and HEATHER HADDON CONNECT No one denies that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey triggered massive traffic jams when it shifted local toll lanes at the George Washington Bridge from New Jersey last week. But local officials, and some within the Port Authority itself, are scratching their heads over a larger question: Why? Amy Newm an/The Reco rd Police and elected officials in Fort Lee, N.J., say they weren't given warning that the Port Authority planned to reduce the number of local access lanes directly from Fort Lee to the bridge from three to one-causing traffic to back up in the borough-and are still https://mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&vi ew= pt&q = b_stepi en%40yahoo.com Sokol ich&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1413067ff72a38f7 1/4 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: The number of toll lanes to the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee was reduced to one from three . puzzled by the official explanation that the agency was conducting a study of traffic patterns. After the two local lanes handling Fort Lee traffic were closed, cars and trucks quickly clogged streets used by local travelers to reach the bridge and New York City. Local officials said the backup led to long delays for Fort Lee buses traveling for the first day of school Monday. Within the Port Authority, meanwhile, the decision to close the traffic lanes caused tension, people with knowledge of the matter said. Those people said the lane closures came as a surprise to some high- ranking officials at the bistate agency, which operates area bridges, tunnels and airports. The local lanes were reopened Thursday morning, one of the people said, after an order from Executive Director Patrick Foye, who argued that the abrupt shift in traffic patterns caused a threat to public safety and should have been advertised to the public ahead of time. For its part, the agency was sticking with a written statement. "The Port Authority has conducted a week of study at the George Washington Bridge of traffic safety patterns," it said. "We will now review those results and determine the best traffic patterns at the GWB. We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners." A Port Authority spokesman declined to elaborate or provide a further explanation of the origin, purpose or conclusions of the study. Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat who was first elected in 2007, said he found out about the lane closures Monday morning when the borough was turned into what he called "total gridlock." The borough hall was flooded with hundreds of calls from angry motorists, Mr. Sokolich said. "I get that the Port Authority tries different things. I'm very, very grateful that once they realized that this change was causing traffic gridlock, they ended it," said Mr. Sokolich, a local attorney. Mr. Sokolich said it still wasn't clear to him who ordered the closures or why. Fort Lee police said they learned of the lane closures when traffic began backing up, down the north-south artery of Palisade Avenue, Deputy Chief Timothy Ford said. https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-.;ew= pt&q = b_stepien%40yahoo.com Sokolich&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1413067ff72a38f7 214 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: "We called their police and they were like, 'We can't help you, it's coming from [our] higher-ups,"' he said. When the local police tried to ask the Port Authority leadership what was going on, he said, "They weren't returning our calls." Mr. Ford said the police were eventually told the Port Authority was "trying something new" in the layout of the travel lanes leading to the toll plaza. "I've been here 33 years, and in all that time we've always had three lanes dedicated to the Fort Lee traffic," he said. "And then on this Monday morning, with no prior warning, they decided to try something new." A spokesman for the Christie administration referred questions to the Port Authority. A spokesman for the state Department of Transportation said the agency has no jurisdiction over the toll lanes and wasn't involved with any traffic study. Amid the controversy, there was even speculation that the closures could be retribution for Mr. Sokolich's decision not to endorse Mr. Christie in his re-election bid in November. The Christie campaign has received endorsements from at least 48 elected Democrats across the state, including 17 mayors. Mr. Sokolich said he had a good relationship with the Christie administration and couldn't imagine he would be important enough for the campaign to punish him for not publicly endorsing Mr. Christie. The mayor said he was supporting Democratic Sen. Barbara Buono, Mr. Christie's challenger. "I've always been incredibly supportive of Gov. Christie even in the face of people criticizing me for it. I find it incomprehensible that there's any truth whatsoever to these rumors," he said. Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the Christie campaign, said that any notion that Mr. Sokolich faced retribution for not endorsing the governor was "crazy." "We don't approach these folks and say, 'You will endorse us.' These are folks who have supported us" on their own, Mr. Roberts said. Still, Mr. Sokolich said the incident made him wonder if he had run afoul of someone, somehow, though he didn't name anyone or any organization. "Maybe I'm getting too popular. Maybe I'm doing too many things, been too progressive," said the mayor, noting a spate of development in the borough. "We are proud of it. I've got to believe https://mai l.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&\.i ew= pt&q = b_stepi en%40yahoo.com Sokol ich&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1413067ff72a38f7 3/4 Gmail- Re: 12/15/13 they are happy with the results ." Write to Ted Mann at ted.mmm@wsj.com and Heather Haddon at heather.haddon@wsj.com https :1/mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = b_stepi en%40yahoo.com Sokolich&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1413067ff72a38f7 4/4 12/15/13 Gmail- FIMJ: Fort Lee Correspondence byMa't{lr Soi Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 12:52 PM To: Stepien Bill , Kelly Bridget Begin forwarded message: From: "Baroni, Bill" Date: September 12, 2013, 12:47:28 PM EDT To: David Wildstein Subject: FW: Fort Lee Correspondence by Mayor Sokolich From: Maryanne Leodori [mailto:M-Leodori@fortleenj .org] Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 12:44 PM To: Baroni, Bill Subject: Fort Lee Correspondence by Mayor Sokolich Importance: High Sensitivity: Personal Dear Director Baroni, Please see correspondence from Mayor Sokolich. Thank you. Sincerely, Maryanne Leodori Mayor's Office https://mail .g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = b_ stepi en%40yahoo.com Soi To: David Wildstein Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 8:59AM Same to you, David, and thanks for a great dinner. Sent from my iPhone >On Dec 5, 2013, at 8:26AM, David Wildstein wrote: > > Thanks again for all your sound advice last night, I always appreciate your friendship. Spoke with O'Toole this morning and he will talk with you later today. https://rnail .g oog Ie.comlrnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c30e14be19178 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- (no subject) . .· ~ ~ :" .. . . ·:: . ·,··. (no subject) . :: . David Wildstein Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 11:57 PM Cc: "Samson, David" , Michael Drewniak NY-NJ port police union chief wades into GWB tiff Associated Press NEW YORK- The head of the Port Authority ofNewYork and New Jersey's police union on Wednesday waded into the tiff over unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September, saying he suggested studying new traffic patterns. But PAPD union chief Paul Nunziato denied rumors that a traffic mess that resulted from the on-site study was manufactured by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's henchmen as political retribution. Nunziato used imagery from "West Side Story" to paint the controversy as merely the latest chapter in the ongoing power struggle between New York and New Jersey over the bistate agency. "You don't see the New York-New Jersey fight that goes on here," Nunziato said after the Port Authority's monthly board meeting Wednesday. "I kid that it's like the Sharks and the Jets." At a hearing before a New Jersey state transportation committee last month, authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni acknowledged that the agency failed to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes from Fort Lee to the upper level of the bridge would be closed for a week starting Sept. 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. The agency has said it is reviewing what happened but has refused to say when the review will be completed or who is conducting it. Christie has denied any role in the closures. New Jersey Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who represents Fort Lee, attended Wednesday's meeting and said the Port Authority's silence has "led to bizarre speculation about petty political games." New Jersey Assemblyman Gordon Johnson called Baroni's testimony before the committee "a fairy tale." Nunziato said Wednesday he suggested to David Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects and a Christie ally, that traffic patterns at the bridge be studied. https://mail.g oog Ie.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142c11 e7812156d9 1/2 12/15/13 Gmail- (no subject) He characterized as "a load of garbage" an internal email from Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, in which Faye harshly criticized the closures. "Was there are any ambulance delay? No," Nunziato said. "Was there any police service delay? No. Do we communicate to Fort Lee what we do up there? In the 26 years, I've been here, no. "Other people have different ideas. Some of the idea was to diminish New Jersey's power struggle over where the agency goes and what they do. That's my personal belief in all of this, and they're using (reporters) and the senators to get in the game," Nunziato said. A Port Authority spokesman didn't comment on Nunziato's statements. Earlier Wednesday, Faye said he would appear before the New Jersey transportation committee on Monday. -Copyright 2013 Associated Press https://mail .g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.ievv- pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=a uerv&th= 142c11 P.7R1 ?1 !iRrlQ ?I? 12/15/13 Gmail - Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings Re: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 8:40AM Ok let me know what time and where. And acknowledge that it's my tum to buy. On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:39AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Yeah, same here. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:35AM, David Wildstein wrote: Sure as long as short notice doesn't inconvenience you On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:15AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Can you do dinner in New Brunswick this evening? Everyone here is leaving early for meetings at Drum and it looks quiet on the press front. SentfrommyiPhone On Dec 4, 2013, at 7:56AM , David Wildstein wrote: Not urgent for today, just want to be on radar screen sometime in the next week or two On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 7:54AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Sounds a little ominous. Okay. Urgent for today? Could possibly meet in New Brunswick. Or tomorrow. SentfrommyiPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 10:51 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Need to talk to you soon, in person, once you get caught up and have some time. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: https :1/mail .g oog le.cornlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\oi ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search=q uerv&th= 142bdd70f90a0e65 1/? 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings I UIU "VV Llll" VOl II VI. I Ulll VVIII UC Ill lUll righteous rage, no doubt. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 3:48PM, David . Wildstein wrote: - - - Forwarded message From: Wildstein, David Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 3:47PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry - GWB lane closings To: "david. wildstein@gmail.com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane · closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. https :llmail .google. comlmaillu/OI?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view=pt&o=mpdrew42%40omail . com&os=true&ser~rr.h=niiP.rvRth=14?hrlrl70fQn,n.,,:;<:; ?I? 12/15/13 Gmail- F'Ml: FW: Da\id Wildstein ... Fwd: FW: David Wildstein ... Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 5:19PM This was my revised-- which I sent to the Gov and he approved (no Maria or Charlie). - - - - Forwarded message - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 5:17PM Subject: FW: David Wildstein ... To: mpdrew42@gmail.com From: Michael Drewniak Sent: Friday, December 06, 2013 5:14PM To: 'Boburg, Shawn' Subject: David Wildstein ... Please use this, attributable to me: "Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless ad\,Ucate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority. We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority and thank him for his service to the people of New Jersey and the region." Michael Drewniak Press Secretary to NJ Govemor Chris Christie email: michacl.drevvn iak@gov .state.nj.us Press Office: 609-777-2600 Blackbeny: 609-433-5398 https://mail.g oog le.com/maillu/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s= true&search=q uery&th= 142c9fe4f2f4ac37 1/2 12115/13 Gmail - Statement... Statement. .. Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 2:29 PM I need to know what's going on as far as timing and Charlie's itchiness . Here's a revised . I'm trying to balance interests here and the fact that Maria and Charlie gave approval to the earlier one. I don't intend to bring it back to them , so I can't go much further. "For nearly four years, Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority, and we are grateful for his time and dedication to the important work of the Authority." Or two sentences: "For nearly four years, Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority. We are grateful for his time and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority." https://mai l.g oog le.comlmai l/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c9630278b7a2d 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail - Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings Re: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM I did see this earlier. Tom will be in full righteous rage, no doubt. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 3:48PM, David Wildstein wrote: - - - Forwarded message - - From: Wildstein, David Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 3:47PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings To: "david.wildstein@gmail .com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06PM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view=pt&q =mpdre'N42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142bb69b61 dc1 f1 a 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: ·: . -. Re: David Wildstein To: David Saenz Jr Cc: Michael Drewniak Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 11:23 AM Thank you On Dec 3, 2013, at 11:21 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Question: Governor Christie: I worked the cones actually Matt. Unbeknownst to everybody I was actually the guy out there. I was in overalls and a hat so I wasn't-but I actually was the guy working the cones out there. You really are not serious with that question. What happened-no I haven't. Listen, just because John Wisniewski is obsessed with this and Loretta Weinberg, it just shows you they really have nothing to do if they're obsessed with this. And by the way, the fact is I didn't even know Fort Lee got three dedicated lanes until all this stuff happened, and I think we should review that entire policy, because I don't know why Fort Lee needs three dedicated lanes to tell you the truth and I never knew it until this whole, you know, happening went about. So, you know, my urging to the Port Authority is going to be to review the whole policy, because I've sat in that traffic before I was Governor at the George Washington Bridge, and the fact that one town has three lanes dedicated to it? That kind of gets me sauced. Now of course if you're Loretta Weinberg you want that because that's part of her, you know, bringing home the bacon policy. But the fact is let, you know, Assemblyman Wisniewski and Senator Weinberg find something to occupy themselves. They always will, and it almost always will include being critical of this administration. But I don't get involved in traffic studies. I don't get involved in lane closures. I didn't work the cones, just so we're clear on that. That was sarcastic. I was not the guy working the cones, and-but I do believe, and I've told Chairman Samson this, that we should look at this policy, because I don't know why one town gets three lanes . One lane, maybe. Three lanes for one town? I don't quite get it. And so, you know, they said-1 read something in one of the stories about this was host community relations. Well, what's going to happen if they get a little bit upset? he we going to move the bridge? I mean, come on. So that's my reaction to it. All the rest of this stuff is politics, you know, on the Legislature's part. They're just looking for something, you know? And that's what they do. Follow up: Governor Christie: Listen, I have absolutely no idea. I didn't-you know I have not even -to the best of my knowledge I don't know if I've even met the mayor of Fort Lee. I may have met him once. So the fact that he didn't endorse me came as no, you know, wild shock to me. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:32 AM , Michael Drewniak wrote: https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 1/3 12115/13 Gmail- Re: The rest -- on the Gov joking that it was he placing the cones - came later in the press conference. We'll get that too. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:22 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Press Conference- December 2. 2013 · . · . Question: David. Just in time for the holiday season, a Port Authority toll increase has kicked in. The Port Authority is under subpoena to come and talk to the .Assembly Transportation Committee I believe. There have been questions about whether they're out of control, about whether they are responsive to you and the governor of New York, and we've got this big Bayonne Bridge project that's kicking into high gear now to raise it for the tall ships that are coming in. Are they in your opinion out of control and how concerned are you about the Port Authority as an agency? Governor Christie: Well, a few things. I think to characterize the Port Authority as out of control is incorrect. Governor Cuomo and I speak on a regular basis about these issues and I think we also at times have both expressed frustration at the size · of the bureaucracy there and the at times the challenge that we both face in terms of · moving that bureaucracy in the direction that we want it to go as quickly as he and I · both would like it to go. But no, I think the characterization of being out of control is wrong. The Bayonne Bridge project is moving along on pace and on budget and I'm happy about that and we'll see continued movement in that direction and that's a project that but for the intervention of this administration would have never happened and it's been sitting idle for years and it would have had an enormously deleterious effect on the economy of the state if we hadn't moved forward on that project, and so listen, there are always going to be challenges in a bistate agency, where there's not one boss but two. There always will be challenges in an agency of that size, when there are so many folks working on so many different projects. But in the end I think that Governor Cuomo and I would both agree that we're doing the best we can . with what we've inherited and that we're making steps toward changing it. I think the . outside audit and review that was done was evidence to the fact that an independent group came and looked at it and said that a lot of the changes that we've made have · vastly improved the operations at the Port Authority and made them more efficient, so there will always be people that can criticize and Governor Cuomo and I probably · would be two of them that would criticize things that happened at the Port Authority ' at times, but I have complete confidence in Chairman Samson and his ability to be · able to navigate those waters on behalf of all the people of the region and we'll just continue to work at it. You have a follow up? . Follow up: The toll increase that just went into effect, is that fair? Is that ; something that you have anything to do with? What's your reaction to it? • Governor Christie: Listen, it's necessary if in fact we're going to continue to invest in infrastructure at the rate that we're doing that at the Port Authority. Secondly the fact is that we inherited a great deal of activity that had happened before both Governor Cuomo and I got here, activity that they had not accounted for how to pay · for it. So the fact is that someone has to be responsible for that and we had to make this move. I think we've done it in a way that's responsible by phasing it in over time and not having people swallow a toll increase in one fell swoop. But neither Governor Cuomo nor I wanted to do what we did, but we couldn't take the position that our predecessors took which was to continue to spend money that they didn't have, and = https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 213 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: we haven't done that as a rule in this administration and we weren't going to do it at the Port Authority and Governor Cuomo and I both agreed with that. - - - - Forwarded message - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:49AM Subject: Fwd: To: David Saenz Jr - - - Forwarded message - From: David Wildstein Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM Subject: To: Michael Drewniak Mike, can you send transcipt of Govs press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks. https://mail.g oog le.corn/mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\iew=pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 3/3 12115/13 Gmail - Re: infrastructure at the rate that we're doing that at the Port Authority. Secondly the fact is that we inherited a great deal of activity that had happened before both Governor Cuomo and I got here, activity that they had not accounted for how to pay for it. So the fact is that someone has to be responsible for that and we had to make this move. I think we've done it in a way that's responsible by phasing it in over time and not having people swallow a toll increase in one fell swoop. But neither Governor Cuomo nor I wanted to do what we did, but we couldn't take the position that our predecessors took which was to continue to spend money that they didn't have, and we haven't done that as a rule in this administration and we weren't going to do it at the Port Authority and Governor Cuomo and I both agreed with that. - - Forwarded message - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:49 AM Subject: Fwd: To: David Saenz Jr - - - Forwarded message -- - From : David Wildstein Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59AM Subject: To: Michael Drewniak Mike, can you send transcipt of Govs press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks. https:l/mail .google.com/mail/u!O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&-.iew=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail .com&qs=true&search=query&th=142b9168f3714d59 212 12/15/13 Grnail- Re: .:-· . :.1·. Re: Michael Drewniak To: David Saenz Jr Cc: David Wildstein Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:32 AM The rest -- on the Gov joking that it was he placing the cones -came later in the press conference. We'll get that too. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:22 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Press Conference - December 2, 2013 Question: David. Just in time for the holiday season, a Port Authority toll increase has kicked in. The Port Authority is under subpoena to come and talk to the Assembly Transportation Committee I believe . There have been questions about whether they're out of control, about whether they are responsive to you and the governor of New York, and we've got this big Bayonne Bridge project that's kicking into high gear now to raise it for the tall ships that are coming in. ke they in your opinion out of control and how concerned are you about the Port Authority as an agency? Governor Christie: Well, a few things. I think to characterize the Port Authority as out of control is incorrect. Governor Cuomo and I speak on a regular basis about these issues and I think we also at times have both expressed frustration at the size of the bureaucracy there and the at times the challenge that we both face in terms of moving that bureaucracy in the direction that we want it to go as quickly as he and I both would like it to go. But no, I think the characterization of being out of control is wrong. The Bayonne Bridge project is moving along on pace and on budget and I'm happy about that and we'll see continued movement in that direction and that's a project that but for the intervention of this administration would have never happened and it's been sitting idle for years and it would have had an enormously deleterious effect on the economy of the state if we hadn't moved forward on that project, and so listen, there are always going to be challenges in a bistate agency, where there's not one boss but two. There always will be challenges in an agency of that size, when there are so many folks working on so many different projects. But in the end I think that Governor Cuomo and I would both agree that we're doing the best we can with what we've inherited and that we're making steps toward changing it. I think the outside audit and review that was done was evidence to the fact that an independent group came and looked at it and said that a lot of the changes that we've made have vastly improved the operations at the Port Authority and made them more efficient, so there will always be people that can criticize and Governor Cuomo and I probably would be two of them that would criticize things that happened at the Port Authority at times, but I have complete confidence in Chairman Samson and his ability to be able to navigate those waters on behalf of all the people of the region and we'll just continue to work at it. You have a follow up? Follow up: The toll increase that just went into effect, is that fair? Is that something that you have anything to do with? What's your reaction to it? Governor Christie: Listen, it's necessary if in fact we're going to continue to invest in https://rnail.g oog le.comlrnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b9168f3714d59 1/2 12/15/13 Grnail- (no subject) (no subject) ···;: David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM Mike, can you send transcipt of Govs press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks. https:l/mail .google.com/rnail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&-.iew=pt&q=mpdrew42%40grnail.com&qs=true&search=query&th=142b8c13b6734e70 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Fwl: Media inquiries on Assembl~n Wisniew.>ki press release ~ '/ '{ ;~···· '··.·· ·.. bi( ; .~ ''- \gk· ., , . ...... .... • , , •,. , ; Fwd: Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniewski press release : ·. ~-~'· .. · : David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Wed, Nov27, 2013 at 3:56PM Begin forwarded message: From: "Coleman, Ste-..e" Date: No-..ember 27, 2013 3:52:07 PM EST To: "Faye, Patrick" , "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "Ma, John" , "Wildstein, Da\oid" , "MacSpadden, Lisa" Subject: Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniewski press release We ha~ pending requests for comment from Ste-..e Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Bill Mooney of PolitickerNJ.com and Michael Phillis of the Bergen Record on the assemblyman's press release. I'm not returning the calls unless told to do so. News from Assemblyman Wisniewski For Release: Nov.27,2013 Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Deputy Speaker Assembly Transportation Chainnan p: 732-432~8460 e: AsmWisniewski@1~leg.org 'vV\\'W.assemblydems .com Wisniewski Subpoenas Port Authority of NY & NJ Executive Director to Explain George Washington Bridge Lane Closures Compels PANYNJ Chief to Appear at Special Dec. 9 Hearing in Trenton https://mail ,g oog Ie.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\i ew=pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429b595318f0cd4 1/3 Gmail- FIM.l: Media inquiries on Assembl~m To: Baroni Bill Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 12:35 Pfv1 Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: November 27, 2013 12:13:20 PM EST To: David Wildstein Subject: Re: Phone call: Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue subpoenas, comment on ATC testimony Fuck him and the S-L. Sentrrom myiPhone On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:08 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Bell, Matthew" Date: November 27, 2013 11:59:12 AM EST To: "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "DiMarco, Gretchen" , "Wildstein, David" Subject: Phone call: Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue subpoenas, comment on ATC testimony https://mail .g oog le.cornlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&vi ew=pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429aa184bac8a78 1/1 12/15113 Grnail- Re: Re: ·.·:.·.:·.· .. Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 6:11 PM That's hilarious. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 14, 2013, at 6:06PM, David Wildstein wrote: > Checked the sign in sheets -Ted Mann was at the September 20, 2012 board of commissioners meeting where this was announced. https:ffrnail .g oog Ie.com'rnailfu/Of?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\1 ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnail.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 14258e266eae16e0 111 12/15/13 G ~· . Gmail- Fv.d: Spearer Sign-up - Wisniew.:;~ ,, l:~ ·-. ~ ~· fL:.:j .:~:.] I ij Fwd: Speaker Sign-up -Wisniewski David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM Also Weinberg and Johnson Begin forwarded message: From: "Lado, Tina" Date: November 13, 2013 10:02:35 AM EST To: "Eastman, Karen" Cc: "Baroni, Bill" , "Wildstein, David" Subject: FW: Speaker Sign-up -Wisniewski Karen, Jusr received rhe follo\ving. Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman \ Visniewski will be coming to the Board 1v1 eeting. I've included his bio. S. WISNIEWSKI DEPU1Y SPEAKER, 19TH DISTRICT 132 MAIN STREET SAYREVILLE, NJ 08872 JOHN COMMITTEES Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities, Chair Financial Institutions and Insurance Wisniewski has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1996, where he represents the 19th Legislative District. In the Assembly he has served as the Deputy Speaker since 2004, was the Assistant Majority Leader from 2002-2003 and was the Deputy Minority Conference Leader 1998-2001 . Wisniewski serves in the Assembly on the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee (as Chair), the Appropriations Committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. On January 27, 2010, Wisniewski was selected to succeed Joseph Cryan as the Chairman ofthe New Jersey Democratic State Committee. In the Assembly , Wisniewski has introduced legislation that includes the Work First New Jersey Act, which required individuals to work at jobs or in community services as a condition of their https:llmail.g oog le.cornlmai l/u/OI?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&-.iew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1425200aa129fc55 1/3 12/15113 Gmail - F\Ml: Speaker Sign-up- Wisniew.:;IQ benefits, the Dormitory Safety Act which required the installation of sprinklers in all dormitories, the School Bus Enhanced Safety Inspection Act which created new ways and standards by which a school bus was inspected, and the Athletic Training Licensure Act which required athletic trainers to be licensed. Assemblyman Wisniewski also sponsored the bill that was signed into law which increased the property tax reduction for Veterans and seniors, legislation designed to strengthen Megan's Law by keeping sexual predators away from areas where children go to school and play, legislation which required newly constructed elevators in residential buildings to accommodate stretchers, legislation which required the implementation of a fire command structure in mutual aid fires, legislation which required that cell phone use be noted in traffic accidents, legislation that established a penalty for the theft of someone's personal identification information, and legislation which established a scholarship program for the families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In his role as Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, Assemblyman Wisniewski led a fact finding probe into the state's E-ZPass system. Assemblyman Wisniewski is a prime sponsor of the Motor Vehicle Security and Customer Service Act which was signed into law on January 28, 2003. He was a prime sponsor of A-3392 which would consolidate two of the state's toll road agencies . He served on the Middlesex County Senior Citizen Housing Task Force from 1994--1995, the Middlesex County Planning Board from 1994--1995. He served on the Sayreville Cable Television Advisory Board from 1990-1991 ) 21 He has also served on the Sayreville Board of Education's Building Utilization Committee. Assemblyman Wisniewski currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Central New Jersey and is an Executive Board Member of the Middlesex County Arts and Education Council. Wisniewski received a B.A. in 1984 from Rutgers University in English I Economics and was awarded a J.D. from the Seton Hall University School of Law in 1987J2l He was bam in Perth Amboy, and currently resides in Sayreville. Mr. Wisniewski and his wife, Deborah, have three daughters: Emily, Sarah and Rachel. From: Wisniewski, Asm. D.O. [mailto:AsmWisniewski@njleg.org] On Behalf Of Burton, Charles Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 9:56AM To: Speakers Cc: Lado, Tina Subject: Speaker Sign-up - Wisniewski To Whom It May Concern: Assemblyman John Wisniewski wishes to speak at the Port Authority meeting this afternoon. Thank you. Charles Charles T. Burton https:llmail.g oog le.cornlmai lluiOI?ui = 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1425200aa129fc55 2/3 12/15113 Gmail - Fw:f: Speaker Sign-up- Wisnie'M>ki Chief of Staff Office of Assemblyman JohnS. Wisniewski 132 Main Street, Suite A Sayreville, NJ 08872 732-432-8460 phone 732-432-8463 fax CBurton@njleg.org https:llmail.g oog le.comlmai llu!OI?ui= 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1425200aa129fc55 313 12115/13 Gmail - Re: WSJ story Re: WSJ story David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:40PM i don't believe, not for a second, that he independently found Ted Mann's sources and got confirmation. He is copying the WSJ story and making it his own- another ethical breach by Strunsky and the ledger. On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:07PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: · Yeah, right. dope. On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 11:45 AM, Da\.1d Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Wildstein, Da\.1d" Date: November 12, 2013 at 11:17:24 AM EST To: '"da\.1d.wildstein@gmail .com"' Subject: FW: WSJ story From: STRUNSKY1 STEVE [mailto:SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM] Sent: Tuesday1 November 121 2013 11:08 AM To: Wildstein 1 David Subject: WSJ story Hey Da\.1d, If you have anything to say on or off the record about Thursday's Wall Street Journal story, please give me a call. Thanks. -S Steve Strunsky I I One Star-Ledger Plaza I Newark, NJ 07102-1200 https://mail.g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&-.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1424e797050d2bcd 1/2 12/15/13 Gmail - Re: WSJ story P: 973-392-1544 I M: 973-986-6848 I E: SSTRUNSIiew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1424e797050d2bcd 2/2 Gmail- Re: ln>£Stigation of AnthonyHa~ye5 Complaint 12/15/13 :. . . :: ( - ..·; . ·: . Re: Investigation of Anthony Hayes Com plaint . :· .· Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 3:42 PM Those facts alone would probably warrant award of attorney fees if you filed a suit. But very messy. Sent from my iPhone On Nov6, 2013, at 2:58PM, David Wildstein wrote: So HR looks at it, finds NOTHING, and now I'm shelling out $50k on a lawyer to protect me from a set up. On Nov 6, 2013, at 2:54 PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: That is deeply fucked up. What a piece of excrement. Sent from my iPhone On Nov6, 2013, at 12:40 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Foye, Patrick" Date: October 30, 2013 6:19:38 PM EDT To: "Wildstein, David" Cc: "Buchbinder, Darrell" Subject: Investigation of Anthony Hayes Complaint We have retained Daniel Gitner of the firm of Lankier . Siffert & Wohl to conduct an investigation regarding an anonymous complaint made earlier this year to the Port Authority's Office of the Inspector General pertaining to Anthony Hayes, specifically to determine if that anonymous complaint was made in retaliation for certain workplace matters previously raised in 2013 by Anthony Hayes with the Port Authority's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion, and the formal complaint filed by Anthony Hayes with the Office in September 2013, with respect to those workplace matters , specifically to determine if there is a basis in fact for such complaint. I have asked Dan to https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1Aew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1422f27486d5d9a1 1/2 Gmail ~ Re: ln~£Stigation of AnthonyHa~ Complaint 12/15/13 contact you as part of that investigation and would appreciate your full cooperation to permit him to review and report on these matters in a short time-frame. Dan's contact information is attached for your reference. https:l/mail.google.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&'view=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail .com&qs=true&search=query&th=1422f27486d5d9a1 2/2 .: G ,.i "· -. 12/15/13 Gmail - F\1\d: ~-:~ ~ / ; ] 8 ~- .. .. · " Fwd: ' . ::- '. David Wildstein To: Baroni Bill Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 12:11 PM Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: November 6, 2013 12:08:36 PM EST To: David Wildstein Subject: Fwd: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Michael Drewniak" Date: November 6, 2013, 12:06:45 PM EST To: For goodness sake, the Governor of the state of New Jersey does not involve himself in traffic surveys. 'Culture offear,' that's just silly. This is a bistate agency, and we expect New Jersey's interests to be represented fully That's what we advocate for by definition appropriately but aggressively as needed. Maybe your "fearful" sources are confused or disoriented by that. As a final thought, Governor Christie and Governor Cuomo themselves have always worked very cooperatively in the fair interests of both states. https:llmail .google.cornlmaillu/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view=pt&q = mpdrew42%40gmail.com&qs=true&search=query&th=1422e65ee13fded2 1/1 12115/13 Gmail- Re: George Washington Bridge 1, .• .. .. Re: George Washington Bridge David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Wed, Nov6, 2013 at 11:40 AM Ok On Nov 6, 2013, at 11:36 AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Will talk to you within the next hour. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Michael Drewniak" Date: November6, 2013, 11:15:26AM EST To: "Colin Reed" , "Maria Comella" Subject: Fw: George Washington Bridge It's back ... From: Mann, Ted [ma ilto:Ted.Mann@wsj.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 10:49 AM To: Michael Drewniak Subject: George Washington Bridge Mike, I'm writing about the George Washington Bridge and the closure of local access lanes from Fort Lee in early September. Our story will note that the closures were done on the orders of David Wildstein, and will reiterate what we've already reported about their purpose: that the official explanation of a traffic study appears to be contradicted by the Port Authority's own internal communications, and that the mayor of Fort Lee told Bill Baroni that he concluded the real purpose was "punitive." Some questions for the governor: When did the governor learn about these lane closures? Did he direct David Wildstein to order that the lanes be closed? https://mail .g oog le.com/mail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1422e49847b27695 1/2 12115/13 Gmail- Re: George Washington Bridge Has he spoken to Dav;d Wildstein, Bill Baroni, Dav;d Samson, or anyone else at the Port Authority about this matter, and if so, what did he tell them? Does he support Sen. Weinberg's resolution to empower the State Government committee to subpoena the Port Authority to determine the purpose of the closures, and if not, why not? On a broader issue that will be addressed in the article: people familiar with the workings of the Port Authority have told us that Gov. Christie has wielded outsize influence within the authority in recent years, through his appointees including Baroni and Wildstein. These people describe the efforts to advance Gov. Christie's agenda within the authority as creating "a culture of fear" and "wreaking havoc" on the normal operations of the authority, and they use this incident with the GW Bridge as an example. Do you have any response to that criticism? Has the governor ever expressed v;ews about how his appointees at the PA should (or shouldn't) use their positions to get New Jersey and/or the administration what it wants? I'm happy to discuss all this on the phone if you prefer. I'm writing now, and planning to file this story by 4 p.m. today at the latest. Please let me know if you'll be able to answer these questions. Ted Ted Mann Reporter The Wall Street Journal. 1211 Sixth Ave. New York NY 10036 212-416-2660 (0) 646-535-6072 (c) ted.mann@wsj.com https://mai l.g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1422e49847b27695 212 12/15/13 Grnail - Fw:l: GWB local closures. Fwd: GWB local closures. David Wildstein To: Baroni Bill Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:18PM Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: October 28, 2013 at 3:05:53 PM EDT To: David Wildstein Subject: Fwd: FW: GWB local closures. Such a fucking mutt. See below ... - - - Forwarded message - - From : Michael Drewniak Date: Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:05 PM Subject: FW : GWB local closures . To: mpdrew42@gmail.com From: Michael Drewniak Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 2:55PM To: 'STRUNSKY, STEVE' Cc: Colin Reed Subject: RE: GWB local closures. No, for goodness sake. The Governor of the State of New Jersey does not involve himself in traffic studies . From: STRUNSKY, STEVE [mailto:SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM] Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 1:41 PM To: Michael Drewniak Cc: Colin Reed Subject: GWB local closures. https://rnail.g oog le.com/rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 1/3 12/15/13 Gmail - F'Ml: GWB local closures. Hey Mike, A letter written last month by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to Bill Baroni regarding last month's local GWB access lane closures begs a response from the governor's office. The Sept. 12 letter asks that the closures be lifted "quietly, uneventfully and without political fanfare." Referring to himself and other Fort Lee officials, Sokolich writes in the Sept. 12 letter: "Ha\ing received absolutely no notice of this decision, not having obtained any response to our multiple inquiries concerning same, and try as we may to understand its rationale without the benefit of a response from the Port Authority, we are reaching the conclusion that there are punitive overtones associated with this initiative." The letter also states that, "many members of the public have indicated to me that the Port Authority Police Officers are advising commuters in response to their complaints that this recent traffic debacle is the result of a decision that I, as Mayor, recently made." It is plain from other passages in the letter as well as other sources that the "decision" mentioned in the letter was Sokolich's decision not to endorse Gov. Christie for re-election. As you know, The Wall Street Journal, The Record and other news organizations have published reports referring to suspicions that the closures were politically motivated, in retrobution for Sokolich's failure to endorse the governor. As you know, the Port Authority's exective director, Pat Faye, has denounced the closures as having threatened public safety and the reputation of the agency, and stated publicly that a review was taking place. No doubt you're also aware that some Democrats, including state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, have expressed frustration at the Port Authority's failure to thoroughly explain the closures, including why they were conducted without the normal notifications to Fort Lee officials. So, in light of the letter, I have a few questions for your office. I've tried to make them specific and sufficiently early: *Is the govenor aware of any plan last month to close GWB access lanes in retrobution for Mayor Sokolich's failure to endorse the governor for re-election? *If they were politically motivated, were the closures made with the governor's consent? *If the closures were politically motivated, but they were not done with the governor's consent, is he taking any action in response to them? Thanks. -S SteveStrunsky I I One P: 973-392-1544 I M: Star-Ledger Plaza 973-986-6848 I Newark, NJ 07102-1200 I E: SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM https://mail.g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&..;ew=pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 2/3 12/15/13 Gmail - FIM.l: GWB local closures. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, purge it and do not disseminate or copy it. https://mail.g oog le.corn/mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&-...ievv-pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 3/3 12/15/13 Gmail- F'Ml: FW: Star Ledger inquiry Fwd: FW: Star Ledger inquiry David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Man, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:00PM Strunsky working today on a story Ted Mann ran on 10/17 - - - Forwarded message ----From: Wildstein, David Date: Man, Oct 28, 2013 at 2:59PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry To: "david. wildstein@gmail. com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 2:49 PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Wildstein, David; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry Steve Strunsky is working on a story based on a letter sent last month by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to Bill regarding the closing of the GWB local access lanes in early September. Steve is asking if we responded to the letter, and if we have included our investigation into this matter. I will not respond unless directed otherwise to do so. NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. https:/!mail.google.cornlmail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&..;evv=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail .com&qs=true&search=query&th=142007015af142d1 1/1 12115/13 Gmail - F'M:f: Wall Street Journal Fwd: Wall Street Journal David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Thu, Oct 17, 2013 at 7:53 PM DIRECTING lane closures would be grossly inaccurate. Faye is a piece of crap. Begin forwarded message: From: "Faye, Patrick" Date: October 17, 2013 7:45:56 PM EDT To: "Coleman, Steve" , "Baroni, Bill" , "Ma, John" , "Wildstein, David" , "MacSpadden, Lisa" Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal Defer to Bill. Original Message From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 07:37PM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal Ted Mann just e-mailed an additional query on the GWB toll lane issue. Ted said he was told by sources that David was in Fort Lee directing the lane closure operation on Sept 9 and Ted is asking why he was there. He plans to include this information in his story tomorrow. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld https://mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&-..1ew=pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 141 c8d642f1aef27 1/1 BOROUGH OF FORT LEE Office of the Mayor 309 Main Street Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-4799 Mark J. Sokolich Mayor Telephone (20\) 592-3500 -Ext. 1003 Facsimile (201) 59'2-1657 E-mnil: mayor@fortleenj.org PERSONAL Via Email: September 12,2013 Tlze Honorable Bill Baroni Deputy Executive Director Tlze Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 225 Park A venue, 151h Floor New York, New York 10003 Dear Bill: I am writing this correspondence to you and am refraining from copying any other party in the hopes that a recent decent decision by the Port Authority will be reversed quietly, uneventfully and without political fanfare. Permit me to elaborate. Without any notice whatsoever to Fort Lee (or any of its agencies, including our Police Department), the Port Authority reduced the available toll booths for traffic flO\ving through Fort Lee from three to one. Suffice it to say, this decision has wreaked havoc upon our community during the morning rush hour, visiting upon us complete gridlock. Having received absolutely no notice of this decision, not having obtained any response to our multiple inquiries concerning same, and try as we may to understand its rationale without the benefit of a response from the Port Authority, we are reaching the conclusion that there are punitive overtones associated with this initiative. What other conclusion could we possibly reach? Our emergency service vehicles are experiencing tremendous response time delays and my office is overwhelmed with complaints. Unquestionably, this decision has negatively impacted public safety here in Fort Lee. Adding insult to injury, many members of the public have indicated to me that the Port Authority Police Officers are advising commuters in response to their complaints that this recent traffic debacle is the result of a decision that I, as the Mayor, recently made. The basis, reason, or genesis of the decision is of no consequence to me; however, its profound and adverse impact on our community is of paramount importance to me. The Honorable Bill Baroni September 12, 2013 Page2 I have incessantly attempted to contact Port Authority representatives to no avail. Would you please be good enough to please have someone contact me or Police Chief Bendul to discuss the basis of this recent poLicy change and wh To: Drewniak Michael Thu, Oct 17, 2013 at 5:13PM Begin forwarded message: From: "Wildstein, Da\1d" Date: October 17, 2013 at 5:09:39 PM EDT To: '"da\1d. wildstein@gmail.com"' Subject: Fw: Wall Street Journal inquiry- GWB toll lane issue From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 05:06PM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry-- GWB toll lane issue Ted Mann is working on a story for tomorrow's paper based on a letter that Mayor Sokolich allegedly sent to Bill, saying that he has concluded that the GWB toll lane closings were punitive. The letter also reportedly said that PAPD told commuters that the closures and traffic were the result of a decision that Mayor Sokolich made. Ted is seeking PA comment. I will not respond unless instructed otherwise. NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS), AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. https://mail .g oog le.corn/mail/u/O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 141 c843fd3069b66 1/1 12/15/13 Grnail- (no subject) ". : <~: (no subject) . . : ··~ : :· .. : ... ·.. David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Wed, Oct 16, 2013 at 3:48PM Appears Loretta said she would introduce a Senate resolution tomorrow for subpoena power. She told Strunsky and Mann. Let me know if you get asked about it. https://rnail.g oog le.comlrnail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q =mpdrew42%4()q rnail.com&a s=true&search=a uerv&th= 141 r.?r.frld4"1 nrlh" 1/1 T-he G8o~ge Washington Bridg~'l£ie.st-8Bd.ge....m...th~'¥G!=ld. In 2012, more than 102 o,u) million vehicles crossed the bridge connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey and New York City. Th~ ..9F.idge-i-s-a-viW:l.-l:ife-Jffig. .-f..Q±=...Co.m,mutgr..,s.,.-\risitors-,and com.mercs-. ' ~ These traffic backup~__affect the lives of d,rivers from throughout the re~y also cause residual trafficd;;;;: in the host municipalities of City/~iliese impacts, over ilie tD]j]ion in Fort Lee to ass· decade ilie the~: and New Xcirk · Po~rity-baSs;;;:::-;$15 e community in am3iorafii1""g the impacts of tbis traffic. Most of /~ these funds re been spent on improvement~ to the local roadway network near the bridge and ~Lee municipal!;-'"'~ · . _Dflvers-·usingihe-brid:ge--pay-a-tell-te-er--ess-lhe-bricl:ge-e~'l:lB.cl-eBl-y ..'Ibis mea:B:S-that- vehieles--ent~.g;v--¥m:k....cue..:thr.o.ug.h-tol1Jane.s_in_N.e.w....re:.sefThere are twelve toll lanes on I/ 1 J, C..vtv-n:-<-f-approaches, ~r:CGRQUND.--About a decade ago, according to Port Authority employees assigned to the George ~ ridge at that time, then-Fort Lee Mayor Jack .Alter (virho \V ashingt'Cl Freeholder and a Co \Vas --- --- ..-_.....- ?].so a Bergen County 'ssioner ofthe New Jersey Board /o(2.ubtic Utilities) insisted on the __ ________ ~ creation of special segregated e"'ITD:¥!_ce lanes tq_..thc--bridge for vebicles coming from local streets ~- in Fort Lee. These lanes 'iii 7ere --------cre~t.ed-by plac o a:ffic cones to block all other traffic from using three toll lanes _tr.e· fl"all other approaches. This reduced r ---------------//__.,. twelve to niat: This forced the creation of three special "Fort Lee Lanes" -lane /..9ose-'Only by residents of Fort Lee who access them via Martha Washington Boulevard. ' / , :.. ':l.'d:·~ ~(,J,/..ithe other five Port Authoritv crossings- Lincoln TunneL Holland TunneL Bavonne Bridge, ;yl nU;!:/j )jV()/ Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing- contain such se£Tegated lanes. (Weehawken at the Lincoln Tunnel: J ersev Citv at the Holland Tunnel: Bavonne at the Bavonne Bridge: EliZabeth at the Goethals Bridge: and Perth Ambov at the Outerbri.dge Crossing.) These s~?I'egated lanes we~e·ordered by the Port Authority :with9ut ~c_o.r-ded-rrai±fc" I . study, -vvithol,YC any analysis I I prese';/at that time,· respOre ~ 2 ~ oftp:~ir impact, and without c -;-uJ.~/rv~ri.'th any Bergen County I municip~{ty or govemment,6utside o I .. , _ Lee). According to ySrt Authority police officers I 'ire ordered to create and enforce trufse special, segregated lanes in the directive ifm Mayor Alter to Port Authority ftaff. horns. Vehicle E-ZPass Registration for George Vi 7ashington Bridge 1 ...- Total Vehicles Eastbound %of Total Vehid~~ / Eastbound Traffic / -/ Fort Lee ,4,839 I ...,._) -~--/./ ~ ~o~ Bergen County (69 Tovms) 145,244 I ~JAb% 6,528 Essex County / Passaic County ./ ,4,793 /~- /f6.10% . ,4.50% / ' Morris County ,4,68)/ ' 14.4% Hudson County ~,.,:r38 ,3.5% 2,946 ,2.8% ,2,637 ,2.5% 1,905 ,1.8% 1,036 11.0% :tvfiddlesex Count-y Monmouth County Union County Somerset County Mercer County / / ~ortllvvest~ev¥1ersey / South J erse,i' ./ ~ewYotic ,. / / / 1881 1,298 0.8% 1.30% 1921 1 o.9o% 115,747 114.8% 7,188 6.7% / Othei States / ' 3 .. / ~ ~ ~ A~BGUS~SEBTEMBER~ '-......./ 'J In August 2013, follov.ring multiple conversations 'With members of &-Port Authority Police Department. Port Authoriru Director of Interstate C ' · · Proiects David Wildstein met ~~ - •; J ·with Port Authority officials in Enginee~sJ..{'Ciffic Engineering, and Tunnels Bridges and Terminals to review the situation of·"'"Jle se£Tegated Fort Lee Lanes. He asked ·the Office of the ~. . /d e . . th ' . . . C.. fE ngmeer t/mmen t h b est way to rev1ew - ese S·peelalLanes to d eterrmne the .ble nossib/ilitv ofreduc.ed tr~ffie c.on2:estion bv .._ "' - ... eh~nQ:ing: - - the treatment offered to vehicles j',coming: -, -I' / ;\ /!)t. -1./(._ \ ,. Vv "• /.') :vJ I /L'~ //,I ' 'VI" , A- (/V On August 28, 2013, the Port Autliority's CbiefTra£:5.c Engine~r created sev·~ral /~ ~ - . .){~<. ( 1- v ·1 ,-p::1~"~) ~ ~_ _}?_/! 1 / ..,., 1 ;u-~·~·z, ·-:,{"' I nff.1 ' lllvl1''"-1' 1' V"li:v'7j r I' i 1,1£-1_,-- . fron:YDne municipality. ./ I ~:--- , . ·/. ?"./p L .. . scenarios to modify tlte Special Lanes, · 'Ill,i,s~l'.lded th~op:ion of-sec"ting asidca::i:iLfafTiccorres ' r..t~f-....... . ___.----:---- r~i$d' ---------\ / ~ , ,llf.:Y~~so that traffic is allowed to m€Re'freelyfromvari'ous appwaehes:::~t~-the J.e...oliiittericbruClfrt!T- W· ~ ,:\_,{ ,fJJQ;; \~' /, 0\...1, ':~~'1\.:! ' Le Chle.::: Jr±u±cnfP..neer :tld.a.hf'-G±t---±>~'tf~s- · Bw · -:t:Je-segregat.eGl-H"-Gm-tlle-eth@f--ap-~r.o.ach.~""'s_ _ _. . -r ~~ 'R . '!...~ ... v ·.T ~=-h .. 1d1... r... \ :vv, 't' :·~<- h v \''J ,, l . \~Q·; ' . '-i;j\ ~-\ by..the JJs.e..o..f..:tJ.:affi.c-G8~Fggar~-e1 of tolllanc.s it is {ceiling. This was airncthlt----' tniJ \:!- ' - \ \~":.£ th~ i; sl. ---o:f ~jJ::;Sv.'ipe crasbes. These scenarios included reducing the total number of /'~~, I __,., ~\ -. ( Speci.il Lanes from three to either two or one . ?.?7 c./ C.-c-·?·'LZV?~j>-;__..:<( \"·-..___...,// . 7 ' "' ' '\.../) , --/,; ./\....12,;!__-c.ated __ ,-- _ ~- - ..... - ./'"' !f·, f \L~·.. tr\t. l ;...:,__ n C".,1~ - ~ j; i'- '-·· ; P\.."1 ~/' _____ , . ? ' -,...._, ? •' •' i/·fl~l t1t-G:.(~· I....._} On the morning of September 6, the Chief Enginee~ notified·fhe Director of TUilllels, \.,....._ _../<.······ . . Bridges and Terminals (TBT) that the study would.De.:,oiri.on the morning of September 9. _.,...,-·",..-- Shortly afterwards, TBT Director notified hi,~-stilff, including the General Manager of the George _ ,.---- __.::--.~ -/./ . . \Vashington Bridge. Thy 'Chief:ETI:,oiriee;:-lasked the TBT Director to have their respective traffic ' ' ....,~.... ~--~~_,...r"'" -' staff work together to assessanyand all impacts. This also happened on the morning of September 6. It was determined that three signs would need to be changed for the duration of the one week test: one at the corner of Bruce Reynolds Boulevard (BRB) and Hoyt Avenue,one on the Hudson Street median just north ofBRB, and one of the Martha Washington Boulevard median just south ofBRB. These signs, which depict lanes usage approaching the Upper Level Toll Plaza, were to be covered by facility maintenance prior to Monday morning. These signs 1;r,'ould remain covered for the duration of the test. Bridge staff also notified the Port Authority Police Depart:rrient, who handled the reduction in lanes on the morning of September 9. At all times during the week of the review, the Port Authority police monitored traffic. They were alert for any emergency vehicles in the area of the bridge and prepared to further alter traffic patterns in the event of an emergency. Mi. Wil.:stein~at the bridge early on l 3 \ ., ,. " ·~ :y '\·~;J. . ;:~· ~~- .-\'J ·\'· ·:\ "-" ',,~J"j . \.., • ,. '\ ~ " \J'-.1 . .,\ r'~J ,Q__;'\ ~·<. ··::::> r't, ! '·~'!~Y. rrtilirin~~te iliat this t:st-~:labor ~eca~e ~}~-:;~:: ~0J ___.:-- . '· intensive. ' f~ ~· dedicated to Fort Lee was a cash laneo it was necessary to have .?'-..._-.-.. toll collector on duty. - relief . --.."::";..- - L _ _ - - - - > . . · ,,~ording to bridge staff; the return ofn-.ro lanes to general use resulted in a moderate ·- ~v~ •\J' -.! h \ ()[,'\. \ ,,\ \ \ i \ ,. \ '\' / ~ ~·· _;:, \ ,..•:\,\~ \/fre-l:ief and reduction in traffic times for non-Fort Lee Lane users. How~y~_r,..the-recfuction in · \\~r·4,<:L-- ~ ------------', ) . \rY .~ · segregated lanes ~igrtffi.eanttraffi·c-'-'11f1ne'13-c;;;gh ofF ort Lee. On Friday, September , '· r) -.~- - ~~ - f:,'..:v . ~ · ro rt L ee users only. L ' 1 ../ rr G..../ r . · \ ;.~:?-/ " vP1 \ _.p-,;-,-~ v» "~'"'\ v I T' ......___ - - - -- - ----.. . . .......... /' / /'( \ . .,"-/ .... _..........,......_. ' - / \~ . 0 \ 'i "' i1 l ' i ( : -:_j ' \ ...~_:__ .. , ':'\ 13 Port Authority Executive Director Pat Faye ordered the Fort Lee lanes returned to use by rJ'.---.... • /.'1 ~. r · \ \.}/1 g) fj ,\ ,'/ ;l j .....___......./ EA.RLY DATA COLLECTION I I I Data collection was limited, partly due to a traffic accident on the Cross Bron..x Expressway on Monday morning, and to the early termination of the study on Friday morning. Still, there '~as a notable difference in the movement of traffic for . th~ff vehicles that do · \ Pj C .,, not come from Fort Lee. For example, on Tuesday morning, the bridge general manager noted ~ ;(t~i; L-tz~"'A-c/ £../ 1-:. ""..:-.:;/~· that the I-95 approaches were free and c~ar: by 8:30 A._M.~ ' [_jl-:-r-t--p-c::/ v< ttL<=-/---c ~ ?/. I Traffic Engineering performed an analysis for Tuesday, September 10 and observed some ( improvement in the overall travel time in the non-segregated (non-Fort Lee) lanes during the ~, \ \ morning peak period, which runs fran} 6A._M t~ According to Traffic Engineering: I * \~ minutes in travel time was observed- a reduction of 47% of the time it normally takes. For traffic originating on the I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.00 * For traffic originating on the I-95 Local lanes, an average reduction of 2. 76 minutes in travel tiri:J.e was observed- a reduction of 40% of the time it normally takes. ~ -~ Addtionally, there was also improvement on Wednesday, Se(tember 11:\ ' 10 - . . Q •' . ,..:..L .Y..yl t, •· \i))S,\1 0.." ~\\ ~ s_~. t:t::tf-3 '· . ) j1 ,, )_}.[..CJ--y'' 1\' . •''.r, iJJ!'''' V' .