The future of street safety and bike lane installation along Brooklyn's Third Avenue looks uncertain, as the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a delay, which means no changes will take place this year. The section of the avenue under scrutiny stretches beneath the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, an area known for its high volume of traffic and significant safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians. According to Streetsblog, the DOT's deferral of the project until at least 2026 follows opposition from local business groups adamant about the potential negative impacts of the road diet on their operations.
The decision stems from a contentious history between street safety advocates and local businesses— with the former arguing for the pressing need to reduce traffic and improve pedestrian infrastructure and the latter concerned about the loss of parking and the effects on loading operations. Community Board 7's District Manager Jeremy Laufer voiced skepticism towards the DOT's promise of additional outreach and future action, telling Streetsblog that he is doubtful they will deliver in 2026.
In a report by Gothamist, transportation department data indicated a stark contrast in the safety records of Third and nearby Fourth Avenue. Between 2018 and 2022, Third Avenue saw 14 deaths stretching north to Prospect Avenue, figures that triple those of Fourth Avenue fatalities, justifying the concern for urgent measures.
The redesign plan has faced several hurdles since its approval by Community Board 7 over a year ago. Despite the looming need for safety enhancements along Third Avenue, the DOT has not responded to specific questions about the causes of the delay. Instead, the agency has pointed to ongoing smaller-scale projects, such as new concrete medians and curb extensions as a placeholder for comprehensive improvements. Simultaneously, local businesses expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of inclusion in the planning process, with Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Randy Peers having accused the community board of disregarding the concerns of "generational businesses" in a statement reported by Gothamist.
Political tenor has further complicated the issue. Mayoral candidates have voiced their opinions on the handling of the safety project, with several Democratic hopefuls endorsing the community board’s redesign plan, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has taken a more restrained stance. With the upcoming election, the outcome of Third Avenue's redesign and the safety of Sunset Park's residents hang in a delicate balance, pending new leadership.
