Third time’s the charm.
The city’s Department Transportation is reverting to an earlier version of a street redesign for McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn with a one-lane reduction in traffic in either direction and a protected bike lane, part of the initial plan proposed last May and closer to a version of the plan that was widely lauded by safe streets advocates.
DOT Reverts to Earlier Plan
The DOT confirmed the change in an email to THE CITY Wednesday morning.
"This administration is committed to making our streets safer for all New Yorkers, no matter how they travel around our city — by car, by bike, or on foot," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "I am grateful to DOT for its commitment to McGuinness Boulevard and willingness to adapt to community and elected officials’ feedback, and of course to New Yorkers for their candor."
Speculation on Agency’s Independence
This week’s change triggered speculation among transportation advocates about the agency’s apparent ability to act more independently as a cloud of investigation looms over Adams and his top officials, including Lewis-Martin.
History of the Project
For years, neighborhood advocates had urged the city to redesign McGuinness Boulevard, where three people were killed in a decade, including beloved elementary school teacher Matthew Jensen in 2021.
Pressure Campaigns
But the redesign of the treacherous Robert Moses-era thoroughfare that bisects Greenpoint became a lightning rod in the neighborhood last year as the city plotted roadway upgrades to make it safer. After unveiling its original plan last May, which followed months of study and community board meetings, the DOT watered down that plan following a pressure campaign with ties to the Argento family, longtime donors to and allies of Adams.
Previous Revisions
The DOT’s second version of the street redesign, released last July, drew ire from transit advocates for including a northern section of the street with a combined parking and bike lane, but no reduction in traffic lanes. That version of the plan would have still incorporated the initial "road diet" for the southern part of the street, with two fewer lanes of traffic and protected bike lanes.
Reaction from Community Groups
The news that the DOT was reverting back to the second version of their plan was met with resignation from Broadway Stages, a company tied to the Argento family. "We expressed our concerns about the original road diet along with other businesses and it appears that the DOT has made its decision," said spokesperson Juda Englemeyer. "We respect the process."
Conclusion
The decision to revert back to the earlier plan is a step in the right direction for improving safety on McGuinness Boulevard. However, the controversy surrounding the project highlights the need for a more transparent and independent decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new plan for McGuinness Boulevard?
A: The DOT is reverting to an earlier version of the plan, which includes a one-lane reduction in traffic in either direction and a protected bike lane.
Q: Why is the DOT making this change?
A: The DOT is committed to making our streets safer for all New Yorkers, and this change reflects their willingness to adapt to community and elected officials’ feedback.
Q: What does this mean for the future of street redesign projects in New York City?
A: This decision sets a precedent for the city’s transportation agency to act independently and prioritize safety when making decisions about street redesign projects.
