Downtown Intersection Critically Flawed

a tunnel(s) for thru traffic like the one on park ave. south of grand central

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 10:11 AM

It is very, very true. The Environmental Impact Study for this project must look into the traffic consequences this project will have. With the grid locks we already have, it can only get worse once they start construction. A LOT of excess traffic will spill over into residential streets in Fort Green, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill and Parts of Park Slope. The scary part is that the construction is planned to last for 11 years (not including likely delays). During this time your streets will be flooded with heavy traffic, noise and dust. That is a price that I cannot understand anyone wants to pay when you don't get any green areas, parks, pleasant streetscapes in exchange. The widely published park on top of the stadium will be close to the public!! This project doesn't benefit the community!

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 12:39 PM

Flatbush will become permanent gridlock and forget about driving the Brooklyn or Manhattan bridges if this happens. In my mind this is the worst casualty, there are only 2 already crowded arteries into manhattan and i can't imagine another bridge entering the picture. Maybe that's when Bloomberg will introduce the tolls he's always wanted to collect on these bridges, and he will have the perfect justification. All is ok though as long as Ratner can make his billion.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 12:58 PM

"Brooklynites wouldn't wish this project in anyone's backyard."

Sure, they would. I'm a Prospect Heights residents and I welcome the Atlantic Yards project in my backyard. I think that some of the comments about crossing Flatbush are a bit hysterical. I've been crossing that intersection for 15 years and, while I admit that it's crowded, to cross it is not "nuts". As long as you look both ways and cross carefully, you'll be just fine. A little navigation goes a long way...

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 1:20 PM

Yes, the pedestrian crossing situtation should be addressed in that area whether or not Arena, etc is built. (Gridlock makes a bit safer to cross- if fast moving traffic you'd surely be run over. Take a look at Queens Blvd.)

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 1:25 PM

adding 10,000 more people directly on top of the worst intersection in the neighborhood certainly won't help. I don't know if the prospect heights resident who posted above has ever tried to cross the street from Target to the bus stop across flatbush with two small children and shopping bags in tow, but take it from me, it sucks.

I have to agree with the other poster that a Nets arena alone is not enough compensation for the upheaval that will ensue.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 2:04 PM

An overpass or underpass(extra subway entrance)would prevent many people from being hit by cars.

A tunnel (similar to Park Ave) under Atlantic Avenue from 4th Ave to the BQE would reduce traffic.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 2:14 PM

and then what happens when you get to the bridges? what happens on the BQE? it's not just 4th avenue and it's not just flatbush.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 2:47 PM

To the one who wrote: "A little navigation goes a long way...". I suggest you explain that to the relatives of the individuals of the pedestrians who got killed in that intersection this year alone. Does someone you know have to get injured by reckless heavy traffic before you wake up?

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 2:51 PM

Killed in that intesection this year alone?
How many is that?
Eastern Parkway I think is called the most dangerous in Brooklyn. Lets get the library and museum moved - bringing in all that traffic and pedestrians to dangerous area.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 3:22 PM

I see many critical comments. Debating is good, action is better. If you have any concerns about the project, exercise your democratic right to have your voice heard. If you write to the below before 28 October 2005, by law your concerns have to be included in the Environmental Impact Study. The main problem is that Ratner is only proposing to study very few intersections. (Hmn. is he trying to limit the scope of the study?) please do ask everyone else to send their concerns about the environmental impact study: what are their specific concerns and what needs to be studied, impact assessed?

Write to:
Atlantic Yard c/o Planning and Review
Empire State Development Corp.
633 Thrid Ave
Ny NY 10017
or email atalanticyards@empire.state.ny.us

also please have everyone send copies to CBN
cbrooklynneighborhoods@hotmail.com
or CBN 201 DeKalb , Bklyn, NY 11205.

Stop debating! Take action! Make the project better by having you voice heard.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 3:24 PM

Let your local politicians know that you are concerned:

Assemblyman Sheldon Silver
64th Assembly District Albany Office
Legislative Office Building, Room 932
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-3791 or 212-212-1420

also

Joan Millman millmaj@mail3.assembly.state.ny.us
David Yassky yassky@council.nyc.ny.us

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 3:34 PM

Let your local politicians know that you are concerned:

Assemblyman Sheldon Silver
64th Assembly District Albany Office
Legislative Office Building, Room 932
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-3791 or 212-212-1420

also

Joan Millman millmaj@mail3.assembly.state.ny.us
David Yassky yassky@council.nyc.ny.us

Posted by: Anonymous at October 25, 2005 3:35 PM

Anon 2:51,

I would gladly explain my navigation advice to the families that you mention, assuming that I knew who they were. I haven't heard of any pedestrian deaths at that intersection this year. I stand by my point that this intersection, while busy, is perfectly capable of being navigated. Citing emotional anecdotes does not disprove that.

Posted by: Anonymous at October 26, 2005 9:33 AM