Local organizations want their voices heard as the Department of Transportation moves to the next phase of the BQE Central Project.

The BQE Central Project is a plan to transform a 1.5 mile stretch of the expressway, including the triple cantilever, to address structural and connectivity needs.

"We are all for repairing the triple cantilever and the sections of BQE Central that are in very decrepit shape," said Lara Birnback, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association.

Birnback says what they're not for are urban highways that don't meet the needs of the community.

"Public health concerns, sustainability. We haven't seen any of those things really addressed in the plans that D.O.T. has put forward so far," said Birnback.

The DOT says it is entering the environmental review of the plan. Local organizations have joined forces to create the BQE Environmental Justice Coalition.

"The BQE is literally right next to our playgrounds, our schools we're constantly exposed to pollution and traffic," said María Fernanda Pulido Velosa, from the El Puente organization located in Williamsburg.

"We're advocating for transformative planning in the whole corridor," said Pulido Velosa.

The BQE Environmental Justice Coalition is made up of a wide range of organizations impacted by the BQE, including:

El Puente UPROSE NYC Environmental Justice Alliance Red Hook Initiative Woodside on the Move Brooklyn Heights Association Cobble Hill Association Riders Alliance Open Plans DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance North Heights Neighbors 350 Brooklyn Tri-State Transportation Campaign 360 Furman

To give public feedback on the project click here.