·oJJ- 01 ). I J',_J<·i\ u ' 'vl clJ. ' liifJ'l . ~ J • ,_ . • \ v V' * For traffic originating on the I-95 Express Lanes, an average reduction of 4.12 minutes in travel time was observed -- - a reduction of 52% of the time it normally takes. * For traffic oricinatin£ on the I-95 Local lanes, an avera£e reduction of 2. 72 ~ ~ ~ ~~\ n\ (£~~ minutes in travel time '~'as observed--- a reduction qf 43% of the time it normally take ptti. ~ ~~- I ) d€1~ The Chief Traffic En£ineer noted that the improvement in the travel time on the~Yc/2~1 k se£Te£ated lanes should be wei£hed a£ainst the deterioration of level of service for the local ! / o•j / . traffic ori0_ natinQ from Fort Lee. 1 ;_:J.JrJ .~_f , '-' ,, 1 ,/ '--'l 'l f //if"""" ' ij t''-'\" ~ . / . ),; 1 -~ v· rv l· ,r.l,,1 ! ii' 1~1[/ , .I•'' " COIVThfON1CATION The implementation of the reduction of Fort Lee Lanes from three to one was not I ~ -~- r1~0\_ . \J \ ':) !~Go . I I -1 accompanied by customru.-y com.m.unic~tions, both within the Port Authority and eXternally. The Borough of Fort Lee was not notified of the closures in advance. These communication breakdo·wns cannot be repeated. The Port Authority relies on mutual cooperation both internally and with our community stakeholders. Not having complete buy-in within the agency a..11d securing the cooperation of Fort Lee resulted in a lack of information that is not consistent with . our agency's commitment to transparency. \Vhile the question of the segregated Fort Lee Lanes is critically important, it must be addressed in an open and transparent manner. Future traffic ,____ \ studies will include outreach to municipal goverm:nent officials where a facility is located. . FUTURE STIJDY Two clear lessons were learned from the September traffic study. First, a new formalized process will _ e implemented immediately to address any changes to lane configurations. b Beginning immediately, 11 any\~affic changes must be approved by both the Executive Director I \,"r,(\/ A '· '.\! ~ "~ef'v,:-j eP''~t.r':..uJ 1,vl ' · 0 7 0 and Deputv Executive Directo~d the Board or'Commissioners mu~t be notified In addition. ") ....,.___ __j notification must be made to the local municipality and county not less than 30 days prior to r .... implementation./ (This would exclude emergency activity conducted in the interest of public I · /~~ ~ / ·'1::!' "r, l/ safetv.) lihis 30-dav notification period will allow time for imnrroved dialogue between the Port ' ~ I ~ ~ y ~V:\'I>.J - r'-- ~ ~ . ~-:~~'\:~Authority, our host communities, ruJ.d the public. ':.:l ·-< > f.,· ·· \.) · -~ - -~, ·'-"·"'' \J- (!{ ~~.."§;'~:\ · &e:G""r1_ thp segrp9:atPd 'j.,'.-'\1 Xx\~ ,,~J'~ ',~'i.~"\1~\: Eo~~ea:rly ch:- ---- tB....,J.. ; a comroversi·anssue·in-tb.e-re-gi-Gn. · 0 -G ~'" ' }.!'.leA>·- · . . . - A. 1 ~--- r- 1"" -~ ~ r __ ,_- _..:..:__ v, J ~- b~g J. CO>L ;:h • x:i • .:tr-"±C---:I:tct,-'-""- •'-'•CUll 101--uo::.LIU_gv vruuU .:> u. :t~~;- '-.!.IULJ ....-·" N~......, N. '{~, '·'' .... .,__ -'{l" deserw~d.-tbr"'e~~gr"'gated ,Uuu.~._., lH'-- ··e·s···-a'·e · -s .;,.+-r..-:=o-+i-n=rr · l ··n L --- · -'.!"·p--o~-·r o 1 _ .Ll _,_,cc:; . ,.. . access 1~-re-stdents:orHergen -ana--Passruc... ----...... ----- . The~e Port Authority will immediately create a Fort Lee :S....an~ask Force to study the lanes at the ~ridge:--The agency asks that representa -~five legislative districts in Bergen County participate along V~~th repr County Freeholders, Borough ofFo the Pzty ee, New Jersey Departme_ " Transportation, the,..,.-· ·Por:t . -------Terminal, , ChiefTr2.1-lS.c Engineer, Director ofTurmels. Rc1ges Police Department, the Port Authori , aw Department, and General Manag"""- o~ George Washington Bridge to rev-~pattems at the toll lanes public, open and transpar 12 d to determine in a way how access to the George \Vashington Bridge should be By opPning the process, both spe....ifi....ally aL the; o...,ol.ge 'Nashington Bridge aml generally ~tlroriry t-~~Port Authority will fulfiU ,jfjCOTlli-oitrneut to transparen~JJ'( k/ ;~1. iUtj;cftc..rdtpv~~fJ,.v-~--": .~ ~ I. "}?Y including members of the public and their representatives/the Port Authority will benefit _::_.~~L:~ - from the input of tho:::.c; who uve and 'ivork '!Iound the George Vi'asbingte.n=-£-~..;...;.ge .. / .. . . - /,. . t!tf!!7 - ,./ • /._// ~1...-/'..-"?C. ~;cc.;~ i 1( {rt'"wf/...<- ~- ~"''-/ :I . . -t.b~ ...... ~ - rL~ /.yvvt-;;; ( • . v .3,1/e believe that(the Port Authonty ,,;.m leafitliTom the·~Tii:~S"'ei' September 2013-a.afrwlll T-?_...;- /--., bc.tr 13 / ~ 17 ' 12/13/13 Gmail- (no subj ect) (no subject) David Wildstein Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:11 PM To: Bridget Kelly , "michael.drewniak" From: Cichowski, John [mailto:Cichowski@northjersey.com] Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 01:17 PM To: Valens, Chris Subject: GWB toll booths from Bruce Reynodls Blvd Hi, Chris : I've been getting several calls and emails like the one below about fewer toll booths beind open to the GWB from Bruce Reynolds Bl\{j_ Can you respond to these complaints, especially the 5 questions posed by the reader below? I'm at 973-586-8153. My cell is: 973-476-6333. Much appreciated . -john John Cichowski The Road Warrior The Record, Herald News & northjersey.com 100 Commons Way Rockaway, NJ 07866 On Monday Sept 9, the local Ft Lee approach to the GWB via Bruce Reynolds Bl\{j and Martha Washington Way changed dramatically. What used to be 3 toll booths from the local approach has turned into one toll booth, creating a large traffic backup that stretches back onto Hudson Terrace all the way to Englewood Cliffs. Our commute to midtown Manhattan from Tenafly used to take 30- 35 minutes. On Monday, it took 2 hours and 15 minutes and on Tuesday it took 90 minutes. At the advice of the Ft Lee Police Dept, we got onto Rt 4 in Englewood and merged onto 95 and the last two mornings the commute took over an hour. The Fort Lee Police do not have any answers, they claim it's the Port Authority's decision to close the local toll booths and that I should complain to them. I tried to call the PA but I can't get a live person on the phone. My questions to you are why didn't the Port Authority warn commuters about this change? Why did they do this? How long will it last? What is the goal of these local tollbooth closures? https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&vievv=pt&q = bridQ etannekellv%40vahoo.com&o s=true&search=o uer\Rl.th= 1411 ::l!1R44!1::.n'i?CJ::. 1/1 G!TEi l - (no subject) 12/13113 - . ~ ~· ,_. ,.' ' ! (no subject) David Wildstein Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:18PM To: Bridget Kelly , "michael.drewniak" The Port Authority is reviewing traffic safety patterns at the George Washington Bridge to ensure proper placement of toll lanes. The PAPD has been in contact with Fort Lee police throughout this transition. https://mail.g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q =bridg etannekelly%4{)1,ahoo.com&a s=true&search=a uerv&th= 141139c1431b8e68 1/1 12/13/13 Gmail- Re: Phone call : Ma}Qr Sokol ich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of publi c scf,:,:y in Fort Lee Re: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort lee · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - Bridget Anne Kelly To: David Wildstein Man, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:14 AM Ty On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:13 AM, David Wildstein wrote: Radio silence His name comes right after mayor Fulop On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:06 AM , Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Did he call him back? On Sep 9, 2013, at 9:48AM, David Wildstein wrote: - - - Forwarded message - - From: Baroni, Bill Date: Man, Sep 9, 2013 at 9:41 AM Subject: Fwd: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee To: David Wildstein Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Bell, Matthew" Date: September 9, 2013, 9:29:02 AM EDT To: "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "DiMarco, Gretchen" Subject: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT https://mai l.g oog Ie.com/mai llu/O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&.;ew= pt&q =bridg etannekelly%4()yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uerv&th= 141 031344139c50b 1/2 Grnail- Re: 12/13/13 Re: -----------------------------------David Wildstein To: Bridget Anne Kelly Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 10:09 AM Will call you in 5 minutes On Sep 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Great. I called you yesterday to talk PATH On Sep 7, 2013, at 9:43AM , David Wildstein wrote: I will call you Monday AM to let you know how Fort Lee goes. On Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 9:30AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Yes. I will let you know. On Sep 6, 2013, at 2:50PM, David Wildstein wrote: We are ready to do this, can you have someone call the Mayor of Springfield and tell him that Gov has approved $6Dk for their traffic study. The Township of Springfield has requested LAP funding for a Master Plan Re-examination Report. The Township requested that the Re-examination include a critical Traffic Study for Morris Avenue to assist in the redevelopment of the downtown and a Sustainability Element to assist the Township in getting certified by Sustainable New Jersey. $60,000. https://mail.g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui =2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q =bridg etannel To: Bridget Anne Kelly Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 4:04PM No sarcasm here, I genuinely liked bill can dyke. Nice guy and one of the easiest candidates I ever had. On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:31 PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: >You are way too obnoxious. I'm on line at bill van dyke's wake > >On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:30PM, oav;d Wildstein wrote: > >> That will undoubtedly be the highlight of my day >> >>On Aug 30, 2013, at 3:11PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: >> >>> Will call in about an hour >>> >>> On Aug 28, 2013, at 7:46PM , oav;d Wildstein wrote: >>> >>>> Whenever, not urgent, just by Tuesday >>>> >>>>On Aug 28, 2013, at 7:18PM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: >>>> >>>>> Ok. Away with kids. Will call in the morning. >>>>> >>>>>On Aug 28, 2013, at 5:08PM, Dav;d Wildstein wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Call when you have a chance re: Ft. Lee- can wait for tomorrow https://mail .g oog le.comlmail/u!O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\iew=pt&q =bridg etannekellf/o40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 140d0d34bb8671 b1 1/1 12113/13 Gmail- Re: Re: David Wildstein To: Bridget Anne Kelly Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 7:35AM Got it On Aug 13, 2013, at 7:34AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: > Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee. httos://rmil .o ooo le.r.nmlrMil/i JI0/?1Ji=2&ik= 505bd&lfe2&view=ot&o = brido etannekell~oP/n40vahoo.com&o s=true&search=a uerv&th= 140m5a01bb05c1 1/1 12/15/13 Grnail - (no subject) I (no subject) David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 12:43 PM This is the letter I referred to - note paragraph 2, page 3 -- " ... we find ourselves with no other alternative other than to direct the Chief of Police to completely close off our local roads over which we maintain exclusive jurisdiction to a'v{)id Fort Lee becoming a parking lot in the future and thereby require all vehicles to remain on the major approach thoroughfares (i.e. Route 46, Route 4, Route 80, 1-95, etc.) and not otherwise meander through our local thoroughfares which cause safety concerns (especially for children) and complete traffic shut-down for all our residents." t9 Sokolich Letter 11_9_10.PDF 722K https://rnail .g oog le.com/rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c3db2eeebd3f7 1/1 BOROUGH OF FORT LEE Office of the Mayor 309 Main Street Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-4799 Mark J. Sokolich Mayo•· Facsimile (20 I) 592-1657 Telephone (20 I) 592-3500 -Ext. I 003 E-mail : mayor@fortleenj .org Via Facsimile 212-435-6489 & Regular Mail: November 9, 2010 Mr. William Baroni Deputy Director Port Autltori(v ofNew York & New Jersey · 225 Park Avenue Soutlz, 15'11 Floor New York, New York 10003 Re: PROPOSED SHUT-DOWN OF FORT LEE ROADWAYS Dear Director Baroni: I preface the following correspondence to you by conceding we are all very frustrated here in Fott Lee and we are hopeful that the Port Authority will intervene and assist our community with our day-to-day battle \vith crippling traffic gridlock that we experience. Fort Lee has always had to deal with the extraordinary traffic burdens caused by the George Washington Bridge ("GWB''); however, lately the traffic has reached unbearable status and without some assistance fi·om the Port Authority, Fort Lee will be in a perpetual state of emergency. As you may recall, we met on September 16, 20 I 0 to discuss various issues regarding the Port Authority, the Borough of Fort Lee and the promotion of an open-line communication. While \Ve here in Fort Lee undertake to handle as many problems internally as possible utilizing all resources available to us, we have unfortunately reached a point where we are considering taking extraordinary measures to address the regular traffic shut-down and gridlock occurring in our Borough. Please permit me to elaborate. On approximately 20 occasions over the last forty days, our Borough has been completely gridlocked. Traveling from the south to the north end of our Borough takes upwards of one hour. Our safety vehicles are unable to traverse our own thoroughfares to attend to emergencies which place our residents in harms way. Most recently, on October 30 through October 31 , scheduled construction occurred on the lower level of the GWB which caused complete traffic gridlock in our Borough. Other causes of traffic shut-down include unscheduled and unanticipated events such as vehicular accidents, holiday and event traffic and even modest vehicle break-downs on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Deputy Director William Baroui November 9, 2010 Page2 The traffic caused by these events, and others too numerous to mention, cripples our entire community holding our residents hostage until the traffic subsides. I continue to meet with our Chief of Police, our Traffic Department and our engaged Traffic Consultants to determine how and if these ongoing gridlocks can be avoided or at least somewhat abated. There is one conclusion that we have all reached which is that this regular traffic shut-d.own in our Borough must somehow be alleviated. We concede that there are many circumstances which contribute to the traffic problems that we face in Fort Lee. There is, however, a contributing factor which is easily addressed. On each and every occasion when complete and crippling traffic gridlock occurs, we contact the Port Authority Police Depmi ment and request the ranking officer to dispatch officers to the intersections committed to be manned by the Port Authority and otbenvise facilitate the flow of traffic and to prohibit vehicles from " blocking the box" . Vehicles which "block" the box are a direct and proximate cause of the complete traffic shut-down in our Borough. Prohibiting vehicles from blocking the intersections will certainly not cure or completely abate the traffic; however, it will at the very least allow our residents to drive through their own community to get to \Nork, school, doctor' s appointments so forth and so on. On limited occasion, the Port Authority Police Department will comply with our requests to assist our local department due to what we are told is a severe shortage of manpower. With no other alternative, we in Fort Lee dispatch our O\vn officers to man the posts that the Port Authority is required to man, thereby depleting our resources to attend to other responsibilities required by our officers during these regular gridlock events. Consequently, we recall officers who are off-duty to assist at exorbitant expense to the Borough. Essentially, rarely is our Borough provided with assistance from the Port Authority during periods when we are most in need of assistance. In order to personally understand and appreciate the hundreds of complaints that I have received, I have taken my children to Fort Lee High School in the morning as opposed to utilizing the public school bus service. Essentially, each and every moming I ultimately anive at the intersection of Lemoine Avenue and Bridge Plaza South and remain at a complete standstill for apprcxi:-!.}atdy 30 n;.inutes solely as a :result of four or five vehides which sit in the intersection and "block the box". Accordingly, I along with a line of hundreds of other vehicles extending back to the southernmost end of Fort Lee remain at a complete standstill. By merely preventing vehicles from blocking the intersection, hundreds of vehicles would be free to travel through the intersection to their ultimate destination and help relieve our community. This circumstance occurs at several other critical intersections in Fort Lee and are a direct cause of the regular traffic gridlock that we experience. The mere dispatching ofP01t Authority Police Officers to these critical intersections would substantially alleviate the problen1s that we face on virtually a daily basis. Another circumstance that is readily rectifiable and the cause of regular and avoidable traffic gridlock is the Port Authority's election to substantially reduce the number of toll booth workers and resultant reduction in toll lanes on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Consequently, many vehicles exit the major approach roads and utilize our local thoroughfares as a "short-cut" in search of available toll booths. Accordingly, even weekends no longer provide a respite from traffic and gridlock on our roadways. '· Deputy Director William Baroni November 9, 2010 Page3 Please remain assured that our community has not given up hope and has tried to cope with the daily traffic onslaught and increased frequency of complete gridlock traffic events. We offer free (borough-subsidized) bus service to the local feny system in Edgewater, we have installed a new state-of-the-art camera system to monitor ali intersections impacted by the GWB to better and more quickly dispatch our officers, we now offer a "real-time" traffic alert system advising all subscribers of traffic events and alternate routes which is accessible through our webpage ·w hich is known as "N!XLE' (see www.fortleenj.org) . Most telling and based on a recent study commissioned by the Borough of Fort Lee, v,re employ approximately fifteen police officers directlv as a result of our proximity to the George Washington Bridge and the traffic it generates on our local thoroughfares. We estimate that our Borough expends in excess $3 .5 Million per year between alternative transpmiation initiatives, salaries (inclusive of benefits and pension contributions) and infrastructure maintenance and replacement which would not otherwise be required. In other words, Fort Lee has and is doing more than its part to address the extraordinary burden placed on our community and we respectfully request the Port Authority (O likewise make an effort. You had indicated in our meeting that you would be our contact to address any concerns or grievances that our Borough had and I implore you to intervene in this matter. We are host community to the George Washington Bridge and respectfully request attention to the critical issues raised herein. Absent some form of relief, we fmd ourselves with no other alternative other than to direct the Chief of Police to completely close off our local roads over which we maintain exclusive jurisdiction to avoid Fort Lee from becoming a parking lot in the future and thereby require all vehicles to remain on the major approach thoroughfares (i .e., Route 46, Route 4, Route 80, I-95, etc.) and not otherwise meander through our local thoroughfares which causes safety concerns (especially for children) and complete traffic shut-clown for all of our residents. This is an action that I would rather not take; however, we find ourselves with no other alternative. Ple3se conta::t me as soon as possible v vith regard to this nntter. T am available to meet with you and your representatives at any time to discuss the issues raised in this COITespondence and establish a protocol going fmward to address the ongoing traffic shutdowns we experience here in Fort Lee and avoid the extraordinary step of closing down access to our roads. We simply have no other alternative. MJS :ml cc: Borough Council Borough Administrator Police ChiefThomas 0. Ripoli . William Young, Port Author1ty Client Manager 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: G Re: Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 8:59 AM Same to you, David, and thanks for a great dinner. Sent from my iPhone >On Dec 5, 2013, at 8:26AM, David Wildstein wrote: > > Thanks again for all your sound advice last night, I always appreciate your friendship. Spoke with O'Toole this morning and he will talk with you later today. https:llmail .g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142c30e14be19178 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- (no subject) (no subject) David Wildstein Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 11:57 PM Cc: "Samson, David" , Michael Drewniak NY-NJ port police union chief wades into GWB tiff Associated Press NEW YORK- The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's police union on Wednesday waded into the tiff over unannounced lane closures at the George Washington Bridge in September, saying he suggested studying new traffic patterns. But PAPD union chief Paul Nunziato denied rumors that a traffic mess that resulted from the on-site study was manufactured by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's henchmen as political retribution. Nunziato used imagery from "West Side Story" to paint the controversy as merely the latest chapter in the ongoing power struggle between New York and New Jersey over the bistate agency. "You don't see the New York-New Jersey fight that goes on here," Nunziato said after the Port Authority's monthly board meeting Wednesday. "I kid that it's like the Sharks and the Jets." At a hearing before a New Jersey state transportation committee last month, authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni acknowledged that the agency failed to communicate to local officials that two of three local-access lanes from Fort Lee to the upper level of the bridge would be closed for a week starting Sept. 9. The study was canceled after three days because of gridlock. The agency has said it is reviewing what happened but has refused to say when the review will be completed or who is conducting it. Christie has denied any role in the closures. New Jersey Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who represents Fort Lee, attended Wednesday's meeting and said the Port Authority's silence has "led to bizarre speculation about petty political games." New Jersey Assemblyman Gordon Johnson called Baroni's testimony before the committee "a fairy tale." Nunziato said Wednesday he suggested to David Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects and a Christie ally, that traffic patterns at the bridge be studied. https://mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-.iew=pt&q = mpdreiN42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142c11 e7812156d9 1/2 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) He characterized as "a load of garbage" an internal email from Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, in which Foye harshly criticized the closures. "Was there are any ambulance delay? No," Nunziato said. "Was there any police service delay? No. Do we communicate to Fort Lee what we do up there? In the 26 years, I've been here, no. "Other people have different ideas. Some of the idea was to diminish New Jersey's power struggle over where the agency goes and what they do. That's my personal belief in all of this, and they're using (reporters) and the senators to get in the game," Nunziato said. A Port Authority spokesman didn't comment on Nunziato's statements. Earlier Wednesday, Foye said he would appear before the New Jersey transportation committee on Monday. -Copy ri ght 2013 Associated Press https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c11 e7812156d9 212 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings • iI Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings ----···------------·-·-··-··----------·----··· David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak ---·-----·---- Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 8:40AM Ok let me know what time and where. And acknowledge that it's my turn to buy. On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:39AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Yeah, same here. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:35AM, David Wildstein wrote: Sure as long as short notice doesn't inconvenience you On Dec 4, 2013, at 8:15AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Can you do dinner in New Brunswick this evening? Everyone here is leaving early for meetings at Drum and it looks quiet on the press front. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 4, 2013, at 7:56AM, David Wildstein wrote: Not urgent for today, just want to be on radar screen sometime in the next week or two On Wed, Dec 4, 2013 at 7:54AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Sounds a little ominous. Okay . Urgent for today? Could possibly meet in New Brunswick. Or tomorrow. SentfrommyiPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 10:51 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Need to talk to you soon, in person, once you get caught up and have some time. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:22PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: https://mail.g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.i ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142bdd70f90a0e65 1/2 12/15/13 Grnail- Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings I UIU \:lt::a:; llll\:l tOIIIVI. I Uf II VVIII UC Ill lUll righteous rage, no doubt. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 3:48PM, Da\Ad Wildstein wrote: - - - - Forwarded message From: Wildstein, David Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 3:47PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings To: "da\Ad.wildstein@gmail.com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so . https://rnai l.g oog le.com/rnai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&1.i ew=pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142bdd70f90a0e65 2/2 12/15/13 Gmail - FIMI: FW: Da-.id Wildstein... II Fwd: FW: David Wildstein ... "·-· · - - - - - - - - - - - - - · · - - - - - - - · - · · - · · - - - - - - - - - Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 5:19PM This was my revised --which I sent to the Gov and he approved (no Maria or Charlie). - - - - Forwarded message - - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 5:17PM Subject: FW: David Wildstein ... To: mpdrew42@gmail.com From: Michael Drewniak Sent: Friday, December 06, 2013 5:14 PM To: 'Boburg, Shawn' Subject: David Wildstein ... Please use this, attributable to me: "Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless ad\Qcate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority. We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority and thank him for his service to the people of New Jersey and the region." Michael Drewniak Press Secretaty to NJ Govemor Chris Christie email: michacl.clrc>\11 iak@gov .state.nj.us Press Office: 609-777-2600 Blackbeny : 609--433-5398 https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-.i ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c9fe4f2f4ac37 1/2 12/15/13 Gmail- Fv.U: FW: Da\id Wildstein ... https://mail.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1Aew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c9fe4f2f4ac37 2/2 12/15/13 Gmai I - Statement... Statement. .. --------------- Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein ·--- --------·-----·---- Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 2:29 PM I need to know what's going on as far as timing and Charlie's itchiness . Here's a revised. I'm trying to balance interests here and the fact that Maria and Charlie gave approval to the earlier one. I don't intend to bring it back to them, so I can't go much further. "For nearly four years, Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority, and we are grateful for his time and dedication to the important wo rk of the Authority." Or two sentences: "For nearly four years, Mr. Wildstein has been a tireless advocate for New Jersey's interests at the Port Authority. We are grateful for his time and dedication to the important work of the Port Authority." https://mai l.g oog le.cornlmai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&vi evv= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142c9630278b7a2d 1/1 Gmail - Re: Star Ledger inquiry-- GWB lane closings ILJI::J/ 10 c~ Re: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings , ---·---···-········-----·-··-······-----·--·------·-·---·------------------------·---·--·------- Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM I did see this earlier. Tom will be in full righteous rage, no doubt. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 3, 2013, at 3:48PM, David Wildstein wrote: - - - Forwarded message - - - From: Wildstein, David Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 3:47PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry - GWB lane closings To: "david .wildstein@gmail.com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2013 3:06 PM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry -- GWB lane closings Tom Moran, the Editorial Page Editor of the Star Ledger, called to talk to us about the GWB lane closings issue for another upcoming editorial. I will not respond unless instructed to do so. https://mail.