Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 1:49 PM To: 'cb2k@nyc.rr.com' Cc: 'chrones@dot.nyc.gov'; 'tishee@dot.nyc.

gov'; Belinda Cape; 'Wood, Marian'; 'andrew.inglesby@nyct.com'; 'hshively@yahoo.com' Subject: M25 Bus/Main St. Dumbo/Fulton Landing My name is Ethan Goldman. I live at in Dumbo and have lived here for 8 years. The B25 bus route down Main Street in Dumbo is currently an out of control community issue, safety issue, and traffic flow issue, but one that I believe can be easily solved. For as many years as I have lived here, the B25 bus has zoomed down this tiny street incessantly the MTA currently is and has been for years using Main Street simply as a turn-around point for the bus to head back into downtown Brooklyn. There are rarely any passengers on the bus as it comes into Dumbo, and rarely any passengers getting on at Water Street. It is not, in fact, actually providing any meaningful transportation to Dumbo. Years ago, when Dumbo was mostly an industrial zone, using this street as a turn-around was one thing; however, Main St., one of the narrower, shortest streets in Dumbo (and possibly in all of NYC) is now the most heavily residential block in Dumbo. There are many young families with many small children on this street. It is also probably the most heavily trafficked street in all of Dumbo, with two very active loading docks as well as a very active parking garage and an active delivery alleyway. The street is crowded all day long with commercial vehicles and delivery trucks; cars and taxis; and many pedestrians. There are very often two, sometimes three buses on the street at the same time, completely stopped by traffic. This is occurring all day, every day. It is not out of the ordinary. In fact, it is often much worse. I have attached a copy of the current MTA bus M25 schedule. The bus currently runs as many as 9 times an hour down the street. The upshot is that all of this daily traffic makes the unimpeded passing of the bus (and with such frequency) a virtual impossibility. Most often, the bus will in fact not be able to pass and in response, will sit blocking all traffic for as much as 15 minutes at a time, endlessly honking its horn until it can finally get by. Because of the stopped busses, traffic can and is often backed up all the way down Front St. towards Fulton St., as vehicles wait to pass and continue down Front Street, or to turn onto Main Street itself. Main Street is simply not big enough to service this sort of constant, never-ending daily bus traffic, and there is no reason that it should be used as a turn-around by the MTA. It is extremely dangerous, and it is a terrible and unsustainable traffic-flow situation. I have seen fist-fights and incidences of road rage. Buses careen onto the street hardly braking at all as they turn down from Front Street. I am worried no one is going to take this issue seriously until a pedestrian is killed or there is a serious accident. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with all of you in more detail to see if we can resolve this issue for the good of the neighborhood. Please let me know either how we can schedule a call with the appropriate parties, set up a time to meet, or the process by which we can put this issue on the CB2 meeting agenda in the very near future. This issue should certainly be addressed along with the continuing discussions for Fulton Ferry Landing. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Ethan Goldman

October 25, 2011 Dear Department of Transportation Members, I am not an anxious person and have a high tolerance for city living, but since the busses have been rerouted solely down Main Street, I am literally petrified that one of my three children will make a misstep coming out of our building or crossing at the corner and will get killed. These busses careen down our narrow street day and night, one on top of the other. The busses are huge, the drivers are frustrated and always in a hurry, honking their horns as they try to weave around the many cars or trucks already on our block. They never slow down at all despite the many small, spirited children that are on the sidewalks in front of the residential buildings filled with young families on this block. I beg you to consider re-routing these B25 busses. This seems terribly dangerous, and the honking horns, fumes, daily traffic congestion and constant double-bus traffic jams are truly damaging to our quality of life and the quality of life of the neighborhood as a whole. I am literally sick to my stomach. A child is going to get hurt. [RETRACTED] Mother of 3 10 year Dumbo Resident October 25, 2011 Dear MTA Representatives and Local Officials: We write this letter to request that you please alter the route of the B25 bus to avoid Main Street and Water Street in Dumbo. We are long-time residents of Dumbo and use this bus frequently. We think it serves a good purpose having Dumbo as part of its route, but we are truly frightened and shocked by its current route. As you may know, Main and Water Streets are most often frequented by young families with children and we have on countless occasions witnessed many near miss accidents where young children (and adults as well) have nearly been hit by the B25 bus. The street is small and already congested by all the trucks that go in and out of the loading docks at 45 Main Street on a daily basis. Furthermore, it appears to us that the bus would be put to much better use if it were to be routed down Old Fulton Street and turn around there, where it will provide a natural connection for ferry riders coming to and departing from the Fulton Ferry Landing ferry stop and where there is already a traffic light and a two-way street with a perfect turn around set-up. We look forward to your favorable and prompt attention to this issue to place the B25 on a route that is appropriate and not dangerous to families of Dumbo. Thank you.

