MTA - PSA Newsletter 11 - March 2025

 

Welcome to the quarterly newsletter for the MTA’s Penn Station Access Project which will bolster equity, regional connectivity, and reliability by upgrading Amtrak’s existing Hell Gate Line and providing four new accessible stations in the East Bronx. Read on to learn more about recent progress, community engagement, and upcoming work. For past newsletter issues, click here. For updates on specific areas along the project corridor where work will take place, sign up here.

Para obtener más información sobre los hitos recientes del proyecto y el trabajo próximo, haga clic aqui.

Foundation installation at Morris Park Station, March 2025

Project Progress: Laying the Groundwork

Spring is in the air, and so is construction progress! Construction is advancing at all four new station locations, and below we highlight a major project milestone: the Bronx River Bridge launch. We are also advancing the new Leggett Interlocking, which will allow the PSA project to move full steam ahead on the next phases of construction starting later this summer. 

Crews using an air winch to launch Bronx River Bridge, May 2025

Bridging the Gap: Bronx River Bridge Launch

A conversation with Ray Engen, Project Manager at Halmar International

The Bronx River Bridge is being expanded to have a third span to provide space for an additional rail track, paving the way for the next phases of PSA construction. Ray Engen, Project Manager,  led the effort to complete this bridge launch, starting from the planning phase over a year ago, through execution of the launch. “When you see something unfold that you’ve seen on paper for the last year, it is very rewarding,” Ray said of watching the bridge launch,  “it makes this industry worth it and keeps us all coming back.”

The method used for the Bronx River Bridge launch makes this milestone even more impressive. Crews used a longitudinal launch, which is an accelerated bridge construction method used for construction in difficult to reach places, such as over train tracks or bodies of water, and was selected to avoid impacts to the Bronx River.  “It took a tremendous amount of planning,” Ray explained, “the main reason we did this type of launch is due to the logistics of the area, to get a crane in there would have required a lot more support.”

Ray is no stranger to accelerated bridge construction methods, having led another impressive launch for Metro-North’s bridge over Atlantic Street in Stamford, Connecticut, which was also completed without interruption to train service below. Here in the Bronx, the team used an air winch to slide, or “launch” the 350-ton bridge segment inch by inch across the Bronx River and used a series of 100-ton jacks to lower the bridge into place. “Getting the girders into the job site was a major challenge,” Ray explained the team would “sit in meetings, discuss the plan, and adjust it to a point where we knew it would be a success.” With the completion of the bridge launch, the team can expedite construction and make use of increased Amtrak track outage flexibility. This bridge is just one essential element of this Project that will provide new Metro-North service to the East Bronx.

PSA Team at steMTA event with PS. 012X, March 2025

Community Corner: steMTA Events

In March, the PSA outreach team brought steMTA back to the Bronx, leading students at St. Raymonds and PS. 012X through an interactive lesson about the latest progress on PSA and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) used to bring modern train infrastructure to life. Students designed and constructed their own model bridges from clay and toothpicks, applying what they learned to build and test structures sturdy enough to support a passing train (a model train, at least!) The PSA outreach team is excited to continue visiting schools throughout the Bronx to help spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of transportation innovators.

Concrete pour for entrance slabs at Van Nest, March 2025

What’s Next? Stations Take Shape

Work will continue at all four station locations in the coming weeks. Upcoming efforts will be focused on pouring more foundations, setting slabs, and installing concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls. Once foundations are completed, the structures will quickly take shape at Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park, Co-op City and Hunts Point stations, and the community will be noticing visible progress at each site. On the track level, upcoming activities will include a cyclical track outage (CTO), necessary to install new tracks and continue building out the new Parkchester/Van Nest station. Stay tuned for more updates as construction kicks into high gear this summer!

