Queens Tribune

State Rep. Rory Lancman and some Hillcrest residents are opposing plans by the City Department of Transportation to enhance bike lanes on 73rd Avenue, which could lead to the loss of parking spaces.

“I strongly object to the proposed plans to eliminate parking on and/or narrow 73rd Avenue to enhance the existing bike lanes, as do all the community institutions in the impacted area,” Lancman (D–Fresh Meadows) wrote to DOT.

The department began studying the avenue, between 164th Street and Francis Lewis Boulevard, in response to the high rate of speeding and a fatality that occurred Feb. 25.

As a result, DOT has recommended three options. The preferred route is to eliminate parking on the north side of 73rd Avenue, establish a seven-foot median and establish a bike lane with a buffer on the north side. A second option is to eliminate parking on the north side of 73rd Avenue, establish a 10 foot painted median and install a bike lane against the north curb; and the third option is to install three-foot buffers adjacent to the existing bike lanes on both sides of the street.

Lancman stated he was concerned the two proposals to eliminate parking would negatively impact homeowners living on 73rd Avenue and its side streets, and the third option, to install three-foot buffers, is “just plain ugly.”

“Indeed, these proposals seem to be yet another example of DOT’s misplaced priorities,” Lancman states. “I am astounded at the amount of energy and resources DOT is throwing at bike lanes in my community when DOT has refused almost every reasonable request to enhance traffic safety at schools in my district.”

Lancman attached letters he had received from nearby organizations that also opposed the plans.

“While bike lanes are certainly appropriate, it should not be necessary to compromise parking or other basic driving privileges to secure such lanes,” wrote Rabbi Richard Weiss, M.D., on behalf of officers and members of Young Israel of Hillcrest.

Calls to DOT seeking comment were not returned by press time.