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&>iew=pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142bb69b61 dc1f1 a 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Re: --·-----·----- ·--------------- David Wildstein To: David Saenz Jr Cc : Michael Drewniak Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 11 :23 AM Thank you On Dec 3, 2013, at 11:21 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Question: Governor Christie: I worked the cones actually Matt. Unbeknownst to everybody I was actually the guy out there. I was in overalls and a hat so I wasn't-but I actually was the guy working the cones out there. You really are not serious with that question. What happened-no I haven't. Listen, just because John Wisniewski is obsessed with this and Loretta Weinberg, it just shows you they really have nothing to do if they're obsessed with this. And by the way, the fact is I didn't even know Fort Lee got three dedicated lanes until all this stuff happened, and I think we should review that entire policy, because I don't know why Fort Lee needs three dedicated lanes to tell you the truth and I never knew it until this whole, you know, happening went about. So, you know, my urging to the Port Authority is going to be to review the whole policy, because I've sat in that traffic before I was Governor at the George Washington Bridge, and the fact that one town has three lanes dedicated to it? That kind of gets me sauced. Now of course if you're Loretta Weinberg you want that because that's part of her, you know, bringing home the bacon policy. But the fact is let, you know, Assemblyman Wisniewski and Senator Weinberg find something to occupy themselves. They always will, and it almost always will include being critical of this administration. But I don't get involved in traffic studies. I don't get involved in lane closures. I didn't work the cones, just so we're clear on that. That was sarcastic. I was not the guy working the cones, and-but I do believe, and I've told Chairman Samson this , that we should look at this policy, because I don't know why one town gets three lanes. One lane, maybe. Three lanes for one town? I don't quite get it. And so, you know, they said-1 read something in one of the stories about this was host community relations. Well, what's going to happen if they get a little bit upset? Are we going to move the bridge? I mean, come on. So that's my reaction to it. All the rest of this stuff is politics, you know, on the Legislature's part. They're just looking for something, you know? And that's what they do. Follow up: Governor Christie: Listen, I have absolutely no idea. I didn't-you know I have not even -to the best of my knowledge I don't know if I've even met the mayor of Fort Lee. I may have met him once. So the fact that he didn't endorse me came as no, you know, wild shock to me. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:32 AM , Michael Drewniak wrote: https://mai l.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 1/3 12/15/13 Grnail- Re: The rest - on the Gov joking that it was he placing the cones -- came later in the press conference. We'll get that too. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:22 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Press Conference- December 2. 2013 Question: David. Just in time for the holiday season, a Port Authority toll increase has kicked in. The Port Authority is under subpoena to come and talk to the Assembly Transportation Committee I believe. There have been questions about whether they're out of control, about whether they are responsive to you and the governor of New York, and we've got this big Bayonne Bridge project that's kicking into high gear now to raise it for the tall ships that are coming in. Are they in your opinion out of control and how concerned are you about the Port Authority as an agency? Governor Christie: Well, a few things. I think to characterize the Port Authority as out of control is incorrect. Governor Cuomo and I speak on a regular basis about these issues and I think we also at times have both expressed frustration at the size of the bureaucracy there and the at times the challenge that we both face in terms of moving that bureaucracy in the direction that we want it to go as quickly as he and I both would like it to go. But no, I think the characterization of being out of control is wrong. The Bayonne Bridge project is moving along on pace and on budget and I'm happy about that and we'll see continued movement in that direction and that's a project that but for the intervention of this administration would have never happened and it's been sitting idle for years and it would have had an enormously deleterious effect on the economy of the state if we hadn't moved forward on that project, and so listen, there are always going to be challenges in a bistate agency, where there's not one boss but two. There always will be challenges in an agency of that size, when there are so many folks working on so many different projects. But in the end I think that Governor Cuomo and I would both agree that we're doing the best we can with what we've inherited and that we're making steps toward changing it. I think the outside audit and review that was done was evidence to the fact that an independent group came and looked at it and said that a lot of the changes that we've made have vastly improved the operations at the Port Authority and made them more efficient, so there will always be people that can criticize and Governor Cuomo and I probably would be two of them that would criticize things that happened at the Port Authority at times , but I have complete confidence in Chairman Samson and his ability to be able to navigate those waters on behalf of all the people of the region and we'll just continue to work at it. You have a follow up? Follow up: The toll increase that just went into effect, is that fair? Is that something that you have anything to do with? What's your reaction to it? Governor Christie: Listen, it's necessary if in fact we're going to continue to invest in infrastructure at the rate that we're doing that at the Port Authority. Secondly the fact is that we inherited a great deal of activity that had happened before both Governor Cuomo and I got here, activity that they had not accounted for how to pay for it. So the fact is that someone has to be respons ible for that and we had to make this move. I think we've done it in a way that's responsible by phasing it in over time and not having people swallow a toll increase in one fell swoop. But neither Governor Cuomo nor I wanted to do what we did, but we couldn't take the position that our predecessors took which was to continue to spend money that they didn't have, and https://rnai l.g oog le.comlrnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g rnail.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 213 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: we haven't done that as a rule in this administration and we weren't going to do it at the Port Authority and Governor Cuomo and I both agreed with that. - - - - Forwarded message - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:49 AM Subject: Fwd : To: David Saenz Jr - - - Forwarded message - - From : David Wildstein Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM Subject: To: Michael Drewniak Mike, can you send transcipt of Govs press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks. https://mail .g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b94530ef3ded0 3/3 12/15/13 Grnail- Re: infrastructure at the rate that we're doing that at the Port Authority. Secondly the fact is that we inherited a great deal of activity that had happened before both Governor Cuomo and I got here, activity that they had not accounted for how to pay for it. So the fact is that someone has to be responsible for that and we had to make this move. I think we've done it in a way that's responsible by phasing it in over time and not having people swallow a toll increase in one fell swoop. But neither Governor Cuomo nor I wanted to do what we did, but we couldn't take the position that our predecessors took which was to continue to spend money that they didn't have, and we haven't done that as a rule in this administration and we weren't going to do it at the Port Authority and Governor Cuomo and I both agreed with that. - - - Forwarded message - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 9:49 AM Subject: Fwd : To: Da\1d Saenz Jr ------ Forwarded message ----From : David Wildstein Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59AM Subject: To: Michael Drewniak Mike, can you send transcipt of Govs press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks . https://rnail .google.comlrnail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew=pt&q=mpdrew42%40grnail.com&qs=tr ue&search=query&th=142b9168f3714d59 212 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: il Re: ······-·--·-··--·--··----·---··-·--··-----------------·-----·--·---··-···-----··--·-··-·····-······· ········-··-·····-····-···-·-·--- - - · - - ··-·---··--·-··-·---··-·- Michael Drewniak To: David Saenz Jr Cc: David Wildstein Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:32 AM The rest-- on the Gov joking that it was he placing the cones- came later in the press conference. We'll get that too. On Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 10:22 AM, David Saenz Jr wrote: Press Conference - December 2. 2013 Question: David. Just in time for the holiday season, a Port Authority toll increase has kicked in. The Port Authority is under subpoena to come and talk to the Assembly Transportation Committee I believe. There have been questions about whether they're out of control, about whether they are responsive to you and the governor of New York, and we've got this big Bayonne Bridge project that's kicking into high gear now to raise it for the tall ships that are coming in. ke they in your opinion out of control and how concerned are you about the Port Authority as an agency? Governor Christie: Well, a few things. I think to characterize the Port Authority as out of control is incorrect. Governor Cuomo and I speak on a regular basis about these issues and I think we also at times have both expressed frustration at the size of the bureaucracy there and the at times the challenge that we both face in terms of moving that bureaucracy in the direction that we want it to go as quickly as he and I both would like it to go. But no, I think the characterization of being out of control is wrong. The Bayonne Bridge project is moving along on pace and on budget and I'm happy about that and we'll see continued movement in that direction and that's a project that but for the intervention of this administration would have never happened and it's been sitting idle for years and it would have had an enormously deleterious effect on the economy of the state if we hadn't moved forward on that project, and so listen, there are always going to be challenges in a bistate agency, where there's not one boss but two. There always will be challenges in an agency of that size, when there are so many folks working on so many different projects. But in the end I think that Governor Cuomo and I would both agree that we're doing the best we can with what we've inherited and that we're making steps toward changing it. I think the outside audit and review that was done was evidence to the fact that an independent group came and looked at it and said that a lot of the changes that we've made have vastly improved the operations at the Port Authority and made them more efficient, so there will always be people that can criticize and Governor Cuomo and I probably would be two of them that would criticize things that happened at the Port Authority at times, but I have complete confidence in Chairman Samson and his ability to be able to navigate those waters on behalf of all the people of the region and we'll just continue to work at it. You have a follow up? Follow up: The toll increase that just went into effect, is that fair? Is that something that you have anything to do with? What's your reaction to it? Governor Christie: Listen, it's necessary if in fact we're going to continue to invest in https://mai l.g oog Ie.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&-.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 142b9168f3714d59 1/2 12/15/13 Grnail- (no subject) (no subject) David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Tue, Dec 3, 2013 at 8:59 AM Mike, can you send transcipt of Gov.:; press conference yesterday. Need PA remarks for the board meeting. Thanks. https://rnail .g oog le.comtrnai l/u/O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142b8c13b6734e70 1/1 Gmail- F'MJ: Media inquiries on Assembl~n Wisniew.;ki press release 12/15/13 i( ·----------------- - - - Fwd: Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniewski press release -----·------·------·----· David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Wed , Nov 27, 2013 at 3:56 PM Begin forwarded message: From: "Coleman, Ste'A'l" Date: No'A'lmber 27, 2013 3:52:07 PM EST To : "Foye, Patrick" , "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "Ma, John" , "Wildstein, Da\id" , "MacSpadden, Lisa" Subject: Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniewski press release We ha'A'l pending requests for comment from Ste'A'l Strunsky of the Star Ledger, Ted Mann of the Wall Street Journal, Bill Mooney of PolitickerNJ.com and Michael Phillis of the Bergen Record on the assemblyman's press release. I'm not returning the calls unless told to do so. News from Assemblyman Wisniewski For Release: Nov. 27 , 2013 Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Deputy Speaker Assembly Transportation Chainnan p : 732-432-8460 e: As mWis niewski@njleg.org ""'vw.assemblyd ems .co m Wisniewski Subpoenas Port Authority of NY & NJ Executive Director to Explain George Washington Bridge Lane Closures Compels PANYNJ Chief to Appear at Special Dec. 9 Hearing in Trenton https://mai l.g oog Ie.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429b595318f0cd4 1/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Fv..d: Media inquiries on Assemblyman Wisniew.:;ki press release (TRENTON)- Assembly Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski on Wednesday subpoenaed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's executive director to attend a special December hearing on the agency's decision to close lanes to the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), the Assembly transportation committee chairman, ordered Patrick Faye, the authority's executive director, to appear at a special Dec. 9 hearing in Trenton. The subpoena comes after the authority's deputy director, Bill Baroni, refused on Monday to directly answer many committee questions on the lane closures and provide data to support his testimony. "Mr. Baroni's unprofessional testimony created many more unanswered questions," said Wisniewski (DMiddlesex). "It's important for the Legislature to understand the circumstances surrounding these lane closures, as the impact on emergency services from the inexplicable lack of notification could have resulted in the loss of life. It's also now more than two months after the closure and no clear and convincing information has been forthcoming on how this decision was made and why it was suddenly necessary." Faye is ordered to appear for the 10 a.m., Dec. 9 hearing at the State House and produce documents, correspondence, books, papers and other writings requested by the panel. "The committee has a responsibility to its constituents to obtain answers to these questions and ensure that protections are in place to guarantee such an event will not happen again," Wisniewski said. "We need to know whether this was incompetence or political mischief by political appointees. A more public and thorough discussion of these issues is necessary, and I look forward to Mr. Faye's input." Under the subpoena, Faye is compelled to appear to testify and asked to produce: • All documents and coiTespondence, produced between Jan. I, 2013 and the present date between Gov. Chris Christie or any member of his administration and/or any employee, officer, or executive of the P01t Authority, conceming the decision to reduce fi·om three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge fi·om Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13, 2013; • All documents and correspondence, produced between Jan . I, 2013 and the present date, between and among employees, executives. or officers ofthe Port Authority, including any documents and COITespondence sent or received by David Wildstein, Director oflnterstate Capital Projects concerning the decision to reduce from three to one, the eastbound Fort Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge fi·om Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13, 2013; All documents and correspondence referenced and cited to by Baroni at Monday's Assembly Transportation, Public Works and • Independent Authorities Committee meeting, including, but not limited to , any traffic count, traffic report , ortraffic study, produced by any employee, executive, or officer of the Port Authority or any third party working on behalf of any employee, executive, or officer of the Po1t Authority related to the decision to reduce fi·om three to one, the eastbound F01t Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge fi-om Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13, 2013; • All documents and coiTespondence suppo1ting Mr. Baroni 's assertion at the Monday New Jersey Assembly Transportation , Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee meeting that: (a) on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 the General Managerofthe George Washington Bridge noted a four minute reduction in travel time for commuters using the I-95 approach to the George Washington Bridge and a three minute reduction in travel time for commuters using local road approaches to the George Washington Bridge; (b) on Wednesday , Sept. II , 2013 the General Manager of the George Washington Bridge noted a reduction in travel time for commuters using the 1-95 approach and the local road approaches to the George Washington B1idge; and (c) 105,000 regular EZ-Pass users cross the George Washington Bridge each morning and 4,839 of those users are from Fort Lee, New Jersey ; • Copies ofallmles, regulations. or written policies ofthe Port Authority conceming the process for closing access lanes to the George Washington Bridge. Copies ofallmles, regulations, or written policies of the Port Authority concerning the process for approving and conducting traffic studies , including, but not limited to any mles, regulations , or written policies conceming public and law enforcement notification of lane closures in relation to traffic studies; and • All infommtion conceming th e impact on toll collections or any other economic impact to the Port Authority or the New York, New Jersey Metropolitan Region resulting from the decision to reduce fi-om three to one, the eastbound F01t Lee, New Jersey access lanes to the George Washington Bridge fi·om Sept. 9, 2013 through Sept. 13,2013. On The Net: https://mai l.g oog Ie.corn/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&'view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail.corn&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429b595318f0cd4 2/3 Gmail- Fw:l: Media inquiries on Assembl~n Wisniewski press release 12115/13 3 attachments ~"") Foye Subpoena 112713.pdf ::c:J 47K ~?I Foye SCHEDULE Document 112713.pdf !c..:~ 25K ~ a Foye Cover Letter 112713.pdf 48K https://mail .g oog Ie.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.i ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.corn&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429b595318f0cd4 3/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Fv.d: Phone call : Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue sub ... Fwd: Phone call: Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue subpoenas, comment on ATC testimony David Wildstein To: Baroni Bill Wed, Nov 27, 2013 at 12:35 PfV1 Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: November 27, 2013 12:13:20 PM EST To: David Wildstein Subject: Re: Phone call: Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue subpoenas, comment on ATC testimony Fuck him and the S-L. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 27, 2013, at 12:08 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Bell, Matthew" Date: November 27, 2013 11:59:12 AM EST To: "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "DiMarco, Gretchen" , "Wildstein, David" Subject: Phone call: Jim Namiotka 973-392-1548 re: Star Ledger Editorial Board wants comment on their coming editorial calling on state to issue subpoenas, comment on ATC testimony https://mai l.g oog Ie.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1429aa184bac8a78 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: Re: ··-----------·---·----···--·------·---·-------·--···-···-·- ·----· Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 6:11 PM That's hilarious . Sentrrom myiPhone On Nov 14, 2013, at 6:06PM, David Wildstein wrote: > Checked the sign in sheets -Ted Mann was at the September 20, 2012 board of commissioners meeting where this was announced. https://mail .g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1evv= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 14258e266eae16e0 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- F'M:I: Speaker Sign-up- Wisniewski Fwd: Speaker Sign-up -Wisniewski David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM Also Weinberg and Johnson Begin forwarded message: From: "Lado, Tina" Date: November 13, 2013 10:02:35 AM EST To: "Eastman, Karen" Cc: "Baroni, Bill" , "Wildstein, David" Subject: FW: Speaker Sign-up- Wisniewski Karen, Just received the foUowing. Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman \Visniewski \vill be coming to the Board rv1 eeting. l've included his hio. S. WISNIEWSKI DEPUTY SPEAKER , 19TH DISTRICT 132 MAIN STREET SAYREVILLE, NJ 08872 JoHN COMMITTEES Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities, Chair Financial Institutions and Insurance Wisniewski has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1996, where he represents the 19th Legislative District. In the Assembly he has served as the Deputy Speaker since 2004, was the Assistant Majority Leader from 2002-2003 and was the Deputy Minority Conference Leader 1998-2001. Wisniewski serves in the Assembly on the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee (as Chair), the Appropriations Committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. On January 27, 2010, Wisniewski was selected to succeed Joseph Cryan as the Chairman ofthe New Jersey Democratic State Committee. In the Assembly, Wisniewski has introduced legislation that includes the Work First New Jersey Act, which required individuals to work at jobs or in community services as a condition of their https://mail.g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&ik= 505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1425200aa129fc55 1/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Fv..d: Speaker Sign-up - Wisniev.sl To: Michael Drewniak Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:40 PM i don't believe, not for a second, that he independently found Ted Mann's sources and got confirmation. He is copying the WSJ story and making it his own- another ethical breach by Strunsky and the ledger. On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 5:07PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Yeah , right. dope. On Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 11 :45 AM , Da~d Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Wildstein, Da~d" Date: November 12, 2013 at 11 :17:24 AM EST To: "'da~ d. wildstein@gmail .com"' Subject: FW: WSJ story From: STRUNSKY, STEVE [mailto:SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM] Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 11:08 AM To: Wildstein, David Subject: WSJ story Hey Da~d. If you have anything to say on or off the record about Thursday's Wall Street Journal story, please give me a call. Thanks. -S Steve Strunsky I I One Star- Led ger Plaza I Newark, NJ 07102-1200 https://mail.g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1424e797050d2bcd 1/2 Gmail- Re: WSJ story 12115/1 3 P: 973 -392-1544 I M: 973-986-6848 I E: SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM CONFIDENTIALI1Y NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is privileged , confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, purge it and do not disseminate or copy it. NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES . IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS) , AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS. https :1/mai l.g oog le.com'mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1424e797050d2bcd 212 12115/13 Gmail- Re: Investigation of AnthonyHa~s Complaint G Re: Investigation of Anthony Hayes Complaint ~------ Michael Drewniak To: David Wildstein Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 3:42 PM Those facts alone would probably warrant award of attorney fees if you filed a suit. But very messy. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 6, 2013, at 2:58PM, David Wildstein wrote: So HR looks at it, finds NOTHING, and now I'm shelling out $50k on a lawyer to protect me from a set up. On Nov 6, 2013, at 2:54 PM, Michael Drewniak wrote: That is deeply tucked up. What a piece of excrement. Sent from my iPhone On Nov6, 2013, at 12:40 PM, David Wildstein wrote: Begin forwarded message: From: "Faye, Patrick" Date: October 30, 2013 6:19:38 PM EDT To: "Wildstein, David" Cc: "Buchbinder, Darrell" Subject: Investigation of Anthony Hayes Complaint We have retained Daniel Gitner of the firm of Lankier Siffert & Wahl to conduct an investigation regarding an anonymous complaint made earlier this year to the Port Authority's Office of the Inspector General pertaining to Anthony Hayes, specifically to determine if that anonymous complaint was made in retaliation for certain workplace matters previously raised in 2013 by Anthony Hayes with the Port Authority's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion, and the formal complaint filed by Anthony Hayes with the Office in September 2013, with respect to those workplace matters, specifically to determine if there is a basis in fact for such complaint. I have asked Dan to https://mai l.g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1422f27486d5d9a1 1/2 Gmail- Re: ln'.eStigation of AnthonyHa~ Complaint 12/15/13 contact you as part of that in'v€stigation and would appreciate your full cooperation to permit him to re\1ew and report on these matters in a short time-frame. Dan's contact information is attached for your reference. https://mail.g oog le.com/mail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1422f27486d5d9a 1 212 12/15/13 Gmail - Fv.d: I Fwd: ------·------ David Wildstein To: Baroni Bill ---------- Wed, Nov 6, 2013 at 12:11 PM Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: November 6, 2013 12:08:36 PM EST To: David Wildstein Subject: Fwd: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Michael Drewniak" Date: November 6, 2013, 12:06:45 PM EST To: For goodness sake, the Governor of the state of New Jersey does not in\Oive himself in traffic surveys . 'Culture of fear,' that's just silly. This is a bistate agency, and we expect New Jersey's interests to be represented fully That's what we ad\Ocate for by definition appropriately but aggressively as needed. Maybe your "fearful" sources are confused or disoriented by that. As a final thought, Governor Christie and Governor Cuomo themselves have always worked very cooperatively in the fair interests of both states. https :1/mail.g oog le.com/mai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&\1 ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1422e65ee13fded2 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail- Re: George Washington Bridge l Re: George Washington Bridge David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Wed, Nov6, 2013 at 11:40 AM Ok On Nov 6, 2013, at 11:36 AM, Michael Drewniak wrote: Will talk to you within the next hour. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Michael Drewniak" Date: November6, 2013, 11:15:26AM EST To: "Colin Reed" , "Maria Comella" Subject: Fw: George Washington Bridge It's back ... From: Mann, Ted [mailto:Ted.Mann@wsj .com] Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 10:49 AM To: Michael Drewniak Subject: George Washington Bridge Mike, I'm writing about the George Washington Bridge and the closure of local access lanes from Fort Lee in early September. Our story will note that the closures were done on the orders of David Wildstein, and will reiterate what we've already reported about their purpose: that the official explanation of a traffic study appears to be contradicted by the Port Authority's own internal communications, and that the mayor of Fort Lee told Bill Baroni that he concluded the real purpose was "punitive." Some questions for the governor: When did the governor learn about these lane closures? Did he direct David Wildstein to order that the lanes be closed? https://mail.g oog le.cornlmai 1/u/0/?ui = k=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = 2&i mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1422e49847b27695 1/2 12115/13 Grnail- Re: George Washington Bridge Has he spoken to David Wildstein, Bill Baroni, David Samson, or anyone else at the Port Authority about this matter, and if so, what did he tell them? Does he support Sen. Weinberg's resolution to empower the State Go\€rnment committee to subpoena the Port Authority to determine the purpose of the closures , and if not, why not? On a broader issue that will be addressed in the article: people familiar with the workings of the Port Authority ha\€ told us that Gov. Christie has wielded outsize influence within the authority in recent years, through his appointees including Baroni and Wildstein. These people describe the efforts to advance Gov. Christie's agenda within the authority as creating "a culture of fear" and "wreaking havoc" on the normal operations of the authority, and they use this incident with the GW Bridge as an example. Do you ha\€ any response to that criticism? Has the go\€mor e\€r expressed views about how his appointees at the PA should (or shouldn't) use their positions to get New Jersey and/or the administration what it wants? I'm happy to discuss all this on the phone if you prefer. I'm writing now, and planning to file this story by 4 p.m. today at the latest. Please let me know if you'll be able to answer these questions. Ted Ted Mann Reporter The Wall Street Journal. 1211 Sixth A\€. New Y ark NY 10036 212-416-2660 (o) 646-535-6072 (c) ted. mann@wsj.com https://rnai l.g oog le.com/rnai 1/u/0/?ui = 2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.1 ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 1422e49847b27695 212 12/15/13 Grnail - FVId: GWB local closures. G Fwd: GWB local closures. David Wildstein To: Baroni Bill Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:18PM Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Drewniak Date: October 28, 2013 at 3:05:53 PM EDT To: Da\Ad Wildstein Subject: Fwd: FW: GWB local closures. Such a fucking mutt. See below ... - - - Forwarded message - - - From: Michael Drewniak Date: Man, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:05 PM Subject: FW: GWB local closures. To: mpdrew42@gmail.com From: Michael Drewniak Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 2:55PM To: 'STRUNSKY, STEVE' Cc: Colin Reed Subject: RE: GWB local closures. No, for goodness sake. The Governor of the State of New Jersey does not involve himself in traffic studies. From: STRUNSKY, STEVE [mailto:SSTRUNSKY@STARLEDGER.COM] Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 1:41PM To: Michael Drewniak Cc: Colin Reed Subject: GWB local closures. https://rnail .g oog le.com/rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnai l.