NYers to DOT: Nix A Bigger Cross Bronx + Extend Comment Period to 90 Days

BRONX, NY (12/17/2025) (readMedia)-- On Thursday, Bronx community members and citywide advocates will hold a virtual press conference urging Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation to eliminate remaining plans for a bigger Cross Bronx, and grant a 90-day public comment period for the environmental review phase of the 5 Bridges project. Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation released its long-awaited Cross Bronx environmental assessment, leaving community members to review nearly 6,000 pages of material during the holiday season.

Join the Zoom conference here.

On top of families celebrating Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's Day, this year children at NYC public schools are out of school for a 12-day winter break - leaving many families only a month to weigh in during the current public comment period. The state's design plans could widen the Cross Bronx, bringing long-term health and environmental impacts for at least the next 80 years. Three weeks ago, Congressman Ritchie Torres sent a letter to the Governor and NYSDOT requesting a 90-day comment period to better engage the 64,000 residents living along the project's sited area. Following a series of poorly advertised public hearings and low attendance, advocates will reiterate the need to move away from bigger highways, and allow adequate time for meaningful community feedback.