AY Check-In: Residential Build, Rats and Traffic

Yesterday Community Board 2 sent out a comprehensive update on all things Atlantic Yards. A few things of note: the first residential building, which Forest City Ratner filed permits for in August, is currently known as “B2.” Design is under way, though there’s still no decision on whether it will be built using traditional or modular construction. As the Observer noted yesterday, Forest City says it will have something more to report by the end of the year, and construction is slated to begin shortly after. In response to previous rat complaints near the site, the city Health Department singled out three to four “hot spots” on Dean Street, between Sixth and Carlton avenues. There are also a few problem areas on Fourth Avenue and Pacific Street; the Pacific Branch Library, the Church of the Redeemer, and a catch-basin at that corner. No word yet on what will be done with the rat problem, although Councilmember Tish James asked for garbage cans north of Atlantic Avenue.

Click through to read about DOT’s response to the traffic changes implemented this summer…
Photo by Robert Perris via Community Board 2

Finally, DOT reported on the traffic changes implemented this July and August. Traffic improved on Flatbush but slowed on 3rd and 4th avenues. DOT plans to adjust the signal timing on Fourth Avenue to reduce the jam of vehicles at Atlantic Avenue. The following lane markings on Fourth and Atlantic Avenues will also be revised:

1) On Fourth Avenue, between Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue, there are currently two left turn and two right turn lanes. (Northbound traffic was prohibited from continuing straight to Flatbush Avenue as part of the traffic changes made during the summer.) DOT plans to eliminate one of the right turn lanes. CB2 requested the sidewalks be widened, rather than just “stripping” the street.
2) On westbound Atlantic Avenue, there are currently three westbound through-lanes and one right turn lane. Although there is only one turn lane, many drivers turn right from the second lane. DOT plans to formalize this traffic pattern.

DOT is also holding a public hearing today, 2:00 pm at 55 Water Street, Room 707, on the revocable consent for the security bollards and other features surrounding the Barclays Center. And the next meeting of the Atlantic Yards Service Cabinet is Thursday, November 3, 2011, 9:30-11:30 am.