The facts are in—N.J. Gov Chris Christie did not know of the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, much less order them, according to an internal report commissioned by the governor himself that did not interview any of the key witnesses.
Attorney Randy M. Mastro, the lead attorney of the firm who produced the $1 million report paid by N.J. taxpayers clearing Gov. Christie of any wrongdoing in what is called a lane "realignment" and laying the blame on Bridget Kelly, a deputy chief of staff in the governor’s office, sounds like a defense attorney making his case to a jury, according to The New York Times.
In addition to clearing Christie in the illegal September closure of access lanes to Fort Lee, N.J. now known as "Bridge-gate," the 360-page report (see key excerpts) which some skeptics have likened to Christie's defense papers when "two probes from likely less-friendly investigators: the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and federal prosecutors," are released, dismissed "Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s allegations that the Christie administration withheld Hurricane Sandy aid in an effort to help a private developer", calling those charges "unsubstantiated, 'demonstrably false,” and 'unbelievable',” writes Ted Sherman.
As of Friday (March 28) morning, responses to The Star-Ledger's poll about Christie's presidential ambitions, "Will new Christie bridge scandal report help remove doubt about 2016?," showed that the public does not appear to place much faith in the report, with 86.71% voting "No".
FULL STORY: Christie bridge scandal: Internal report clears governor, calls for Port Authority restructuring
Bridgegate Winding Down
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie was never charged in the scandal that shut down access to the nation's busiest bridge for three days in September 2013 for political retribution. His aide and an appointment to the Port Authority were sentenced to prison.
Bridgegate Implications for New Jersey and Beyond
In The New York Times Sunday Review, Matt Katz, a political reporter for WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio, gives an update on the federal trial for 'Bridgegate' and also paints a bleak picture for New Jersey, and maybe the United States.
'Bridge-Gate' Attorneys Make Their Case: You Can't Sue Over Traffic
Attorneys representing the state of New Jersey responded to the allegations of a class action lawsuit rising from the "bridge-gate" scandal.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research