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 1/3 12/15/13 Grnail - F'M:l: GWB local closures. Hey Mike, A letter written last month by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to Bill Baroni regarding last month's local GWB access lane closures begs a response from the governor's office. The Sept. 12 letter asks that the closures be lifted "quietly, uneventfully and without political fanfare." Referring to himself and other Fort Lee officials, Sokolich writes in the Sept. 12 letter: "Having received absolutely no notice of this decision, not having obtained any response to our multiple inquiries concerning same, and try as we may to understand its rationale without the benefit of a response from the Port Authority, we are reaching the conclusion that there are punitive overtones associated with this initiative." The letter also states that, "many members of the public have indicated to me that the Port Authority Police Officers are advising commuters in response to their complaints that this recent traffic debacle is the result of a decision that I, as Mayor, recently made." It is plain from other passages in the letter as well as other sources that the "decision" mentioned in the letter was Sokolich's decision not to endorse Gov. Christie for re-election. As you know, The Wall Street Journal , The Record and other news organizations have published reports referri ng to suspicions that the closures were politically motivated, in retrobution for Sokolich's failure to endorse the governor. As you know, the Port Authority's exective director, Pat Faye, has denounced the closures as having threatened public safety and the reputation of the agency, and stated publicly that a review was taking place. No doubt you're also aware that some Democrats, including state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, have expressed frustration at the Port Authority's failure to thoroughly explain the closures, including why they were conducted without the normal notifications to Fort Lee officials. So, in light of the letter, I have a few questions for your office. I've tried to make them specific and sufficiently early: *Is the govenor aware of any plan last month to close GWB access lanes in retrobution for Mayor Sokolich's failure to endorse the governor for re-election? *If they were politically motivated, were the closures made with the governor's consent? *If the closures were politically motivated, but they were not done with the governor's consent, is he taking any action in response to them? Thanks. -S Steve Strunsky I I One P: 973 -392 -1544 I M: Star-Ledge r Plaza 973 -986-6848 I Ne wark, NJ 07102-1200 I E: SSTRUNSKY@STARL EDGER.COM https://rnail.g oog le.com'rnai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&\iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnail .com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 2/3 12/15/13 Grnail - F'Ml: GWB local closures. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is pri'v11eged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, purge it and do not disseminate or copy it. https://rnail .g oog le.corn/rnail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&>iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g rnail.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 1420080ee7455858 3/3 12/15/13 Gmail- Fv.d: FW: Star Ledger inquiry Fwd: FW: Star Ledger inquiry -------------· David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Man, Oct 28, 2013 at 3:00 PM Strunsky working today on a story Ted Mann ran on 10/17 ------ Forwarded message - - From: Wildstein, David Date: Man, Oct 28, 2013 at 2:59 PM Subject: FW: Star Ledger inquiry To: "david. wildstein@gmail.com" From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 2:49PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Wildstein, David; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Star Ledger inquiry Steve Strunsky is working on a story based on a letter sent last month by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich to Bill regarding the closing of the GWB local access lanes in early September. Steve is asking if we responded to the letter, and if we have included our investigation into this matter. I will not respond unless directed otherwise to do so. NOTICE : THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AND AFFILIATES. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER IMMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THIS E-MAIL (ALONG WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS) , AND DESTROY ANY PRINTOUTS . https:l/mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q =mpdrew42%40g mail.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 142007015af142d1 1/1 Gmail - Fwd: Wall Street Journal 12/15/13 Fwd: Wall Street Journal David Wildstein To: Drewniak Michael Thu, Oct 17, 2013 at 7:53PM DIRECTING lane closures would be grossly inaccurate. Foye is a piece of crap. Begin forwarded message: From: "Foye, Patrick" Date: October 17, 2013 7:45:56 PM EDT To: "Coleman, Steve" , "Baroni, Bill" , "Ma, John" , "Wildstein, Da~d" , "MacSpadden, Lisa" Subject: Re: Wall Street Journal Defer to Bill. - - Original Message --From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 07:37PM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill; Ma, John; Wildstein, Subject: Wall Street Journal Da~d; MacSpadden, Lisa Ted Mann just e-mailed an additional query on the GWB toll lane issue. Ted said he was told by sources that Da~d was in Fort Lee directing the lane closure operation on Sept 9 and Ted is asking why he was there. He plans to include this information in his story tomorrow. I will not respond unless directed otherwise. Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld https://mail .google.com/mail/u!O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&1.ie1N=pt&q=mpdrew42%40gmail .com&qs=true&search=query&th=141c8d642f1aef27 1/1 BOROUGH OF FORT LEE Office of the Mayor 309 Main Street Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-4799 Mark J. Sokolich Mayor Telephone (201) 592-3500 -Ext. 1003 Facsimile (201) 592-1657 E-mail: mayor@fortleenj.org PERSONAL Via Email: September 12, 2013 The Honorable Bill Baroni Deputy Executive Director The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey 225 Park A venue, 151h Floor New York, New York 10003 Dear Bill: I am writing this correspondence to you and am refraining fi·om copying any other party in the hopes that a recent decent decision by the Port Authority will be reversed quietly, uneventfully and without political fanfare. Permit me to elaborate. Without any notice whatsoever to Fort Lee (or any of its agencies, including our Police Department), the Port Authority reduced the available toll booths for traffic flowing through Fort Lee from three to one. Suffice it to say, this decision has wreaked havoc upon our community during the morning rush hour, visiting upon us complete gridlock. Having received absolutely no notice of this decision, not having obtained any response to our multiple inquiries concerning same, and try as we may to understand its rationale without the benefit of a response from the Pmt Authority, we are reaching the conclusion that there are punitive overtones associated with this initiative. What other conclusion could we possibly reach? Our emergency service vehicles are experiencing tremendous response time delays and my office is overwhelmed with complaints. Unquestionably, this decision has negatively impacted public safety here in Fort Lee. Adding insult to injury, many members of the public have indicated to me that the Port Authority Police Officers are advising commuters in response to their complaints that this recent traffic debacle is the result of a decision that I, as the Mayor, recently made. The basis, reason, or genesis of the decision is of no consequence to me; however, its profound and adverse impact on our community is of paramount importance to me. The Honorable Bill Baroni September 12, 2013 Page2 I have incessantly attempted to contact Port Authority representatives to no avail. Would you please be good enough to please have someone contact me or Police Chief Bendul to discuss the basis of this recent policy chm1ge and what we must do to reverse it. .. plain and simple. Query: What do I do when our billion dollar redevelopment is put on line at the end of the next year? Please call me as soon as possible in the hopes that we can resolve this issue To: Drewniak Michael -----------···--Thu, Oct 17, 2013 at 5:13PM Begin forwarded message: From: "Wildstein, Da~d" Date: October 17, 2013 at 5:09:39 PM EDT To: "'davi d.wildstein@gmail.com"' Subject: Fw: Wall Street Journal inquiry- GWB toll lane issue From: Coleman, Steve Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 05:06PM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Ma, John; Wildstein, David; MacSpadden, Lisa Subject: Wall Street Journal inquiry -- GWB toll lane issue Ted Mann is working on a story for tomorrow's paper based on a letter that Mayor Sokolich allegedly sent to Bill , saying that he has concluded that the GWB toll lane closings were punitive. The letter also reportedly said that PAPD told commuters that the closures and traffic were the result of a decision that Mayor Sokolich made. Ted is seeking PA comment. I will not respond unless instructed otherwise. NOTICE : THIS E- MAI L AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAI N I NFORMATI ON FROM THE PORT AUTHORI TY OF NEW YORK AND NEW J ERS EY AND AFF I LIATE S. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THI S E-MA IL I N ERROR, PLEAS E NOTIFY THE SENDER I MMEDIATELY, PERMANENTLY DELETE THI S E-MAI L (ALONG WI TH ANY ATTACHMENTS ), AND DES TROY ANY PRINTOUTS . https:l/mail .g oog le.cornlmail/u/0/?ui= 2&i k=505bd3dfe2&1.1ew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 141 c843fd3069b66 1/1 12/15/13 Gmail - (no subject) (no subject) ----------··---·-- David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Wed, Oct 16, 2013 at 3:48PM Appears Loretta said she would introduce a Senate resolution tomorrow for subpoena power. She told Strunsky and Mann. Let me know if you get asked about it. https://mail .g oog le.comlmai 1/u/0/?ui= 2&i k= 505bd3dfe2&1.iew= pt&q = mpdrew42%40g mai l.com&q s=true&search= q uery&th= 141 c2cfd44a1 Odba 1/1 12/16/13 photo.PNG •••oo AT&T 9 3:26PM ( Messages Kelly Bridget Contact Sent as Text Message Text Message Exactly! Yes. We may cancel iMessage Sent as Text f\/iessage That is good~ no? Small favors :. . •• ··. . :~ ·-· · . . ... • .1' • ~ : . ···.. ·.~- . . .. ·,.,'' !. . ~--- . :.·.. , : . :' . htlps://mail.g oog le.comlmail/u/0/?shva= 1#senV142fb627e98f1 f67?projector= 1 1/1 At post office Sent 7/6/13 11 :48 AM Look up, follow really talk building Sent 7/6/13 11 :48 AM Tall Received 7/18/13 4:46PM Nancy.2015474885 Received 7/18/13 10:18 PM Did you speak to her? Sent 7/18/13 10:27 PM Too late to call? Sent 8/5/13 10:52 AM Samson can not do Friday 8/16 Received 8/5/13 10:53 AM Why? Sent 8/5/13 10:53 AM He is away Received 8/5/13 10:53 AM The whole week? Sent 8/5/13 10:53 AM On Friday Received 8/5/13 10:54 AM I will see what can be done Sent 8/5/13 10:54 AM Thanks Received 8/5/13 10:56 AM Likely nothing. Received 8/5/13 11 :23 AM It's the only day that works for the Gov. Sent 8/5/13 11 :24 AM We will tell Samsom Received 8/6/13 10:03 AM Nobody here is concerned about him not being available Received 8/6/13 10:03 AM So ... .. Received 8/6/13 10:04 AM In a staff meeting Sent 8/6/13 10:04 AM Ok call when you are done Received 8/6/13 1:52 PM Left you a message. On a conference call now Sent 8/9/13 5:16PM Sent 9/10/13 8:04 AM Sokolich text to Baroni: Presently we have four very busy traffic lanes merging into only one toll booth ..... The bigger problem is getting kids to school. Help please. It's maddening Received 9/10/13 8:05 AM Is it wrong that I am smiling? Sent 9/1 0/13 8:05 AM No Received 9/10/13 8:05 AM I feel badly about the kids Received 9/10/13 8:06 AM I guess Sent 9/1 0/13 8:11 AM They are the children of Buono voters Sent 9/1 0/13 8: 13 AM Bottom line is he didn't say safety Sent 9/1 0/13 8:45 AM So 1-95 traffic broke about 5 minutes ago, about 45 minutes earlier than usual, because there are 2 additional lanes to handle morning rush. Received 9/10/13 8:51AM That is good, no? Sent 9/10/13 8:51 AM Very good Received 9/10/13 9:01 AM Small favors ., Sent 9/17/13 1:34 PM From sokolich to Baroni: We should talk. Someone needs to tell me that the recent traffic debacle was not punitive in nature. The last four reporters that contacted me suggest that the people they are speaking with absolutely believe it to be punishment. Try as I may to dispel these rumors I am having a tough time. Sent 9/17/13 1:34PM A private face-to-face would be important to me. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to the errors of my ways. Let me know if you'll give me 10 minutes. Regards Mark Sent 9/17/13 1:57 PM Please let me know instructions Received 9/17/13 1:58PM Just finishing a meeting Sent 9/17/13 1:58PM Ok. I'm in board meeting but can step out to call when you're ready Sent 9/17/13 2:28 PM Baroni crazed so let me know when to call, I have something at 3 I can't walk out of Sent 9/17/13 2:36 PM WSJ just called my cell so I need to speak with you Received 9/17/13 2:42 PM I am calling your office. No answer Received 9/17/13 5:13PM I spoke to Mike. · Sent 10/2/13 2:14PM You around now or still wait until 4? Received 10/2/13 2:14 PM In a meeting until 3 Sent 10/2/13 2:15PM Ok will see you at 4 Received 10/2/13 2:16 PM 3 works Sent 10/2/13 2:18PM I have Regina at 3 Received 10/2/13 2:20 PM That's awful Received 10/2/13 2:20 PM Ok Sent 10/2/13 2:55PM Is 3 still good? Received 10/2/13 2:58PM Just finished. Come by after Regina Sent 10/2/13 2:59 PM Regina cancelled on us so I'll blow this off, will be down in 10 minutes Received 10/2/13 3:03PM Ok Received 10/2/13 3:14 PM I'm here 2i 2112 II I I ISS3il o ,J iii£1 Received 10/3/13 10:23 AM Sent 10/3/13 10:23 AM ???? Received 10/3/13 10:24 AM Today's article Sent 10/3/13 10:24 AM Yeah Sent 10/3/13 1 0:32 AM Just noticed the quote marks, did someone say that or are you quoting yourself? Received 10/3/13 10:33 AM Just sent you the article Received 10/3/13 10:33 AM Sokolich said it -- - Holy shit, who does he think he is, Capt. America? Sent 10/1/13 5:48 PM Bad guy. Welcome to our world .. Received 9/9/13 6:52 AM Want to meet in parking lot? Sent 9/9/13 6:52 AM Come in lobby I'm with bob Received 9/9/13 7:09 AM Want me to pik u up? Its fkd up here. Sent 9/9/13 7:09AM Around 7:30 Received 9/9/13 7:10 AM K. Call me Received 9/9/13 8:46 AM I may hav idea to mak ths beter. Received 9/9/13 10:50 AM Hudson terr south traffic has broke. Ft lee from martha wash still heavy. Sent 9/9/13 10:50 AM Thanks Sent 9/9/13 10:51 AM Hudson terr south traffic has broke. Ft lee from martha wash still heavy. Received 9/9/13 10:52 AM I know Received 9/9/13 10:54 AM Rt 95 approach traffic has broke. It is moderate at this time. Sent 9/9/13 10:55 AM Thx Received 9/9/13 1:56 PM All traffic ended at 1145am Sent 9/9/13 1 :56 PM Thanks Received 9/10/13 8:33 AM Rt 95 trafic broke Sent 9/10/13 8:33AM At 8:30? Received 9/10/13 8:39 AM Yup Received 9/10/13 8:39AM Local ft lee trafic disaster. T-he G8orge V/ashi:ngton Bridg~'Siest-OO.d.ge-m...:th~---'WGrld.ln 2012, more than -102 cJu) 1 million vehicles crossed the bridge connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey and New York City. Th~;- __.. _,· -ehicles come from all pa:!§._o£-N-eWJ;~y . pan additional42.4o/c w York, and from dozens_.o~. . . -------- These traffic backups~affect the lives of drivers from throughout the re~Tlw-y also /---- . cause residual traffie"cklays in the host municipalities ofthe-bf.lcige- Fort Lee and New.Xork · City/~these impacts, over the mJil; on ill Fart Lee to ass . . decade the Port AuthodJ;y~~~ $15 -~th . .. . .cthi e commumty ill arneli oraung ~ e . nnpacts 01 s traf:fi c. Most of ~ . /; these funds 'e been spent on improvem:er;ts to the local roadway network near the bridge and ~Leemunicipa!~~ · . .Drivers-·usingihe--brid:ge"'})ay-a-teH--t-e-er-ess-lhe--bridge--e~UB.cl-m:lly .. Ibis mea:as--that- vebieles-ent~~v--¥ock..cue...:thr..o.ug.h. .tol.Uan~.s~.e.~sefThere are twelve toll lanes on 1-. I 1 C--vlYTC.lt--f}! the upper level of t)J.e bridge- three of whic -re specially-segregated for local F art Lee traffic a 1 - //~., 2S /bonly. 8n an aY.0fage--IVeekday, _ _ lanes-aie-designat-ecl-f-e-:F--C-a.sh...:t:GJl-paye-r-s-ancl 1 Orrr.~rJ/lv;J.J2~ ~-t(~{) t"t l3R€g__ 44~)a cD_ ~ EZ. f'tcSI t--L-<--1-Itrr--.£:~·0 ·t{A./vL{}~zzj;;_ ~7?1- L.ce_, ?:.'/<--c:C~ ) are--re~fer-E-~.z:Fla~-users . Trame enters-t11ese-to1Hanes-1:lsing-a-var:iety-ef-approaches, About a decade ago, according to Port Authority employees assigned to the George ~ v.,rasb.ingtO' ridge at that time, then-Fort Lee Mayor Jack /liter ('i'.'ho was ?].so a Bergen County . __.....,.,--~ Freeholder and a Co ·ssioner ofthe New Jersey Board ofBub1IcUtilities) insisted on the ~d <-1. ---r--:-:~·:~ • r • l l hi l • r l a1 • • creahon or s.l-'-eci.a SeQieQ:aie entiM..ce anes LO..we ono.ge .10r ve c es comm!! rrom oc srreeis L - - - __ _..-/"- / -- in Fort Lee. These lanes were/p.t.ed-by plac .-- o using three toll lanes _:P;em all other approaches. This reduced umber of toll lanes from / twelve to ni.a€: Ibis forced the creation of three special "Fort Lee Lanes" -lane . /'" . . . ./ egated for ~ ~e()nly by residents of Fort Lee who access them via Martha Vlasb.ington Boulevard. '- For:.t Lee residen.~fi-eua'uled the~~\? 1J~yg:ss the Q:en·erai u·afii~--1 -~·-q;;;:;;- _?G1c lJri:dge.· None of /. . . ,! JYl\'~~\.()_JJkJ'the other five Port Authoritv crossin!!s- Lincoln TunneL Holland Tunnel. Bavonne Brid!!e, D, 51' 11 t) w j ~V~ Goethals Brid£e and Outerbrid!!e Crossin!!- contain such seQ:reg:ated lanes. (Weehawken at the Lincoln Tunnel: Jersev· Citv at the Holland Tunnel: Bayonne at the Bavonne Bridg:e: EliZabeth at the Goethals Brid2:e: and Perth Amboy at the Outerbrid!!e Crossing:.) These s~r-·egated lanes we~~·ordered by the Port Authority Viritb.9. t ~c.or.d~d-rra:tfic u study, 'th __ L/ WI .Ol,.tt any I I . 'th analys1s o[ "''-·/ : rmpact, and Wl out c y.ierr . / . municipa).{ty or government outside o _ I pres"?'/at that time, ; 2 --1___;-;-:--th - -;'U.LiatlO/P!'Vi'l... any B ergen county / Lee) . According to ySrt Authority police officers I 'ire ordered to create and enforce thtse special, segregated lanes in the directive li(om Mayor Alter to Port Authority ·- twr. horns.=- Vehicle E-ZPass Registration for .• Total Vehicles George V\ 7ashington Bridge / %of Tota.l Vehld~; .../ Eastbound Eastbound Traffic Fort Lee I 14,839 · Bergen County (69 ToVirns) 145,244 Essex County 6,528 Passaic County 4,793 / ,/' r / A -o~ -.,..) -~// 42.40% / /f6.10% . 14.50% Morris County 14,68)/' 14.4% Hudson County .~.)(38 13.5% 2,946 12.8% 12,637 12.5% 1,905 11.8% 11,036 11.0% 881 0.8% 1,298 1.30% l\1iddlesex County / Monmouth County Union County Somerset County / / Northwest New./.tersey l\1ercer County / South JerseJ/ / / / / 921 ./ NewYoric / 1 o.9o% 115,747 14.8% 7,188 6.7% I' Othef States / ~ 3 - .. ' ' / ,/ ~ ~ ABGUS~SEBTEMRER~ '-./ ~ v In August 2013, follov.ring multiple conversations \vith members oft &-PDrt Authority Police Department, Port Authority Director of I n t / · with Port Authority officials in Enginee~~-:rnf:fic Engineering, and Tunnels Bridges and ---- Terminals to review the situation ofth~ segregated Fort Lee Lanes. He asked tb.e Office of the . Chief Engineer/~ best way to review these Special Lanes to determine the possib7ilityredu.c.ed tr::~ffic. congestion by c.b.an.aing the treatment offered to vehicles .coming of • • • - •. - 1 froJ:LYOne munlClpalrry. ./ -1 ~ · l\l!l;.4_-L( ,.if 1.'.,..£/(/(.,l~'-" - .,.--<.. ( vv v ' j'-' /~'l ' / • /,A_ ..-t--rt1-rv', ) 1. _)1/! 1 1 ju~· 1 J(L.t. ,. nf7 .1 l'!,): l1''"" 'I' t VJi.'v'7j 1 I'(N{ii.r- . 1 IJ 1 'V fv I t , .. J I' On August 28, 2013, the Port AuMority's ChiefTrhlnc Engine~r created se,leral ing ~e ClL>re~t lane. structure and the scenarios offered by the Chief Tra..illc Engmeer, on Sept ber ), Mr. Wildstem requested the spec1al se one week. The study w · tended to determine if these marked inio the bridge for users from incr~c / 0 . lanes not be egated lanes cause a clear and oth~~c . • CoURties and across the srate. _/ / ~ ~ 0 ated ----·--··-. . ~-- --~ - 'l _ j; ! ~ h.;. J_ ''" '-' ; )\\,.."\ " ___ ,___ • ~'- . /' ......;- l'r···, ? _l.,../ P--'\PP ,• :... I \ e..~.rn ~;... -v'l••:; t~•"""'- • • . c.._) ~\..:-- ~· On the morillng of September 6, the Gblef Enginee~ noti;fied.-the Director of TUD.llels, \,....._ ..... / ........--·· Bridges and Terminals (TBT) that the study "'vould-~oir(cm the morning of September 9. ,.., ..... ,.,..-· Shortly afterwards, TBT Director notified hi,~ ·stafr, including the General Manager of the George ............ ---~ ,.·····/ . . Vi'ashington Bridge. ThrChiefEngin~asked the TBT Director to have their respective traffic staff work together to ass~;Sa:nya;d·~ impacts. This also happened on the morillng of September 6. It was determined that three signs would need to be changed for the duration of the one week test: one at the comer of Bruce Reynolds Boulevard (BRB) and .Hoyt Avenue,one on the Hudson Street median just north ofBRB, and one of the Martha Washington Boulevard median just south ofBRB . These signs, which depict ·lanes usage approaching the Upper Level Toll Plaza, were to be covered by facility maintenance prior to Monday morning. These signs would remain covered for the duration of the test. Bridge staff also notified the Port Authority Police Departrri.ent, who handled the reduction in lanes on the morning of September 9. At all times during the week of the review, the Port Authority police monitored traffic. They were alert for any emergency vehicles in the area of the bridge and prepared to further alter traffic patterns in the event of an emergency. l\'k. V/il.ist~vas at the bridg,e early on S·eptemb~en-ro-o"b-serve-:fu:e-e-ffeet-e-f-tr-affi.B,--be:fu-leGa:lly-i:B:-Fert-I:.ee -and-Gn -Gtb.er-v.ehicles_ _ . r1 r?l~ 12/13113 Grreil- (no subject) (no subject) David Wildstein Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:11 PM To: Bridget Kelly , "michael.drewniak" From: Cichowski, John [mailto:Cichowski@northjersey.com] Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 01:17PM To: Valens, Chris Subject: GWB toll booths from Bruce Reynodls Blvd Hi, Chris: I'~ been getting se~ral calls and emails like the one below about fewer toll booths beind open to the GWB from Bruce Reynolds Blvti. Can you respond to these complaints, especially the 5 questions posed by the reader below? I'm at 973-586-8153. My cell is: 973-476-6333. Much appreciated. -john John Cichowski The Road Warrior The Record, Herald News & northjersey.com 100 Commons Way Rockaway, NJ 07866 On Monday Sept 9, the local Ft Lee approach to the GWB via Bruce Reynolds Blvti and Martha Washington Way changed dramatically. What used to be 3 toll booths from the local approach has turned into one toll booth, creating a large traffic backup that stretches back onto Hudson Terrace all the way to Englewood Cliffs. Our commute to midtown Manhattan from Tenafly used to take 30- 35 minutes . On Monday, it took 2 hours and 15 minutes and on Tuesday it took 90 minutes. At the advice of the Ft Lee Police Dept, we got onto Rt 4 in Englewood and merged onto 95 and the last two mornings the commute took o~r an hour. The Fort Lee Police do not ha~ any answers , they claim it's the Port Authority's decision to close the local toll booths and that I should complain to them. I tried to call the PA but I can't get ali~ person on the phone. My questions to you are why didn't the Port Authority warn commuters about this change? Why did they do this? How long will it last? What is the goal of these local tollbooth closures? https://mail.g oog Ie.comlmail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\1 ew= ot&a = brida P.l;mnP.i Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:18PM To: Bridget Kelly , "michael.drewniak" The Port Authority is reviewing traffic safety patterns at the George Washington Bridge to ensure proper placement of toll lanes. The PAPD has been in contact with Fort Lee police throughout this transition. https://mail.g oog le.cornlmail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&view= pt&q = bridQ etannekelly%40vahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uerv&th= 141139c1431 b8e68 1/1 12113/13 Gmail- Re: Phone call: Mayor Sol To: David Wildstein Man, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:14 AM Ty On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:13 AM, David Wildstein wrote: Radio silence His name comes right after mayor Fulop On Sep 9, 2013, at 10:06 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Did he call him back? On Sep 9, 2013, at 9:48AM, David Wildstein wrote: - - - Forwarded message - - From: Baroni, Bill Date: Man, Sep 9, 2013 at 9:41 AM Subject: Fwd: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee To: David Wildstein Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: "Bell, Matthew" Date: September 9, 2013, 9:29:02 AM EDT To: "Baroni, Bill" Cc: "DiMarco, Gretchen" Subject: Phone call: Mayor Sokolich 201-224-4000 re: urgent matter of public safety in Fort Lee NOTICE: THIS E-MAIL AND ANY ATTACHMENTS CONTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE PORT https://mail .google.corn/maillu/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dfe2&\iew=pt&q=bridgetannekellv"/o40yahoo.com&qs=true&search=querv&th=141031344139c50b 1/2 Grnail- Re: 12/13/13 Re: David Wildstein To: Bridget Anne Kelly Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 10:09 AM Will call you in 5 minutes . On Sep 7, 2013, at 10:00 AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Great. I called you yesterday to talk PATH On Sep 7, 2013, at 9:43AM , David Wildstein wrote: I will call you Monday AM to let you know how Fort Lee goes. On Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 9:30AM, Bridget Anne Kelly wrote: Yes . I will let you know. On Sep 6, 2013, at 2:50PM, David Wildstein wrote: We are ready to do this, can you have someone call the Mayor of Springfield and tell him t hat Gov has approved $60k for their traffic study. The Township of Springfield has requested LAP funding for a Master Plan Re-examination Report. The Township requested that the Re-examination include a critical Traffic Study for Morris Avenue to assist in the redevelopment of the downtown and a Sustainability Elementto assist the Township in getting certified by Sustainable New Jersey. $60,000. https:llmail.g oog le.comlmail/u/O/?ui=2&i k=505bd3dfe2&\1ew= pt&q =bridg etannekelly%40yahoo.com&q s=true&search=q uery&th= 140f8c157ddbe894 1/1 12/15/13 G f .· · . Gmail - (no subject) t~ - "" ~ I. ~ (no subject) David Wildstein To: Michael Drewniak Thu, Dec 5, 2013 at 12:43 PM This is the letter I referred to- note paragraph 2, page 3- " ... we find ourselves with no other alternative other than to direct the Chief of Police to completely close off our local roads over which we maintain exclusive · jurisdiction to a'AJid Fort Lee becoming a parking lot in the future and thereby require all vehicles to remain on the major approach thoroughfares (i.e. Route 46, Route 4, Route 80, 1-95, etc.) and not otherwise meander through our local thoroughfares which cause safety concerns (especially for children) and complete traffic shut-down for all our residents." "[) Sokolich Letter 11_9_10.PDF 722K https://mail .google . comlmail/u/O/?ui=2&ik=505bd3dFe2&view=ot&a=modrew42%40amail . com&os=true&search=niiP.rvRth=14?r.~rlh?P.PPhrl~f7 1/1 BOROUGH OF FORT LEE Office of the Mayor 309 Main Sfrecl Fori Lee, New Jersey 07024-4799 Mark J. Sokolich Telephone (20 I) 592-3500 -Ext. 1003 Facsimile (20 I) 592-1657 E-mail: mayor@fortleenj.org Ma)'Or Via Facsimile 212-435-6489 & Regular Mail: November 9, 2010 lvfr. William Baroni Deputy Director Port Authority of New York & New Jersey · 225 Park Avenue Soutlz, 15111 Floor New York, New York 10003 Re: PROPOSED SHUT-DOWN OF FORT LEE ROADWAYS Dear Director Baroni: I preface the following correspondence to you by conceding we are all very frustrated here in Fott Lee and we are hopeful that the Port Authority will intervene and assist our community with our day-to-day battle with crippling traffic gridlock that we experience. Fort Lee has always had to deal with the extraordinary traffic burdens ~aused by the George Washington Bridge ("GWB"); however, lately the traffic has reached unbearable status and without some assistance fi:om the Port Authority, Fort Lee will be in a perpetual state of emergency. As you may recall, we mei on September 16, 20 I 0 to discuss various issues regarding the Port Authority, the Borough of Fort Lee and the promotion of an open-line communication. \Vhile we here in Fort Lee undertake to handle as many problems internally as possible utilizing all resources available to us, we have unfortunately reached a point \Vhere we are considering taking extraordinary measures to address the regular traffic shut-down and gridlock occurring in our Borough. Please permit me to elaborate. On approximately 20 occasions over the last fmiy days, our Borough has been completely gridlocked. Traveling from the south to the north end of our Borough takes upwards of one hour. Our safety vehicles are unable to traverse our own thoroughfares to attend to emergencies which place our residents in harms way. Most recently, on October 30 through October 31, scheduled construction occurred on the lower level of the GWB \vhich caused complete traffic gridlock in our Borough. Other causes of traffic shut-down include unscheduled and unanticipated events such as vehicular accidents, holiday and event traftic and even modest vehicle break-downs on the Cross Bronx Expressway. [10/25/13 [10/25/13 violation [10/25/13 [10/25/13 David_Wildstein and Bill_Baroni 6094687069 11:25 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Ok 11:35 AM] David Wildstein: Threat of loss of life And quite possibly a of state and federal laws 12 : 07 PM] David Wildstein: Page 9 12:10 PM] David Wildstein: Page 10 LGA 5935 total messages. Page 165 ·, Depu(v Director William Baroui November 9, 2010 Pagel The traffic caused by these events, and others too numerous to mention, cripples our entire community holding our residents hostage until the traffic subsides. I continue to meet with our Chief of Police, our Traffic Department and our engaged Traffic Consultants to determine how and if these ongoing gridlocks can be avoided or at least somewhat abated. There is one conclusion that we have all reached which is that this regular traffic shut-d.own in our Borough must somehow be alleviated. We concede that there are many circumstances which contribute to the traffic problems that we face in Fort Lee. There is, however, a contributing factor which is easily addressed. On each and every occasion when complete and crippling traffic gridlock occurs, we contact the Port Authority Police Department and request the ranking officer to dispatch officers to the intersections committed to be manned by the Port Authority and otherwise facilitate the t1ovi of traffic and to prohibit vehicles from "blocking the box". Vehicles which "block" the box ru·e a direct and proximate cause of the complete traffic shut-down in our Borough. Prohibiting vehicles from blocking the intersections will certainly not cure or completely abate the traffic; however, it will at the very least allow our residents to drive through their own community to get to work, school, doctor's appointments so forth and so on. On limited occasion, the Port Authority Police Department will comply with our requests to assist our local department due to what we are told is a severe shortage of manpower. With no other alternative, \'Ve in Fort Lee dispatch our own officers to man the posts that the Port Authority is . required to man, thereby depleting our resources to attend to other responsibilities required by our officers during these regular gridlock events. Consequently, we recall oftlcers who are off-duty to assist at exorbitant expense to the Borough. Essentially, rarely is our Borough provided vvith assistance from the Port Authority during periods when we are most in need of assistance. In order to personally understand and appreciate the hundreds of complaints that I have received, I have taken my children to Fort Lee High School in the morning as opposed to utilizing the public school bus service. Essentially, each and every moming I ultimately .I anive at the intersection of Lemoine Avenue and Bridge Plaza South and remain at a coinplete standstill for apprcxii!1ate!y 30 m.inutes solely as a :result of four or five vehicles which sit in the intersection and "block the box". Accordingly, I along with a line of hundreds of other vehicles extending back to the southernmost end of Fort ·Lee remain at a complete standstill. By merely preventing vehicles from blocking the intersection, hundreds of vehicles would be free to travel through the intersection to their ultimate destination and help relieve our community. This circumstance occurs at several other critical intersections in Fort Lee and are a direct cause of the regular traffic gridlock that we experience. The mere dispatching ofPmt Authority Police Officers to these critical intersections would substantially alleviate the problen1s that we face on virtually a daily basis. Another circumstance that is readily rectifiable and the cause of regular and avoidable traHic gridlock is the Port Authority's election to substantially reduce the number of toll booth workers and resultant reduction in toll lanes on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Consequently, many vehicles exit the major approach roads and utilize our local thoroughfares as a "shozt-cut" in search of available toll booths. Accordingly, even weekends no longer provide a respite from traffic and gridlock on our roadways. [9/9/13 10:51 AM] David Wildstein: Hudson terr south traffic has broke. Ft lee from wash still he [9/9/13 8:47 PM] David Wildstein: Call me [9/10/13 7:53AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Presently we have four very busy traffic lanes merging into only one toll booth ..... The bigger problem is getting kids to school. Help please. It's maddening [9/10/13 8:43 AM] David Wildstein: So I-95 traffic broke about 5 minutes ago, about 45 minutes earlier than usual, because there are 2 additional lanes to handle Page 154 My frustration is now trying to figure out who is mad at me. [9/12/13 6:03PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): From Serbia: David Wildstein and Bill Baroni - 6094687069 - ace. Right now you are taking punc [9/17/13 9:45AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): That's not Wil We should talk. Someone needs to tell me that the recent traffic debacle was not punitive in nature. The last four reporters that contacted me suggest that the people they are speaking with absolutely believe it to be punishment. Try as I may to dispel these rumors I am having a tough time. [9/17/13 1:33PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): A private face-to-face would be important to me. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to the errors of my ways. Let me know if u'll Baroni (6094687069): Serbia??? [9/17/13 PM] David Wildstein: Have not heard back fr Bridget [9/17/13 1:57PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Fck [9/17/13 1:58 PM] David Wildstein: Bridget; Just finishing a meeting [9/17/13 1:58 PM] David Wildstein: So we will speak soon [9/17/13 1:59PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): We could sched a meeting to stave off reporters then pull a faps [9/17/13 1:59 PM] David Wildstein: Like for Monday? [9/17/13 2:00PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Too cute. Tuesday or later next week. Wildstein: Ok 13 stein: Ted Mann PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): 6094687069 : Page 156 cell [18/2/13 3:45 PM] Bill Baroni Said nobody paying attention [18/2/13 3:45PM] Bill Baroni (6894687869): Oh lol d Wildstein: Br Page 161 --- --- - . - ·- ~ - ~ - ~- -- -- -- - ~------ --. ~ - ~ ---- -------------- -- -- ------ [11/13/13 12:03 PM] David Wildstein: Instructions for gaggle ... Do we let Weinberg and wiz attend? Can we stop them? [11/13/13 12:04 PM] Bill Baroni {6094687069): How do we stop them? [11/13/13 12:04 PM] Bill Baroni {6094687069): It just creates an issue [11/13/13 12:04 PM] David Wildstein: I don't see how but need to ask you [11/13/13 12:05 PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Yeah they will beat us up either way .• [11/21/13 8:14 PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Need exact upper level number of lanes from tomorrw [11/21/13 8:14 PM] David Wildstein: Will take gw bridge to work [11/24/13 10:18 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Toll chart [11/25/13 9:02AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): ? [11/25/13 9:05AM] David Wildstein: $1 [11/25/13 11:58 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): ??? [11/25/13 11:58 AM] David Wildstein: PAPD said all was fine [11/25/13 11:58 AM] David Wildstein: You did great [11/25/13 11:59 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Trenton feedback [11/25/13 11:59 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): ? [11/25/13 11:59 AM] David Wildstein: Good [11/25/13 11:59 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Just good? Shit [11/25/13 12:00 PM] David Wildstein: No I have only texted brudget and Nicole they were VERY happy [11/25/13 12:00 PM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Ok [11/25/13 12:00 PM] David Wildstein: Both said you are doing great [11/25/13 12:06 PM] David Wildstein: Charlie said you did GREAT [11/30/13 10:21 AM] Bill Baroni (6094687069): Can u check your gmail and make sure Nicole has all that Page 1 of2 ·, From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Faye, Patrick Friday, September 13, 2013 8:29AM Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick Baroni, Bill; Dunne, joseph P.; Koumoutsos, Louis; Zipf, Peter; Samson, David; a 'srechler@rxrrealty.com'; Buchbinder, Darrell; MacSpadden, Lis. Re : Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB Thanks, Bob. i'H set up meeting to discuss this issue . Looping Lisa-how do we get word out? From: Durando, Robert Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 08:04AM To: Faye, Patrick; Fulton, Cedrick Cc: Baroni, Bill; Dunne, Joseph P.; Koumoutsos, Louis; Zipf, Peter; Samson, David; 'SRechler@RXRRealty.com' ; Buchbinder, Darrell Subject: Re: Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB We have restored the 3 toll lanes to Ft Lee. From: Faye, Patrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 07:44 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick; Durando, Robert Cc: Baroni, Bill; Dunne, Joseph P.; Koumoutsos, Louis; Zipf, Peter; Samson, David; 'Rechler, Scott' ; Buchbinder, Darrell Subject: Fort Lee eastbound access to GWB After reading last night's media pendings, I made inquiries and received calls on this matter which is very troubling. Here is what I learned : reversing over 25 years of PA GWB operations, the three lanes in Fort Lee eastbound to the GWB were reduced to one lane on Monday of this week without notifying Fort Lee, the commuting public we serve, the ED or Media. A decision of this magnitude should be made only after careful deliberation and upon sign off by the ED. Reports are that Fort Lee has experienced severe traffic delays engulfing the entire Fort Lee area since Monday. I am appalled by the lack of process, failure to inform our customers and Fort Lee and most of all by the dangers created to the public interest, so I am reversing this decision now effective as soon as TBT and PAPD tell me it is safe to do so today. I am making this decision for the following reasons: 1. 2. 3. 4. This hasty and ill-advised decision has resulted in delays to emergency vehicles. I pray that no life has been lost or trip of a hospital- or hospice-bound patient delayed. This hasty and ill-advised decision has undoubtedly had an adverse effect on economic activity in both states. That is contrary to the directive we have from our Governors to do everything possible to create jobs in both States. I will not allow this hasty and ill-advised decision to delay the travels of those observing Yom Kippur tonight or the holidays to follow. I believe this hasty and ill-advised decision violates Federal Law and the laws of both States. To be clear, I will get to the bottom of this abusive decision which violates everything this agency stands for; intend to learn how PA process was wrongfully subverted and the public interest damaged to say nothing of the credibility of this agency. file : //("; : \Dnr.nment~ ~mrl SPttina.;:\(i.Arl"hiP\T nl"
    wrote: > Fyi > > ----- Original Message ----> From: Faye, Patrick > sent: Friday, september 13, 2013 06:01AM > To: Durando, Rooert > subject: Please call me after 6am > > 917 533 8208 Page 1 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Rivera, Jose Wednesday, September 11, 2013 5:21 PM Zipf, Peter Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig,· Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Durando, Robert FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Please DISREGARD my previous email and use this one instead. We have provided more detail in the write-up below. Jose From: Rivera; Jose Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 5:10 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Shabih, Raheel; Durando, Robert · Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Traffic Engineering performed the analysis for Tuesday, September 10,2013 and did observe some improvement tn the overall travel time on the mainfine during the morning peak period {6:00am to Noon}. The attached file graphka!(y represent the impact of nev.t traffic pattern on travef times on f-95 (oca~ and express fanes.to' the GWB UIL toU pfaza {1.4 mile section}. The summary of find[ngs: rs as foUows: • For traffic Q;tigjnating on r-9S Express IL.a:nes.. an average reduction of 4.0Ql minutes {ahout 47.%}: fn traveE time v..tas.observ-ed! • For traffic miginating on ~-95 n.ocaV lLanes"' an average redll!Jlctfon of 2.16 mtnutes (about 4G%l un traveU time was ob', ef'.l'· cf. s e The rmp:mvement in tfule trave~ time on the ma[rr[irn'e s:hOI!.d'cfl he wef.gfited! aga:Ermst the rletellicra. iolill of reveD of service for the fuc:aiU t traiffii.c: o:liigirtatiing from fort l!.ee. The faciVity ain:dl VB&Tare ass:essrng those impacts. We wffu coordifm:ate wiittlhi them and reJl.Iolitt ha:ck on the mrtdrlillgs. GWB _UL· Toll lanes Reconfig .... A~saJ) tiJire dla:iJ~, r:ep:ar.tt ilmm tfu:e fa:dllf1i.V' fs as; foJihW·Si~ -----Original Message----From: Durando, Robert Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 11:06 Aiv'i Subject: FW: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/11/13 Here's what I told GOCOR this morning. This operation has the potential to be very expensive and labor intensive. Annualized toll collector costs for the additional coverage this operation requires is in the $600k range. There are also additional, as yet undetermined police costs, due to PAPD covering corners through the extended rush. It's my understanding that TED (Traffic Engineering Division) is pulling together travel time information .... true? (Yes- as per this email.) Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:22 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Shabih, Raheel Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, Traffic Engineering fooked at the macn[ine trave( time data from yesterday, but because of an in:ddent on the CBX that resulted in traffic de~ays: across. the brrdger the trave~ times recorded are nat suitabfe to assess the impacts of the new traffic pattern. Sfnce no inddent occurred duriing the monrfng. peak p'erro:d today,. the comparison of today"s trave[ times: with the typ1caE travel t[me on a Tuesdayw~~U he more uncfrcative O 'ftraffic impacts. We w·i f~ perfam11 that an;a[ysis and share tt w·iili th:e group•tomorrow mamfng_ R.eport from B: b Durando on Tuesday rnomung" 09[1!.0#13'· "'test''"': o From: Durando, Robert Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:05 AM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/10/13 A little better than yesterday but still not good. 1 approaches were free and clear by -95 0830 and the Ft Lee approaches were packed. We addressed that by diverting Martha and BRB traffic up to Center and directed that traffic into toll lanes 20 and 22, which they should have access to, had we given them the 3 lanes as per the agreement. This diversion is very labor intensive. « File: GWB Fort Lee 09-10-13.pdf » l~s:e From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test" . . ----Original Message-.,---From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an: incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regardfng there being on!y 1 toH lane available for Fort Lee and r had an unpleasant interaction with Fort lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehides througho!Jt the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental fa:Hure. Fort Lee is. not happy. Our PD spent an extended p:eriod work~ng the rntersectrons and rmp,[emented dwersions that further congested the bom1.1gh. Traffic traveHing north on Central were not permttted to· make a (eft hand! tum onto Bruce Reynn[ds Blvd. They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get nn the end of the queue a:pproadt[n:g from Martha: Washrn:gtton Way. {Diagram included showing' th-is diversffo'[P.. -jmr} Udon't know whetfuJer,: thus; wfi~~ contfmre tomorrow. Mr. WHcfstern: wHr he rea:chung mrt: to me rater. to difscus:s. TaT 2 Mont staff a:re rooking at numhers:. << Fnfe: GWB; Fort: lee Diversf:an.~d'f >> We are stm wo:oong on tra,~eu time numb:ers: on the marnrine andl wJI!U reparrt hack.. la·se -OriigjinaU Mes:sage-Fmm: Zii~rf.. filiette:rr Sent: Fr.i;dlarw" Sejillt:er.m;fu::etr O:G•. 20lB &:25i A.l\lt1l To: Riliwera" lase Cci:: Balug,, IRJ!Z.Wa:rm ((mllliir.zal)); B:ru:dh:s:liranwmm" J!ack;; St:an;a:ceL..Ifim S:w.b$ed:: !RUE: 6i'iiiv.'IE l!.Jjp.'litetr ll.e:well To:l!l: IP'Ila!Zal Ma.d!Hfredi lbs..e" Gr:earti:.. ' . I a!so just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "dai!y summaries" of Traffic impacts- both positive and negative. Thanks; Peter -----Original Message--From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18 AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper levef ToH Plaza Modified Peter, Working with TB&T shou[d not he a prob [em. ft has been a team effort {somewhat)) for the orthotropic deck p.roject. Jose From: Zipfi Peter Sent: Friday~ September 06z, 2:0:1.3 8::16 AM To( Rivera, Jose Subj:ect: RE: GWB. lJp;per IL.eve~ T o~U P~aza Modified Thanks: - can you reach a:I!J.'t tn 'tGUlr cnum;terparts: Ulill Tiff to. [et t..11:em knm£':!',. fer calm i:t he 3! "'team approach'·? rs that reas:ona:h[e and cfQa:fuJe?' !Let me knKJ• Lf Ul'il;ee'etelrv 1 . . I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. jose From: Zipt Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on MondayTBT pfans to irnp[ement the ptan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane}. Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramificatfons come from this, -ier I assume TBT wm monitor traffic impacts. on Fort Lee as weH as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group· or does your grm1p. get its own tnformatio:n? Thanks, P.eter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09' PM To: RUv'erar Jose Sl!.fbiect: RE: GWB Uipper ILeve[ TofU P:Uaza Mo:€lii-fied Thanks Jloser Peter Fro;m: !Rii'ibera/1 Jlose Se~:TJt: Thi!Jlr.sdJayr/.' AtUJ gt!J!st 29iN 201 U:54. P,JM 1.3. Ta: Zilp;ffn P'e:teu; V.lfuEdstetfll11 [i}awt~i:dl Sl!llh]ectt: IR:E: GWB I!Jl~;lip:er ll..eceli To:l!H l?{a:ZaJ rntf.{l€liiiffi:'E al re:~i5'adi P.m= sf.r.0~>1iim:g tih:e GiWiB liJip:lle:r.ILewell Tio:IJII P.Il1zaJ l!l:r.tde:r; a fu:l!Jlll sce:m:alif~: Sfu!eett 1!.: S:liraws; a1 t:mP:fcaJ! riTmid-daw a!lleg,tjj!unm" Wlih:ere tr.a!lilil:c rn1Tile:s a'r.e s:e:1i: asi:d1 a:n:d! e mmm:C Es; aHb.~ed! tin' rmta\'le ifr,eeli')(: fmlil'iTltfue ~:ta;liioos; a1!1I:P,rllo:a:rnes.. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are Sheet 2: typically set up to segregate t he three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the t hree rightmost lanes of the toll plaza. Sho\;'JS a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three Sheet 3: lanes from Fort Lee are merged into DA'O !anes and feed the tv-10 right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Sheet 4: Similar to above, however traffic from Fort leers restricted to two lanes then merged into one [ane to feed the right-most fane ofthe ton plaza. Afso as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested durfng the morni ng p-eak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk oJ sideswipe crashes. <> Jose From: Zipfr Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 20'13: 6:19' PM To: WH dstern, David Cc: Rwera" Jose Subj ect: GWB Upp er !Lever To·rl Pfaza Modlffied D 'avidl, A'S. requested!..- attached is a suggested modfifkartiom!. 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Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: Sheet 1: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is aBot.nJed to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three rightmost lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll ptaza. Since the traffic flows are extremeiy congested during the morn[ng peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traft1c cones, regardless of the· number of toll' lanes it fs feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. << Fife: GWB UIL Totrs 5a.pdf >> f hope tilEs herps. Please advise if you need adcHtiona[ rnformatcan. Jose M. Riverar .Jlr.l. P'.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority o.f NY & NJ ~ Twa. Gateway Centerr 14th F~oa.r ~ Wie~:rkp NJl 07102 ~ Office: 9173.-5>6-5-7'866 ~ mackBerry: 86i2-754-478::1L f invera:@!pa!lffi'\(ilTilfi.gaiWI! www.panrnfi.gow ·, Express Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza . . (Typical Tuesday Vs. Tuesday, September 10th) : 16.00 -----~ --~--, n 14.00 Cll E .. .. ~ 8 .00 6.00 h- --·: ---.---- ' ~ -;:;:;t:;J u ~ • N 12.00 i= 10.00 i= ~ --- 4.00 v --,......-., • ' " ,, ' ~_~ vt--------~-- : - . I 1- - ·· . 2.00 _ __ =Express Lanes (9/ 10) ~Ty pic<.ITue :;d ~rv . • l '· ~~· .:.. I l --- -- - ---·coN <0 .,... :t:. r.. '?. c;-, 0 0 .,... .,... 1 0.00 r-J "l" 0 0 l!J co ':'1: .,... r.. l1"l ,...., ~ ~ 'l r--- <:t .... 0 '?. co C'• Time of Day r--- <:t r-J ,... ""' 0 '-'=' ,... .,.., ,... 9.: r-J ,-_:;_ Note: Shaded area in the graph was not included in review due to incident (police activity in response to a jumper). Local Lanes to Upper Level Toll Plaza (Typical Tuesday Vs. Tuesday; September 10th) 14.0"0 n.ou ~~----- - ~ f' \ .~-- it :____ : ;::H~:l ~~ :-----L- : E w.ou "il j:: (IJ' ::>· ..... '" ._' (i :l" ..... cl/o From: Jacobs, Daniel Wednesday, September 11, 2013 2:21 PM Durando, Robert Ramirez, -Enrique; Hwang, Amy FW: GWB Traffic by Toll Lane 9/11/13 vs 9/12/12 Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Here are the traffic files for this morning along with a "corrected" worksheet for yesterday (Thank you Bob) where we reversed our positives/negatives. The big surprise for me was that the LL keeps on doing better than the UL each day. Any ideas ':'VhY this is? The AHB work from fall of last year may be driving this on a comparison to 2012, right? The far right lanes of the AHB were closed last year and the outer roadway of the Trans-Manhattan Expressway was reduced to a single lane, right {l wasn't here then ... )7 Danie[ ~~1 15-min trf GWB 9-11-13 VS ~~4 C@J: 15-min trf GWB 9-12 ... 9-10-13 VS 9-11... .. , Abelians, Ana From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Rivera, Jose Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:22 PM Zipf, Peter Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Shabih, Raheel FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Categories: Blue Category Peter, Traffic Engineering looked at the mainline travel time data from yesterday, but because of an incident on the CBX that resu lted in traffic delays across the bridge, the travel times recorded are not suitable to assess the impacts of the new traffic pattern. Since no incident occurred during the morning peak period today, the comparison oftoday's travel times with the typical travel time on a Tuesday will be more indicative oftraffic impacts. We will perform that analysis and share it with the group tomorrow morning. Report from Bob Durando on Tuesday morning, 09/10/13 "test": From: Durando, Robert Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:05 AM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach - 9/10/13 A little better than yesterday but still not good. 1-95 approaches were free and clear by 0830 and theFt Lee approaches were packed. We addressed that by diverting Martha and BRB traffic up to Center and directed that traffic into toll lanes 20 and 22, which they should have access to, had we given them the 3 lanes as per the agreement This diversion is very labor intensive. ~ ~ GWB Fort Lee 09-10-13.pdf Jose From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 2:37 PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim; Diculescu, Michael; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, My Traffic Operations staff has been in touch with the facility. Below is an email from Bob Durando on this morning's "test". -----Original Message----From: Duran'do, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:35 PM Subject: RE: GWB Fort Lee Approach 1 East bound traffic broke at about 11:30 this morning, however, there was an incident on the CBX that contributed. We fielded 10 or so angry customers regarding there being only 1 toll lane available for Fort Lee and I had an unpleasant interaction with Fort Lee Police Chief and Asst Chief about congesting the Borough, and preventing the smooth flow of emergency response vehicles throughout the Borough. Their characterization was that the "test" was a monumental failure. Fort Lee is not happy. Our PD spent an extended period working the intersections and implemented diversions that further congested the borough. Traffic travelling north on Central were not permitted to make a left hand turn onto Bruce Reynolds Blvd . They were forced to make a right to Hudson Terrace and get on the end of the queue approaching from Martha Washington Way. {Diagram included showing this diversion. -jmr) I don't know whether this will continue tomorrow. Mr. Wildstein will be reaching out to me later to discuss. TBT 2 Mont staff are looking at numbers. ~1 ~ GWB Fort Lee Diversion.pdf We are still working on travel time numbers on the mainline and will report back. Jose -----Original Message----From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:25 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Buchsbaum, Jack; Starace, Jim Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, Great. I also just sent a note to Cedrick on the same issue. Can you give me "daily summaries" of Traffic impacts- both positive and negative. Thanks, Peter -----Original Message----From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:18AM To: Zip( Peter Cc: Ba ig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, 2 Working with TB& T should not be a problem. It has been a team effort (somewhat) for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:16AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks- can you reach out to your counterparts in TBT to let them know, ie, can it be a "team approach"? Is that reasonable and doable? Let me know if I need to call anyone. Thanks -----Original Message----From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Friday] September 06 1 2013 8:13 ,6,~.,1 To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael; Patel, Umang; Shabih, Raheel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I will look into whether we can monitor this similar to how we monitor the closures for the orthotropic deck project. Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:10AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter 3 From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed Sheet 1: to move freely from the various approaches. Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, 1Nhere the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Sheet 3: Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into Sheet 4: one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use oftraffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. ~;~ ~ GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose 4 Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: ""'.f."_j,.....,J rY"~i,..l rl""''' nne~a+int"'t rnnoc Sheet 1: S k_,.,,.. a LYtJI\..OIIIIIu-uoy vp • LJv••, uth.ar-a +r-~ffir '"""'"''''--' 11uvv,::, vv••'-•'- '-•u•••"-' to move freely from the various approaches. ":lro cot :::acirlo ::1nrl tr::Jffir ic: ::1lln\A/t:ln u•'- -''-" .... .,.,,_'- .... ,,_ ... , ..... ,,, .......... " " " ' ' - · · - - Sheet 2: Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Sheet 3: Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. < Assistant o:il'e:ctor lii!m:rnefs)l Bridges and! TerminalS D'epar.tme:nt: The Pbrt: Alltft'Qdty of Maw Yar:ff amfl &e.w Jernre.:w Tw.o Matrfgcnn.e~:y Street- 4'ffll Ffuoli' J'et'Sey,l City,. New J'etsey G1'302: USA Pfmn:e: 2.0r1!-3:9:5-l9.3'~ Fa£ ZG~1l-39S-,..1'4'0i6 Emaif:: liiilJFlJ1§fuill'a@p-:..nN;m"!..Gia:'ii' 1!J!ri5; emmaill ((allhnmgwiitilln. a~)) iS; ~erll m:rd)f £irm111he "IJl.re wlf tiThe~ a\"!lh~Jnesree m:n: a"!Jl'~s arodl !1Iirai)J sfca@parrmyrnjl.geiw 1 Archie, Gwendolx.n From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Durando, Robert Thursday, September 12, 2013 8:28AM Crist, Paul; Fulton, Cedrick Ehler, Diannae RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee p'olice I hope From: Crist, Paul Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 8:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick; Durando, Robert Cc: Ehler, Diannae Subject: FW: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Sounds like we could stretch a decision on this out until wei! into November, after we get a fir.a! product. Paui From: Harriott, Thomas Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 4:09PM To: Crist, Paul; Antes, Vincent; Mehta, Dipak Cc: . Carleton, Robert Subject: FW: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Paul, Vinnie and DipakRob and I spoke to Jose about his responses. The reason the data collection will need to be retaken after the "TL24 Test" is complete is that after the test, the toll lanes will be reopened and normal traffic patterns will retl.L."TT to Center and Lemoine Avenues. Now, with the test in progress, traffic is queuing at the toll plaza and onto Center and Lemoine A venues, which is not representative of regular operations, and we are getting skewed traffic data in this area. We need the traffic data to be collected under regular toll plaza operations to develop construction staging plans and maintenance of traffic plans during the Center and Lemoine A venue Bridge Deck Replacement project. We could instruct the consultant to pick up the cameras now, but with the end of the counting program in a few days, it may be safer to just let the counting program continue. The consultant has two activities to complete after 9/27/13, namely to develop detour volumes and conduct capacity analysis .(by 10/25/13) and to submit the Draft Tech Meino (by 11/01/13 ). These dates will be pushed out, pending the completion of"TL24 Test." Tom Harriott From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 3:23 PM To: Crist, Paul; Antes, Vincent Cc: Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert; Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae; Stickelman, Timothy; Harriott, Thomas; Muriello, Mark; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Lepore, Armando Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Ami" 1 - anything been said to Ft Lee poiice yet? - i'jo. -when did Ft lee make the request? - Fort Lee Police made the request for the video on September 3rd -are the cameras operating yet? If yes, when did they start and when do they finish? If no, when do we plan on starting and finishing?- Yes; data coiiection is ongoing- 09j09j13 to 09j16j13. HOWEVER, due to the "Tl.24 Test", aH data collection wm have to be retai tf:re !FaJ:rrt!: fLee flD(ill:i:f.\1, JP'(]J:I!i:re" au fll€tS"5iilhil~ lLawt.. rr.cdl .r To: "mmoh rmann@hardesty-hanover.com" , Cc: "beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com" , "Kahlbaugh, Dave" Date: 09/04/2013 08:48 AM Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data Hi Mark, We are all! set and have heen cl'eared by th:e !Fort Lee Police ta instaJI! the cameras. on Septemlil'elf gln._ However,, t.J:re p:o!i:li:e d'ep·art.ment has req,ue._o;t:ed! c lfrratt:iE: liYatiCll Co:ll&ti'o:rm- (IT@}trl~)#E ti'(!)) (!J9)#'1l6'#'1i3l ID.'a:tra1P.'rro:cressiirrg; aliTcll dE.v.e:lbj;D fua·l ie S:yr:rdirrr s 1t +a T.,. ..1. .J.....J} p.,.;.,..,..;-n.,l ..LJ \,.;.L} ~.lJ.~ .L~UV\,.;.J.Ul..V email: beslinaer@hardest'J-hanover.com address: 1501 Broadway, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036 office: 212.944.1150 direct: 646.428.8471 cell: 917.860.4047 fax: 212.391.0297 rl;j,r-d est\· u ~ -rno:-c: :;;n.... & 1 iu.i . . \I''C1.- IrrtegritEJ!" Pn"Si.:JJfT Irmoumi_orr_ Celeo:r"'""t!!!g ~ Fenrs. 7 Wiuw.harclestv-hanol;er·.com -Forwarded by Bob Eslinger/Hardesty_Hanover on 09/04/2013 09:01AM- From: 'Westrick, Lisa" To: "mmohrmann@hardesty-hanover.com" , Cc: Date: 09/04/2013 08:48AM "beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com" , "Kahlbaugh, Dave" Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data li-tiiMarrlt" 'W:'e: ar.e all! s:et: a.JiT-d! lir:a.\:Le lire.em1 d'e.ar.edi hyf 1ilire Rmt: !Lee fii'a:li:re Bill iin&talll tfu:e Ea:r.r.re:r.cr& wrote: Ok. I'll make the necessary notifications. From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 06:03 PM To: Durando, Robert Subject: Re: We spoke. The test wifl conti.nue. Good luck. Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Veriwn Wi reless 4G LTE networL From: Durando, Robert Sent: Moriday, September 9, 2013 5:24PM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: Not to be a pest but were you able to talk to DW about advising the borough that we'll be continuing the TL 24 operation tomorrow? 