Contact Us

Web: new.mta.info/project/penn-station-access

Email: PSAOutreach@mtacd.org | Phone: 347-263-7837

MAYOR ADAMS, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE HONOREES FOR 2025 “MADE IN NY” AWARDS, CELEBRATE FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Following 10-Year Hiatus, Awards Ceremony at Gracie Mansion Will Honor Achievement in New York City Film and Television  

Darren Aronofsky, Michelle Buteau, Celia Costas, Tracy Morgan, and Thomas J. O’Donnell to Be Honored for Contributions to Cultural Sector

Awards Ceremony Comes Amid Broader Administration Efforts to Bolster Creative Sector With Expanded State Tax Credit, Workforce Training Programs, and New Studio Groundbreakings

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman today announced the honorees for the 2025 “Made in NY” awards ceremony to celebrate individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the city’s media and entertainment industry. Mayor Adams and Commissioner Kaufman will host the awards ceremony to celebrate the honorees at Gracie Mansion on June 16, 2025, the first time the ceremony will be held at the mayor’s official residence in 10 years. This year’s honorees are Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky; actress, comedian, producer, and writer Michelle Buteau; Emmy Award-winning producer Celia Costas; Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Tracy Morgan; and president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Thomas J. O’Donnell.

Created in 2006 by MOME, the Made in NY awards shine a light on the film and television artists who bring the streets and iconic locations of New York City to screens around the world and encourage global audiences to visit, work, and live in the city. The Adams administration helped bolster New York City’s film and television industry, winning an expanded tax credit in Albany this year to bring more film and television productions to the five boroughs, preparing over 4,000New Yorkers for careers in the creative industry through the city’s , and breaking ground on new production campuses in Manhattan and Queens.

“From the gritty defiance of ‘Taxi Driver’ to the electric tension of ‘Do the Right Thing,’ from the unforgettable charm of ‘Moonstruck’ to the raw energy of ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ films made in New York City don’t just entertain — they define generations,” said Mayor Adams. “For over a century, our streets have set the stage for cinematic masterpieces that have shaped global culture, inspired countless artists, and cemented New York’s place as one of the creative capitals of the world. These stories create more than just movie magic — they drive our economy, support tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and keep our cultural legacy alive. With the return of the ‘Made in NY’ awards ceremony, we celebrate the extraordinary artists who continue to turn our city into the world’s greatest film set. From investing in new studios and training programs to expanding tax credits, our administration is committed to supporting this vital industry and the vibrant future it promises.”

“We are very excited to announce that the 2025 ‘Made in NY’ Award honorees are Darren Aronofsky, Michelle Buteau, Tracy Morgan, and Thomas J. O’Donnell — a group of people who collectively help tell a powerful story about the resilience and future of New York City’s film and TV industry,” said MOME Commissioner Kaufman. “Together with Celia Costas, who received her award earlier this year, these honorees bring jobs and dollars to the City of New York by committing to productions here, despite the hardships of the pandemic, labor stoppages, and industry shifts. We are excited to honor them on June 16 at Gracie Mansion with the return of the ‘Made in NY’ Awards ceremony. Combined with the recent welcome expansions to the state film tax credit, our studio infrastructure, our incredible local talent base, and the work of our administration to make this a ‘City of Yes’ for film production, we think the future for this industry in New York City is bright.”

The Made in NY awards ceremony follows the Tribeca Festival, which continues its 23^rd annual run this year, allowing industry executives to attend the ceremony afterwards and see New York City’s production offerings. The return of the Made in NY awards also mirrors the spirit of Tribeca, which was founded in 2002 to unite artists and storytellers and revitalize Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. Just as Tribeca helped spark a cultural recovery two decades ago, MOME’s reinstatement of the Made in NY awards acknowledges the film and television community’s resilience and revival in the aftermath of the pandemic and industry labor strikes of the past few years.

For the first time ever, MOME and the Tribeca Festival will jointly present a Made in NY award to Darren Aronofsky, an industry figurehead who has made a significant impact on both the Tribeca Festival and the city’s entertainment industry as a whole. Aronofsky will receive his honor on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as part of a special presentation during the Tribeca Festival’s 25^th anniversary screening of his film “Requiem for a Dream.”

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Brooklyn-native and founder and curator of the Video Music Box, Ralph McDaniels, who will serve as DJ. The event is generously sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Broadway Stages, Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, East End Studios, MBS Group, Haddad’s, and Pantalones Tequila.

