Dear Neighbors -

Last Friday DOT released its long-awaited plan for a community engagement process around the long-term future of the BQE. The plan divides the corridor into two distinct sections - the Atlantic Ave. to Sands St. "BQE Central" and "BQE North & South." Brooklyn Heights and the Triple Cantilever falls squarely in the BQE Central geography.

DOT has created an updated website with details on the project, and coverage from the Brooklyn Eagle is here. 

Our most immediate opportunities for public input are below. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to attend one of the corridor-wide meetings and one of the BQE central workshops. We will share the details about how to register for these meetings as soon as they are available. It is critical for our community "show up" and demonstrate to DOT that we care deeply about this issue, and that our voices must be heard and respected. 

Corridor-wide Kickoff (virtual)
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
 
Corridor-wide Kickoff (virtual)
Thursday, October 6, 2022
 
BQE Central Workshop (in person)
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
 
BQE Central Workshop (virtual)
Thursday, October 13, 2022
 
I also want to share a letter that The Coalition for the BQE Transformation (BQET) sent to local, state and federal officials just prior to Friday's announcement which outlines our expectations and shared desires for the future of the Cantilever and the BQE. You can read the letter here. We will not settle for a rebuilt relic of a different era. 

Finally, DOT continues to plan for necessary repairs to the cantilever to keep it safe while the visioning process takes place. As we have previously reported, this work will entail three weekend closures of the BQE in 2023, along with overnight work. The BHA is working with DOT to arrange for a Brooklyn Heights focused briefing on the repair work and will be able to share more information about that soon. 

I hope to see many of you at the upcoming BQE workshops. 

Best wishes, 

Lara Birnback
Executive Director