ATTENTION: Response To FG/CH CitiBike Concerns

Dear Community:

On April 24th, I held a Town Hall meeting with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Bike Sharing program. This Town Hall event gave the community a chance to share their concerns and have their questions answered. To help address location and siting concerns raised on April 24th, I recently met with the DOT to identify four bike share stations for potential alterations.

Each location will be looked at individually and evaluated; they are listed below:

1. On 21 St. James Place at the intersection of Lafayette Avenue-- move bike station 1 foot to clear the bushes.
2. On Clinton Avenue and Myrtle Avenue-- DOT is looking into various options (one might be to eliminate a bike platform).
3. 185 Hall Street-- DOT will monitor usage, and would like local community members to document any issues.
4. Adelphi Street-- DOT will revisit the site and take new measurements around the tree pits.

Council Member Letitia James

ATTENTION: CM James and DOT Host Bicycle Helmet Fitting Event; 4/21; Commodore Barry Park

Council Member Letitia James and the NYC Department of Transportation Will Sponsor a Bicycle Helmet Fitting-

WHEN: Sunday, April 21, 2013
12:00- 4:00 PM

WHERE: Commodore Barry Park
Flushing Avenue and Navy Street

ATTENTION: Slow Zone Application Available

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications to the Neighborhood Slow Zone program. Applications are due May 31st.

What is a Slow Zone?
Neighborhood Slow Zones reduce the speed limit on residential streets from 30 mph to 20 mph. Slow Zones grant local families peace of mind because they know drivers in their communities will stick to safer speeds. Communities that apply for a Slow Zone can get safety improvements that reduce traffic crashes, cut-through traffic and traffic noise, making residential streets safer for biking and walking.

Who can apply?
Community boards, civic associations, BIDs, elected officials or other community institutions such as schools or churches can apply.

What can qualify as a Slow Zone?
• Pick a primarily residential area about 5 blocks by 5 blocks in size
• Avoid including wide streets, industrial sites and major commercial areas within the Slow Zone
• Pick an area with strong boundaries (e.g. Slow Zone borders can be major streets, highways, large parks or elevated train tracks)

How do I apply?
Download the application, and follow NYCDOT’s application instructions.
Applications must demonstrate local support for the Neighborhood Slow Zone.
Applications that include letters of support from key community stakeholders will be prioritized.

Transportation Alternatives is available to assist communities in the application process. Call TA at 212-629-8080

CMs James, Levin, & State Sen. Montgomery Release Neighborhood Protection Plan for Barclays

On May 29, 2012, Council Members Letitia James and Steve Levin, along with NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery and community leaders, released a Neighborhood Protection Plan addressing Barclays Center traffic management methods, as well as (long.standing.) quality of life concerns. NPP FINAL The plan calls for measures that include the institution of residential parking permits, increased garbage can placement, and an early cutoff for alcohol sales. It also institutes an additional charge for parking, similar to the system at Newark's Prudential Center. And it would designate policing of the arena area to the 78th Precinct.

ATTENTION: ESDC and Community Boards Review Barclays Arena Transportation Plan At Hearing; 5/22; BK Boro Hall

The NYS Empire State Development Corporation and Brooklyn Community Boards 2, 6, & 8 will be holding a joint meeting on the Barclay's Center Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan. The proposal aims to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects of the cars. Representatives of the developer will make a presentation and answer questions from the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
6:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 JORALEMON STREET
Brooklyn, NY

For more information contact: Arana Hankin at AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov.

See NYT-Local's coverage here. Council Member Letitia James co-sponsored a Downtown Brooklyn Community Transportation Workshop that explored transportation issues with the up-coming arena in March 2012.

Job Opportunity- NYC Bike Share Jobs

The NYC Bike Share program currently has a number of job opportunities available through their vendor Alta.

Please see the following link for more information: http://www.altabicycleshare.com/careers/

ATTENTION: CM James and Community Groups Host Transportation Workshop; 3/31; 10AM; YWCA

It’s time to get serious about a transportation plan for the 21st century!