In addition to the four honorees set to be celebrated on June 16^th, MOME proudly presented a Made in NY award to producer Celia Costas earlier this year at the 45^th Annual New York Women in Film & Television Muse Awards. Former recipients of the Made in NY award include Awkwafina, , Jeffrey Wright, and “Sesame Street.”

Under the Adams administration, the city created the first-ever Film and Television Production Industry Council to advise the city’s production policies and programs; expansion ofthe NYC Public School Film Festival, which celebrates the talent and diversity of student voices; extended support for various local film festivals to elevate diverse storytelling; and introduced Executive Order 21, requiring each city agency to have a film office liaison and expedite filming on New York City property, helping to keep New York City on screens for audiences around the world to encourage tourism and cement New York City’s role as a global production hub.

“New York City is the greatest city in the world,” said Darren Aronofsky. “It’s also the greatest canvas in the world.” 

“I am beyond excited to be included in this year’s ‘Made in NY’ Awards,” said Michelle Buteau. “My show is a love letter to New York. New York is a beautiful character in every show and film, and it is so amazing and necessary to celebrate her.” 

“I am so honored and grateful to be a working member of this brilliant community of New York Filmmakers,” said Celia Costas. “I'm forever thankful for the opportunity to follow a career path which has informed and enriched my life in so many ways.” 

“I am honored to receive this Made in NY award,” said Tracy Morgan. “I truly was made here, I love this city, and I love giving back to it in any way that I can. And of course, Go NY Go.”

“I’m honored by the recognition of the importance of the film industry to our great city and the role organized labor plays in its success,” said Thomas J. O’Donnell. “On behalf of the two thousand theatrical Teamsters I represent, I thank Mayor Adams and his administration for supporting this vital industry.” 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Tomorrow: First Armory Virtual Public Hearing!

Dear Neighbor,

Last week, the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment project was formally certified and marked the start of the seven-month Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, better known as ULURP. This means that the Department of City Planning (DCP) has deemed the application ready for public review. 

There’s still time to sign up to speak at tomorrow’s hearing! Bronx Community Board 7 will host a virtual Public Hearing to inform the community about the proposed redevelopment and offer opportunities for public input. An in-person hearing will be held on June 3. 

SIGN UP TO SPEAK HERE: bit.ly/43udeel

WHEN: Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 PM

JOIN VIA: 

• Zoom Link: bit.ly/4j8uXO0 
• Webinar ID: 858 0189 8695
• By Phone: 646-558-8656.

I hope to see you there! 

Gustavo Rivera

New York State Senate

33rd District

 

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul “We’ve won — again.

“We’ve won — again.

“Judge Liman’s temporary restraining order is a massive victory for New York commuters, vindicating our right as a State to make decisions regarding what’s best for our streets. New Yorkers deserve to control our own traffic patterns, keep gridlock off our streets and protect our clean air. We need to make the massive investments necessary to support our transit system and prevent it from falling into disarray and disrepair. Congestion pricing is the right solution to get us there.

"So here’s the deal: Secretary Duffy can issue as many letters and social media posts as he wants, but a court has blocked the Trump Administration from retaliating against New York for reducing traffic and investing in transit."

“Congestion pricing is legal, it's working and we're keeping the cameras on.”

Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on Court Ruling Protecting Congestion Pricing from Trump Administration Overreach

 

In response to Judge Lewis Liman’s ruling to block the federal government from withholding funds and grant the MTA a temporary restraining order against the Trump Administration’s illegal attempts to stop congestion pricing, New York City Brad Lander released the following statement: 

“Today’s ruling is a promising outcome for New Yorkers who are already experiencing the benefits of a city with less traffic, cleaner air, and faster transit service. Because of the tireless efforts of straphangers, transit advocates, and local leaders to get congestion pricing implemented, New York is on its way toward the $15 billion it needs to modernize our signals for faster trains and install elevators for more accessible stations.   

“We look forward to seeing the MTA prevail against Sean Duffy and Donald Trump’s bogus lawsuit in court.”  

