Laws will formalize hearing requirements for changes to bike lanes and consultation and reporting require ments for major transportation projects. The City Council approved three local laws concerning bike lanes and other major projects proposed by the Department of Transportation. Intro 412-A formalizes DOT outreach efforts to communities affected by proposed bike lanes. Intro 626-A and 671-A create formal consultation and reporting requirements for major transportation projects. Council amended the proposals after the Council’s Transportation Committee held a hearing on the legislation in September 2011. At the hearing, DOT representatives generally supported Intros 412 and 626, stating that the laws would essentially codify the agency’s current practices. DOT, however, asked the Committee to amend Intro 671’s data collection requirements. 8 CityLand 140 (Oct. 15, 2011).

Intro 412-A requires DOT to notify by email each affected council member and community board at least 90 days before constructing or removing a bike lane. DOT must offer to make a presentation about the bike lane at a public hearing held by the community board. On November 3, 2011, the Council unanimously approved Intro 412- A. The law will take effect 90 days after enactment.  (read more…)