Sincerely, [RETRACTED] Residents October 25, 2011 To Whom It May Concern: I have lived on Main Street in Dumbo for 7 years. I am appalled by the new B25 bus route that essentially has busses careening down Main Street all day and night, with no regard for the people or children who live on this residential block. I actually am frightened every time I cross our street because of the buses constantly barreling down it. And THERE IS NO BUS STOP ON THIS STREET; it is only being used as a thoroughfare, day and night. There is also never anyone on the bus. Why couldn't a more appropriate street be found for this? Please, I implore you, reroute these buses before there is an accident, someone gets seriously hurt, and sues the city. It is only a matter of time before this happens. Thank you in advance for your consideration. [RETRACTED] Resident October 25, 2011 To Whom It May Concern: I have lived on Main Street in Dumbo for 8 + years. In that time, I have seen this tiny street grow as busy as a small street can be, with people who live, work and shop on this block increasing exponentially. The buses are increasingly aggressive and careless and it is shocking to me that there hasn't been a serious accident involving the many pedestrians on the street. The bus drivers regularly lay on the horn for minutes at a time if their route is blocked by delivery trucks, cars, or even people simply unloading or loading in front of their own residential building. Seeing six buses lined up attempting to make the left turn onto Main Street from Front Street recently was the height of absurdity.

Please re-route the bus to a less densely populated street that can handle this level of traffic. Our small street is literally filled with young children constantly crossing the street to go to the park at the end of the block and it is time to act now before someone gets struck or killed by a bus. Sincerely, [RETRACTED] Resident December 6, 2011 Dear Mr. Palmieri: At the well-attended transportation meeting with the MTA and DOT held in Dumbo on October 26th, 2011, substantial photographic evidence, multiple letters from residents, and a great deal of personal testimony was given that confirmed the current B25 bus route was causing tremendous damage to Dumbo, creating unnecessary traffic backups and chaos, incessant noise pollution, and recurrent personal danger to residents and tourists. Mapped-out suggestions for possible alternate routes considerably more appropriate for the bus and its frequent schedule, shorter than the current route and less expensive for the MTA, were also provided. The MTA asked for ten weeks to review the proposal and respond. Since the Main/Water Street route is used primarily by the MTA as a turn-around for the bus and is not providing any significant ridership into Dumbo, we considered our request to alter this route, something we have been trying to do for years, to not only be reasonable, but easily resolved. However, since that meeting, DOT has continued to carry out every one of its activities which should have been halted during this review period, and incredibly, even ones that have never before appeared on any public plan or presented to or approved by any community, which only seem to reinforce the inevitable result of the B25 continuing to run on Main Street. With DOT efforts spearheaded by Christopher Hrones, DOT has since instituted a large-scale middle of the night change of signage all along Main Street intended to permanently clear the street so that the bus can have unimpeded access day and night. As a result, residents may no longer stop in front of their own building to unload or load their car without fear of a traffic ticket, but the B25 bus is now free to make unscheduled stops on Main Street to drop off passengers, and bus drivers may park on the street at will to take breaks outside of the bus. MTA and DOT have collectively made sure that the B25 bus, and not the residents or community members, own Main and Water Street in Dumbo.

We look forward to hearing from your office. Time is of the essence, as each day seems to bring new changes to our streets and neighborhood without rhyme or reason. Sincerely, Ethan Goldman
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 1:51 PM To: chrones@dot.nyc.gov; andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: B25 Bus Route in DUMBO

