New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Jan 21, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 36 min
Summary
A hearing on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) capital plan, infrastructure, and street repairs.
Discussions focused on:
- Major projects like the Belt Parkway reconstruction and BQE replacement
- Sustainable paving technologies
- Bridge maintenance
- Street safety improvements
Several bills were discussed, including:
- Capping street light color temperature
- Setting timelines for resurfacing and repainting
- Implementing cool pavement pilots
- Creating online trackers for DOT projects.
Council members expressed concerns about DOT not meeting mandated goals in the Streets Plan and called for more transparency on project progress. The hearing also covered the utilization of federal infrastructure funding.
Features testimony from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Brooks-Powers opens transportation and infrastructure committee hearing
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers opens the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, introducing herself as the chair and outlining the focus of the day's meeting on the Department of Transportation's …
0:01:46
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20 sec
Overview of transportation-related legislation to be discussed in the hearing
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines six pieces of legislation that will be discussed during the hearing, covering various aspects of transportation and infrastructure in New York City. - Intro 145: Capping …
0:02:07
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66 sec
Overview of Department of Transportation's budget and infrastructure responsibilities
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines the Department of Transportation's substantial budget and extensive infrastructure responsibilities in New York City. - DOT manages an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and a …
0:03:14
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29 sec
DOT's approach to street resurfacing and sustainable techniques
Council Member Brooks-Powers explains the Department of Transportation's approach to street resurfacing and the implementation of sustainable techniques to address road deterioration. - DOT uses street resurfacing to address issues …
0:03:44
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47 sec
DOT's management and maintenance of bridges and tunnels
Council Member Brooks-Powers details the Department of Transportation's responsibilities in managing and maintaining New York City's bridges and tunnels, including inspection requirements and condition reports. - DOT owns, operates, and …
0:04:32
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115 sec
Implementation of the Streets Plan and concerns about meeting mandated goals
Council Member Brooks-Powers expresses concerns about the implementation of the Streets Plan and the Department of Transportation's progress in meeting mandated goals for street safety improvements. - Local Law 195 …
0:06:28
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72 sec
Key focus areas of the hearing and federal funding utilization
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines the main focus areas of the hearing, emphasizing infrastructure maintenance, street safety, and the utilization of federal funding. - The hearing will focus on ensuring good …
0:07:40
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43 sec
Council Member Brooks-Powers acknowledges staff contributions
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers concludes her opening remarks by acknowledging and thanking the committee staff and her personal staff for their hard work in preparing for the hearing. - The …
0:08:25
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53 sec
Introduction and overview of DOT testimony
Margaret Forgione, First Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation, opens the testimony before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She introduces her colleagues and expresses gratitude for the …
0:10:00
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31 sec
DOT's responsibilities and capital plan overview
Margaret Forgione outlines the extensive responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and provides an overview of DOT's substantial capital plan. She emphasizes the scope of their work and the financial …
0:10:32
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46 sec
Project prioritization and equity considerations in DOT planning
Margaret Forgione explains how DOT identifies and prioritizes street reconstruction projects, emphasizing the importance of equity in the decision-making process. She highlights the agency's commitment to investing in communities of …
0:11:19
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60 sec
Capital project scoping and interagency coordination
Margaret Forgione details the rigorous scoping process for DOT's capital street reconstruction projects, highlighting the extensive coordination between various city departments and external entities. She explains how this collaborative approach …
0:12:21
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84 sec
Street improvement projects and Vision Zero progress
Margaret Forgione highlights DOT's implementation of various street improvement projects aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity, and accessibility in New York City. She references a recent equity and street safety report …
0:13:46
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37 sec
Discussion of Intro 145: Street lighting color temperature limits
Margaret Forgione addresses Intro 145, which proposes to limit the correlated color temperature of new and replacement street lamps to 3,000 Kelvin. She explains DOT's current practices and their stance …
0:14:24
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55 sec
Analysis of Intro 552: Street resurfacing timeline requirements
