A representative with the Church Avenue Business Improvement District says that a proposed bus lane along Church Avenue in Prospect Park South and Kensington could affect businesses in the area.

The Department of Transportation says adding the bus lane will hopefully improve bus service. The proposal is part of the city's "Better Buses Action Plan" to increase bus speeds by the end of next year.

Over 100 parking spaces could be made unavailable to make way for a new bus lane, between Flatbush Avenue and East 7th Street in the area.

Lauren Collins, the Church Avenue BID's executive director, says a significant concern is that businesses might not perform well because customers will have a hard time finding parking.

A spokesperson for the DOT has put out a statement:

"DOT is aware of Church Avenue business owners' concerns about parking loss and have planned for additional metered spaces and loading zones on side streets. Parking along Church Avenue from E 7th St to E 16th St will be allowed when the bus lane rules are not in effect. We have held several meetings on this project to gain community input, including with the Church Avenue BID."

The DOT also says that, after conducting a survey, they found that most shoppers walk or take the bus to get to Church Avenue as opposed to drive.