I am writing to you in hopes that you will reconsider the changes that have been made to the B25 bus route in Dumbo. As a resident of I have witnessed firsthand the danger, destruction, and inconvenience the redirected bus route has caused for both residents and visitors of the neighborhood. Firstly, the buses are creating a dangerous situation for all pedestrians of the Main Street. With the recent improvements in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, along with Bubby's, the Galapagos Theater and Powerhouse Arena, Main Street is not only a destination, but a vital access point to these attractions. These factors have all contributed to a large increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic on Main Street. Many of these pedestrians are young children, and tourists whom are not as necessarily aware of their surroundings as others. The B25 buses are barreling around the blind corners at unnecessarily dangerous speeds. These blind corners (Front St. and Water St.) both lead into narrow streets that are often clogged with cars, trucks, pedestrians, cyclists, and even pets. It is very clear that these variables contribute to making a very dangerous situation all around. I ask you to not remain negligent in this situation, and consider the safety of all who use this block. In addition to the safety issue, the B25 bus is adding to the destruction of the intersection of Main St. and Water St. The city has just spent a great deal of time and resources revitalizing this intersection. The workers and designers did a wonderful job replacing and redesigning the cobblestone street. All this work is rapidly being destroyed due to the B25 Bus. The bus is too large to make the turn and is destroying the newly laid cobblestones and curbs. This destruction could simply be avoided by a beneficial change in the bus route. With all these factors considered, it is in the best interest of all involved to redirect the current bus route of the B25 bus. It will not only rid the MTA of a serious safety issue, but help to preserve the neighborhood. I urge you all to consider the safety of this issue, and how easily it could be resolved. Thank you for your time, [RETRACTED]

Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:39 PM To: andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; chrones@dot.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: B25 Bus on Main Street

I am a resident of a residential building on a narrow two block long side-street off of Front Street in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn. During the past year, the B25 bus was re-routed to make its turn on Main Street instead of on Old Fulton, where it had previously turned around. The decision to re-route the B25 to Main Street appears to be arbitrary and without giving due consideration to the neighborhood it is degrading by creating an unsafe condition for pedestrians, significant traffic congestion and noise pollution, and providing no discernible benefit to the neighborhood. The issues I have observed are as follows: Because there is a significant amount of activity on the impacted block of Main Street -resulting from an parking garage entrance and exit, deliveries to the major office building in Dumbo, a two port loading dock, a commercial alley that services a restaurant, several residential buildings and a large bookstore that regularly holds large events and weddings -- the constant bus traffic creates a significant hazard and the buses are left to aggressively weave their way through the street and pose a serious threat to pedestrians. Main Street is now a major destination in New York City, and on Saturday and Sunday there is a steady stream of limos coming down Main Street dropping off their parties on the street to take photos in the park and to go to various restaurants in the neighborhood. The limos and the buses are engaged in a weekend-long battle for access to Main Street and wedding parties and guests are regularly dodging the never-ending on-coming buses that always seem to travel in pairs. The neighborhood is home to many young families with children, and I regularly observe them struggling to get around buses that are regularly blocking the street or aggressively driving around parked delivery vehicles. As a result of the re-routing of the B25, there now is a steady stream of buses (every 7-8 minutes) attempting to make the turn off of Front Street to Main Street, and then from Main to Water Street. When 2 buses are on the impacted short Main Street block, they cover virtually the entire block -- length and width. The B25 buses are the major source of traffic congestion on Main Street, and the noise level is significant, because the buses travel with such remarkable frequency. The buses are always empty and the bus route does not appear to serve the community in any material way. The B25 bus on Main Street has created serious pedestrian hazards, unnecessary traffic congestion and horrible noise pollution while providing no benefit to the neighborhood. It is not a thoughtful option. I strongly urge you to consider another option on a larger, less congested street. Thank you for your consideration, [RETRACTED]

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 10:16 AM To: Daniel@DanielSquadron.org Subject: B25 bus route Importance: High

Dear Mr. Squadron, I have lived on Main Street in Dumbo for over 8 years. I am shocked by the new B25 bus route that essentially has busses careening down Main Street all day and night, with no regard for the people or children who live on this residential block. I actually am frightened every time I ride my bike though our street because the buses are constantly barreling down it. Main Street is being used as a thoroughfare, day and night. There is also never anyone on the bus. Why couldn't a more appropriate street be found for this? Please, reroute these buses before there is an accident, someone gets seriously hurt, and sues the city. It is only a matter of time before this happens. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, [RETRACTED]
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:08 AM To: Daniel@danielsquadron.org Subject: Danger created by B25 Bus on Main Street

