Q&A
DOT's commitment to Streets Plan amid other initiatives
1:00:59
ยท
117 sec
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.
- Council member expresses frustration with DOT's failure to meet Streets Plan requirements
- DOT asserts deep commitment to all their programs, including the Streets Plan
- Discussion highlights the tension between various DOT initiatives and meeting mandated goals
Selvena Brooks-Powers
1:00:59
And I received that, but the thing that DOT has to understand is the law was in place when these programs and initiatives were being pushed.
1:01:08
DOT knew that they had the obligation to fulfill the street's plan, even when advocating for these programs, and still, under oath in a number of hearings, have affirmed that they had the capacity and bandwidth to see these programs through understanding what the law was.
1:01:27
However, DOT has failed to meet the goals of the street's plan and continues to push these programs and initiatives as priority without meeting the requirements of a law.
1:01:43
So with that, what plans are in place to not only satisfy those mandates going forward, but to exceed them in order to compensate for the earlier shortfalls?
Margaret Forgione
1:01:55
Okay.
1:01:55
And I can give you our word, chair, that we're not letting up on any of these goals and any of these initiatives.
Selvena Brooks-Powers
1:02:01
Give me and I apologize, commissioner, and I appreciate you.
1:02:05
You know I do.
1:02:06
But DOT gives us our word in every hearing, and most of the time, we hardly get answers that we're looking for, and we have not seen the results.
Margaret Forgione
1:02:17
Okay.
1:02:18
And what I'm giving you my word is that we are deeply committed to these programs.
1:02:22
That's that's all I can give you, and that and that is what I'm telling you, that we will continue to push hard on doing as much work in these areas as possible.
1:02:31
And we will have, all the information for you within a few weeks exactly of what was achieved in 2024.
Selvena Brooks-Powers
1:02:37
And is Streets Plans one of those programs you guys are committed to also?
Michael Capasso
1:02:40
Absolutely.
1:02:40
Okay.
1:02:40
Just wanted to make sure that that was on the record too.
Margaret Forgione
1:02:40
I'm
Selvena Brooks-Powers
1:02:46
I'm gonna yield right now and allow my colleagues to ask some questions, and then I'll come back for round 2.
1:02:52
I'm gonna start with council member Brewer followed by council member Nurse.