NYC Mayor Backtracks on McGuinness Blvd. Safety Plan, Prioritizing Business Interests Over Lives

NYC Mayor Waters Down McGuinness Blvd. Redesign, Prioritizing Business Interests Over Lives

Mayor Adams has once again prioritized the interests of powerful businesses over the safety of New Yorkers, by further watering down a plan to improve safety on McGuinness Boulevard.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) had initially proposed a road diet for the dangerous boulevard, reducing the number of lanes to create a protected bike lane. However, after facing opposition from Broadway Stages, a major film studio, the DOT scaled back the plan, keeping both lanes in each direction, but converting the outer lane to overnight parking. This compromise has been criticized as ineffective, as cars often illegally park in the bike lane, putting cyclists at risk.

Now, the DOT has announced that it will implement the same watered-down plan for the rest of the road. This decision has angered local elected officials and advocates who have been pushing for a more comprehensive solution.

Council Member Lincoln Restler stated, "The priority of our community and the 10,000 people who signed a petition, and every elected official that represents Greenpoint is to dramatically slow down traffic on this dangerous boulevard — and this plan fails to do so."

The mayor's decision comes on the heels of his own DOT data showing that road diets are the most effective way to reduce crashes and fatalities. Despite this, he has repeatedly expressed concerns about the safety of protected bike lanes, which have been widely proven to be safer for cyclists.

The mayor's actions have led to accusations of prioritizing donors and business interests over the lives of New Yorkers. This decision is not only a blow to street safety advocates but also a setback for efforts to improve cycling infrastructure in the city.

What This Means for New Yorkers

This decision highlights the ongoing struggle between prioritizing the safety of all road users and accommodating the demands of powerful business interests. It remains to be seen if the mayor's watered-down plan will be effective in improving safety on McGuinness Boulevard.

What are your thoughts on the mayor's decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.