Daniel Squadron New York State Senator 646-472-5712 Daniel@DanielSquadron.org February 16, 2012 Dear Daniel, I am writing to express my deep concern about the MTAs decision to reroute the B25 bus from Fulton Landing to Main Street in Dumbo. We have been living with this unsafe situation for several months now and I understand when work is completed on Old Fulton Street, even more buses will be coming through and congesting these blocks. While I understand the need to solve Fulton Landing's problem, I was surprised to learn that the MTA chose a new route and turnaround point that creates more congestion on an already congested residential/commercial block, endangers the pedestrians who frequent these blocks, and frankly makes the MTA look careless for not considering safer, more fiscally responsible

alternatives (such as the proposed 0.8 mile/5 minute loop via Prospect/Washington/York Streets). On behalf of my family, my neighbors, and all residents and visitors of Dumbo who the MTA is putting in danger each day these empty busses careen down Main Street, I urge you to take action and ask that the MTA correct this grave error before something terrible happens. Sincerely, [RETRACTED]
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:56 AM To: andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; chrones@dot.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: B25 bus route concerns.

Dear MTA representatives and local Officials, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the routing of the B25 Bus down Main Street 7 days a week from early morning until late in the evening. As I sit here in my apartment typing this, buses are trying to get down Main Street while the street is filled with cars and trucks. As you all very well may know, this narrow intersection of DUMBO has become the most densely populated area in the neighborhood in recent years, where residential and commercial activities converge 24/7. On any given day, trucks such as UPS, USPS, FED EX and Fresh Direct can completely clogged the street. These deliveries are a necessity for the residents and small businesses on this street. The street is also frequently full of young children heading in and out of their homes and to Brooklyn Bridge Park and limos bringing wedding parties to the park and surrounding reception venues. The tourist traffic has steadily increased with the opening of the carousel as well. When the B25 buses try to get down Main Street, they are mostly blocked from passing and resort to laying on their horns for several minutes at a time, non-stop. There are often several buses on the street at the same time as well. Bus drivers would often skip this turnaround even when the route ran on a more limited basis because the turn was difficult and the traffic made it impossible to get through on a timely basis. I have been on the bus when they have decided to use a different route than was currently scheduled. Has anyone consulted with the bus drivers regarding the issues they face with this route? As a long time resident of the neighborhood, I encourage you to listen to the feedback and concerns of those of us who encounter this situation on a regular basis and establish an alternate route where the buses can move smoothly down a regular thoroughfare rather than attempt to dangerously weave their way through a short residential street - especially since the current route has absolutely no commuting benefits to those passengers on the B25.

Thank you for your kind attention. Truly, [RETRACTED]

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 2:37 PM To: belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: The B25 Bus Dumbo

February 16, 2012 Dear Belinda My name is [RETRACTED]. I am a resident in Dumbo. I have been a resident for almost 10 years. I can tell you first hand that the traffic and congestion in Dumbo is getting exponentially worse every year. In particular, small side streets like Main Street and Water Street are getting downright dangerous. There is an extreme confluence of Buses, Tour Buses, Trucks, Cars, Tourists, Wedding Parties, and Residents in the neighborhood. There are also many small children. In addition to the children who live here, there are the scores of children and tourists coming to ride the new carousel, and visiting to see the views and enjoy the parks. I believe anything that can be done to alleviate some of this pressure is a good and necessary thing. It is important to act before someone gets hurt. I beseech you to do what you can to facilitate a change to this bus route. Sincerely, [RETRACTED]
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2012 8:36 PM To: andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; chrones@dot.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: B25 Bus

Dear Representatives of the MTA, the Borough of Brooklyn, New York City and the State of New York,

I am writing you today as a concerned resident of DUMBO, Brooklyn, who has lived in this wonderful neighborhood for the last 5+ years. My concern stems from the recent decision to reroute the B25 Bus through Main Street, and then onto Water Street as it heads to Old Fulton Landing. Main Street in particular is a narrow, short and heavily congested street that is completely unfit to serve as part of a major bus route such as the B25. On a daily basis, one can witness the apparent insanity of multiple B25 buses attempting to navigate Main Street in a futile attempt to bend around delivery vehicles, limousines, and residents/workers automobiles. What ultimately results from this situation are dangerous conditions, shocked pedestrians, frustrated drivers, blaring horns, and unnecessary exhaust. Furthermore, I cant help but notice the irony that the rationale for rerouting the B25 was to create a more efficient return leg for the bus (rather than the turn-around on Old Fulton Street) which has only resulted in major delays in the continuance of its route. Most importantly, I have intentions in the near future to start a family and it gives me considerable concern that the greatest danger to any children I may have lays right outside the front door of his/her home. I can only imagine the distress that existing parents must deal with right now and it scares to think about this but it is only a matter of time before a child is struck or killed. It would be unconscionable for such an outcome to occur when something can be done so easily. I understand that a number of sensible alternatives have been presented that would solve all the current routing problems for the B25 bus in DUMBO. I implore you to revisit this and make the common sense solution for a more appropriate route through our great neighborhood. Thank you for your attention, [RETRACTED]
Date: Tue, Feb 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM Subject: B25 Bus and Main Street in Dumbo To: "andrew.inglesby@nyct.com" <andrew.inglesby@nyct.com>, "Daniel@DanielSquadron.org" <Daniel@danielsquadron.org>, "SLevin@council.nyc.gov" <SLevin@council.nyc.gov>, "chrones@dot.nyc.gov" <chrones@dot.nyc.gov>, "jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov" <jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov>, "lois.tendler@nyct.com" <lois.tendler@nyct.com>, "alexandria@dumbo.org" <alexandria@dumbo.org>, "cb2k@nyc.rr.com" <cb2k@nyc.rr.com>, "belinda@danielsquadron.org" <belinda@danielsquadron.org>

