CIVITAS is a long time and vocal supporter of the Second Avenue subway’s completion. Since construction began in 2007, issues have arisen with the MTA’s planning process and the construction’s impact on the community. CIVITAS is meeting with stakeholders to address the numerous closings among retail businesses in construction zones. CIVITAS has also met with elected officials, community representatives, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to address concerns about the design of utilitarian ancillary structures, the placement of station entrance locations within the already narrow sidewalks of Second Avenue and the side streets. CIVITAS has hired BFJ Planning to research and prepare alternatives to the problematic station entrances and an action plan for Second Avenue businesses.

CIVITAS presented this information at the Community Board 8 Second Avenue Subway Task Force meeting on June 29, 2009.

To read the Supplemental Environmental Assessment to the Second Avenue Subway Final Environmental Impact Statement: 72nd and 86th Street Station Entrance Alternatives, go to http://www.mta.info/capconstr/sas/ea.htm. This document was released by the Federal Transit Administration and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on June 1, 2009.

CIVITAS’ Statement at June 18, 2009 MTA Hearing