Please join New York City Council Member Letitia James, The Boerum Hill Association, The Park Slope Civic Council, The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council, and The Tri-State Transportation Campaign for the BK Gateway Transportation Workshop.

The neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Red Hook, Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights face significant transportation challenges- existing traffic and parking congestion, demands on transit service and dangerous roads for cyclists and pedestrians already pose hurdles for residents, businesses and the environment. The opening of the Barclays Center at Atlantic Yards will further compound these challenges. The BK Gateway Transportation Workshop will lay the groundwork for developing community driven solutions to the transportation issues facing the area.

• Discuss transportation issues affecting your neighborhood
• Share ideas with transportation experts
• Learn about strategies to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduce congestion, and improve transit
• Help develop a plan for the future of transportation and transit in our community

Residents, business owners, and community organizations are welcome!

When: Saturday March 31, 2012
10:00AM- 1:00PM
Where: YWCA (First Floor Community Room)
30 Third Avenue (at Atlantic Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

RSVP: Due to limited space, participants must register by e mail to bsherman@council.nyc.gov.

Co-sponsored by: Council Member Stephen Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, Community Board 2, and Transportation Alternatives.

ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; Medgar Evers College; 3/6

Council Member Letitia James join Brooklyn Community Boards 8 and 9, the NYC Department of Transportation, and Council Member Al Vann at a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--

WHEN: March 6, 2012
6:00PM- 7:00PM

WHERE: Medgar Evers College (President's Conference Center, B1008)
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/bikeshare or contact 718.222.7250. March 6th, 6:00PM- 7:00PM.

ATTENTION: DOT and Elected Officials Sponsor NYC Bike Share Planning Workshop; St. Francis College; TODAY (2/23)

Council Member Letitia James, Brooklyn Community Board 2, NYS Senator Daniel Squadron, NYS Assembly Member Joan Millman, and Council Member Steve Levin join the NYC Department of Transportation in inviting you to a Community Planning Workshop on the NYC Bike Share program--

WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2012
6PM–8PM

WHERE: St. Francis College, Callahan Center
180 Remsen Street (btwn. Court Street and Clinton Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Please contact DOT for more information at (718) 222-7250

Please Sign BK Speaks Petition In Support of RPPs

As Council Member James joins her colleagues in speaking in support of residential parking permits today, we want to bring your attention to a petition created by Brooklyn Speaks (civic associations, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups concerned about the future of development at the Atlantic Yards site) in support of a residential permit parking program for New York City in conjunction with local communities and their representatives.

An informal poll by Brownstoner also put the number of residents in support of an RPP near Barclay's at 83.6%.

Petition- http://www.petitiononline.com/petitions/rpp4nyc/signatures
Poll- http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2011/10/a-push-for-residential-permit-parking-near-the-arena/#more-73139

CM James And BK Speaks Urge Community To SPEAK UP For RPPs In Downtown, Central BK

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 31, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND BROOKLYN SPEAKS URGE THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK UP FOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN!
State legislation required to limit consequences of Barclays Center traffic

WHAT: Hearing of the New York City Council Committee on State and Federal Legislation
WHEN: Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM
WHERE: 250 Broadway, 14th Floor

According to the Empire State Development Corporation, when the Barclays Center opens in September 2012, an expected 35% of arena patrons, or as many as 5,600 cars will travel to the site for each of the projected 220 events held each year. If nothing is done before to mitigate this volume of traffic, there will be an increased risk of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle accidents that already make Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn's most dangerous road. This barrage of traffic is also expected to cause significant delays at more than half of the intersections within a half mile of the arena. And it will result in almost 3,000 arena patrons taking curbside parking spots in Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Prospect Heights.

Among all of the impacts to neighborhood character and quality of life that will come from locating Atlantic Yards' arena within residential communities, none are of greater consequence to more residents than the traffic generated from arena events. But, there is a way to reduce the demand for our local streets. It's called "residential permit parking," or RPP, and it's been effective in other cities, like Boston and Chicago, where sports facilities are located in densely-populated areas. By limiting on-street parking during arena events to local residents, RPP will create a disincentive for arena patrons to drive, reducing congestion and making streets safer.

