Dec 2022 is the most recent projected completion date after Cuomo supposedly shook things up 2 years ago to avoid even further delay. Our new governor appears to be tying her effort to be elected in her own right to ESA.
What we can actually figure out from this is that they've got 3rd rail power on at least one track in the tunnels and in the station. I saw no sign of signals in action; I won't make any assumptions. And we've no idea of how much work remains on other tracks, 3rd rail power, signals, switches and the like. Or the station itself. The video seemed to show the 'party' headed to an elevator to ascend up to the real world after leaving the train. Oddly, I've heard almost nothing about ESA elevators, just that the escalators were built by a firm with a very poor MTA track record (in terms of reliability).
I've seen no testing schedule for any aspect of ESA. Obviously they've done some to make this shindig possible.
I've also seen nothing on emergency power for the terminal - in case of a blackout, 14 stories is a huge obstacle for people in decent condition, let alone those with accessibility issues. They need something, for this, lighting, some ventilation.
The article does not, of course, mention Garden City. If that's not quickly resolved, what sort of effect will it have on ESA opening and 3rd track completion? I'm guessing that IF ESA opens on time it will be with a very limited initial schedule (not that unreasonable).