Beyond One Way: Important Community Mtg on Transportation

The last time the Community Board 6 Transportation Committee met (on March 15), people were lined up outside that were unable to get in and people inside were chanting, "Let Them In." We're guessing that Thursday night's meeting will be less dramatic, as it will deal with issues that inspire less outcry than the proposal to make Sixth and Seventh Avenues one way. (Interestingly, it will also be in a far bigger space than the meeting that attracted a crowd of more than 500 people.) There will, however, be some important issues related to livable streets, including a presentation by the Department of Transportation of improvements to Grand Army Plaza, which is both one of Brooklyn's premiere anti-pedestrian spaces and a horror for drivers. The DOT proposal will focus on "improvements designed to enhance pedestrian mobility, access and comfort.

There will also be a presentation of plans to install bike lanes and markings for left-turning lanes on Ninth Street between Third Avenue and Prospect Park West, a presentation on creating bike routes in Red Hook and "discussion and consideration" of a plan to put a speed bump on Columbia Street between Halleck Street and the Gowanus Bay.

Streets Blog writes, "As is always the case with bike lane projects -- and maybe more so in this case -- there will be community opposition to this plan. Noah Budnick from Transportation Alternatives urges advocates to attend and express their support." The meeting takes place on Thursday (3/29) at 6:30 PM at Old First Reformed Church, which is located at 729 Carroll Street (at Seventh Avenue).