Greenpoint community shares feelings about DOT’s plan to redesign McGuinness Boulevard

Councilmember Lincoln Restler has spearheaded the proposed changes to the street alongside the organization Make McGuinness Safer.

News 12 Staff

Jun 8, 2023, 1:13 AM

Updated 547 days ago

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Members are speaking out on the Department of Transportation’s plans for the redevelopment of McGuinness Boulevard that aims to tackle safety issues.  
This comes as a number of incidents taking place along the boulevard have lead to injuries and even death. The DOT says it presented three plan options during community meetings, and that the chosen plan involves features such as converting two lanes of traffic into bike lanes and parking spots.  
Councilmember Lincoln Restler has spearheaded the proposed changes to the street alongside the organization Make McGuinness Safer.  
“We have suffered far too many fatalities, too many serious injuries,” said Restler. “There’s a crash a week on McGuinness Boulevard.” 
Some neighbors aren’t all-in on these proposed changes, and aren’t convinced they’re worth it.  
“I don’t think it’s a problem at all,” said Brooklyn resident Justin. “I don’t really think they need to do anything. They can probably spend the money on something better.” 
Stats from the city’s VisionZero program shows around 115 incidents along the boulevard since 2020, including the death of a school teacher.  
A town hall is scheduled for June 15 at 8:45 a.m. by an unnamed local organization who wants to give neighbors a chance to voice concerns. The DOT and Councilmember Restler are scheduled to be in attendance.