Congestion pricing may be dead for the moment, but livable streets advocates can’t afford to let that sap our strength or motivation. There are plenty of changes to be made that need grassroots support — and not one iota of approval from Albany — to reach fruition. One of those measures will face a crucial test later today.

Brooklyn Community Board 1 is slated to vote tonight on plans for a separated bike path on Kent Avenue and West Street. To add the bike path, parking spaces will be shifted away from the street, and you can bet that even this modest proposal will gin up some opposition. The public is invited to speak (see details below), and the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is urging bike path supporters to come out and show support:

The plan involves the transfer of parking from Kent Ave and West St to new spots we have found in areas that are changing from industrial to residential use. Despite the fact that we have identified enough spaces within two blocks of the route to avoid inconveniencing people who may park there, there is often strong resistance to what may be spun as a "loss of parking". So we really need a strong showing of support to make the board know the overwhelming desire for these improvements for Kent and West that will make them more inviting for both pedestrians and cyclists. The project will also add over 250 new street trees and other greening of the streetscape.

To speak, you must sign up by 6:15pm. The meeting is at the Swinging 60’s Senior Citizens Center, 211 Ainslie Street (corner of Manhattan Avenue).

Image courtesy of the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative