Difficult Truck Turn

07/31/2024 - 16:24

Tractor trailer trucks have difficulty making the right turn from Furman to Old Fulton, sometimes driving over the historic bluestone sidewalk. They endanger pedestrians and cyclists that are crossing to the most used entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Furman Street plus Old Fulton between Front and Water should be removed from the local truck route. This is no longer a working waterfront, since the Park opened in 2010. Trucks belong on the BQE. Furman Street is redundant. In addition, Furman should revert back to being one way. The two way experiment has not worked.

Health & Environmental Impact

07/31/2024 - 16:18

Integrating a new truck route through Grand Concourse right near a widely used park is an incredibly bad idea. The street is already dangerous enough to cross and navigate, and adding more traffic onto the street will end in accidents. Other than accidents, the sheer amount of noise and air pollution that will be produced by the new truck route will lead to an uncomfortable environment for children who frequent this park. Please consider a reroute in the process of the redesign!

Health & Environmental Impact

07/31/2024 - 16:15

I live on the corner of Ocean and Caton and I want to draw attention to some critical issues. 1) On noise pollution: Every major health organization confirms a direct correlation between life expectancy and human health. It leads to higher rates of high blood pressure, hypertension, even stroke - all of which disproportionately impact Black Americans. This route runs through the heart of Flatbush and is yet another example of environmental racism causing real harm. 2) Air quality: According to a 2022 study by the International Council for Clean Transportation, “In New York City, heavy-duty diesel vehicles represent a small portion of total vehicle activity but are responsible for roughly half of on-road transport nitrogen oxides (NO,) and fine particulate matter (PM.5) emissions and the associated health impacts, including premature mortality. This analysis finds that people of color living in New York City are exposed to 5% more PM.5 attributable to diesel trucks operating in the city than average, while non-Latino white residents are exposed to 10% less.” Again, this kind of injustice is unacceptable. 3) And let’s talk for a second about quality of life: we can’t open our windows without constant interruptions. And it’s upwards of 98 degrees outside these days. What are we expected to do? And on a more personal note, forget the amount of times I’ve been startled awake by these trucks (from honking and booming through potholes and uneven pavement) - and keep in mind I sleep with ear plugs and closed windows - my newborn is also startled awake on the regular. This needs to be addressed ASAP and the solution must be transparent, inclusive and community driven.