TESTIMONY
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 104 and DOT's consultation with FDNY for open streets, bike lanes, and major transportation projects
0:35:17
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88 sec
Margaret Forgione explains DOT's process for consulting with FDNY on open street applications, bike lane projects, and major transportation projects.
- DOT already consults with FDNY's Bureau of Operations Planning on these projects
- DOT meets regularly with FDNY bureaus to discuss projects and get feedback
- DOT makes changes based on FDNY review like adjusting neckdowns, pedestrian space, and signal timing
- Communication between DOT and FDNY must continue in a centralized manner
Margaret Forgione
0:35:17
Next, intro 104 also sponsored by council member Ariola.
0:35:21
This bill would require DOT to consult with the fire department before approving an open street application and certain bike clean projects.
0:35:29
Further, this bill would require DOT to notify affected firehouses before approving an open street application a bicycle lane project, and a major transportation project.
0:35:41
DOT works closely with our sister agencies and believes that such coordination is important.
0:35:46
We already consult with FDNY on these projects, including meeting regularly with FDNY's Bureau of Operations Planning, and quarterly meetings between DOT's bureau commissioners and each FDNY bureau commander to discuss our projects and elicit their feedback on potential issues that may arise, including concerns raised by local firehouses.
0:36:07
Typical changes we make after FDNY review involve adding daylighting or changing geometry of neckdowns and islands to ensure fire trucks are able to make necessary turns.
0:36:17
Modifying locations of new pedestrian space and clear paths to ensure hydrant and building access is maintained.
0:36:24
And modifying signal timing to reduce congestion along our desired response route.
0:36:30
These are important conversations that we will continue to have but such communication must continue at a centralized in a centralized manner.
0:36:38
We defer to our sister agency on how best to disseminate information between the borough commanders FDNY operations, and the firehouses.
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Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 103 and requiring DOT to notify community boards and council members before removing parking spaces
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Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, on Intro 144 and the installation of bollards at sidewalks, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps
