Dig this: Work this month will begin on a new tunnel that will let the No. 7 subway line stretch west – spurring growth in one of the last neglected parcels of Midtown: the Far West Side.
Gov. Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg helped break ground for the $2.1 billion project yesterday.
Let’s face it: To spark life in the moribund flats between 8th Avenue and the Hudson River, from 34th through 42nd streets, officials had to overcome pretty steep political and financial hurdles.
Rezoning the area in 2005 was a first step. Extending subway service – which will soon run to 11th Avenue and 34th Street – is the next.
Yes, a somewhat risky financing scheme remains a concern. Yes, big government-backed capital projects seem never to finish on time (if at all); this one is scheduled to end in 2013.
But, hey – no pain, no gain, right?
Gotham may be about to see some real growth in a section that badly needs it.
Like we said: Something to cheer about.