Bike Lanes Plan Back on Track in East Harlem

Bike Lanes Plan Back on Track in East Harlem

March 7, 2012 7:47am | By Jeff Mays, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

 

 

After earlier opposition, CB 11's transportation committee voted to support installation of protected bike lanes on First and Second avenues like this one on 8th Avenue at 16th Street (DNAinfo/Tara Kyle)

HARLEM — After switching gears on protected bike lanes along First and Second avenues in East Harlem, Community Board 11 is once again on board with the plan to install them from 96 to 125th streets.

The board voted overwhelmingly to support the plan last September, but then withdrew its support in November after two business owners— Frank Brija of Patsy's Pizzeria at 2287 First Ave. and Erik Mayor of Milk Burger, on Second Ave. — argued that the lanes would increase traffic and aggravate the area's already high asthma rates.

But, after the Manhattan Borough President's office suggested a couple of working groups to answer the board's concerns regarding everything from traffic, emergency access and asthma,  CB 11's Public Safety and Transportation Committee voted 7 to 0, with one abstention, to support the plan Tuesday.

The vote was taken as DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione looked on.

"We are much more comfortable than in the past with where the project is headed," said committee chair Peggy Morales.

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