Dear John,
In our newsletter survey, members of the community overwhelmingly asked for more traffic updates. While our Twitter or a direct call with our Constituent Services Director is the best place to obtain specific information about a traffic concern, we want to provide an overview of some of the issues we’ve been working on since the start of this year. Moreover, I want you all to know that I’ve been meeting with the Brooklyn Borough Commissioner for Department of Transportation (DOT) Keith Bray, on a regular basis to ensure all of these concerns are being addressed. On traffic issues, we encourage constituents to contact 311 (be sure to email your ticket to [email protected]), whenever there is a pressing issue. By reporting to 311, you create a file within the City system that can be referenced later on by other agencies, creating a very useful digital trail to help solve an issue!
Traffic Updates
We know that people are driving recklessly and endangering pedestrians, cyclists, as well as other drivers, on larger boulevards like Ocean Parkway, 4th and 5th Avenues, and around Grand Army Plaza. Our constituents know and have shared with us that reporting to the police isn’t a tool of prevention, and it’s certainly not a deterrent – it’s simply punishment after the fact. Thankfully, we’re working with DOT, as well as talking with our friends at Transportation Alternatives, to improve streetscape designs, install proper signage, and upgrade pedestrian signals to make our streets less conducive to reckless speeding through these “traffic calming” measures.
Next up is construction. Far too often, utility and construction companies lack transparent communication on the scope and length of the projects. Their work can present dangers to pedestrians and nuisances to the community, with loud noises and disrupted cityscapes, as well create serious congestion problems. We’re keeping an eye on several projects and are working hard to ensure we get firm deadlines and are updating constituents in the affected areas. One project is the ConEd/DEP electrical pump installment project on Caton Avenue and Ocean Parkway. This project is meant to prevent flooding in the area, but has caused a large part of the street to be blocked off, leaving our constituents a very dangerous road to cross. Projects involving the MTA and National Grid in Park Slope, and National Grid work in Windsor Terrace pose a similar issue as well. Additionally, the BED 798 Water Main Project in streets surrounding Flatbush Avenue is a major focus of our office and we’re working with a construction task force to coordinate with the Saint Johns Place Community Association and City agencies to solve construction related issues. If you ever see an issue at these sites, please submit a report to the DOT so we can add to the case files.
Next, we have pedestrian safety. There are actions we can take to ensure cars aren’t speeding and construction is limited, but making sure our streets are actually safe for pedestrians will take real radical policy changes. 2022 has been one of the worst years since Vision Zero began in 2015 for traffic deaths, and far too many of those fatalities have been people simply walking on the sidewalk. This year, we lost Arcellie Muschamp, a heroic caregiver who pushed a one-year-old child out of the way of an oncoming truck. On a basic level, we need clear and transparent pedestrian signage and need intersections to be well marked to make them less dangerous. These are small actions the City can take and our office is working with DOT to identify where to implement these changes. On a larger level, we’re fighting to build more pedestrian plazas, like the 4th Street Plaza, to make our City more pedestrian and biker friendly. Our new open streets, on Columbia Place and Beverley Road, are small steps in how we can reclaim space for the people!
Last, and definitely not least, is bicycle safety. Our City is not the cyclist paradise it should and very much could be, and that is a massive policy failure. Biking is one of the best and most environmentally friendly forms of transportation out there. Making cycling safer and more accessible is also essential to supporting our deliveristas! Our City should always be investing in cycling infrastructure which is why I was proud to sign on to a letter calling on the Mayor to fully fund the Streets Master Plan to add 30 miles of new bike lanes in just the first year of the multi-year funding scheme. On a district level, we’re advocating for improved and safer bike lanes across the district, with a focus on bringing a new and improved bike lane to East 2nd Street. We’re also working with DOT to ensure we can disincentivize cars from blocking bike lanes, an issue we know is far too common.
COVID-19
Citywide cases appear to be trending down but hospitalizations still remain at very high levels. Given the likelihood of widespread undercounting, due to at-home results not being reported, I’m still encouraging everyone to get tested regularly and wear a mask when entering any indoor setting. I have also called on the Mayor to reinstate the indoor mask mandate to ensure less New Yorkers get sick as we battle this new Omicron subvariant. There was also news this week that the Biden administration was looking at rolling out an Omicron specific booster, but City health officials don’t have any concrete information on that end.
Community Bulletin
- New York City has recorded 1200 MPX cases as of this week and we need to be vigilant if we’re going to stay healthy. Check out the common physical symptoms and remember, even in the absence of legions, flu-like symptoms may be a sign of MPX.
- After the rain comes a rainbow and a full rain barrel! Come join us for a free rain barrel giveaway on 8/21 from 9 AM - 12 PM at 4th Street Plaza (4th Street and 5th Avenue, at the Down to Earth Park Slope Farmers Market). Make sure to fill out and submit this form to be able to pick yours up!
- Let's all keep our community safe! The Asian American Federation and Nonviolent Peaceforce are hosting a virtual training series on how to better protect our communities through de-escalation and situational awareness.
- Have an issue with your power because of the heat? File a report with ConEd as soon as possible.
- KoKo NYC, the arts education program of Open Source Gallery offering STEAM programs for kids ages 5-15, is hosting a Lot Warming Party on 8/13, 6 PM - 8 PM at 440 19th St along with their annual South Slope Derby on 8/27, 12 PM - 3 PM on 17th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Check them out for fun for the whole family!
- Want to get involved in your community? Volunteer with the NYCCEC! Anyone 18 or older can get involved with engaging opportunities right here in New York City.
- It's showtime! Enjoy movie night in Prospect Park, presented by SHOWTIME® in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Magazine, and Prospect Park Alliance on Wednesdays throughout August!
- Check out the Brooklyn Museum’s August installations, events, and volunteer opportunities.
- There will be some weekend service changes to the F train starting on 8/19. More information can be found here, and remember to check the MTA website for minute-by-minute updates!
- Remember that guitar you bought in May 2020 that’s been gathering dust in your closet? You can donate it to Midori & Friends’ Play and Learn program! If interested, drop off your instrument at 352 7th Avenue, Suite 301 in Manhattan through August 5th from 9 AM - 5 PM.
- Beginning 8/1, there will be no parking on both sides of the street on 6th Avenue, 150 feet north from the intersection of 6th Avenue and Lincoln Place, starting at 6 AM and remaining in effect 24/7 through 10/28. Sidewalk access will remain open at all times!
- The New York State Public Service Commission has approved the Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program for income-eligible New Yorkers. If you receive any form of government assistance, you might be eligible to receive a bill credit for any past due balance for service through May 1, 2022! Find more information here.
In Solidarity,
Shahana
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