A Step Toward Slow Zones

In last month’s Civic News, we reported on the city Department of Transportation’s initiative to implement neighborhood slow zones, including street markings and a 20-mph speed limit, in communities that apply for them. After a spirited discussion of the pros and cons of the initiative — at our Jan. 21 community meeting and Feb. 2 Trustees Meeting — the Civic Council’s trustees voted in favor of an application for slow zones that would encompass Park Slope.

The Civic Council submitted the application jointly with Park Slope Neighbors in early February. (You can download that and other documents from our website.)

The application is just an early step in what is likely to be a lengthy process. First of all, DOT will not implement all applications that are received; available funds will cover only a limited number of zones citywide. For those applications DOT decides to pursue further, there will be an extensive process of community engagement that applicants and their supporters will be expected to assist with — helping to publicize community meetings, among other things. And no slow zone will be implemented without the approval of the local community board.

You can keep abreast of the progress of this initiative in Park Slope and neighboring communities in Civic News.

from the February 2012 Civic News