Senator Squadron Announces Major Progress on Old Fulton Street
July 28, 2011
Squadron Partners with 84th Precinct to End Scourge of Idling, Illegally Stopped Tour Buses
Works With MTA to Approve Rerouting of B25 Bus at Today’s Board Meeting; Allows Redesign to Move Forward
BROOKLYN – Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced two dramatic steps forward on Old Fulton Street that will improve quality of life and create a more pedestrian, resident, and business-friendly environment:
- Last year’s opening of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 led to a significant uptick in tour bus traffic on Old Fulton Street. Senator Squadron pushed bus operators and partnered with the 84th Precinct and the Fulton Ferry Landing Association to increase enforcement and prevent buses from idling and stopping illegally at the base of Old Fulton Street and on the northern end of Furman Street. Senator Squadron joined the 84th Precinct and Fulton Ferry Landing Association president Joan Zimmerman for a sting on Friday evening that found 100% compliance, signaling dramatic improvement.
- Senator Squadron successfully worked with the MTA to reroute the B25 bus. Today, the MTA board approved the plan to extend the bus route in DUMBO on weeknights and weekends, bringing consistent service to Main Street, alleviating congestion, and allowing for the Department of Transportation’s Old Fulton Street redesign to move forward.
“Fulton Ferry Landing residents have long had good reason to call for quality of life improvements,” said Senator Squadron. “Between idling buses and a street plan that didn’t really work, there was a lot to do on Old Fulton Street. Providing relief was a no brainer. I want to thank Fulton Ferry Landing Association, the 84th Precinct, NYCDOT and the MTA for coming together to develop a good idea and doing the hard work to make it a reality.”
"After 20 years of increasing traffic congestion, buses disembarking passengers into the middle of the street, and a community begging for quality of life relief, we are deeply grateful to finally have some improvements on the way,” said Fulton Ferry Landing Association president Joan Zimmerman. “Credit must go to NYCDOT and Senator Squadron for acting on the issue and following through with a plan."
###
Media Contact: Amy Spitalnick / 212.298.5565 / spitalni@nysenate.gov