Updated with NYC DOT’s Press Release from 11/02/2024
NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) shifted into reverse at the beginning of October, when they released the news that a prior plan, which would create a two-lane McGuinness Boulevard from Meeker to Calyer, was to be implemented after all. Other changes include: shortened pedestrian crossings, improved visibility at intersections; parking lane protected bike lanes; install a pedestrian space and improve pedestrian access between Bayard Street and Meeker Avenue.
The last one brings a huge sigh of relief for those who travel on the west side of McGuinness north from Meeker. Currently you have to cross McGuinness to its east side to safely reach Bayard otherwise you become stranded on an island surrounded by onramps to the BQE.
On October 19, signs went up informing drivers that the NYC DOT will begin the roadwork on McGuinness Boulevard.
The NYC DOT reported the reason they decided to implement the prior plan was due to the community’s outcry.
“I am grateful to DOT for its … willingness to adapt to community and elected officials’ feedback, and, of course, to New Yorkers for their candor,” said Meera Joshi, NYC deputy mayor for operations reported StreetsBlogNYC.
Case in point, when NYC DOT released their second compromise on August 20 to the McGuinness Boulevard safer street plan local elected officials that same day put out a statement to call out the reasons the new plan didn’t improve safety. The statement relayed that given “a plan that fails Greenpoint by preserving the most dangerous elements of this roadway that runs through the middle of our community. We will not stop fighting until we successfully prioritize the safety of our neighbors above all else.” This was signed by U.S. Representative Nydia Velázquez, NYS Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, NYS Senators Julia Salazar and Kristen Gonzalez, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and NYC Council Members Jennifer Gutiérrez and Lincoln Restler.
Over 400 neighbors participated in a bike rally on August 29. Many came to the September 12 Brooklyn Community Board 1 Meeting to ask that previously agreed upon safety changes be implemented on McGuinness.
“We’ve fought hard for this plan, and I’m glad the Adams administration listened and is taking the safety of Greenpoint seriously. We will monitor the implementation of this redesign and adjust as needed over the next year. I’m immensely grateful to the Make McGuinness Safe coalition and all the elected officials for their relentless advocacy,” said NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler.
Juda Englemeyer, who has acted as a spokesperson for businesses that opposed the road diet, stated “We expressed our concerns about the original road diet … and it appears that the DOT has made its decision. We respect the process.”
A NYC DOT press release on November 2, 2024 stated, “Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that roadway work has begun this past week to implement the redesign of the southern portion of McGuinness Boulevard—and that drivers should expect delays during the implementation process. Construction is expected to span several weeks, weather permitting.”
It added that on November 4, existing street markings would be removed and that the bulk of the work will occur during the daytime hours. The agency expects the project to reach substantial completion this year.
The Greenline 