Margaret Forgione discusses Intro 552, which would require DOT to finish resurfacing within two weeks from the start of work. She explains DOT's current resurfacing practices and expresses concerns about …
0:15:21
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106 sec
Overview of Intro 928: Cool pavement pilot project
Margaret Forgione addresses Intro 928, which proposes a pilot project on the use of cool pavement in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She expresses support for …
0:17:08
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24 sec
DOT's climate resilience and stormwater management initiatives
Margaret Forgione outlines DOT's various initiatives to enhance climate resilience and manage stormwater in New York City. She highlights collaborative efforts with other city agencies and the implementation of innovative …
0:17:32
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126 sec
Detailed response to Intro 928: Cool pavement pilot challenges
Margaret Forgione provides a more detailed response to Intro 928, expressing support for research into cool pavements while highlighting the unique challenges of implementing such a project in New York …
0:19:40
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47 sec
Analysis of Intro 1105: Streets Plan implementation reporting
Margaret Forgione discusses Intro 1105, which would require DOT to post detailed information about planned projects for the year and provide monthly updates on each project's progress. She explains DOT's …
0:20:28
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79 sec
Response to Intro 1114: Capital project tracker proposal
Margaret Forgione addresses Intro 1114, which proposes the creation of a capital project tracker with quarterly updates for projects not part of the streets plan. She informs the council about …
0:21:49
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26 sec
Evaluation of Intro 1160: Timeline for repainting pavement markings
Margaret Forgione discusses Intro 1160, which would require DOT to repaint all pavement markings within one week of repaving or resurfacing a street. She explains DOT's current practices and concerns …
0:22:15
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77 sec
Conclusion and acknowledgments
Margaret Forgione concludes her testimony before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, offering final remarks and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to testify. - Thanks the council for the opportunity …
0:23:34
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16 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse discusses climate change impacts and proposes cool pavement pilot project
Council Member Sandy Nurse addresses the urgent need for climate change mitigation in New York City, focusing on the urban heat island effect. She proposes a cool pavement pilot project …
0:24:22
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4 min
Questions about DOT's tracking of repeated street repairs
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about DOT's system for tracking repeated repairs at specific locations. First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains that DOT can track work orders and locations, with different divisions …
0:28:45
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116 sec
Discussion on the budget impact of repeated street repairs
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the budget impact of repeated repairs. First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains that while they don't have specific budget correlation numbers, they prioritize repaving roads that …
0:30:45
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46 sec
Concerns about systemic issues causing repeated road collapses
Council Member Brooks-Powers expresses concerns about systemic issues causing repeated road collapses, citing examples from her district. First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains that recurring issues at the same spot typically …
0:31:32
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131 sec
Timeline and process for addressing systemic road issues
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions the timeline and process for addressing systemic road issues, expressing concern about repeated trips to the same sites. DOT officials discuss their approach to identifying and …
0:33:42
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159 sec
Overview of current capital street projects
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the number and scale of current capital street projects. Executive Deputy Commissioner Ochoa provides an overview of ongoing projects. - DOT has about 20 street …
0:36:22
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60 sec
DOT's use of sustainable paving technologies
First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains DOT's use of sustainable paving technologies, focusing on recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). She details the process and benefits of using RAP in DOT's asphalt plants …
0:37:25
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152 sec
Impact of warm mix additives on DOT's paving season
First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains the use of warm mix additives and their impact on DOT's paving season. She clarifies that while the additives allow for better quality work in …
0:40:01
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116 sec
New rating system for bridge and tunnel conditions report
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the new rating system implemented in DOT's bridge and tunnel conditions report. First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains the changes and challenges in developing the new …
0:41:58
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3 min
Updates on major infrastructure projects
First Deputy Commissioner Forgione provides updates on several major infrastructure projects, including the Belt Parkway project, Riverside Drive Viaduct, John Findlay Walk, and the BQE replacement work. - The Belt …
