Brooklyn pol wants your opinions in new transportation survey

As southwest Brooklyn gets ready for a laundry list of transportation changes, one local elected official wants to find out exactly what his constituents think about transportation options and traffic issues in the area.

City Councilmember Vincent Gentile — who represents Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and portions of Bensonhurst and Bath Beach — has kicked off a district-wide traffic and transportation survey, the goal of which is for him to understand better the needs of the constituents and then be able to address them.

“I have always said I rely on my constituents to be an extra set of eyes and ears for me around the district,” said Gentile, adding, “Now I am putting out the call for suggestions, solutions, and ideas for ways to improve upon traffic and transportation issues in my district.”

Among the impending changes in area transportation are the shut-down of the Bay Ridge Avenue station for renovations, the 86th Street station elevator installation, and citywide ferry service poised to begin this summer at the 69^th Street Pier. Other issues include imminent fare hikes, current renovations on the N line, and the ongoing dearth of public transportation options in Dyker Heights and Bath Beach.

“Over the years, whether it was for a piece of legislation or a new community event, some of the best ideas have come directly from my the minds of my constituents – especially when it comes to making our daily lives just a little bit better,” he added. “And with so many changes coming down the line as it relates to public transportation throughout the district, I want to hear from you!”

The goal of the effort — basically crowdsourcing — is that it will encourage constituents to send in their ideas for improvements or changes. Some may be long-term ideas, noted Gentile, while others may be things that can be fixed immediately, and those, he said, would be attended to quickly.

Gentile is asking for his constituents either to call the office at 718-748-5200 or email jbrannan@council.nyc.gov with any suggestions and comments related to traffic or transpiration. “Whatever you feel is working and whatever you feel is not working; what’s broken and what needs to be fixed – whatever it is, if it’s traffic and transportation related, I want to hear it,” he said.