For the last eight weeks, Prospect Park has been blissfully car-free. That end’s today, and many New Yorkers aren’t happy, calling for the park to remain free from traffic for the foreseeable future.
An eight-week study of the impact on traffic from a pedestrian only Prospect Park ended today. The study, by Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, saw the park free from motor vehicles all summer in an attempt to gauge how traffic around the park would be affected. Though the results aren’t in, many New Yorkers are already calling for the change to be permanent.
No sooner was motor traffic is back at the eastern part of the park’s loop a petition was raised to keep the park pedestrian only. The petition states:
Cars have no place in Brooklyn’s crown jewel, Prospect Park. This summer both sides of the park will be car-free, advancing park equity. Parks are for people, and people from all across Brooklyn and beyond will enjoy a safer and greener Prospect Park. Let’s make it permanent. Car-free Prospect Park forever!
The petition has already gained 1,063 of the 1,000 signatures needed to bring it to the city’s attention. Where as the there seems to be a lot of pushback to keep the park car-free, there doesn’t seem to be a major push to reinstate traffic. Perhaps as the idea gains traction we could see drivers complain, but as of now, they haven’t.
As the results of the eight-week study come in, park goers wait with baited breath. The Department of Transportation will have the last say and determine the future of cars in the park based on the results. What do you think?
Featured image source [campaigns.transalt]