Brooklyn neighbors react to BQE repair plan ahead of public meeting
Brooklyn Heights resident Ginger Berman called the prospect "a nightmare."
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New York City wants to repair about a mile and a half of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Ahead of a public meeting Tuesday, Brooklyn Heights neighbors are weighing in. The proposal covers the stretch from just north of Atlantic Avenue to Nassau Street, including the two levels of highway beneath the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Inspectors found a hole through the concrete above Old Fulton Street and exposed steel in another spot. The New York City Department of Transportation says short-term repairs have kept the highway safe to drive on, but the aging structure needs major work.
To keep traffic moving during repairs, DOT is proposing two temporary roads. One would carry traffic in both directions above Furman Street. The other would carry drivers heading toward Queens near the Brooklyn Bridge. Both would come down after the work. The city estimates construction could start in 2029 and wrap up by 2040.
Brooklyn Heights resident Ginger Berman called the prospect "a nightmare." She worries about air pollution from the highway and would like to see a different approach.
"It should be a tunnel," Berman said. "They should build a tunnel underground."
Janna Collins, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1969, remembers when part of the old West Side Highway collapsed. She said the city adapted then, and she'd like to see it consider sending traffic a different way now.
"I would love to see the traffic routed in other directions and not through the BQE space that exists," Collins said.
Jay Jaramillo, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, said the road needs repairs. He'd also like it to be easier for people to get down to the park.
"They could improve the park, fix it as quick as possible," he said.
How to weigh in:
The DOT is asking people what it should study before the project moves forward.
In person — Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the City Tech auditorium, 285 Jay St. in Brooklyn.
Online — Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.
In writing — Email comments to BQECentral@dot.nyc.gov by Nov. 23.
