> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://bklyner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Friends Of The BQX Launch Coalition, Hoping To Gain Community Approval - URL: https://bklyner.com/friends-bqx-launch-coalition-hoping-gain-community-approval-fortgreene/ - Published: 2016-05-12T20:11:54.000Z - Updated: 2016-05-12T20:11:54.000Z - Author: Donny Levit - Tags: fort greene, Nonsponsored, North Western Brooklyn, Real Estate, Transportation, Astoria, bill de blasio, BQX, BQX Connector, Downtown Brooklyn, Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector, Light rail, Mass transit, Mayor Bill de Blasio, #wp *Video via [YouTube](“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22XH4-nNjlA”)* In an effort to gain approval for the proposed streetcar line intended to link the waterfront from [booming Sunset Park](/blog/business/swift-massive-renovations-industry-city-now-attracting-general-public/) to Astoria, the [Friends of the Brooklyn Queens Connector](http://www.bqx.nyc/?ref=bklyner.com) have announced a coalition of community members, transit experts, educational and cultural institutions, small businesses, and large employers. The Friends also tapped Ya-Ting Liu, who was named Executive Director of the Friends last week. The Friends describe Liu as “an experienced community organizer who has been advocating for transportation equity and environmental justice for the past decade.” “The Friends of the BQX exists to make sure that this investment in a corridor historically underserved by transit will be as equitable, impactful and resilient as possible,” said Liu. “We believe the BQX has the potential to dramatically improve quality of life for those who have been left out by the existing transportation network, and we look forward to growing our coalition to represent everyone who will benefit.” ![bqx rendering](/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bqx-rendering-702x388.jpg) Rendering of BQX. (Credit: Handout) The community organizing and education campaign includes a newly launched [BQX website](http://www.bqx.nyc/?ref=bklyner.com), as well as a video (see above) which includes proponents such as hip hop artist Talib Kweli, Brooklyn Brewery CEO and Founder Steve Hindy, and Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “The Brooklyn Queens Connector will become more and more important as the waterfront communities along the corridor continue to grow as residential and employment centers. That’s why area residents need to get involved in the planning process,” said White. “In particular, we hope New Yorkers who bike and walk will attend the project’s visioning sessions to weigh in about how to improve bike and pedestrian access and safety, and help make sure the streetcar’s right-of-way is as protected as possible from cars.” Friends also announced an expansive inaugural Board of Directors: > Michelle Adams, Tishman Speyer > Margaret Anadu, Goldman Sachs > Jordan Barowitz, The Durst Organization > Gail Benjamin, Attorney > Michelle De la Uz, Fifth Avenue Committee > Jill Eisenhard, Red Hook Initiative > Alex Garvin, AGA Public Realm Strategies > Tom Grech, Queens Chamber of Commerce > Jukay Hsu, Coalition for Queens > Andrew Kimball, Industry City > Joe Lhota, NYU Langone Medical Center > Elizabeth Lusskin, Long Island City Partnership > Ramon Peguero, Los Sures > Tucker Reed, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership > David Rosen, Brooklyn Allied Bars & Restaurants > Carlo Scissura, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce > Alexandria Sica, DUMBO BID > Doug Steiner, Steiner Studios > Eddie Summers, Brooklyn Educational Innovation Network > Bishop Mitchell Taylor, Urban Upbound > Jay Walder, Motivate > Jed Walentas, Two Trees Management > Paul Steely-White, Transportation Alternatives > Fred Wilson, Union Square Ventures > Tom Wright, Regional Plan Association In addition to education and community outreach, Friends will likely focus on public opinion of the project, which has not been universally embraced. Issues include [commute time](/blog/transportation/will-the-bqx-streetcar-save-time-on-your-commute-city-and-other-data-disagree/), flood zone issues — [particularly in the Gowanus section](/blog/transportation/mayors-office-responds-concerns-flooding-dangers-brooklyn-queens-streetcar-route/) of Brooklyn, and the [$2.5 billion price tag](/blog/politics/brooklyn-queens-connector-streetcar-may-become-reality-under-mayors-2-5-billion-proposal/) announced by Mayor de Blasio. In addition, there has been criticism concerning whether the BQX will be — [according to Streetsblog](http://www.streetsblog.org/2016/02/04/4-reasons-a-2-5-billion-brooklyn-queens-streetcar-doesnt-add-up/?ref=bklyner.com) — “a highly-subsidized transit route with modest ridership at best.” However Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, co-founder and CEO of [Urban Upbound](http://urbanupbound.org/?ref=bklyner.com), refers to the BQX as a “vital lifeline to increased job opportunities.” Taylor believes that “lower-income residents have some of the longest commutes in the city, taking away precious time with family and friends. The BQX would go a long way to making our city’s transit system more equitable, especially in underserved communities outside of Manhattan.”