0:45:47
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149 sec
Street safety measures for micromobility users
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about steps taken by DOT to ensure safety measures for micromobility users and pedestrians. Deputy Commissioner Beaton outlines DOT's approach to micromobility safety. - DOT works …
0:48:19
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3 min
Disparity in DOT's approach to motor vehicle vs. micromobility safety
Council Member Brooks-Powers highlights a perceived disparity in DOT's approach to safety for motor vehicles versus micromobility. She questions the emphasis on design for micromobility while being more punitive towards …
0:51:39
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3 min
Progress on implementing Streets Plan mandates
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about DOT's progress in implementing various Streets Plan mandates, including protected bus lanes, transit signal priority, and accessible pedestrian signals. DOT officials provide updates on their …
0:55:35
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5 min
DOT's commitment to Streets Plan amid other initiatives
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions DOT's commitment to meeting Streets Plan goals while pursuing other initiatives. First Deputy Commissioner Forgione reaffirms DOT's commitment to all their programs, including the Streets Plan. …
1:00:59
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117 sec
Discussion on truck weight impact on NYC roads
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about the impact of heavy trucks on New York City roads and questions the Department of Transportation (DOT) about weighing procedures and enforcement. …
1:03:05
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171 sec
Discussion on weigh-in-motion technology for truck weight enforcement
Council Member Brewer and DOT officials discuss the use of weigh-in-motion technology for monitoring and enforcing truck weight limits. They explore the current implementation and potential for expansion. - Weigh-in-motion …
1:05:56
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39 sec
Concerns about quality assurance in road repairs and temporary covers
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about the quality of road repairs, particularly the placement of temporary covers (yellow jackets) and the complaints they generate. DOT officials explain their …
1:06:35
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98 sec
Suggestions for improving communication about road milling and resurfacing
Council Member Gale A. Brewer offers suggestions to improve communication with the community about road milling and resurfacing processes. She emphasizes the need for better information dissemination to reduce confusion …
1:08:34
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47 sec
Timing between road milling and resurfacing and utility work considerations
DOT officials explain the timing between road milling and resurfacing, and the importance of allowing utilities to work during this period. Council Member Brewer acknowledges the need for better communication …
1:09:21
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107 sec
Discussion on cool pavement pilot project for heat reduction
Council Member Sandy Nurse and DOT First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione engage in a discussion about the proposed cool pavement pilot project. Nurse seeks clarification on DOT's research and takeaways …
1:11:15
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3 min
DOT's approach to incorporating speed mitigation infrastructure during repaving
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about DOT's proactive consideration of speed mitigation infrastructure during regular repaving schedules, particularly for streets that have had multiple requests for speed bumps but didn't …
1:15:22
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47 sec
DOT's coordination of repaving and safety improvements
First Deputy Commissioner Margaret Forgione explains DOT's process for coordinating repaving with new street designs and safety improvements, as well as the logistics of speed hump installation. - DOT views …
1:16:09
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72 sec
Addressing challenges with speed bump approvals and exploring alternatives
Council Members and DOT officials discuss the challenges with speed bump approvals in certain districts and explore potential solutions for addressing community safety concerns. - Council Member Nurse expresses frustration …
1:17:21
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104 sec
Council member discusses pedestrian safety and speed bump improvements
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse raises concerns about pedestrian safety, referencing a recent fatality. She suggests implementing steady speed bumps at large corners without traffic lights to improve safety. - DOT …
1:19:10
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3 min
Discussion on sinkhole repairs and interagency collaboration
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about the collaboration between the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) in addressing sinkholes. - First Deputy Commissioner Forgione explains …
1:22:26
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78 sec
Council member addresses ongoing Churchland street issues
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse raises concerns about longstanding issues on Churchland street in her district, adjacent to a cemetery. - Mentions a previous site visit with the commissioner - Highlights …
1:23:44
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30 sec
Inquiry into street canopy and cool pavement temperature effects
