Big Day for NYC Livable Streets Activism

Pedestrian improvements to Gansevoort Plaza, the product of a community-based process, are now under threat.

There’s a lot on the table today for New Yorkers looking to make streets safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists. Turnout will be needed at three events, including two meetings where recent improvements are expected to come under fire.

First up, at 1:00 p.m. you can testify at a City Council hearing about strengthening state laws to deter dangerous driving.

Then, in Williamsburg this evening, Community Board 1 will take up the Kent Avenue bike lane in what promises to be a contentious affair. Supporters of safer cycling will need to show up in force to counter the vocal anti-bike lane contingent (details here).

Attendance will also be critical at a public forum to discuss pedestrian safety improvements in the Meatpacking District. Last year, new public spaces in the area reclaimed street space for pedestrians, the result of a painstaking, bottom-up public process. Nevertheless, some business interests want to roll back enhancements to the public realm and are promising to give DOT and Community Board 2 an earful tonight (unfortunately, this meeting overlaps with the Kent Avenue meeting). From Transportation Alternatives:

On January 13th at 6:30pm, we need you to tell the Department of Transportation that you want public space and pedestrian safety. Please attend and speak out at a public forum on Gansevoort Plaza at Housing Works. This is your opportunity to help make this plaza permanent and share your ideas for further aesthetic or functional improvements.

When: 6:30 Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Where: Housing Works, 320 W 13th Street (at Gansevoort and West 4th St)