Sep 1, 2017 2 min read Nonsponsored

Council Member Menchaca Proposes Transportation Upgrades In Red Hook and Sunset Park

Council Member Carlos Menchaca (center); Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC (left); NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez (right). Photo courtesy of the Office of Carlos Menchaca

RED HOOK – At a press conference in Red Hook on Thursday, City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (who represents Red Hook, Sunset Park, and Windsor Terrace in District 38) outlined his transportation vision for Red Hook and Sunset Park which would improve access to the local ferry terminal, provide bus service into Manhattan, and increase safety along 3rd Avenue.

His proposal would be rolled out during the next four years and would improve conditions for transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the two neighborhoods.

“This vision puts forward common-sense solutions we can deliver in the near term to improve the lives of residents,” the Council Member said in a statement. “From developing a long-needed one-seat ride from Red Hook to Manhattan, to improving access to our wonderful new ferry dock by bike and bus, enhancing our street scape along 3rd Avenue to connect residents to a revitalized waterfront, there are ways to build on our past successes without spending billions of dollars on new subways or tunnels.”

“I’m ready to get to work on these projects immediately and will make it a priority if re-elected to see them to completion,” he added.

Some of Menchaca’s strategies include:

Improving access to the Red Hook ferry stop at the Atlantic Basin Terminal by removing a chain link fence which he called “dismal and uninviting,” according to AM New York. The plan would also extend Pioneer Street to the ferry dock with bike lanes and proper sidewalks.

Adding a bus stop on the B61 bus route at the ferry dock to give commuters quick access to Manhattan.

Establishing a one-seat ride either by modifying an existing express bus route or developing a new Select Bus Service route from northwest Brooklyn into Manhattan.

Conducting a Vision Zero pedestrian safety study on 3rd Avenue in Sunset Park to safely connect the waterfront to the community.

Adding a Citi Bike docking station at the Red Hook ferry stop and expanding the Citi Bike program to Sunset Park.

Menchaca’s proposed transportation projects would incorporate resiliency measures when possible, such as adding bioswales on sidewalks and improved drainage on standing structures to protect against flooding.

NYC Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez supported Menchaca’s proposal saying that it “brings together existing options so residents can move seamlessly between them,” according to an announcement from Menchaca’s office.

“There is no greater need in our city than to end transit deserts like Red Hook, which remain disconnected from quick, reliable service,” Rodriguez added.