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse raises questions about street canopy and the use of cool asphalt to address rising temperatures due to global warming. - Asks about studies comparing temperature differences …
1:24:15
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56 sec
Inquiry about street regulation and maintenance in the Gateway Mall area
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the lack of street regulation and maintenance in the Gateway Mall area of the 42nd Council District. He highlights issues such as the absence …
1:25:18
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142 sec
Discussion on the impact of congestion pricing on outer boroughs
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about budgetary and capital considerations for outer boroughs in light of congestion pricing implementation. DOT officials discuss ongoing studies and potential impacts. - DOT is …
1:27:41
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101 sec
Concerns about bike lane implementation and its effects on traffic congestion
Council Member Chris Banks raises concerns about increased traffic congestion in specific areas of his district following the implementation of bike lanes. He asks about studies being conducted to assess …
1:29:22
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154 sec
Importance of community engagement in bike lane placement decisions
Council Member Chris Banks emphasizes the importance of strong community engagement when deciding on bike lane placements. He argues that local knowledge is crucial in making informed decisions. - Banks …
1:31:56
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62 sec
Addressing denied speed bump and traffic light requests
Council Member Chris Banks raises concerns about multiple denied requests for speed bumps and traffic lights in his district, asking about alternative solutions for addressing speeding issues. - Margaret Forgione …
1:32:59
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74 sec
Considerations for speed camera placement
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the circumstances under which speed cameras are considered as an alternative to speed bumps. DOT officials explain the factors influencing speed camera placement. - …
1:34:12
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36 sec
Update on traffic light installation at Miller and Linden Boulevard
Council Member Chris Banks inquires about the status of a previously approved traffic light installation at the intersection of Miller and Linden Boulevard, highlighting its importance due to heavy foot …
1:34:49
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88 sec
Council Member Brewer questions DOT on congestion pricing, resurfacing, daylighting, and infrastructure projects
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with DOT officials, covering various transportation-related topics including congestion pricing, street resurfacing, daylighting intersections, and infrastructure projects. The discussion touches …
1:36:19
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4 min
Concerns and plans for the concrete recycling facility in Columbia Waterfront District
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the concrete recycling facility in the Columbia Waterfront District, which was moved from the South Brooklyn Army Terminal. DOT officials discuss the facility's impact on …
1:40:51
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175 sec
Federal infrastructure funding allocation and utilization by New York City
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the allocation and utilization of federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for New York City. DOT officials provide information on funding …
1:43:47
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4 min
Utilization of federal funding for bridge improvements and maintenance
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how DOT will use federal funding to improve and maintain bridges. DOT officials explain their approach to bridge maintenance and rehabilitation. - Most federal funding …
1:48:23
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170 sec
Federal funding for Vision Zero street improvement projects
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks how DOT will use federal funding to implement more Vision Zero street improvement projects. DOT officials explain their success in securing funding for such projects. - …
1:51:13
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57 sec
Federal funding for resiliency upgrades in city infrastructure
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how DOT will use federal funding to implement resiliency upgrades within the city's infrastructure. DOT officials explain their approach to incorporating resiliency components in various …
1:52:12
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60 sec
Implementation of EV charging infrastructure with federal funding
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks how DOT will use federal funding to implement EV charging infrastructure, especially with the change in administration. DOT officials provide an update on their progress. - …
1:53:15
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44 sec
Shifting reliance from diesel trucks to rail and freight using federal funding
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how DOT will use federal funding to shift reliance on diesel trucks for deliveries to rail and freight. DOT officials explain their initiatives in this …
1:54:00
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37 sec
Implementing and improving the Greenway network with federal funding
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks how DOT will use federal funding to implement and improve the Greenway network in the city. DOT officials provide information on current and future projects. - …
1:54:39
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64 sec
Improving ferry service with federal funding
