New York — Streetcar Study Funding Released

Rail Transit Online, September 2010

New York's City Department of Transportation has finally released federal funds appropriated several years ago for a feasibility study of an approximately one-mile (1.6 km) modern streetcar line connecting Brooklyn's Red Hook waterfront neighborhood with the borough's downtown core.

The five-month analysis will be carried out by engineering consultant URS Corp. and will include a determination of the area's demographics and economic development opportunities, its transit needs and the advantages and limitations of the project. The study will also look at potential capital and operating costs, routing, vehicle technology and construction issues. A half-mile (0.8 km) extension east along Atlantic Avenue to Borough Hall may also be included in the study.

The grant was secured by Rep. Nydia Velazquez and has the support of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups. "When completed, a streetcar system in Red Hook has the potential to reconnect this neighborhood with the rest of the city and greatly improve transit options for residents," said Rep. Velazquez. Red Hook has long been underserved by transit; there is no subway in the area and only one local bus line.