"A Queens judged has ordered the Department of Transportation to halt a planned protected bike lane on Astoria's 31st Street in a surprise ruling that defies legal precedent in the city. Judge Chereé Buggs sided with a number of local businesses and residents who had filed suit against the city, arguing that plans for protected bike lane were rushed and presented a hazard for pedestrians and motorists along 31st Street."
"A coalition of local businesses and residents sued the city shortly after that work began in August, accusing the DOT of violating proper procedures by failing to properly engage with the local community about their concerns. Buggs sided with the plaintiffs, ruling that the DOT had failed to comply with mandatory consultation and certification requirements with agencies such as the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities."
Judge Chereé Buggs ordered the Department of Transportation to halt a planned protected bike lane on a mile-long stretch of Astoria's 31st Street and to restore the roadway to its original design after partial installation. The judge sided with local businesses and residents who sued the city, finding that the DOT rushed plans and created hazards for pedestrians and motorists. The court found failures to comply with mandatory consultation and certification requirements with agencies including the Department of Small Business Services and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities. The judge cited FDNY warnings that the redesign would impede emergency response and that the DOT offered no concrete rebuttal.
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