1 Archie, Gwendotx.n From: Sent: T-• IU. Cc: Durando, Robert Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:25 AM Fulton, Cedrick Ehler, Diannae;_Muriello, Mark; Licorish, Darcy; Ramirez, Enrique Good Morning, Just got offthe phone with DW. He'd like to continue the test oftl24 through tomorrow Robert M. Durando General Manager George Washington Bridge and Bus Station 1 Fernandez, Vanessa (. Jacobs, Daniel Friday, September 13, 2013 6:32PM Muriello, Mark Fw: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION -September 11/12, 2013 From : Sent: T-• IU. S nhiof'f• ... -J .... ""'"• Any suggestions? ·---- ---·----------------· ----------·-- From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 06:09 PM To: Jacobs, Daniel Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION- September 11/12, 2013 Da n, Thanks for the through analysis. So how should we answer John? Ced Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Jacobs; Daniel Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 4:48PM To: Fulton, Cedrick Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION - September 11/12, 2013 Cedrick: It is not a lower level of traffic as compared "year-to-year", but to the same day the previous week. The EB volumes were not just lower, but substantially lower, wh ich would help us red uce the impacts of construction activity as John Ma identifies. As Mark suggested, I had Victor pull the travel time information for the WB direction, since no traffic volumes were available (see below): 1 --------------------------------------------------"'""'~ ...... ; .M'I,.llo'l.llClD "T.. .-.. .......J "lf':l-...e t"...-.. .................. :............. .... i H H I J QV 'CD '\,.VB 9 I(IJCl D B.:'9Vi a;:; - ~\.1'\Jr':) \AJ;f:) D a-. ..... ,...,.. \J,. B .................. '1.1 '-.::1 \!7;1 D 'IJV D 'U f-»!-Jit:~ V ;::>. LVW~D V: om Sep. 112013 from 9 PM into Sep 12 2013 6 AM s0 ·· -·- -· ~-·· ·~---····•·• -· -··• •"·-··•·•••n• w••..·.•• •"·-"" ·""''' ~··· ""''·"" ''' ·"·•"""'"" '"•"•·~•··.-· ·• • -- · ~s ··----- ··------·---· -- ·--·----- · ·· ··· ·· ·--~1..------- ~ "' l I 40 -·- -.. t 0 > • ···:·· - • - - · ::: ·-·- :-:· · ; · • •-·-•• -.••mw•••·-.,•-··•""·"'"'·'·-··•<• --.f.· ... ·I··. . 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' " r-! 1 .5 . - .... -- - --···-···- ··------ , ·- ------------~/-(~ :JS 10 -- - - - - --- - - - - - -- - ----- .. -~- - . - ---,.. - - - - -----·-"""" ""·---~~-~---·-~-- ...... ·- --· - --·---~---1 . . -.--,----..·-·------..·-·---··-·-----... . . ---·. . . . . . .···-~.--. .-. . . . . . . . . . .~--~---"~·- · - -~----------~-_. · . · i 20 -----·-----------.·.--·--· ·--·~·- 1 -\----------------------------------------------· i ~5 i 25 .......,.-.,.,.,.,,_ ,.. ,. ___,,. _____ ., _ , · I .......-.J__ fif .. ,-~~:':'""'······ J 0 o-~·-·--· o o c o o c o o d o o o c t i o o o o o o b a o o o o c o o o o o o o o c ·o o ·o S -<;:':~ .- ~9. C ..-1 N 0,... N .:.i ~- ~ · ·r--I.' N N ...,~"'' ~'<'• "1' ;.; ;..( -r-.1 N oeoooooooeoooooooooooooooooooooooo~ ~~~~~~~~ . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~0MNM~C..-1N~~~0..-1N"1'~C..-1NM~~C..-1M~~0..-1N~~~~ .. .. .. . .. . . .. .. . . .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . ... . .. ... .. . .. .. .. .. . ... . .. .. ... .. . ... . .. . .. , . .. ... . . . ~ . .. . .. ~ . .. . . . . ..-1N~NNNM~m~ffiffi00000~..-1..-1~..-1~NNNNN~MMffim~~ NN~NNNNNNNNr-.IQOQQO~CO~OOO~QO~OO --lo•.·ier ~.ctual n - - Uppt::r P..:: Daniel ' From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 12:02 PM To; Jacobs, Daniel Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION - September 11/12, 2013 Thanks Dan. So more broadly, we really don't have the counts to do year to year WB comparisons? However, liistorically we use EB as a proxy for WB activity? And based on lower year to year EB, it would be reasonable to conclude lower WB traffic? We would note also that the picture of construction impact during the overnight at the GWB, in either direction, could be metered by other agency work in NY or NJ? On the night in question, NYC DOT(??) also had construction activity? We regularly work with the respective agencies in both states to coordinate construction.? . Does this sound like a reasoned response? Ced Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Jacobs, Daniel Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 11:44 Af\1 To: Fulton, Cedrick Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehier, Diannae; Muriello, Marl<; Crist, Paul ?ubj~ct: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION - September 11/12, 2013 The question that was posed was "whether traffic was lighter than typical during the construction period?" Bob Durando wisely suggested that we should look at eastbound overnight volumes since v.;e don't have westbound to get a sense if traffic was lighter (i.e . using EB overnight traffic as a proxy for WB overnight traffic). As it turns out, the proxy is not perfect because the LL was closed for much of the overnight period in the EB direction, so we can't learn much about the UL/LL shares of traffic ... but we can still ansvver the broader, overall question. The short answer is "yes". EB traffic was significantly lighter on the evening of September 11/12 than would be typical. Based on a comparison to September 41h (the same DoW the previous week), the traffic was 7% less on the night of the construction. So we likely have been benefiting from significantly reduced traffic during the construction period. The "why" is less clear ... Daniel From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 10:55 AM To: Jacobs, Daniel Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION- September 11/12, 2013 So, What is the message here? How should we characterize the numbers? Ced 3 On Sep 12, 2013, at 11:59 A.l\!f, "Jacobs, Daniel" wrote: Bob: .l1..s we discussed, the EB volumes by hour, by plaza are not all that comparable to similar days because the LL was closed to traffic this week. Here are the overall numbers for the overnight as requested: GWBUL GWB LL GWB PIP 11,331 3,699 1,474 Total for 9/11-9/12 overnight 8,366 7,726 1,675 Similar Totals for 9/4/2013 . As you can see, the totals for last night were around 1,200 vehicles lower than a similar daythe previous week when the plazas are taken together (good news). The hourly numbers are less helpful due to the closure of the LL .. . Thanks. Daniel From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:47 AM To: Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCITON - September 11/12, 2013 Importance: High OK Thx Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street -4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panynj.gov Tlus email (along with attachments) is intended only for d1e use of ilie named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of dus email, you are hereby notiEed iliat any dissemination, distribution or copying of tlus email (and any attachments) is stricdy prolubited. If you received dus email in error, please notify ilie sender inlmediately. From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:42 AM To: Muriello, Mark; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul 4 Cc: Ehler1 Diannae; Jacobs 1 Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUcriON- September 11/121 2013 I think that in order to answer the question that's been posed, hourly counts from the last couple of nights as compared to "nom1al" volumes '.vould suffice. From: Muriello 1 Mark Sent: Thursdayr September 121 2013 10:34 f\ivi To: Durando 1 Robert; Fulton 1 Cedrick; Cristr Paul Cc: Ehler1 Diannae; Jacobs 1 Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUcriON- September 11/121 2013 Bob- Yes. We can look at the Eastbound overnight traffic. How granular would you the data to be by time-of-day? Is hourly data good? UL vs LL? Mark F. IVIuriello ..a.ss~stant Director Tunn.els; Bridges and "er- inals Department t m The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey T\rvo Montgomery Street -4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 US.l!.. Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panvni.aov Tllis email (along "t::t:: Ut:: I UW-J . _ 1 ( A.r'V~ ~~~ ...---.,.,,•..,•..,,.., TII'~\Jol Tiin"'o l!""'t'\lrYIII"\~li"DC.nrn -c: .,,.._.,.._,. • ••••"-' "'-'""""'it"'Vi" J.;>VJ&.;;> = .F.:\AJQ. \1\JO. iS ,....,..o,.- \IC! ll..VV¥Ca \/, 0 ...-.u.,....,. v; - l ! f l f b ' lf'!!~ "='t'l .,.,o;;:;~ !J;:J• on Sep. 11 2013 from 9 PM into Sep 12 2013 .S A!\i1 50 ··----···---······- --- - --- - - - --·--····-·-······" .........~.... ....._ ______ ···--·-·---·-- --·---- ···-·- -----··--. ._, ------------····------- .. ----------·---· - --~------------.-·---·- __,;,:: -.,, - . . 1 i--- ----------·-- --~- ---.-.----- .. ·-w·.-·--···--···- .......... --- · · --·-- · -·-------· --r~ 40 -~-----·· 3S - - ~0 ~ ! 25 ,_\ ____________ ________________ -~ - - ---·-~ - ) r-'1 't ----·---•·---------- - ·-· - - .. .,. •-"~ "' ~-~- 1 ----·-· • -·---· . ·A f • ~ '\ ~-~---- --·----~-~--------r~--------r~~-----LJ-··t···· · - 2 0 --- - O '" O - - ·-·· ·-·--- -- -------..·· -··"··--.. i fI , . - . . . . . -.-~-- . .- ~. -~----. - --- - --.·. . . __ - - . . . ....--- _ _. __._ , _ .~----- . ··"·'=··'---- 1 l ·• · -·-----·---- - ·- - · ·~ - - ~ ,., ,.,, ·-•---~" "'''"'" "• • ...... .... .. ..."_,.,,.,. ,,-·,n=~----•·••••~-~·---·- --·+---· j-1 ~-:\•,_, ., ., ., .,'_,., ,.,_,.N.'"o"."-.""''''~'•-•'-.' 0' "~'''"·""-'' ----· J l •, _,., , .,, _ __ _ ,,., ," • • • " ' ' ' " " .__,.,,_,._, , _, ,•,•.•• • • ' " • '· !---- ,; . .1[},\'v_______j_L_li . 1 ,_ Tt. fj i ~ J5 ,... .[::j J \~! ~/1~- l~,-...J___}__t-r. .·' ~ \\ Jt 10 • I 11. S ·- · ------- f/'/f_f.f-·-:-·. ~~~ _ . r"\ 1 Iii\ I\ I 1.~' -~-_ \- ~ ~, • __ ,_____ -..;;. ... . J ~ {'v"'"'j • ,, ~!-~ \---......,....--_.-J-·~-· · -~---=.c; • .........,---~-- ~1-..._------'ii', · ~ ~~ ·- - 'f' j . ' (l ·--------- -------- ~ -~ . ~'I.;·;,..,·,..,...,.,. ---u -\~------~--~~~.:~--=-~..~F~~~---4~ . .. -· ·-·-~---~-~--~-·o·•=••··-~--" '·•·~~~••·.,-~ ~--~~-~--·~··-· =--~- -- -•~---~ -~--~~·.·--·~~--·~--·-·-··--- ---~--··-•-'•'·'•··'"··-•~•--·~---· •--~ 0 00 0 0 ·0 0 d ·0 0 ·::l 0 0 0 .;;::) 0 0 G> 0 DO 0 0 0 D 0 0 0 0 0 ·b 0 0 0 otic ob 0 0 0 ·O 0 .;..; ,.:.,; . 0 0 0 0 0 0 ·0 0 .;..~ -~ ~ ~ ~ o:--:: ';l: ~ '?. ·":"! ~ ~1 "{'! .:; ..;.; ,:.: 0 0 ,:..; ,.:..; 0 ,.:,~ 0 ..;: 0 ~9. ~ ..:.r--. $'!9.9. ~-:: c-. Q ~9.9. ":':9.9.9.9. 0 0 0 0 0 0 ·0 0 ; ..-l N · "'~ .,...'-"!l:!>i'--¢¢ ~¢ .;..; ..:.J M .;: .;.; ~ ~ ":"! 't;'i ':'! ~ ~- ':":!~1;::':":9.":"!':'1-:'1 ~ '<:;"! <';'! ·'?. ":"! - ":'! ~: ';': ':19. ":"!<:'!7. N m l'1'l .-,-, ..., ..,... M 0 OQO 0 .-; 0"'1 ..-i ...-! .-I 0"'1 ' N "'! · N . N 0 N N 'N ':"JNN,...,;r-INr--.IN N N N N N N 0 ··O 'Q 0 --lo•,·.•er.:l.Cttli!ITI s ,....; .-; ·0 0 ..-~· ..-! O;=;:J :: .-; 0 .-1"" NNNN<'t'1f>"J . rr,.-n 00 0 - · -Upperft. wrote: Bob: As we discussed, the EB volumes by hour, by plaza are not all that comparable to similar days because the LL was closed to traffic this week . Here are the overall numbers for the overnight as requested: GWBUL GWB LL GWB PIP 11,331 3,699 1,474 Total for 9/11-9/12 overnight 8,366 7,726 1,675 Similar Totals for 9/4/2013 As you can see, the totals for .last night were around 1,200 vehicles lower than a similar day·the previous week when the plazas are taken together (good news). The hourly numbers are less helpful due to the closure of the LL. . . Thanks. Daniel From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:47 AM To: Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCITON- September 11/12, 2013 Importance: High OK Thx Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street- 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panyni.gov 111is email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of dlis email, you are hereby notified d1at any dissemination, distribution or copying of dlis email (and any attachments) is stricdy prollibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately. - - - - - - - · - - · - -·- - - - - - --- -·- - - -·- ·---- ·--·- - - - - - - --··- - ···- ·---··-·- ·--·- - - From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:42 AM To: Muriello, Mark; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul 4 I Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUGION - September 11/12, 2013 I think that in order to a11S\Yer the question that's been posed, hourly counts from the last couple of nights as compared to "normal" volumes would suffice. From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Thursday, Septernber 12, 2013 10:34 ,z\ivi To: Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUGION - September 11/12, 2013 Bob- Yes. We can look at the Eastbound overnight traffic. How granular would you the data to be by time-of-day? Is hourly data good? UL vs LL? Mark F. Muriello Ass;stant D!rector . Tun-nels; Bridges-and ter.mina!s Departmer.-t The Port Authority of New York and New .Jersey Two Montgomery Street - 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panyni.gov Tius email (along \Vith attaclu.-nents) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential inf01mation. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distt1bution or copying of this email (and any attachments) is strictly prohibited_ If you received this email in en:o:r, please notify the sender intmediately. From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:30 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, ·Diannae; Muriello, Mark Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION - September 11/12, 2013 Vle can look at eastbound ovemight volumes since we don't have westbound to get a sense if traffic is lighter. Checked with Tra_r1scom this morning and there's work going on I-95 southbound at the Bronx River Parkway (that's about 5 miles from the GWB WB, which could be acting as a meter to us. From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:26 AM To: Crist, Paul; Durando, Robert Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark Subject: Fw: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUGION - September 11/12, 2013 Good question. Thoughts. Clearly the last two nights were pretty good. Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Ma, John Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION - September 11/12, 2013 5 /' Cedrick- is overall traffic volume light? Relative to normal volumes this time of year? Are we seeing more diversion? From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:11 AM To: Faye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Antes, Vincent; Benczik, Terry; Chabiiei, VViified; Ciist, Paul; Davvson, Stephanie; Duiando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Fulton, Cedrick; Lade, Tina; Lee, Christopher; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Usa; McGrath, David; Muriello, Mark; Napolitano, Steve; Pilosio, Jared; Simon, Brian; Valens, Chris; Wildstein, David; Young, William; Zipf, Peter Subject: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION- September 11/12, 2013 Pat, Bill, _ Construction activity involving crane placement, traffic holds and roadway deck segment placement began at 9pm last night, closing 3 lanes of the Upper Level westbound of the GWB. Upper Level delays peaked at 35 minutes at 2320 hours hours but stabilized to under 5 minutes at 0130 hours. The Lower Level was fully open in the westbound direction and ran free and clear throughout the construction period. These delays are consistent with DOT travel time delay information we've been provided. Cedrick 6 " '• Fernandez~ Vanessa Jacobs, Daniel Friday, September 13, 2013 11:44 AM Fulton, Cediick Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCTION- September 11/12, 2013 From: Sent: To: ,..._. '-''-'· Subject: The question that was posed was "whether traffic was lighter than typical during the construction period?" Bob Durando wisely suggested that we should look at eastbound overnight volumes since we don't have westbound to get a sense if traffic was lighter (i.e . using EB overnight traffic as a proxy for WB overnight traffic). As it turns out, the proxy is not perfect because the LL was closed for much of the overnight period in the EB direction, so we can't learn much about the UL/LL shares of traffic ... but we can still answer the broader, overall question. The short answer is "yes". EB traffic was significantly lighter on the evening of September 11/12 than would be typical. . Based _ a_ on comparison to September 4th {the same DoW the previous week), the traffic was 7% less on the night of the_ -· construction . So we likely have been benefiting from significantly reduced traffic during the construction period. The "why" is less clear ... Daniel -----·--------------------------------From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 13, 2013 10:55 Aivi To: Jacobs, Daniel Cc: Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark; Crist, Paul Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUmON - September 11/12, 2013 So, V/hat is the message here? How should we characterize the numbers? Ced On Sep 12, 2013, at 11:59 AM, "Jacobs, Daniel" wrote: Bob: As we discussed, the EB volumes by hour, by plaza are not all that comparable to similar days because the LL was closed to traffic this week. Here are the overall numbers for the overnight as requested: GWB UL GWB LL GWB PIP 11,331 3,699 1,474 Total for 9/11-9/12 overnight 8,366 7,726 1,675 Similar Totals for 9/4/2013 As you can see, the totals for last night were around 1,200 vehicles lower than a similar day the previous week when the plazas are taken ·together (good news). 1 ·' The hourly numbers are less helpful due to the closure of the LL . . . Thanks. Daniel From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:47 AM To: Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCfiON - September 11/12, 2013 Importance: High 01< Thx l\.flark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street - 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7 407 Email: mmurie!lo@panvni.gov Tills email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of tllis email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of tllis email (and any attachments) is strictly prollibited. If you received tllis email in error, please notil}r the sender immediately. From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:42 AM To: Muriello, Mark; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUC110N - September 11/12, 2013 I think that in order to answer the question that's been posed, hourly counts from the last couple of nights as compared to "normal" volumes would suffice. From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:34 AM To: Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUC110N - September 11/12, 2013.. Bob- Yes. We can look at the Eastbound overnight traffic. How granular would you the data to be by time-of-day? Is hourly data good? UL vs LL? Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street -4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA 2 !' Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panvni.gov This email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of tl1e named addressee or addressees and may contain legally p1-ivileged and/ or confidential inf01mation. If you are not ilie intended recipient of dus email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, dist1-ibution or copying of tlus email (and any attachments) is st1-ictly prolubited. If you received tlus email in error, please notif}' tl1e sender immediately. From: Durando, Robert Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:30 AiVJ To: Fulton, Cedrick; Crist, Paul Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark Subject: RE: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCT10N - September 11/12, 2013 \Ve can look at eastbound ovemight volumes since we don' t have westbound to get a sense if traffic is lighter. Checked ':vith Transcom this morning and there ' s work going on I-95 southbound at the Bronx River Parkway (that's about 5 miles from the GWB \VB, ·which could . be. acting as a meter to us . - -- - · - ~ - - - -- - . .. From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:26 AM To: Crist, Paul; Durando, Robert Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark Subject: Fw: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCT10N - September 11/12, 2013 Good question . Thoughts. Clearly the last tvvo nights were pretty good. Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Ma, John Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:22 AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: Re: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCITmJ - September 11/12, 2013 Cedrick- is overall traffic volume light? Relative to normal volumes this time of year? Are we seeing more diversion? From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:11 AM To: Foye, Patrick; Baroni, Bill Cc: Antes, Vincent; Benczik, Terry; Chabrier, Wilfred; Crist, Paul; Dawson, Stephanie; Durando, Robert; Ehler, Diannae; Fulton, Cedrick; Lado, Tina; Lee, Christopher; Ma, John; MacSpadden, Lisa; McGrath, David; Muriello, Mark; Napolitano, Steve; Pilosio, Jared; Simon, Brian; Valens, Chris; Wildstein, David; Young, William; Zipf, Peter Subject: GWB UPPER LEVEL CONSTRUCITON - September 11/12, 2013 Pat, Bi II, Construction activity involving crane placement, traffic holds and roadway deck segment placement began at 9pm last night, closing 31anes of the Upper Level westbound of the GWB. Upper Level delays peaked at 35 minutes at 2320 hours hours but stabilized to under 5 minutes at 0130 hours. The Lower Level was fully open in the westbound direction and ran free and 3 '· clear throughout the construction period . These delays are consistent with DOT travel time de fay information we've been provided . Cedrick 4 . ;' < . ·- Fernandez, Vanessa Jacobs, Daniel Friday, September 13, 2013 11:24 AM Muriel/a, Mark Fort Lee Trial Fort Lee Trial Review.ppt; 15-min trf GWB 9-11-13 vs 9-4-13.xlsx From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: See attached, plus worksheet for calculations (except travel time done separately) . Calculation table below: ---- ----------------- ---------- -- -- -------- -- -------- - · r p~~kP~ri~d H._~~-~ -~E.P..~~~£h____ !'~~-I!:i.~ ------ - - ------- -'----_ _ __ ---a. Lee Appioach Post Trial I 3~!-~. -- -- - ------'--- I ::!fD7 ___ ·:_----- /' _ _ _ - - - - --_ . _~~;~_:n~;,p;ocesse·~ -:~· I. ___ ~;Pre-Trial ------- ------------- - -- - - ----------------------- --- ________-- --- -------------------- - _5 ~5. ------- ---- _-'-- __ _ I .2696 D~ hrs 2J72 0700 h rs 2342. 000 h rs J - ,----------- Llo!i!ii --·-===-=====~==--_N ef~~-~.?~~E~~~~-im_~~~~:.J -~ -~-- Mainline ---------- - I J - -- ------ - - - ---- -- --------- ~ ------ - --- - - --- - -· --- --- -- --- -- , - -------·---- - --------______ _ _ ·_ ________ _______ _ _ __ ___ ______ _____________ L____ ~6s_~ ~E.______L __ _____________ ___ _ _ Mainline Post Trial ) 3-089 ~fiiW hrs I - --------- - ----------- - ------------ -------------------------- j ___ ---- __ _ ____ ____ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _____ _ __ _ __ __ __ _ Mainline _ _ __ __ _ ___ __ J ______ _ _ _ I Net Impact ~~!!!~ -----'------ --- ----- --- 3437 l7D7 800 hrs / 234)~--~ ~_r_s _ ____ __! _______ 96~ 3-93- --- .I - - 915 . - 1. ---. ' 365 -------------------------------------·--------·---- -- - ~-------------------~!-....- ...------- ----- ~-- - . -·-------- - -------- -- -~r~~:::nal- Ma:~i-n~-- · Pe~~~!!~!!_ ~~~:!__ _---·- ---~---·-· -------· ··----~.~ ~·.c:~n~ Fo _P~~~_P _"':i•~---- - --- ____ [ ___ - c'!_D7_ _ _______ _[_ ____---;,~~~:~LPI :: ,~·-~~ l'_•~il _ 07:40:00 <"> ::::' §!. 07 :45:00 :::::' 07:50:00 < "' 07:55:00 ~ ::l 08:00:00 ~ 08:05:00 08:10:00 ' 08:15:00 08:20:00 !:1 j ~ 0 ~ :t ...... l} \ - ' ' ~ I I 1 1 l.O U1 i ~~ 2 c: \ l 1 1 J ct) / / f 1 1 ' "'M g 3 (!) \ i \ ..... n ~:;o ::r- ct) 3 "\. \ \ s ~ \ l-lo w { r o8:25:oo l 08:35:00 08:40:00 os:45 :oo 08:50:00 08 :55 :00 > l <.,_ ( / - ""' Vi' r-o ::r ~ ~ ~ {;j 1J a ru 0 I . ::i ..... 0 :r --:i ~ ~n 0 ):> } \ ~ ~ s oti' c 1 > I ; ~ ) 1 ~ 0 O'l \ ./ ci -g (.Q ct) i < ct) :?! ::! . // ~ 08:30:00 ~ Q.) ~ l l -i 0 0 j_ I ., ;r p 0 0 -a CD 00 0 0 0 0 , (j\ 0 0 0 0 0 .c. N 0 0 0 ' n· !lJ @ :::;i ... !lJ - - g ;:§ -i Q1 < CD ~ ~ .._II ~ ~::~~:~~- -----_5___ _______ ,___ __ _______(___ ---------------~:- 1--1------~~----------_ . · r ; 09:10:00 09:15:00 \ ) \ 09:20:00 09:25:00 ) ;;. 09:30:00 09:35:00 / l!EE {( j I J 1 1 Vi ~ '1:::1 ~ < OJ (0 (I) 0 ::3 ~ ~ ~ ~ w ~ ~ ~ .. t" 0 0 0 0 0 1 -! -< "0 [ -! Ol ~ ::l :::; 1D ):> ~ ~ -! Ol ii -! 3 "' ! ' ! :;l QJ < ~ ::l :::; 1D 06:00:00 06:05:00 06:10:00 06:15:00 06:20:00 06:25:00 06:30:00 06:35:00 06:40:00 06:45:00 06:50:00 06:55:00 07:00:00 07:05:00 07:10:00 07:15:00 07:20:00 07:25:00 07:30:00 07:35:00 07:40:00 07:45:00 07:50 :00 07:55 :00 08:00:00 08:05:00 08:.10:00 08:15:00 08:20 :00 08:25 :00 08:30:00 08:35:00 08:40:00 03:45:00 09:15:00 09 :20:00 09:25 :00 09:30:00 09:35:00 09:40:00 09:45:00 09:50 :00 o9:55:oo ~ ~ 0 0 ?0 ?' 0 0 0 0 ...... N 0 0 ~].~ ---- ~ .,..,__ .. L --.. _ , --.."--l--, - - -L - _ . - , I ...... 0 0 0 I I I i iI Vehicle Hours of Dela.v I I !"'_ _ _ _ _, ·---·-----1 I I The trial results in a trade·. oft between travei J ;til11e savingrs f<"Jr highway approach traffic and delays for 66loc~~l" traffic: lin~ • Assuming the 11,5912 vehicles using the main toll lanes after I implementation of the triat~ each saved 5 minute~~' the total savii111gs would be approximately 966 vehicle hours of reduced delay. ' j i i • Based on estimated Fort l.ee qtUeues of approxir1nately 600 vehuch~s over the course of four hours, local traffic is exp~~riencing an I additional 2,800 vehicle hours of delay. I - Even if queues are half those originally estimated, the additional would still far exceed the savings of mainline traff~t . a d1~lay • I approxi~ately • Based on estimated Fort Lee queues of 550 vehicles at 10 AM, many of these vehicles will pay the off.. p~ak toll - At an E-ZPass market share of 84°/o during the 9 o'~~ock hour, this 'Works I out to a revenue loss of around $1000 per day or $250k per year. ficsitfloam . awn Fernandez, Vanessa From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Rivera, Jose Wednesday, September 11 , 2013 3:23 PM Crist, Paul; Antes, Vincent Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert; Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae; Stickelman, Timothy; Harriott, Thomas; Muriello, Mark; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) ; Lepore, P·.rmando RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort-Lee police All, -anything been said to Ft Lee police yet?- No. -when did Ft lee make the request?- Fort lee Police made the request for the video on September 3rd "'are the cameras operating yet? !f yes, when did they start and when do they finish? If no, when do vve plan . - on -starting-and finishing?-- .Yes;-clata co!iection is ongoing-- 09i09/13 to 09/-16/-1·3;-HOWEVER/- dueto the---- -- -------- -- "TL24 Test", a!! data co!lectlon vvi!l hav e to be retaken when the "test" is complete. -once they complete the video, how long will it take before they send us an analysis?- Data process1ng 211d develop base Syr.chro network- complete by 09/27 /13; howeve1 wm be delayed to ongoing "Tl24 Test". · Jose l=r-nm I rric:t IP::>rrl • -OOoJ'-1 ......... • •-••• Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 1:53 PM To: Antes, Vincent Cc: Rivera, Jose; Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert; Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae; Stickelman, Timothy; Harriott, Thomas; Muriello, Mark Subject: Re: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Thanks, a few questions: ~anything been said to Ft Lee police yet? -when did Ft lee make the request? -are the cameras operating yet? If yes, when did they start and when do they finish? If no, when do we plan on starting and finishing? -once they complete the video, how long will it take before they send us an analysis? Thanks Paul Paul v. Crist Port Authority of NY and NJ -----------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld -·-------------- - - - - - - - - - --- - - From: Antes, Vincent Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 01:46 PM To: Crist, Paul Cc: Rivera, Jose; Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert; Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae; Stickelman, Timothy; Harriott, Thomas 1 Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police The request for copies ofthe video traffic count info was made by Ft Lee police to the consultant installing the video equipment. The consultant passed off the request to us. The reason video traffic counts are being made is a result of repeated vandalism to the traffic count tubes first employed. The tubes were being cut by someone on the street. Bob D also asked a question regarding traffic videos being discoverable as a result of FOI's. After discussing with Tim Stickelman, the answer is yes. The PA may deem such requested information of a sensitive nature and elect to not send. Vinny From: Crist, Paul sent: Tue·saay; septemoe·r·w;·2o13.6:3s PM ···· ·-·- · To: Antes, Vincent Cc: Rivera, Jose; Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert; Durando, Robert; Fulton, Cedrick; Ehler, Diannae Subject: Re: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Vinny .:,; · Why are we taking the traffic counts? Bob- why does Ft Lee want them? Paul Paul V. Crist Port Authority of NY and NJ -----------------------Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld ·-----·-----From: .A.ntes, Vincent Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 04:15PM To: Crist, Paul Cc: Rivera, Jose; Mehta, Dipak; Carleton, Robert Subject: FW: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Traffic counting data will be collected in the form of video, which Ft Lee Police have asked for a copy. Jose will obtain the traffic video data but it will not leave the PA until clearance is received from the department as well as the media types. You may want to advise Cedrick theFt Lee police had made a inquiry for the collect traffic count data. Concerned about invasion of privacy and potentially using traffic data for other purposes, I have already been assured that the video camera placement precludes reading license plate numbers. Vinny From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:44 PM To: Harriott, Thomas Cc: Carleton, Robert; Mehta, Dipak; Durando, Robert; Antes, Vincent; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Lepore, 2 Armando; Fraser, Craig Subject: RE: Center &. Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police Tom, The consult must NOT release videos from the traffic study directly to the Fort Lee Police Department. Any video from the data collection wiil be sent to TB& T when they are ava ilable. HOWEVER, before any videos are sent to Fort Lee Police I strongly suggest that TB& T advise Cedrick and a!so get clearance from GOCOR, Media Relations, PA Police, and possibly Law. Jose ---- ----- - -·----From: Harriott, Thomas Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 11:23 AM To: Rivera, Jose Cc: Carleton, Robert; fviehta, Dipak . - - .. ... ·- ... ..... . - . - .. - .. -· .. .. --- ---- .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to Fort Lee police JoseIn your discussions within Engineering, has there been a decision to share these traffic videos? Please let me know. Thank you. Tom Ha..rriott From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:53 AM To: Harriott, Thomas Cc: Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Lepore, Armando; Fraser, Craig; Caruth, David; Durando, Robert; Buchsbaum, Jack Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to FortLee police Tom, Let me discuss this within Engineering. Would we need clearance from, or at a minimum advise, PA Police, GOCOR, Media Relations, etc.? Jose · ----- · - ·· - ·· - -- -~--- ·-·- ··-- - - - - -· From: Harriott, Thomas Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:21 AM To: Rivera, Jose; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza) Subject: FW: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to FortLee police Jose and RizwanWould it be acceptable to you to share the traffic videos from the Center and Lemoine traffic counting program with the Fort Lee police department? Please see below emails. Bob Durando is ok with sharing. Please let me know. Thank you. Torn Harriott 3 ., From: Jen, Ching Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2013 4:10PM To: Harriott, Thomas Cc: Sloan, Stewart S!.!bject: FW: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data- request to release traffic video files to FortLee police i om: rdon't know you read this email or not, could you response his request to get permission from PA in order to release video files to Fort Lee Police? Thank you Ching jen From: beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com [mailto:beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com] -- ------ ·sent:Wednesa2iY,-september 04",- 2on ·g:oTAw··-·· ---- - - -- · ----- --- ·· - · ·--- - · - · · · · ·-- To: Jen, Ching Cc: mmohrmann@hardesty-hanover.com; Sloan, Stewart; Job_2781 %Ha rdesty_Hanover@hardesty-hanover.com; Harriott, Thomas; charlie@hardesty-hanover.com Subject: Fw: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data Ching- please see below regarding the start of the traffic counts with cameras on September 9. The Fort Lee Police Department has requested copies of the traffic video files after the counts are complete and we would like to get formal approval from PA before we r~lease these files. Thanks, Bob Robert F. Eslinger, Jr, PE, Principal Associate email: beslinqer@hardestv-hanover.com address: 1501 Broadway, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036 office: 212.944.1150 direct: 646.428.8471 cell: 917.860.4047 fax: 212.391 .0297 U • r "! 'r~ .l L '\...; ~ .... r-! ~-= t:' ~ - : : 7" ~ t-._=.,. IJ....._•. ~.._... • -\,. !-<··- -..... L ;' T &lianover Integrity, Passion, Innovation. Celebrating 125 Years. w ww.hardestv-hanover. co m - -Forwarded by Bob Eslinger/Hardesty_Hanover on 09/04/2013 09:01 AMFrom: 'Westrick, Lisa" To: "mmohrmann@hardesty-hanover.com" , Cc: "beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com" , "Kahlbaugh , Dave" Date: 09/04/2013 08:48 AM Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data Hi Mark, 1 We are all set and have been cleared by the Fort Lee Police to install the cameras on September 9 h. However, the pol ice department has requested copies of the video files after the counts are completed . Can you discuss with the PA to get their authorization to release the video files to the Fort Lee Police? Thanks, Lisa Lisa M. Westrick, P.E., Associate CHA- design/construction solutions From: Westrick, Lisa 4 · Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 9:20AM To: 'mmohrmann@hardesty-hanover.com' Cc: beslinger@hardesty-hanover.com; Rashford, Jim Subject: RE: Center & Lemoine Traffic Data Hi Mark, vVe have discussed the schedule for data collection with Craig Fraser of the Port fl.uthority. Because of the upcoming Labor Day holiday and consideration of back-to-school conditions, we have agreed to schedule the counts to begin during the week of September 9th_ Below is our updated schedule for the follow-up work products for the traffic analysis. " " a .. Traffic Data Collection - 09/09/13 to 09/16/13 Data Processing and develop base Synchro network- complete by 09/27/13 Develop detour volumes and conduct capacity analysis- complete by 10/25/13 Submit Draft Tech Memo- 11/01/13 This schedule supposes that we will progress our work without PA review of interim submissions. If the PA would prefer to review (such.as_ to.review_ ..voiumes.before_ do the. anaiysis,.or-t o.review.the modei of-existing before we proceed with the we interimstages_ the detour analysis), then the schedule will be drawn out by the number of review milestones and the PA's turnaround time for review. However, unless I hear from you otherwise, I will assume that interim submissions/reviews will not be necessary. Thank you, Lisa Lisa M. Westrick, P.E., Associate CHA- design/construction solutions s Fernandez, Vanessa From: Sent: To: Cc: Durando, Robert Monday, September 09, 2013 8:31AM Fulton, Cedrick Ehler, Diannae; Muriello, Mark DW has left the building. He'll be "checking back" with me later to discuss hmv this morning v-.rent. Robert M. Durando General Manager George Washington Bridge and Bus Station 1 Fernandez, Vanessa Durando, Robert Monday, September 09, 2013 12:55 PM Muriello, Mark Ramirez, Enrique RE: Angry Patron From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: ft~~__,,no delays at this time. DW is supposed to check in 1vith me later to talk traffic numbers From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 12:53 PM To: Durando, Robert Cc: Ramirez, Enrique Subject: RE: Angry Patron Is the operation still in effect? Mark F. Murie!lo Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street- 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 !=mail: mmuriello@panvni.gov This email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged lilld/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of tllis email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of tllis email (and any attachments) is strictly prollibited. If you received tllis email in enor, please notify the sender immediately. From: Durando, Robert Sent: Monday, September 09 1 2013 12:09 PM To: Fulton, Cedrick Cc: Ehler, Diannae; Muriello 1 Mark; Ramirez, Enrique; Sagrestano, Kenneth Subject: Fw: Angry Patron Fyi, so you get a flavor of the complaints. We've gotten a half dozen calls+ orFrom: Herrera 1 Lisa Sent: Monday1 September 09 1 2013 12:06 PM To: Durando 1 Robert Subject: Angry Patron Hi Bob: 1 just got another call from a patron ... she says that the Port Authority "doesn't care about their customers and they are playing God with people's jobs". Her husband was 40 minutes late to a job that he just got after being out of work for over a year. She said a lot of other things, but I will spare you her rant! Lisa 1 ... Fernandez, Vanessa mow ' Fmm: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Chung, Victor Friday, September 06, 2013 5:01 PM Muriello, Mark GWB toll lane modification Fort Lee 1 lane- May 7 2013 .xlsx Mark, Attached is the latest summary sheet for the analysis. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks Victor 1 - -~ 1 1 GWD Fort lc:e Toll hnes(L1nes 20, 22,24 ~I Ull - M:~y 7 , 20l3 Sum of CASH Sum ofEZPASS Tlme6ecan 20 0 100 200 " " 300 35 " n the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great day!! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, twas advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). I? the.re any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter 3 From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified - ------ ------------- -· - - --- --·- -- - - ---- ... --------- - - - - · --- --· -··- ·· · - - - -- - - --· ··----- ----- ·-· ·- - -·- · ·· - - · -- - -· - -------- - ---- --- - - As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toil Plaza under four sc e-narios: 1. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches . 2. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 3. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two ianes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes . 4. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza . Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf » Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday; August 28, 2013 6:19 PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification . Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter 4 From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB .Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 5. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza . 7. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee __.... --·· --- -- are. merged -into two ianes and .feed -the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic_ flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. «File: GWB UL Tolls Sa .pdf » I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additionai information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office: 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I irivera(Qloanvnj.gov I www.oanvni.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL Iwww.distraction.gov 5 Fernandez, Vanessa From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Chung, Victor Friday, September 06, 2013 11 :24 AM Quelch, Gerard Muriello, Mark;· Jacobs, Daniel RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Fort Lee 1 lane- May 21 2013.x!sx Jerry, I will meet up with Mark at 12:30 later. So far, I have used sample ITCS data to get the usual demand ofthe 3 Fort Lee toll lanes and the estimate the capacity of a full service toll lane. I used the 2006 Trans Hudson auto OD to get the local Fort Lee auto demand alone. Assuming that all the highway demands stay on the highway as the best case scenario of this one lane only implementation, there will still be substantial queuing just by the Fort Lee demand. -- - --------------·-··----- --- - · -- - -- ---- -------- --------·-- ------ -- - -·- -- -- - ----- ----·-·-Victor - -- - --------·--- - ----------- · - ·------ ... ... -------- ------ - - - - · From: Quelch, Gerard Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 11:18 AM To: Chung, Victor Cc: Muriello, Mark; Jacobs, Daniel ·subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Victor, Regarding Mark's question about local Ft Lee traffic, check the 2011 EB counts taken at the GWB by RBA. I don't recall covering the local approaches, however, we may get lucky. Also, the latest Skycomp will give the toll plaza thruput plus queuing to determine total demand during the am-pm peaks. Raheel of Traffic will probably give you a call to discuss. Jerry Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device ~----------------· From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 10:00 AM To: Quelch, Gerard Cc: Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks, Jerry. I appreciate you jumping in here. Victor is starting by gathering some ITCS data by hour by toll lane. This is a 24x7 toll plaza change that the 15th Floor is seeking. It will affect the peak hour significantly. Do we have any relatively recent traffic counts and turning movements of the Bruce Reynolds/Martha Washington intersection.? Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street- 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 1 Ema'il: mmuriello@panynj.gov T!us email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally p1i.vi.leged and/ or confidential infonnation. If you are not the intended recipient of tlus email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email (and any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you received tllis email in error, please notify the sender immediately. - - - - - - - - - - -· - - -- - - - - - - -· From: Quelch, Gerard Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:39AM To: Muriello, Mark Cc: Jacobs 1 Daniel Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified -- - - - - - · - · - - - - I can't really see the diagrams from the BB but if this configuration is during the peak hour it will have a direct impact on the local approach. We typically give 3-4 toll lanes toFt Lee in the AM. Suggest checking Skycomp to get base conditions then recalculate toll lane thruput with reduced capacity to back into local street queuing. I apologize for the short writeup on the outreach super bowl section but I didn't have much time to devote to it yesterday. Hope it was helpful. We just pulled into jacksonville fl so I'm going to stretch my legs. JQ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday1 September 06 1 2013 08:51AM To: Jacobs 1 Daniel; Chung 1 Victor Cc: Quelch 1 Gerard Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified I am going to need you guys to jump in on this right away, while Jerry is away on vacation. Cedrick will be looking for us to do a quick assessment on Fort Lee impacts to be used for a discussion with the Fort Lee Mayor next week. I think what we need is an analysis of traffic by toll by hour for this past week, and some estimates of what we think might be likely next week with the new toll plaza configuration that is planned. Currently the Fort Lee approach is three roadway lanes feeding three toll lanes (essentially #2 of 4 in the attached). What is being proposed is tow roadway lanes from Fort Lee, feeding one toll lane (#4 of 4 in the attached). Presumably the impact may be having more people stay on the main 180/95 approach rather than getting off and find their way into Fort Lee. However, there are likely to be increased delays and queuing on the local approach roads (River Road, Bruce Reynolds Blvd., Martha Washington Way, etc.). Vic;:tor -- Please stop by so that we can discuss this morning and get started and collecting some data. Dan-- We can discuss when you get back in on Monday. Jerry-- I bet Florida is looking a whole lot better now! 2 Mark F. Murieiio Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street - 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phoni;: 201 -395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmurie!!o@panvnj.qov 11lis email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of tills email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of tllis email (and any attaclunents) is strictly prollibited. If you received tllls email in error, please notify tl1e sender immediately. ·- --- -··-· · -- · --~--·---·- From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:31AM -- To:Zipf; Peter ·- - --- ------------ ---- - --Cc: Muriello, Mark; Ehler, Diannae; Durando, Robert Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Peter, I just spoke with Bob Durando. He will involve Jerry Quelch . Ced Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 6, 2013 8:22AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Hi Cedrick, This is what I called about -I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan . I assume GWB staff have already advised you- just wanted to be sure. If you don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hop_ you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. e Have a great day!! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, 3 1 -w~s ' advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane). 1:; there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified As discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: 1. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 2. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 3. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless ofthe number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 4. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza . Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. «File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf » Jose From: Zipf, Peter sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified 4 Da.vid, As requested, attached is a suggested modification . Jose wil! certainly work out the deta ils/further development with GWB as needed. One additional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified ..Att_qch~d)$__a PPf_ o_ sh_ vvJ.ng .t.he_ G\lv'S_Uppe r. Level ToiL Plaza undei three scenarios.:. _ __ . __ __ . . .. .... ___ . ____ ______ _ ... _ __ _ ________ 5. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is al lowed to move freely from the various approaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 7. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes ofthe toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB UL Tolls Sa.pdf » I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. Jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14t h Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office : 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I jrivera@panynj.gov I www.panynj.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL Iwww.distraction .gov 5 GWB Fort Lee Toll Lanes (Lanes 201 22 1 24 at U Sum of CASH 20 22 31 127 0 41 15 100 28 55 200 25 72 300 31 113 400 _____ __99 ·-- -- ... 78 . -- __ 361 ...... 500 . · ·-· ·· ··· · ·-·- ·-····--· ..97 ---··· _ Q __ _ 14 0 93 162 461 600 67 320 321 13 0 700 106 30 0 364 353 800 107 26 0 219 426 900 102 75 0 174 395 1000 147 454 86 0 89 1100 82 0 89 96 476 1200 101 60 425 116 0 1300 86 433 98 0 80 1400 128 449 103 65 0 1500 112 477 106 86 0 1600 88 0 103 129 507 1700 98 147 593 109 0 1800 42 0 106 89 405 1900 79 0 75 75 287 2000 70 73 58 0 288 2100 67 45 181 52 0 2200 97 126 0 25 167 2300 1939 2664 7841 1645 0 Grand Total Time Began Sum of VIOLATION Sum of EZPASS 20 85 50 74 38 44 22 0 0 0 0 0 24 85 18 11 18 40 24 54 30 3 5 24 20 1 0 0 1 7 22 9 0 1 2 10 -· ..... 97 7 ... 12 109 241 229 155 203 125 47 63 50 49 58 64 56 48 62 47 45 71 1935 1 3 2 4 6 5 4 1 3 2 2 1 0 6 0 0 2 2 60 8 10 11 6 6 12 15 10 16 15 8 13 16 16 5 9 8 14 232 •, I I c,,_ -& Sum of EZPASS JUIII Ul CASH 24 0 3 0 170 68 85 56 84 0 2 -- --·-· -------··. ___ _0 _ 2 5 5 3 4 2 3 2 3 4 3 5 4 4 3 0 1 3 61 - ''"'r . . - -- .L:70.... 107 80 136 133 177 175 171 217 184 168 192 191 207 148 154 143 119 223 3584 I ('" , ,_... ..... J: ..JUIII Ul VIOLATION 212 86 86 102 168 .. --- 536 .... 732 882 946 800 772 726 619 548 563 626 647 700 796 542 424 393 271 263 12440 10 3 1 3 19 May 21- Baseline Dema Hourly 1 single Full Service unprocessed Lane Capacity volume I IL) - May 21, 2013 Grand Total 392 157 172 161 271 400 400 400 400 400 "" .l::l 751 . . ---- ....400. 11 18 18 850 980 1100 946 965 920 812 778 769 815 852 910 1023 716 586 545 401 505 16377 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 13 16 19 22 13 22 21 13 19 20 26 .8 9 11 19 353 0 0 0 0 0 351 -- - --·-- ---- - .. 450 580 700 546 565 520 412 378 369 415 452 510 623 316 186 145 1 105 '· Aug 20- Baseline Demand nd Cumulative Hourly unprocessed Single Full Savice unprocessed Grand Total volume ____ 351 801 1381 2081 2627 3192 3712 4124 4502 4871 5286 5738 6248 6871 7187 7373 7518 7519 7624 1~ure Cumulative Lane Capacity volume volume 225 400 0 265 400 0 159 400 0 154 400 0 282 400 0 .. ... --- _ .459 . ···· · -·· .... ... .400 .. -··-·- ... - . . 59 ___ 665 400 265 807 400 407 400 610 1,010 986 400 586 820 400 420 886 400 486 771 400 371 400 724 324 798 400 398 836 400 436 829 400 429 1,007 400 607 584 984 400 778 400 378 400 669 269 400 630 230 463 400 63 400 467 67 15,674 Fo~t- Lee Iuemana rrom unprocessed Auto OD .. .. -·· -- -59 324 731 1341 1927 2347 2833 3204 3528 3926 4362 4791 5398 5982 6360 6629 6859 6922 6989 I ·- -- - 167 .- . 548 639 671 400 338 338 75 145 150 75 183 563 182 416 122 90 155 91 £91 puewao :)~-, , rn 1 :lrnr. ~...,I rrr. +.. "-':::1 ...,,..., '""" ""' Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 5. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 7. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf » ····-·-·-- !hope this· helps:- Please advise if you need additional-information ;-- · · - · .......... · - · .. · -- - ·- -- jose M. Rivera, Jr., P.E. Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office: 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I jrivera@panynj.gov I www.panynj.gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALLiwww.distraction .gov 5 'I'-. \ , Fernandez,Vanessa From: Sent: To: Subject: Quelch, Gerard Friday, September 06, 2013 11 :02 AM Muriello, Mark Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Mark, I received an e-mail and long string from Raheel regarding the GWB toll plaza issue. Apparently, TE is directly involved already and I responded the Victor should work with Raheel. Don't know why the 15th floor is involved? Jerry Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device ·------------ ------- - -·--····· - . -·· -· - - . -· ·--- -------------- -----·-- .. . -- ........ ------- -·---- From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 10:00 AM To: Quelch, Gerard .cc: Jacobs, Daniel Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks, Jerry. I appreciate you jumping in here. Victor is starting by gathering some ITCS data by hour by toll lane. This is a 24x7 toll plaza change that the 15th Floor is seeking. It will affect the peak hour significantly. Do we have any relatively recent traffic counts and turning movements of the Bruce Reynolds/Martha Washington intersection.? Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street -4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panynj.gov 111is email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential inf01mation. If you are not the intended recipient of tlus email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this =ail (and any attachments) is strictly prorubited. If you received tllis email in error, please notif}r the sender immediately. From: Quelch, Gerard Serit: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:39AM To: Muriello, Mark Cc: Jacobs, Daniel Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified I can't really see the diagrams from the BB but if this configuration is during the peak hour it will have a direct impact on the local approach. We typically give 3-4 toll lanes to Ft Lee in the AM. Suggest checking Skycomp to get base conditions then recalculate toll lane thruput with reduced capacity to back into local street queuing. I apologize for the short writeup on the outreach super bowl section but I didn't have much time to devote to it 1 yesterday. Hope it vvas helpful. We just pulled into jacksonville fl so I'm going to stretch my legs . JQ Sent from my BiackBerry Wireiess Device From: Muriello, Mark Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 08:51AM To: Jacobs, Daniel; Chung, Victor Cc: Quelch, Gerard Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified 1 ·am going to need you guys·tojump in on this right away, whiie Jerry is·away·on·vacation:- Cedrick will be· looking for us to do a quick assessment on Fort Lee impacts to be used for a discussion with the Fort Lee Mayor next week. I think what we need is an analysis of traffic by toll by hour for this past week, and some estimates of what we think might be likely next week with the new toll plaza configuration that is planned. Currently the Fort Lee approach is three roadway lanes feeding three toll lanes (essentially #2 of 4 in the attached) . What is being proposed is tow roadway lanes from Fort Lee, feeding one to!! lane (#4 of4 in the attached). Presumably the impact may be having more people stay on the main 180/95 approach rather than getting off and find their way into Fort Lee. However, there are likely to be increased delays and queuing on the local approach roads (River Road, Bruce Reynolds Blvd., Martha Washington Way, etc.). Victor-- Please stop by so that we can discuss this morning and get started and collecting some data. Dan-- We can discuss when you get back in on Monday. Jerry-- I bet Florida is looking a whole lot better now! Mark F. Muriello Assistant Director . Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Two Montgomery Street- 4th Floor Jersey City, New Jersey 07302 USA Phone: 201-395-3936 Fax: 201-395-7407 Email: mmuriello@panynj.aov Tills email (along with attachments) is intended only for the use of the named addressee or addressees and may contain legally privileged and/ or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of tllis email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email (and any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you received tllis email in error, please notify the sender immediately. From: Fulton, Cedrick Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:31AM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Muriello, Mark; Ehler, Diannae; Durando, Robert Subject: Re: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified 2 ' ' Peter, I just spoke with Bob Durando . He will involve Jerry Quelch. Ced Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 6, 2013 8:22AM To: Fulton, Cedrick Subject: FW: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza IV!odified Hi Cedrick, This is what- I called about-- I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the below plan. ·1assume GWB staff have already advised vou- just wanted to be sure. lfvou don't mind it would be good if our respective Traffic staff could work together to assess any and all impacts so we both can be on the same page. Hope you agree. Please let me know if you need anything from us. Have a great day!! Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 8:11AM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Jose, I was advise that on Monday TBT plans to implement the plan per sheet 4 (neck down to one lane) . Is there any way that Traffic can be in touch with what ramifications come from this, -ie, I assume TBT will monitor traffic impacts on Fort Lee as well as GWB flow through. Do they share that with your group or does your group get its own information? Thanks, Peter From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 6:09 PM To: Rivera, Jose Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Thanks Jose! Peter 3 From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:54 PM To: Zipf, Peter; Wildstein, David Subject: RE: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified ,l:!..s discussed, attached is a revised PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under four scenarios: 1. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 2. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 3. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two lanes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering g -· · · ·rec·ornrr1enC!s-th.at the Fort Ieefraffic be-se- Ye·gafed H'om tfie- otner ·app-rc)adi·e·s ·ov·us·e-·anraffiC .. --· cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. 4. Similar to above, however traffic from Fort Lee is restricted to two lanes then merged into one lane to feed the right-most lane of the toll plaza. Also as above, since traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. «File: GWB UL Tolls 6.pdf» Jose From: Zipf, Peter Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:19PM To: Wildstein, David Cc: Rivera, Jose Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified David, As requested, attached is a suggested modification. Jose will certainly work out the details/further development with GWB as needed. One add itional scenario could be a merge down to one lane, if needed. Let me know if you need anything further. Peter From: Rivera, Jose Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 6:11PM To: Zipf, Peter Cc: Starace, Jim; Buchsbaum, Jack; Baig, Rizwan (Mirza); Diculescu, Michael Subject: GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza Modified Attached is a PDF showing the GWB Upper Level Toll Plaza under three scenarios: 4 5. Shows a typical mid-day operation, where traffic cones are set aside and traffic is allowed to move freely from the various approaches. 6. Shows a mock up of the morning peak period, where the traffic cones are typically set up to segregate the three lanes from Fort Lee to flow into the three right-most lanes of the toll plaza. 7. Shows a mock up of a potential modified morning peak period where three lanes from Fort Lee are merged into two !anes and feed the two right-most lanes of the toll plaza. Since the traffic flows are extremely congested during the morning peak periods, Traffic Engineering recommends that the Fort Lee traffic be segregated from the other approaches by use of traffic cones, regardless of the number of toll lanes it is feeding, to reduce the risk of sideswipe crashes. « File: GWB UL Tolls 5a.pdf » I hope this helps. Please advise if you need additional information. -· - Jose:-fVCRivera·; Jr-:-;-P:E:--- --- · --- -- · - --- · · · ---- ---- - -- - --· --· - --- - ----- - - --- · - · ·- -· - Chief Traffic Engineer Port Authority of NY & NJ I Two Gateway Center, 14th Floor I Newark, NJ 07102 I Office: 973-565-7866 I BlackBerry: 862-754-4781 I jrivera@panvnj.gov I www.panynj .gov ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALLiwww.distraction .gov 5 .. Received 9/9/13 6:52 AM Want to meet in parking lot? Sent 9/9/13 6:52 AM Come in lobby I'm with bob Received 9/9/13 7:09 AM Want me to pik u up? Its fkd up here. Sent 9/9/13 7:09AM Around 7:30 Received 9/9/13 7:1 0 AM K. Call me Received 9/9/13 8:46 AM I may hav idea to mak ths beter. Received 9/9/13 10:50 AM Hudson terr south traffic has broke. Ft lee from martha wash still heavy. Sent 9/9/13 10:50 AM Thanks Sent 9/9/13 10:51 AM Hudson terr south traffic has broke. Ft lee from martha wash still heavy. Received 9/9/13 10:52 AM I know Received 9/9/13 10:54 AM Rt 95 approach traffic has broke. It is moderate at this time. Sent 9/9/13 10:55 AM Thx Received 9/9/13 1:56 PM All traffic ended at 1145am Sent 9/9/13 1:56 PM Thanks Received 9/10/13 8:33AM Rt 95 trafic broke Sent 9/1 0/13 8:33 AM At 8:30? Received 9/10/13 8:39AM Yup Received 9/10/13 8:39AM Local ft lee trafic disaster. Sent 9/10/13 8:04 AM Sokolich text to Baroni: Presently we have four very busy traffic lanes merging into only one toll booth ..... The bigger problem is getting kids to school. Help please. It's maddening Received 9/10/13 8:05 AM Is it wrong that I am smiling? Sent 9/1 0/13 8:05 AM No Received 9/10/13 8:05 AM I feel badly about the kids Received 9/10/13 8:06 AM I guess Sent 9/1 0/13 8:11 AM They are the children of Buono voters Sent 9/1 0/13 8: 13 AM Bottom line is he didn't say safety Sent 9/1 0/13 8:45 AM So 1-95 traffic broke about 5 minutes ago, about 45 minutes earlier than usual, because there are 2 additional lanes to handle morning rush. Received 9/10/13 8:51AM That is good, no? Sent 9/10/13 8:51 AM Very good Received 9/10/13 9:01 AM Small favors ., Sent 9/17/13 1:34 PM From sokolich to Baroni: We should talk. Someone needs to tell me that the recent traffic debacle was not punitive in nature. The last four reporters that contacted me suggest that the people they are speaking with absolutely believe it to be punishment. Try as I may to dispel these rumors I am having a tough time. Sent 9/17/13 1:34PM A private face-to-face would be important to me. Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to the errors of my ways. Let me know if you'll give me 10 minutes. Regards Mark Sent 9/17/13 1:57 PM Please let me know instructions Received 9/17/13 1:58PM ,J iii£1 Received 10/3/13 10:23 AM Sent 10/3/13 10:23 AM ???? Received 10/3/13 10:24 AM Today's article Sent 10/3/13 10:24 AM Yeah Sent 10/3/13 1 0:32 AM Just noticed the quote marks, did someone say that or are you quoting yourself? Received 10/3/13 10:33 AM Just sent you the article Received 10/3/13 10:33 AM Sokolich said it -- Just finishing a meeting Sent 9/17/13 1:58PM Ok. I'm in board meeting but can step out to call when you're ready Sent 9/17/13 2:28 PM Baroni crazed so let me know when to call, I have something at 3 I can't walk out of Sent 9/17/13 2:36 PM WSJ just called my cell so I need to speak with you Received 9/17/13 2:42 PM I am calling your office. No answer Received 9/17/13 5:13PM I spoke to Mike. · Sent 10/2/13 2:14PM You around now or still wait until 4? Received 10/2/13 2:14 PM In a meeting until 3 Sent 10/2/13 2:15PM Ok will see you at 4 Received 10/2/13 2:16 PM 3 works Sent 10/2/13 2:18PM I have Regina at 3 Received 10/2/13 2:20 PM That's awful Received 10/2/13 2:20 PM Ok Sent 10/2/13 2:55PM Is 3 still good? Received 10/2/13 2:58PM Just finished. Come by after Regina Sent 10/2/13 2:59 PM Regina cancelled on us so I'll blow this off, will be down in 10 minutes Received 10/2/13 3:03PM Ok Received 10/2/13 3:14PM I'm here 2i 2112 II I I ISS3il