New York City requires authorization from the State legislature before it can implement RPP. On Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM, the City Council will hear testimony on legislation authorizing the City to enact residential permit parking programs in the five boroughs.

The BrooklynSpeaks sponsors and Council Member James implore you to participate in this critical hearing and make your voice heard.

Please email us with your plans to attend and interest in speaking!

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ATTENTION: MARP Hosts Pedestrian Safety Workshop; 11/3; Benjamin Bannekar HS

Help Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) Improve Pedestrian Safety on Park Avenue!

Attend the Park Ave. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Workshop:
WHEN: Thursday, November 3rd, 2011, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development
71-77 Clinton Avenue (near Park Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY

The purpose of this workshop is to identify, prioritize, and locate specific enhancements that will improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on 15 blocks of Park Avenue, between Navy Street and Steuben Street. Those interested must RSVP to MARP at dan@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

CM James and Transportation Alternatives Promote NYC Bike Share

On September 22, 2011, teamtish conducted outreach along with Transportation Alternatives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. To goal was to build upon the previous "Building Bridges Bike Day", and to inform residents about the recent NYC Bike Share initiative. NYC Bike Share will comprise of 600 stations and 10,000 bikes in docking stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with potential expansion to other boroughs.

Council Member James is a vocal supporter of the program, and has proposed potential docking stations at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene, in Grand Army Plaza, and at Medgar Evers College.

The day's outreach was focused at Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street. The team spoke to cyclists and pedestrians of all ages about NYC Bike Share. For more information on NYC Bike Share, or to sign a petition for improved bicycle safety, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

CM James Plans 35th District Bike Appreciation Day!

Team Tish will be planning a 35th District Bike Appreciation Day. While we plan, we hope to get information on the cycling experience throughout the district. Please review (and follow) our Team Tish Bike Appreciation 2011 blog to keep up-to-date on the upcoming event, and to participate in periodic surveys!

PRAYER VIGIL for Cyclist; 9/25; 8PM

PRAYER VIGIL FOR Bicyclist JASMINE HERRON

On September 11, 2010, Jasmine Herron was riding her bicycle on Atlantic between Clinton and Washington Avenues; a motorist opened the car door and knocked Jasmine Herron, 23, into the path of on coming traffic. Unfortunately, the B45 bus hit Jasmine, and she did not survive the accident.

Jasmine was an only child from Denver, Colorado and is survived by her mother. We are asking all bikers to ride their bikes in tribute of Jasmine Herron.

DATE: Saturday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
TIME: 8:00 PM
WHERE: ATLANTIC AVENUE & WASHINGTON AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY

“Again, we have witnessed another fallen rider on the streets of Brooklyn, and sadly here in the 35th Council District. I urge all travelers- drivers, cyclists and pedestrians- to remain careful, and please remember to be cautious and aware of others when traveling,” said Council Member Letitia James.

If you have any questions please call (917) 689-0747.
Sponsored by 77th Precinct Community Council, Community Board 8, Council Member Letitia James, 77th Precinct Community Clergy

Update: TLC Group Ride Vehicle Program

The TLC Group Ride Vehicle Program that is being put into place to service eliminated bus routes will begin September 27th for the B71 bus line, the only former-line that affects the 35th District included in the program.

Please give our office a call at (212) 788-7081 if you have any further questions, or want more information on the service.

ATTENTION: TLC Proposes Group Ride Vehicle Program To Run Cut Service Lines

NYC's Taxi & Limousine Commission’s Group Ride Vehicle Program is a new type of service providing point-to-point, shared ride service among specified pick-up and drop-off locations (marked by a sign). Drop-offs occur at fixed stops, or pre-agreed locations. The program is focused on MTA service areas that have been eliminated.

The cost varies, but will be no more than $2.

The proposed service areas span the former routes of three Brooklyn bus lines, one which runs through the 35th district.