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how DOT will use federal funding to improve ferry service. DOT officials explain various ways federal funding is being utilized for ferry operations and improvements. …
1:55:43
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57 sec
Breakdown of New York City's federal formula funding
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about the current total of New York City's federal formula funding and its breakdown by year. DOT officials provide information on the funding allocation and its …
1:56:41
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67 sec
Color temperature of city street lights (Intro 145)
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about DOT's stance on the color temperature of city street lights, specifically regarding the 3,000 Kelvin standard proposed in Intro 145. DOT officials explain their current …
1:57:50
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129 sec
Transparency and reporting on Streets Plan progress (Intro 1105)
Council Member Brooks-Powers addresses concerns about transparency and reporting on the Streets Plan progress, referencing Intro 1105. The discussion centers on the need for more frequent updates and greater transparency …
2:00:01
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5 min
Testimony by Jean Ryan, President of Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York, on Transportation and Infrastructure Issues
Jean Ryan, representing Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York, testified in favor of the proposed bills and highlighted various accessibility and safety issues for people with disabilities in NYC's …
2:09:34
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179 sec
Testimony by Michael Capasso, Owner of Green Asphalt on Recycled Asphalt Production
Michael Capasso, owner of Green Asphalt, testified about the company's ability to produce 100% recycled asphalt for New York City, which could reduce costs for the DOT and increase lane …
2:12:43
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88 sec
Council member inquires about the durability of 100% recycled asphalt
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers asks Michael Capasso from Green Asphalt about the durability and lifespan of 100% recycled asphalt compared to the 50% figure mentioned by the commissioner. Capasso confirms …
2:14:12
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42 sec
Testimony by Michael Ring, Vice President of Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York, on Transportation Issues
Michael Ring, Vice President of Disabled in Action, testified about transportation issues in New York City, focusing on the problems with scooters and traffic violations in his neighborhood. He highlighted …
2:14:58
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108 sec
Council member addresses constituent's complaint about car rental agency
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers responds to Michael Ring's complaint about a problematic car rental agency. She advises him on how to properly report the issue and offers further assistance. - …
2:16:47
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24 sec
Discussion on scooter accessibility and safety concerns
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers leads a discussion on scooter accessibility and safety concerns with representatives from the disability community. The conversation covers issues such as scooter placement, geofencing technology, and …
2:17:11
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3 min
Testimony by Michael Acevedo, Manhattan Resident
Michael Acevedo, a Manhattan resident from Chelsea, testified about two main issues: a long-standing construction facade obstruction on 6th Avenue and concerns about safety with e-bikes in the area. He …
2:20:26
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101 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Intro 1105 and Street Master Plan
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in opposition to Intro 1105, criticizing it as focusing on data rather than action. He argues that Mayor Eric Adams is not implementing the street master …
2:22:11
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125 sec
Testimony by Philip Miatkowski, Interim Deputy Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives
Philip Miatkowski from Transportation Alternatives testified in support of several bills aimed at improving transparency and accountability in NYC's transportation projects. He emphasized the importance of publicly tracking progress on …
2:25:02
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124 sec
Testimony by Miriam Fisher, Member of the Public, on Bus Stop Improvements
Miriam Fisher provides testimony on the need for improved bus stops in New York City, highlighting the lack of shelters and benches, especially in poor neighborhoods. She emphasizes the importance …
2:27:19
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129 sec
Testimony by Caleb Smith, Resiliency Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, on Introduction 928
Caleb Smith from WE ACT for Environmental Justice testified in support of Introduction 928, which proposes a cool pavement pilot project to mitigate urban heat island effects in New York …
2:29:37
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121 sec
Testimony by Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of New York City Hospitality Alliance, on Intro 552
Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, provided testimony on Intro 552 regarding street resurfacing notice requirements. He expressed support for the bill but suggested amendments …
2:32:26
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140 sec
Testimony by Glenn Bolofsky, Member of the Public
Glenn Bolofsky briefly thanked the committee, particularly Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, for holding the first hearing of the new year. He expressed appreciation for the bills being discussed and their potential …
2:34:57
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30 sec