Finger Lakes short line opens new Seneca Falls rail terminal

Finger Lakes Railway Corp. last week officially opened its new Auburn Road Rail Terminal in the Seneca Meadows Renewable Resource Park in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

Construction was recently completed on a 2,400-foot passing siding on the rail right of way and a gravel unloading yard on leased property in the park, where trucks can access the rail line. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Feb. 24 at the site.

The facility was built with agricultural customers in mind, Finger Lakes officials said in a press release.

The short line — which operates on 167 miles of track from its headquarters in Geneva, N.Y. — connects with CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway, Canadian Pacific and New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway.

Finger Lakes Railway’s current customer base has grown to 89 active shippers.

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Maryland chooses team to build, maintain Purple Line light-rail route

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan yesterday announced that Purple Line Transit Partners has been chosen to build the 16.2-mile, $2 billion Purple Line light-rail project.

The team — which comprises Fluor Enterprises Inc., Meridiam Infrastructure Purple Line LLC and Star America Purple Line LLC — will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the line under a public-private contract.

The line will have 21 stations and will run from New Carrollton to Bethesda, Md.

With an expected $1.36 billion in fare revenue, along with local and federal contributions to the project, the final cost for the state will be $3.3 billion over 36 years, according to a press release issued by Hogan’s office.

The state’s upfront expenditure for Purple Line construction will be $159.8 million, down $8 million from previously announced estimates. Additionally, Maryland’s annual availability payments have decreased to $149 million from $167 million. These payments cover financing, operations, maintenance and future required capital repairs and replacements for the line, Hogan’s release said.

Following approval by Maryland’s Board of Public Works in April, the contract would proceed to the financial close in early June. That would enable the state to work with the Federal Transit Administration to finalize a full funding grant agreement in July, Hogan’s release said.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), which will oversee construction, will give Purple Line Transit Partners full notice to proceed on the project at the financial close, with construction starting in late 2016.

The line is expected to open for service in spring 2022.

The World Of Videos

I usually do not watch videos because I “read speed” and can cover more stuff with words. But someone sent me a link for a video

“A great RR film from the early 1950s w/ a good amount on the Hudson Division.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqHbdEFiIDA

I watched it then looked at “upcoming” on the right hand side.  They had others that a NY Central fan could not ignore like the Century, the Empire, etc.

Then I spot the New Haven Railroad. Then I spotted one I would never miss: The Troy Union Railroad!

Great way to spend an evening!

 

Why Formal Performance Reviews Won’t Disappear

Be honest with us: Are there times when you’d rather go to the dentist than give another performance review? It’s never easy, after all, to come up with a comprehensive summary of an employee’s valued contributions, outstanding work qualities and “improvement areas.” And then there are review sessions that can get emotionally charged—especially when the staffer in question strongly disagrees with your assessment. Given these and other factors, some organizations are moving toward dispensing with this tradition. But a recent survey from Eagle Hill Consulting sends a “not-so-fast” message to managers who are considering such a step. The report, titled “The Annual Performance Review: Old-School or Timeless Tool?” reveals that—while they’re collectively on the fence about chucking annual reviews—most professionals say their last one was a pleasing experience that accurately appraised their contributions. They say these sessions are helpful in benchmarking accomplishments for the past year, while setting expectations for the year ahead. The upshot: CIOs and other managers should seek feedback from their teams as to whether to replace the annual review—or simply give it a slight tweaking. “You must have an established system that gives your people an opportunity to discuss their areas of achievement as well as those in which they need improvement or seek growth,” according to the report. An estimated 1,600 professionals took part in the research. – See more at: http://www.cioinsight.com/it-management/careers/slideshows/why-formal-performance-reviews-wont-disappear.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CIO_NL_CM_20160208_STR1L1&dni=302189026&rni=25583632#sthash.lifwzJcl.dpuf

Nels Cline & Julian Lage – Blues, too: live at Blue Note Milano

Jazz You Too

An unlikely duet, Nels Cline and Julian Lage bring distinct reference points into the new territory  their relationship so boldly braves.

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Two Upper East Side Sites Prepare for New Towers

Developer Icon Realty Management has been setting the scene for a mini-takeover of a two-block stretch of Second Avenue on the Upper East Side, and is preparing to bring in the big guns—or rather, cranes. As machines bore the Second Avenue Subway underfoot, the Post reports that Icon is beginning “full bore demolition” on the sites of two future residential developments at a six-parcel assemblage at 1538 Second Avenue between 80th and 81st streets, and at 1562 Second Avenue just one block to the north. Plans were revealed in mid-2014 for a 14-story high-end residential building designed by Isaac & Stern for the site at 1562, but the high-end residential building that will rise on the southern site has yet to be unveiled.

BOTTOM LINE:  WATCH FOR MORE OF THIS AS NY CITY FINALLY GETS THE SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY!!!