PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Marie Mirville-Shahzada, Executive Director of Alfadila Community Services
2:38:35
·
96 sec
Marie Mirville-Shahzada, Executive Director of Alfadila Community Services, advocates for a ferry service in Coney Island, highlighting the area's isolation and transportation challenges. She argues that a ferry would transform Coney Island socioeconomically, similar to how the ferry system has benefited Red Hook.
- Cites slow and infrequent MTA bus service, with potential lane closures exacerbating the problem
- Mentions severe traffic congestion during events like the 4th of July
- Compares Coney Island's lack of ferry service to Far Rockaway's "rocket ferry," expressing a desire for similar transportation options
Marie Mirville-Shahzada
2:38:35
Hi.
2:38:35
Good afternoon.
2:38:36
My name is Marie Merville.
2:38:38
I'm a community organizer.
2:38:40
I'm also the executive director of Alphateela Community Services.
2:38:44
Which is a nonprofit throughout the city, but primarily we work out of Kony Island, Brooklyn.
2:38:49
I do want you guys to know that we are I am in favor of of Ferry in Kony Island.
2:38:55
Kony the residents of Kony Island are isolated.
2:38:58
From the rest of the boroughs and the surrounding areas.
2:39:02
The MTA bus system is slow and infrequent.
2:39:05
We have two lanes, and the MTA has proposed to close out one lane, so that makes it even worse.
2:39:11
During events in Kony Island.
2:39:13
I don't know if you guys come out during 4th July.
2:39:16
There's a standstill of traffic for about 2 to 3 hours.
2:39:19
Kony Island needs extra modes of transportation as other people have said.
2:39:25
What we are hoping is that if you guys do allow Pony Island to have a ferry service, it would transform Pony Island, which is socially economically a a desert right now to change it and transform it in ways that has transformed Red Hawk with the Surrey system.
2:39:45
Now I'm very jealous of Far Rockaway, which we do service Far Rockaway.
2:39:50
We need something very much as the rocket that we've heard of the rocket fairy.
2:39:56
At least you guys have it, we have nothing.
2:40:00
So if you guys could bring it, we would appreciate it.
2:40:04
I leave you with these words from the famous movie, fields of dreams.
2:40:07
If you build it, they will come So please.
2:40:10
Thank you.
