“This world-class applied sciences and engineering campus is expected to have a $33 billion economic impact on the five boroughs, creating an estimated 48,000 new jobs and 1,000 spin-offs over the next three decades,” New York City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin told reporters including WCBS 880’s Rich Lamb ahead of the vote on Wednesday. “This is really a once in a generation opportunity to transform our economy and to drive innovation in this city.”
Lappin said barges will be used as much as possible during the construction of CornellNYC Tech.
“It’s going to be a lot of the really heavy materials that not just tax our environment but tax our infrastructure and our roads,” she said.
She pointed out that Roosevelt Island has just one real road, Main Street. She said as much as possible, the goal is to keep trucks off of the road.
The city is providing free land and up to $100 million in improvements.
Wednesday’s vote is an important step, but other approvals are still needed.
Once the campus opens, Lappin said those heading to Roosevelt Island will be able to get there by tram, subway and possibly ferry.
