Squadron, Colleagues Urge Mta to Reschedule L Train Shutdowns During Key Weekends for Local Businesses

BROOKLYN -- Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney and Nydia Velazquez, Senator Martin Dilan, Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Councilman Stephen Levin urged the MTA to reschedule planned shutdowns of the L train on Memorial Day weekend (May 25-28) and during the Northside Festival (June 15-17), key weekends for local small businesses.

Last year, the elected officials convened a meeting of North Brooklyn small businesses to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of L train shutdowns on the local business community. Following that meeting and in response to a letter from the local elected officials, the MTA reiterated its commitment to consulting with the community on weekends that would be particularly problematic.

However, these upcoming L train shutdowns were announced without community consultation.

"Considering the above, we were disappointed that the MTA issued notification of planned L line shutdowns that coincide with Memorial Day weekend, and the Northside Festival on June 15-17, without community consultation," the elected officials wrote. "We understand that planned maintenance to the subway system is essential and shutdown dates will never be ideal, but it is very important that the MTA follow through on its commitment to community engagement and reschedule these shutdowns."

The full letter is attached below.

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