Panel Chairperson Carlo Scissura said in a release on Wednesday that the group has begun weekly meetings, and has done “some critical background work — becoming familiar with the various proposals on the table, site conditions, structural analysis and traffic data.”
“We’ve also toured the structure itself as well as the surrounding area. And we’ve been joined by representatives from a number of agencies that have shared information about their adjacent facilities that will have an impact on the project, including the MTA New York City Transit, Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Parks Department and City Planning Department,” he said.
The panel now has its own page on NYC Department of Transportation’s website. Scissura said that people may leave comments there, or may call his office directly at 212-213-2434.
The 17-member panel was assembled by the mayor in early April after opposition to the city’s preferred $4 billion reconstruction plan reached near-frenzy levels.
The city’s plan would have temporarily replaced the landmarked Brooklyn Heights Promenade with a six-lane BQE bypass for roughly eight years, destroying a protected view plain and polluting neighborhood air with toxic particulates.
Carlo Scissura chairs the BQE panel. Photo courtesy of Carlo Scissura
The panel recently met with 16 stakeholder groups from Vinegar Hill, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and more, and will hold another meeting soon. The meeting’s 3-hour agenda included presentations by the BIG Group, BHA/Marc Wouters, and Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office.
According to Scissura, the panel’s mandate is “to consider everything that has been put out,” including the DOT plans. It will closely consider the actual physical condition of the BQE and what can be built there. He told civic groups at the first meeting that the panel is “going to look at everything.”
He anticipates that the panel will issue a report in the fall that will address what can be built and establish guidelines for the construction.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
