If you ever were concerned about the effect bridge tolls have on traffic in the city — and through our neighborhood in particular — this is an awesome op-ed piece by Sam Schwartz, aka, “Gridlock Sam.”

Here’s a taste:

In fact, under the new toll rates, big five-axle tractor-trailers heading to New Jersey from Brooklyn will be charged $60 to stay on expressways in Brooklyn and Staten Island and cross the Verrazano Bridge but nada, not a cent, to travel the streets of downtown Brooklyn, bounce across the creaky Manhattan Bridge, rumble through Chinatown via Canal St., tour the West Village and Chelsea via Eighth Ave. and head out the Lincoln Tunnel.

Something has to be done. Especially with the BQE about to begin, what, a twenty-year construction project? Sigh.

We have only ourselves to blame.

Did you hear the G train will be expanding service through Boerum Hill all the way to Church Av in Kensington? It’s true. Beginning July 5th. Now you don’t have to just wait for an F to get to Prospect Park. Huzzah.

Like the mighty titans of local coverage they are, the Brooklyn Paper gets candidates for the 33rd District (i.e., Yassky’s seat) to reveal their stances on a Residential Parking Permit program. Read them here.

Just read these candidates positions from the 39th District on Permit Parking and it got me thinking. Lots of points of view.

Just read on Streetsblog that DOT is finally beginning to implement their “Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming” project they had originally promised to complete by 2006. Welcome news, although almost all the intersections they’re planning to calm are in Brooklyn Heights and in south Gowanus.

Check it out here:

http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/05/20/signs-of-progress-for-downtown-brooklyn-safety-fixes/

Residential permit parking (RPP) bill proposed by Sen. Squadron & Assemblywoman Millman to help block the use of Boerum Hill and other near-Manhattan neighborhoods as a “park and ride” for commuters from further out.

The Brooklyn Paper: Squadron: Let us pay to park in our neighborhoods.

The purpose of the BHA Traffic & Transportation Committee is to advocate
for progressive and environmentally responsible methods of improving the
safety, usability and efficiency of all forms of transportation affecting
the Boerum Hill community through the following activities:

• Identify local and systemic transportation problems and their direct or indirect effects on Boerum Hill
• Educate and encourage residents how to communicate complaints or
suggestions regarding transportation issues affecting Boerum Hill and
monitor the quality and timeliness of response by government agencies
and/or elected officials.
• Participate in Environmental Impact Statement and other public processes
in connection proposed transportation projects and the traffic impacts of
other proposed projects.
• Communicate with elected officials as necessary.
• Attend meetings of local and regional transportation advocacy groups, and
report on issues of interest to Boerum Hill residents via egroup and
newsletter.
• Cooperate with Quality of Life Committee to identify problems that relate
to automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles and possible solutions
• Cooperate with Land Use Committee to identify traffic & transportation
implications of land use proposals and possible effects on Boerum Hill.
• Liaise with neighboring civic, business and community based organizations
on issues of mutual concern.