I'm guessing the "experts" that floated this alternative plan weren't actually transit engineers but rather real-estate developers with very specific interests

I'm guessing the "experts" that floated this alternative plan weren't actually transit engineers but rather real-estate developers with very specific interests in Williamsburg. In addition to securing financial commitments from these folks for his future Presidential run Cuomo relished the opportunity to portray himself as some kind of savior. Sadly for New Yorkers none of this is at all surprising.