Streetsblog New York City

Last week a group of 12 City Council members announced that they're forming a new bloc, called the progressive caucus, "dedicated to creating a more just and equal New York City." The Times notes that the caucus signifies an unusual development, in that the members came together around shared ideology, not racial or sexual identity.

Streetsblog readers will notice that the caucus is led by two members who've been enthusiastic supporters of sustainable transportation initiatives that promise to improve life for New York's transit-dependent majority, many of whom cannot afford to own a car. Melissa Mark-Viverito and Brad Lander have both taken vocal stands in favor of congestion pricing and Bus Rapid Transit, citing the numerous benefits of better transit for poor and middle class New Yorkers.

It remains to be seen how the bloc as a whole, which includes members from all five boroughs, will address transportation. The caucus is still working out the details of its policy agenda. "I certainly anticipate that in the weeks and months to come they’ll be forming subcommittees related to specific issues," said Rachel Goodman, Lander's chief of staff.

For now, there is a broadly worded plank in the caucus's statement of principles [PDF] that links transportation to sustainability and environmental justice. It calls for "a more sustainable and environmentally just city, that takes the lead in preserving the environment for generations to come, improving the health of current residents, insuring a sound transportation system, and working toward a more equitable distribution of burdens and benefits." Viverito also told the Times that the caucus thinks Mayor Bloomberg has performed well on environmental initiatives.

The other ten members of the caucus are Margaret Chin, Daniel Dromm, Julissa Ferreras, Letitia James, Rosie Mendez, Annabel Palma, Ydanis Rodriguez, Deborah Rose, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Jumaane Williams. All together they control nearly a quarter of the 51 votes on the council.

With transit funding and better bus service on the line in Albany these days, it will be interesting to see whether the caucus takes positions on issues that play out at the state level. "I’m sure there will be situations where they choose to weigh in," Goodman told Streetsblog. "That said, I think they’ll be pretty focused on the legislative matters before the city."

Marty Markowitz may have gummed up plans to make walking and biking in Park Slope safer and more convenient, but the Prospect Park West bike lane has a champion in the City Council. District 39 rep Brad Lander says he wants the project to move forward.

"I support this project," Lander told Streetsblog. "I supported it as a member of the community board, and I continue to support it now." The council member said he also wants to see the project built with pedestrian refuges, which Brooklyn CB 6 requested as an addition to DOT's initial proposal.

Volunteers with Park Slope Neighbors clocked drivers scorching down this three-lane speedway as fast as 65 mph last summer. The addition of the bike lane would calm speeding traffic and shorten crossing distances for people walking to Brooklyn's flagship park. Park Slope Neighbors has collected more than 1,200 signatures asking for the bike lane (and converting PPW to two-way flow).

For Markowitz, apparently, those safety benefits are outweighed by the loss of a handful of parking spaces. In a letter to DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan last fall, he asked for the project to be "shelved indefinitely."

The new council member from the 39th sees things differently. Lander believes his constituents would benefit significantly from the project. "The Park Slope bike network is a good one and many people use it," he said, "but the lack of a good northbound route is kind of a key missing link, and this is the best way to provide it. If done right, with pedestrian islands, it can greatly improve not only the cycling but also the pedestrian experience."

Council Member Steve Levin, whose district includes the blocks of Prospect Park West north of Fifth Street, has not taken a position on the bike lane, according to a spokesperson. DOT didn't have an update on the status of the bike lane when we checked in last week.

Lander, for one, thinks it will get done. "I'm optimistic that DOT is going to move forward with this project," he said.