Attorney General James Fines Walmart for Shipping Illegal Realistic Toy Guns to New York

 

OAG Investigation Found That Walmart Shipped Nine Realistic Toy Guns to New York, Walmart to Pay $14,000 in Penalties 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office secured a settlement with Walmart for shipping realistic-looking toy guns to New York. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that third-party sellers on Walmart’s online store sold realistic-looking toy guns to New Yorkers and Walmart shipped nine of them to addresses in New York, including New York City, Westchester, and Western New York. New York law prohibits retailers from selling or shipping toy guns that are black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored and look like a real gun. Realistic-looking toy guns can be used to engage in unlawful activity and have led to several deaths and shootings across the state. Businesses that illegally sell or distribute realistic-looking toy guns in New York can be fined up to $1,000 per violation. As a result of this settlement, Walmart must pay $16,000 in penalties and fees and ensure that all its third-party sellers are unable to sell imitation toy guns to New York.

“Realistic-looking toy guns can put communities in serious danger and that is why they are banned in New York,” said Attorney General James. “Walmart failed to prevent its third-party sellers from selling realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses, violating our laws and putting people at risk. The ban on realistic-looking toy guns is meant to keep New Yorkers safe and my office will not hesitate to hold any business that violates that law accountable.”

An OAG investigation found that third-party sellers on Walmart’s online store sold realistic-looking toy guns and Walmart shipped them to New York through its fulfillment services. Investigators from OAG were able to purchase a toy gun from Walmart and have it shipped to New York.

Realistic-looking toy gun shipped by Walmart to New York

New York’s General Business law does not allow retailers to sell or distribute realistic-looking imitation guns, which can be black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum-colored. Toy guns sold in New York must be made in bright colors or made entirely of transparent or translucent materials. Businesses that illegally sell or distribute realistic-looking toy guns in New York can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.

As a result of this settlement, Walmart must pay $14,000 in penalties and $2,000 in fees to the state for illegally shipping realistic-looking toy guns to New York addresses.

Attorney General James encourages consumers who see realistic-looking guns sold in stores or online with shipping to New York to contact her office by filing an online complaint.

Iranian Man Pleaded Guilty to Role in Robbinhood Ransomware

 

Robbinhood Ransomware Scheme Caused Tens of Millions of Dollars in Losses and Major Disruption of Public Services in U. S. Cities

An Iranian national pleaded guilty today to participating in an international ransomware and extortion scheme involving the Robbinhood ransomware.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sina Gholinejad, 37, and his co-conspirators compromised the computer networks of cities, corporations, health care organizations, and other entities around the United States, and encrypted files on these victim networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. These cyber attacks caused significant disruptions and tens of millions in losses, including to the City of Greenville, North Carolina, and the City of Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore lost more than $19 million from the damage caused to their computer networks and the resulting disruption to several essential city services, including online services for processing property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, which lasted many months. The conspirators used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims.

“Gholinejad and his co-conspirators — all of whom were overseas — caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U. S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months. Gholinejad’s conviction reflects the Criminal Division’s commitment to bringing cybercriminals who target our cities, healthcare system, and businesses to justice no matter where they are located. There will be no impunity for these destructive attacks.”

“Cybercrime is not a victimless offense — it is a direct attack on our communities, as seen in this case. Gholinejad and his co-conspirators orchestrated a ransomware scheme that disrupted lives, businesses, and local governments, and resulted in losses of tens of millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims and institutions,” said acting U. S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “The announcement today marks a significant step towards justice for the countless victims impacted by the defendant’s malicious scheme. Cases like these act as a reminder that cybercriminals who seek to exploit our digital infrastructure for personal gain will be identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.”

“These ransomware actors leveraged sophisticated tools and tradecraft to harm innocent victims in the United States, all while believing they could conduct their illegal activities safely from overseas,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office. “This case demonstrates the capability and resolve of the FBI and our partners to find and impose consequences on cybercriminals no matter where they attempt to hide.”

