Brooklyn Residents Protest Ballot Proposal 3
A group of Brooklyn residents gathered outside Barclays Center this week to demand a greater voice in street redesign projects.
The demonstration follows the passage of Ballot Proposal 3, which alters how the city approves transportation updates.
“All we’re saying is you cannot have a plan without the community,” community advocate Jamell Henderson said.
The measure permits the New York City Department of Transportation to bypass community board presentations for specific street safety projects.
Officials can skip this step if they determine that injury is likely without the proposed changes.
The policy applies to decisions regarding bike lanes, bus lanes, and parking restrictions.
Accelerated project timelines affect local input and small businesses
The department states the rule change will reduce street project timelines by 33%.
Community advocates argue that the accelerated schedule comes at a high cost to local input.
Critics believe the streamlined process limits public feedback and negatively impacts small businesses.
Opponents also raise concerns regarding traffic flow and emergency vehicle access under the new guidelines.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority may at times also be affected when decisions are made on bike lanes, bus lanes and parking restrictions.
What Ballot Proposal 3 changes for street redesigns
What does Ballot Proposal 3 change for street redesigns?
The proposal allows the Department of Transportation to bypass community board presentations for certain street safety projects.
City officials must determine that injury is likely without the changes.
How much faster will projects be completed?
City transportation officials estimate that bypassing community board reviews will reduce project timelines by 33%.
Which city agencies and transit systems are affected?
The measure directly impacts the New York City Department of Transportation and at times affects the MTA when making decisions on bike lanes, bus lanes and parking restrictions.
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