TO NYC OFFICIALS AND INTERESTED PARTIES: I am a resident of in Dumbo, and have lived happily there for more than 8 years. The B25 bus, the only bus serving most of Dumbo, is routed across Front Street, down Main Street and then back across Water Street. While I am very happy that the neighborhood has bus service, the route is a huge mistake, and has been a tremendous burden and danger in the neighborhood. First, Main Street is short and not particularly wide, yet is home to 2 large loading bays for a large office building. Between trucks going in and out of 45 Main, trucks backing in and out of the alley next to 30 Main, UPS, FED EX and USPS trucks standing on Main, and numerous car

services waiting for pickups, Main street is often blocked and the bus ends up sitting and honking. When there is no traffic it roars down the short block and poses a danger to the many children and strollers routinely on the block. And having giant buses pound down Water Street after having laboriously, at great expense I'm sure, to re-pave it with paving blocks, seems extraordinarily shortsighted. There must be a better route that would not inflict a short, heavily used block with the additional burden of dozens of buses a day. At worst, the bus could proceed down Old Fulton Street to the terminus there; another alternative could be turning off Cadman Plaza West onto Prospect Street, then down Adams and across York to exit on Front Street. Given the increased traffic in Dumbo, however, and the fact that that Old Fulton to Front is a principal route in and out of the neighbor hood, it's hard to imagine a route that would not be somewhat disruptive. I write because the route presently being used is the worst possible one. Please take all steps necessary to change the route of the B25 bus through Dumbo. Thank you, [RETRACTED]
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 12:37 PM To: andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; chrones@dot.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org; ddg3456@gmail.com Subject: B25 Bus Route

Dear Officials and Concerned Parties, As a lifelong New Yorker, born in Brooklyn, I urge you to change the unsafe and unacceptable bus route for the B25 Bus and get it off of Main Street in Dumbo. Main Street is tiny and congested, with hundreds of small children crossing it all day long. The buses speed down the street without any regard for pedestrian safety and it's only a matter of time before we are attending someone's funeral. You will have blood on your hands if you don't do something soon to change this crazy situation. Sincerely, [RETRACTED]
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 2:59 PM To: andrew.inglesby@nyct.com; Daniel@DanielSquadron.org; SLevin@council.nyc.gov; chrones@dot.nyc.gov; jpalmieri@dot.nyc.gov; lois.tendler@nyct.com; alexandria@dumbo.org; cb2k@nyc.rr.com; belinda@danielsquadron.org Subject: B25 Bus on Main St.

Dear Sir / Madame,

As a resident of in Brooklyn, I like many of the areas residents have become highly concerned with the bus route on Main Street. The size of the street and the usage of the buildings on it, are in no way compatible with a main through fair as being currently used by the bus route. The effect of this route has created a dangerous situation. The combination of a large amount of people accessing their offices and the fast increasing amount of young families [of which we are just one], means in this incredibly tight space, it has become a highly dangerous place for all that need to use it. The buses simply cannot fit down the street without encroaching on the usage of pedestrian areas and the need to cross the road. It is one thing when this might be only adults [who could jump out of the way], but its entirely another when young children are being subjected on a daily basis to this kind of danger. Sadly, I believe its only a question of time, before we have a serious situation on our hands as a result of this route. Please consider this appeal carefully and with what I have outlined as a parent in mind. We need your help. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, [RETRACTED]