On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of Regional Plan Association (RPA). Kate spoke about the history and planning of the Interborough Express, a proposed 14-mile light rail line that will run from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to Jackson Heights, Queens. The line is expected to connect with 17 subway lines, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), and dozens of bus routes.
Kate highlighted RPA’s years-long advocacy for this critical transportation project in an area currently underserved by mass transit. She reviewed existing land uses and zoning within a 15-minute walk of each proposed station and examined how the line could transform surrounding neighborhoods. Emphasizing the importance of planning for equitable development, Kate highlighted the need to balance new housing construction with efforts to minimize displacement. The Q&A session that followed sparked a lively discussion. LAI members proposed using tax increment financing (TIF) and allowing the sale of transferable development rights (TDRs) to help unlock the value that the line could create for New York.
