There's a lot of criticism and public debate, but our plan is workable and we're prepared. Our plan is comprehensive and only getting better.

Effective 4:30 p.m., the BQE is open in both directions.

We think that in general terms New Yorkers are adapting, which is not a surprise to us but it's always a good thing to see. New Yorkers do what they have to do to get on with their life and that has definitely been evident this morning in the commute.

Those people [living in coastal communities] should be concerned but there is absolutely a plan. In light of the recent hurricanes we have learned what we can do better to strengthen our hurricane plan.

We are continuing to sample the air throughout the affected area to make sure there's nothing hazardous. What the actual cause of the smell is, we really don't know.

Politics calls for robust debate and criticism, but this should never descend to personal and demeaning slurs.