Government Briefs: Hudson River tunnel project gets fast-tracked … & more

From the November issue: A $24 billion plan to build two rail tunnels under the Hudson River will get an expedited review process, meaning construction may begin as soon as 2019, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Rent Stabilization Association, a trade group representing New York City residential landlords, appears to be clandestinely helping Republicans defend their narrow majority in the state Senate, the Albany Times Union reported. The City Planning Commission has approved Westbrook Partners’ and Atlas Capital Group’s purchase of $100 million worth of air rights from Pier 40, which would allow the developers to boost the size of their mixed-use complex at the St. John’s Terminal Site Across The Street, Crain’s New York reported. The de Blasio administration is exploring how to change the way New York City property owners buy and sell unused air rights, Crain’s New York reported. [more]