Earlier this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that cars would be completely banned from entering Prospect Park until Labor Day. The ban, which affects the northbound roadway on the eastern side of the park during the morning rush hour, is intended to be a trial run to test how such a measure would affect pedestrian safety.
The closure comes amid past worries that this could lead to increased traffic and more accidents on roads directly east of the park that southeastern Brooklyn commuters might use as alternates to get to work. This includes Ocean, Flatbush, Washington and Bedford Avenues.
Today, KCP asked the City Council members and candidates running against them, who represent districts east of Prospect Park, to weigh in on the measure.
This includes the 35th District, in which Bedford, Vanderbilt and Washington Avenues are major thoroughfares east of Prospect Park; and the 40th District, in which Ocean, Flatbush and Bedford avenues run east adjacent to Prospect Park to weigh in on the measure. Here were their responses:
Laurie Cumbo (D-35th District): “Residents in Brooklyn, like in the other boroughs, walk, cycle, and drive. As the population continues to grow, it is imperative that we periodically assess the use of shared roads to enhance traffic safety for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, and motorists. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio, DOT Commissioner Trottenberg, NYC Parks Commissioner Silver for exploring new ways to increase public safety while curbing traffic congestion. Through this car-free pilot program, we will gain greater insight on how a permanent ban would impact motorists, public safety, and traffic within the surrounding community.”
Ede Fox (Democratic candidate in the 35th District): “I’m eager to see the results of this effort. Prospect Park is the crown jewel of our community’s parkland. I applaud the Department of Transportation for actively addressing the needs of park-goers, and considering ways to provide a more enjoyable experience for our families and everyone who visits the park.
“The simple fact is that people drive because existing public transportation does not meet their needs. This includes commuters using the park as an alternate route on their morning commute. That’s why we need to continue to prioritize improvements to our transportation infrastructure, to help mitigate the impacts motorists will face and ultimately encourage more people to get off the road and onto buses and subways.”
City Council Mathieu Eugene (D-40th District) did not provide an answer at post time. This story will be updated when and if the council member provides an answer.
Pia Raymond (Democratic candidate in the 40th District): “I do think that the two-month car ban will be effective at ensuring pedestrian safety. Prospect Park has affectionately been called, “the community’s backyard.” It is critical that Prospect Park is safe for pedestrians. I serve as vice president of the Nostrand Ave. Merchants Assoc. We responded to DOT’s request to help inform the community of the importance of adhering to the implemented traffic signals in the park for everyone’s safety.
“Prospect Park provides a beautiful environment for people to engage in physical activity including, but not limited to walking, jogging, bicycling, skate boarding etc. Obesity is the number one health concern in Brooklyn and Prospect Park provides an environmental reserve where people can be inspired to exercise and many community fitness instructors facilitate classes and sessions. With the addition of the recreational multi-person cycle experience, there is a need now more than ever to restrict cars in the park during the summer months. I would be open to supporting a permanent ban on vehicles in the park in the future as long as emergency vehicles and park authorized vehicles that address the immediate needs within Prospect Park have access.”
Brian Cunningham (Democratic candidate in the 40th District): “I think that the two-month ban will be effective, primarily because the increase of people who are generally outside for the summer. People use this as a place to barbecue, and have a little summer fun. I think it’s important to keep vehicles out for the time being. I would support a permanent ban, because there’s not a lot of green space. We need some of that in Brooklyn; however, it has to be a long-term, thought out process, taking into account how to build our infrastructure and improve public transportation.
Obviously, the ban will create some traffic congestion, so yes, the concern is legitimate. What we have to do as a city is work on alternatives. With all the construction happening, we have to increase bus service, bike lanes, and off-peak ridership, and find alternate forms of transportation. We can’t tell drivers not to drive, but we can build up the public transit system and make it more convenient for citizens to leave their cars at home.”
