Last Chance for North Brooklyn Residents to Leave Comments for DOT Traffic Study

NORTH BROOKLYN – Residents of Community Board 1 in Greenpoint and Williamsburg have a last opportunity to leave their comments regarding traffic improvements in their neighborhoods before the DOT closes their study.

The traffic study, funded by 33rd District Councilmember Stephen Levin, will analyze traffic patterns and possible improvements in North Brooklyn, where truck traffic has been a major concern for the community.

The councilmember has been fighting for legislation to reduce truck traffic in North Brooklyn for years, introducing legislation to cap that amount of waste handled at transfer stations in the district. Mayor de Blasio announced his support for Intro 495, a bill that would cut the amount of garbage transfer truck trips in CB1 by half, but the legislation remains in committee.

The study also dovetails with the impending closure of the L train, slated for April 2019, which may have drastic consequences for traffic in North Brooklyn as the transportation system shifts to accommodate the 225,000 daily commuters making their way from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Levin has spoken out at community meetings in the past about the closure, arguing that while an inconvenience, it affords an opportunity for North Brooklyn to invest in improving its traffic infrastructure in a major way.

Some of the ideas proposed for the study include ways in which the street is shared, with changes to lane width able to allow for designated bus routes or protected bike lanes. Similarly, changes to sidewalks and curb extensions at intersections can improve pedestrian safety.

The traffic study is a key part of that process and residents should take the opportunity to make their voices heard.