Hello, Columbia Street Waterfront! In this issue:

• An especially important reminder
• Updates on this week's meetings
• A petition to open the Pre-K at 129 Van Brunt Street and President Street

BMT

Many thanks to all who attended the BMT Environmental Review Info Session this Wednesday. Thanks also to the electeds, city officials, and civic organization representatives who organized and spoke at the meeting. We especially appreciate the questions raised by community members. You showed your depth of knowledge and care for the health of the neighborhood.

Now it's time for everyone to speak to the impacts of the BMT plan which concern you the most. The very last public hearing for citizens to speak about this is Monday, March 16, 6 PM. Our CSWA BMT Committee created a handout with information about the scoping process. There's a QR code to register for the hearing. You can also register to attend or testify at this session here.

The CSWA Greening Committee prepared these Guiding Principles for Open Space and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Since one of the study areas is Open Space, you may find these principles useful in incorporate in your testimony.

Columbia Street Traffic Safety

Thanks to all who were a part of the packed house at Jalopy Theatre and Music School last Tuesday! DOT Commissioner Bray and Deputy Commissioner Branch heard the clear message from community members, including, and most eloquently from children. Something must be done to address the hazards of the Columbia St intersections at President and Summit. A fantastic example of focused community action! See howPix11 and News 12 coveredf the meeting.

Special thanks to Robbie Block, Isabel Urbano, Victoria Alexander, Roopa Kalyanaraman Marcello, Dan Teicher, and Ria Rua for all their efforts to organize and publicize this event. Commissioner Bray agreed to follow up with us in a month with updates in response to our requests. Look for information on our next steps soon!

Addressing Columbia Street Waterfront's Shortage of Public Pre-Schools

The planned but never opened 3K center at 129 Van Brunt Street, corner of President Street, hit the news a few weeks ago. Neighborhood families are asking questions. Lots of questions. How can this be when residents are facing massive waiting lists and skyrocketing private Pre-K tuitions? CSWA has raised the issue with Council Member Hanif's office and will write all the electeds. Here is a petition started by neighbor Jessica Setton: sign to show your support for DOE to open this Pre-K center as soon as possible.

All Upcoming Dates!

• Monday, March 16, 6 PM: Virtual BMT CEQR (City Environmental Quality Review) Scoping Hearing
• Tuesday, March 31: Deadline for BMT CEQR Scoping written commentary
• Saturday, April 18, 10 AM to 12 PM: CSWA Clean-up Day with Scavenger Hunt! (rain date Sunday, April 19) - starting at Human Compass Garden, corner of Sackett St and Columbia St

Questions? Email us at admin@columbiastreetwaterfront.org. Also, please share our mailing list sign-up page with your friends and neighbors: Columbia Street Waterfront Association Email List.

Media Contact:​
Randy Gordon, President
Columbia Street Waterfront Association, Inc.
Phone: 917-593-2674
Email: admin@columbiastreetwaterfront.org​