Remember Broadway's issues

To the editor:

On behalf of the Broadway Community Alliance, we wish to thank Sen. Jeff Klein for his steadfast support of Community Board 8’s June 12 resolution regarding the Broadway corridor plan.

The board’s resolution addressed many issues raised by both the North Riverdale community and Broadway businesses at two public hearings. While rejecting the transportation department’s plan by a vote of 25-5, the board asks DOT for more study, and offered alternatives regarding proposed bicycle and bus lanes, as well as safety measures.

Despite that vote, the fact is DOT can implement their plan tomorrow. That’s because the community board’s role is advisory. Essentially, the decision lies largely with our elected officials, especially Councilman Andrew Cohen, who continues to be a staunch defender of DOT’s plan.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who also supports the plan, believes that the board’s resolution deserves serious consideration, and that compromise is possible.

It is our hope that Sen. Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz and Councilman Cohen will continue discussion with DOT and stakeholders to forge a plan that reflects compromise and consensus for the Broadway corridor.

Laura Spalter, Rob Spalter, Tara McMaster, Donnell Leverett, Maureen Kelly, Kerry Bader, Deirdre Burke

The authors are members of the Broadway Community Alliance Steering Committee.