To Our Community –

Many of you have been asking for news of the BQE project and reconstruction plans. The Mayor’s Expert Panel has yet to release their recommendations, but we are told we can expect a public report from the Panel in December.

Over the past six months the Brooklyn Heights Association, A Better Way, and the Cobble Hill Association have met with representatives from additional communities adjacent to the BQE project area to discuss the future of the BQE project and our collective expectations, hopes and concerns. We have incorporated these concerns and expectations into an enhanced “BQE Reconstruction Unified Vision Statement” which builds off the previous draft we submitted to the Panel and officials in June.

We are very excited to report that the current draft has been endorsed by a total of 12 neighborhood organizations and representatives.

Today, we have sent this statement to the Panel along with our state and local officials to let them know that our coalition stands united in calling for a transformative, sustainable solution that will permanently change the relationship of the expressway to our adjacent neighborhoods. That solution must protect our neighborhoods and parks, emphasize our neighborhoods’ historic character, and enhance pedestrian connectivity and green space.

We urge you to read the full text of the statement.

There’s no question we couldn’t have gotten this far without the support and activism of our incredible community. We are grateful to you all, as well to the members of the Coalition, who have worked constructively towards a shared goal.

We have a lot of work ahead and will continue to keep you informed as events unfold!