By Chris Cobb.
Last Thursday evening, March 7th, the MTA held its first of four Open Houses in an attempt to engage and inform citizens in neighborhoods affected by anticipated changes to the L train service later this year.
About 50 to 75 people attended throughout the night. While much of the information had already been published (presentation dated February 13, 2019 can be downloaded here), the key point of contention was the proposed redesign of traffic flow along 14th Street. Many of the residents were concerned that increased bus traffic will dramatically reduce parking spaces along the 14th street corridor while simultaneously pushing heavy commercial traffic onto the much quieter side streets. In Manhattan, quietness is a commodity, and people see it as something to be fought for and protected.
With that in mind, the MTA seemed to ignore the role that validation plays in public meetings – New Yorkers, as a general rule, like to feel they have a say in decisions and want a chance to speak their minds – however, the MTA chose a decentralized meeting format where people were directed to look at enlarged diagrams of proposed changes and comments were only received in written form.
There were diagrams printed on cards arranged in a semi-circle around the room. Although members of the MTA and DOT were placed alongside each of the diagrams to answer questions, it was hard to hear them speak because, well, it’s hard to hear what one person is saying in a crowd. As a result, people had to form small clusters to hear what the MTA representatives were saying, afraid they might be missing important information.
The semi-circle arrangement also made it unclear where to go or what order one should move in. Because of the crowding, it was hard to move from one card to another, ironically replicating the congestion anticipated on 14th street.
Despite some impassioned discussions, the MTA representatives did not take notes. If residents had questions, comments or ideas, they were directed to a table that had stacks of comment cards and brochures.
That said, the MTA is proposing two main options for the 14th Street corridor in Manhattan, neither of which made everyone happy.
- Option 1) reduces available parking spots and creates a two lane street out of the current four lane street. The theory is that it would allow for more traffic flow and give plenty of room for busses to navigate the busy street.
- Option 2) would create a two lane corridor while turning all of the curbside space into bus-only designated lanes, essentially eliminating parking along the curbs, but making it much easier for the busses to navigate the congested street.
While the 14th Street proposals drew the most attention (this being a crowd dominated by Manhattanites), another diagram showed the proposed shuttle service for the L train bus around Brooklyn. A close look at it reveals that it would essentially create a fare-free bus zone for the neighborhood around the L train, which would be especially welcomed for people with disabilities and the elderly. Seattle has a fare-free bus zone in their downtown area and it reminded me of that. It’s a pity that initiative was not highlighted more, as it’s clearly a positive change the MTA should be getting credit for.
Although the Open House was technically very informative, the format lacked a sense that the community had a say in what happened to their neighborhoods. The open houses are a good step towards creating a sense of transparency but if the recent activism directed towards Amazon.com in Long Island showed anything – it’s that it is vital for the city to let people feel they have a voice over changes in their community.
And to be clear – the enormous task of redirecting traffic has major consequences for small business owners and homeowners alike, as the new trafic realities will be be creating many winners and losers out of small businesses. Konditori Cafe, for example, a local favorite in Williamsburg on North 7th between Bedford Avenue and Driggs had to close last year as did other nearby shops, because construction in the street redirected the foot traffic in the area. The fear of that sort of new reality drives public anxiety, so hopefully with the remaining Open Houses, the MTA will find a way to ease concerns over the changes and at least let the public know what to expect.
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The MTA will host 3 more open houses in total for the communities served by the L train.
Wednesday, March 13, 6-8 PM, Williamsburg Northside School, 299 N 7 St (at Meeker Ave) >> TONIGHT!
Tuesday, March 19, 6-8 PM, Grand Street Campus High School, 850 Grand St (btw Bushwick Ave & Waterbury St)
Monday, April 8, 6-8 PM, 14th Street Y, 344 E 14 St (btw 1st & 2nd Aves)
These open houses will provide customers with opportunities to meet MTA team members, learn more about the L Project, and ask questions. At these open houses, customers can get information on:
• The new proposed construction approach to fixing the L Train Canarsie Tunnel
• The new proposed service plan
• The status of projects like new elevators at the Bedford Av, 1 Av, and 14 St-6 Av (L platform) stations
Customers will also have opportunities for one-on-one trip planning with MTA team members. NYC DOT will also be present to discuss planned street treatments