Beginning in January 2019, Gholinejad and others gained and maintained unauthorized access to victim computer networks and then copied information from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware to encrypt the victims’ files and extort Bitcoin from victims in exchange for the private key required to decrypt the victims’ computer files.

Gholinejad and his co-conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies, a practice known as chain-hopping. They also hid their identities and activities through a number of technical methods, including the use of virtual private networks and servers that they operated. The indictment identifies multiple additional victims of Robbinhood ransomware, including, but not limited to, the City of Gresham, Oregon and the City of Yonkers, New York.

Gholinejad pleaded guilty to one count of computer fraud and abuse and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in August. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the FBI Baltimore Field Office. The Justice Department extends its thanks to international judicial and law enforcement partners in Bulgaria for providing valuable assistance with the collection of evidence.

Senior Counsels Aarash A. Haghighat and Ryan K. J. Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U. S. Attorney Bradford DeVoe for the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney Alexandra Cooper-Ponte of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Deputy Chief Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in the collection of evidence.

Additional details on protecting networks against ransomware are available at StopRansomware. gov.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE TELLS TRUMP TO STAY AWAY FROM NYC TRANSIT FUNDING IN NEW CONGESTION PRICING PROGRESS REVIEW

 

As the MTA is in court seeking to block the Trump administration from retaliatory cuts to the city’s transit funding over its congestion pricing, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams has released a review of the first four months of the policy being in place. The review highlights the many successes achieved in the early implementation, and provides recommendations moving forward, standing against any efforts by the federal government to undo the progress made.

“Donald Trump doesn’t decide what’s best for our city’s streets,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “His efforts to reverse the progress we’ve made in implementing congestion pricing amount to blackmailing our city, undermining the public transit system that New Yorkers rely on. The early data is clear that congestion pricing is reducing travel times and traffic. I’ve always said that adjustments can and should be considered as implementation continues, and I hope to work with city and state leaders to monitor and improve congestion pricing as it moves forward – and it will move forward, no matter what Donald Trump says.” 

Public Advocate Williams is currently on a 5-Boro Transit Tour, using a range of public transportation to travel all five boroughs while speaking directly to New Yorkers about the improvements to transit that they need, and where they believe transportation funding should be distributed, and the consequences federal cuts would have.

“The Trump administration is trying to pull federal funding for transportation projects at a time when we need to be investing in improving our systems, not grinding them to a halt,” added the Public Advocate. “New Yorkers who are on our trains, buses, and ferries every day know what we need, and they’re who I’m going to listen to when it comes to how to strengthen our public transportation infrastructure and improve travel all across the five boroughs. Someone needs to stand up for our city in this moment.” 

The Office of the Public Advocate’s new review points to early successes of congestion pricing in reducing average traffic and travel times. An average decrease of 7.5% - 16% in daily traffic with weekday average trips on bridges and tunnels showing a 10% - 30% reduction in traveling time can already be seen. It also notes the improvements in public opinion about congestion pricing, now that the benefits are becoming clear and the worst predictions failing to appear.

Crucially, the review finds a 12.69% decrease in vehicular crashes below 60th Street, comparing data from 2024 and 2025 during the periods between January 5 and May 5. There has also been a 8.75% drop in injuries and fatalities during the same period. Based on the available data the dramatic effect that congestion pricing has on the lives of New Yorkers is clear.

Moving forward, the review offers several measures to maximize effectiveness. Among the recommendations are:

• Investing fully in the Interborough Express (IBX) & MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Program.
• Creating Low Emission Zones (LEZs)
• Signage and modifications on the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
• Prioritizing alternative forms of trucking, such as Blue Highways.
• Supporting QueensLink for better transit options.
• Accommodating low-income drivers.
• Prioritizing Staten Island’s MTA needs.

The Trump administration has threatened to cease construction authorizations and approvals for projects – first in Manhattan, then citywide – unless the city and state back down.

As the legal cases surrounding congestion pricing continue, so too will the policy and the revenue it generates, and as this review emphasizes, the Public Advocate will continue to monitor implementation and propose adjustments to maximize its success in supporting New Yorkers. Read the full review here.