REMARKS
Council Member Joann Ariola introduces Intros 103 and 104
0:06:51
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170 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola opens the meeting by highlighting the need for increased transparency and community input from the Department of Transportation (DOT) before making changes to neighborhoods involving parking spaces, bike lanes, and major transportation projects.
- She discusses two proposed introductions, 103 and 104, that would require DOT to notify community boards, council members, and local FDNY firehouses prior to such changes.
- The goal is to prevent disruptions and ensure safety by allowing discussions and consultations with affected parties before parking spaces are removed or street alterations are made.
- Ariola cites past issues with unannounced changes leading to obstructed emergency vehicle access and other logistical problems for residents.
Joann Ariola
0:06:51
Thank you, Chair Brooks Powers, for hearing these important pieces of legislation this afternoon.
0:06:56
Today, we're hearing intros 103104, both of which would require the Department of Transportation to be more transparent and listen to community input before making changes to our neighborhoods.
0:07:10
Intro 103 would require the Department of Transportation to notify affected community boards and council members 15 days before removing a parking space.
0:07:21
Many times our residents wake up to the to their parking spaces replaced with bike racks no standing zones with no prior notification or input.
0:07:33
This bill would require the DOT to notify the council member and community board so that discussions prior to the removal can be had with residents and changes could be made if necessary.
0:07:46
Intro 104 would require the Department of Transportation to notify affected local FDNY Firehouse is to prior approval link approving Open Street applications and prior to implementing bicycle lane projects and major transportation projects, This bill would also require DOT to consult with the local fire department prior to approving an open street application.
0:08:11
Prior to the construction or removal of any bicycle lane that would result in the removal of a vehicular trap travel lane or a parking lane.
0:08:20
DOT would also be required to provide certification of such consultation.
0:08:26
We are seeking response times to emergencies that increase year after year as more and more streets are being closed.
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Fire trucks are coming to screeching halt after nearby colliding with Palantas that have been suddenly placed to close off the street.
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Trucks can't make it, make you turns, and or get on or off blocks.
0:08:49
Non car lanes forcing trucks to set up 10 feet further away from a curb, reducing how high a ladder can reach and how close New Yorkers are before they can be saved.
0:09:02
The members of the local firehouses must be consulted before these changes are decided on, so they can decide if these changes will impede their response to an emergency.
0:09:13
We need this legislation so that the members of the FDNY can respond quickly to fire or medical emergencies and keep New Yorkers safe.
0:09:23
And I did have a chance to take a look at your response to both 103104, and I will tell you that this was not generated because I had nothing better do them wanna make you have more work.
0:09:33
It's generated because there's been problems with the current way you're doing things.
0:09:38
And it needs to change.
0:09:39
Chair, thank you for the time.