If you are interesting in learning more about this upcoming pilot program, or are a driver looking to work in the pilot, please call our office at (212) 788-7081 for more information.

DSNY Proposes Rules for Abandoned and “Memorial” Bicycles

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Statement Regarding “Memorial” Ghost Bikes by Council Member Letitia James

“As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, and as the representative of a district in Brooklyn with an active bicycle culture, I have heard from a number of constituents and advocates about abandoned bicycles.

These bicycles present both an aesthetic and a practical problem, and as more New Yorkers turn to bicycles as an alternative method of transportation, the importance of having protocol in place to address abandoned bicycles will only grow. For these reasons, I appreciate the Department of Sanitation’s (DSNY) efforts in issuing proposed rules to remove abandoned bicycles.

And, as I am sure we all agree, ghost bicycles (I prefer “memorial” bicycles), serve as a poignant homage by families and loved ones of cyclists killed while riding, and also act as an important reminder to passing riders and pedestrians that care must be taken while riding bicycles in our City.

One need only think of the vivid image of the memorial bicycle placed near the site of the World Trade Center after the attack on 9/11 to understand the strength of the message that these bicycles convey. In my district, there have been a number of tragic cycling deaths and several of them are memorialized by memorial bicycles, including two rider fatalities which occurred in one accident last year, Julian Miller and Ajile Turner, whose memorial I pass on a regular basis. This July, Aileen Dalton, a mother of three, was killed when struck by a car in my district while riding a motor scooter. Memorial bikes remind us of how dangerous automobiles can be.

The proposed Department of Sanitation rules define a bicycle to be derelict if it is affixed to public property and it meets three of the following characteristics: the bicycle appears to be crushed or not usable; the bicycle is missing parts, other than the seat and front wheel, including handlebars, pedals, rear wheel or chain; the bicycle has flat or missing tires; the handlebars or pedals are damaged, or the existing forks, frames or rims are bent; or seventy-five percent or more of the bicycle is rusted.

I am concerned that DSNY’s proposed rules extend the definition of a “derelict” bicycle too far and run the risk of subjecting a significant number of memorial bicycles to removal. Many of these memorial bicycles share characteristics with “derelict” bicycles, as they are defined in the rules, even though they are completely different, and should be treated ad such. For purposes of these proposed rules, I believe the Department of Sanitation should eliminate any reference to memorial bicycles. Considering the value that memorial bicycles hold, I think we should be more careful to not subject these sacred bicycles to seizure.

I also recommend that Department of Sanitation improve the notice requirements for memorial bicycles prior to removal. Under the current rules, the Department of Sanitation will affix notice to a memorial bicycle that has become “derelict” to advise the owner that such ghost bicycle is to be removed within thirty days.

I believe that an additional notice provision would be both possible and helpful, since family members or loved ones may not visit a memorial bicycle within those thirty days. One possible option would be to allow family members and loved ones responsible for a memorial bicycle to register with the Department of Sanitation on a voluntary basis. If that bicycle becomes derelict, in addition to the notice provision already set forth in the proposed rules, DSNY can contact the name on-record to advise them of the derelict designation. In addition, the Department could also provide public notice either in the City Record or through some other method of free communication, and can solicit the help of local elected officials to identify the appropriate family member or loved one.

Lastly, I thank the Department of Sanitation for taking on the responsibility of dealing with abandoned bicycles. I welcome ongoing dialogue and ideas for improvements on these proposed rules, particularly with respect to memorial bicycles, and would be more than happy to continue assisting with that process.”

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

CM James Supports Flushing Avenue Bike Lane

**For Immediate Release**
June 25, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn is getting a two-way, protected bike lane linking cyclists between the Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg

This is an effort to energize the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project- in the works since 1993

The Flushing Avenue bike lane is a win-win situation for the Department of Transportation, Brooklyn and elected officials. The City has abandoned its contentious plan to convert Flushing Avenue to a one-way street to accommodate a two-way bike lane. The new design will maintain two-way car flow, yet still provide for a bike lane.

This new proposal maintains two-way traffic between Kent Avenue and Navy Street, as well as adds a two-way protected bike lane east of Washington Avenue (a jersey barrier and buffer zones between cars and cyclists).

“As an advocate for compromise, I am pleased that the new plan for Flushing Avenue is satisfactory to both drivers and bikers. I want to commend Council Member James for leading the discussion and negotiations for the new plan,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “As a member of the Environmental Protection Committee, I am an advocate for alternative transportation and minimizing traffic flow. However, on a busy street, it is important that traffic flow is maintained while we continue the effort to green our city. I urge both drivers and bikers alike to call 311 or my office if there are any problems or concerns with the new street configuration.”

The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway initiative, which is overseen by the Department of Transportation, has developed a plan that pleases all parties involved. Drivers and residents of the nearby Navy Yard area will not be forced to acquiesce to bikers and exit Flushing Avenue in one direction, as the original plan included.

“Residents living around Flushing Avenue, and tenants of the Navy Yard who attended the recent public meeting were not content with the original bike lane proposal - because of the one-way street component. We are grateful that DOT has responded to their concerns,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Of course, our long-term goals are to create safe pathways for everyone in the community. I support slowing down traffic, along with creating an easier, usable bikeway. This proposal is part of the big picture for the future waterfront greenway, and will positively change Flushing Avenue. I also know first hand from constituents that bikers are very ready for this long-awaited change.”

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The Fall Session

At the New York City Council, we have begun the Fall session. With a new session, we start a new period of policy, planning, and initiatives.

We are planning a number of information sessions regarding education and employment, as well as unrolling a heavy legislative agenda. We will keep this blog updated on these matters. In the meantime, I urge you to take note of our latest legislative bills-

Int. 685- A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the City of New York, in relation to the human rights law and housing. See here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200685-2008.htm?CFID=1814151&CFTOKEN=84343293

Int. 805- A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to providing paid family leave to private employees. See here: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200805-2008.htm?CFID=1814151&CFTOKEN=84343293

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And we're not the only ones getting to work this fall! The beloved Habana Outpost is hosting a Habana Work’s Park(ing) Day Spot on Friday, September 19. Habana Works is participating in Park(ing) Day, the international event that reclaims hundreds of parking spots in 50 cities around the world and transforms them into engaging public spaces for one day each year. Locally, this day is coordinated by Transportation Alternatives.

Where: NW corner of Fulton St and South Portland St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn (C train to Lafayette, G train to Fulton)

When: Friday, September 19, 11am to 5pm

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"Team Tish" supports community growth and the quick and accurate distribution of community-related information. Please read about the 35th District's local community and development*:

-Atlantic Yards Report- http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/
-Brownstoner- http://brownstoner.com/
-Society for Clinton Hill- http://societyforclintonhill.org/
-Clinton Hill- http://clintonhill.us/
-Clinton Hill Blog- http://www.clintonhillblog.com/
-Downtown Brooklyn Partnership- http://www.dbpartnership.org/
-Fort Greene Association- http://www.historicfortgreene.org/
-Fort Greene Park Conservancy- http://www.fortgreenepark.org/
-Fort Greene Brooklyn- http://www.fortgreenebrooklyn.com/default.asp
-Easy Being Greene- http://easybeinggreene.wordpress.com/
-Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID http://www.myrtleavenue.org/
-Pratt Area Community Council- http://pacc.publishpath.com/
-Pratt Center for Community Development- http://www.prattcenter.net/index.php
-Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn- www.developdontdestroy.org

-Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation- http://www.restorationplaza.org/

-Bed-Stuy Gateway- http://www.bedstuygateway.com/
-Bed-Stuy Blog- http://www.bedstuyblog.com/
-Crown Heights Information Center- http://www.crownheights.info/
-Crown Heights Community Mediation Center- http://www.courtinnovation.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=601&currentTopTier2=true
-Crown Heights Revitalization Movement- http://revitalizecrownheights.org/index.htm
-The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council- http://phndc.org/node/37

*If we missed something important in this list, please leave a comment or email me at AWorthyDavis@council.nyc.gov to update.