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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 329-03
November 18, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $17 MILLION OVERHAUL OF FIFTH AVENUE IN BAY RIDGE

Mile and a Half Stretch of Fifth Avenue Built Ahead of Original Schedule, On Budget and With Minimal Inconvenience

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner Anne Papageorge, Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Marty Golden and community leaders announced the successful completion of a two-year project that completely rebuilt a 30-block, mile and a half stretch of Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge Brooklyn.  The $17 million, one and a half-mile capital project stretches through the heart of Bay Ridge was finished ahead of schedule and on budget.

Work included the removal of long-buried trolley tracks and installation of new sidewalks and curbs, benches and litter receptacles, old-fashioned street light poles, new traffic signals, water mains, rehabilitation of some sewers and new roadbed and asphalt. The project runs from 66th Street and 5th Avenue to 94th Street and continues onto Fourth Avenue to Marine Avenue.  The project was managed by the Department of Design and Construction.

"This beautiful new thoroughfare is a terrific holiday gift for the people of South Brooklyn. Major road reconstruction usually causes a tremendous amount of upheaval and inconvenience for local residents," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "But it doesn't have to be this way.  My administration is committed to finding ways that are more consumer and community friendly and this project demonstrates that when we work together, our common objectives can be achieved.  This project had the potential to severely disrupt one of New York's premiere shopping districts, but because of the work of the local elected officials and the DDC and DOT we have a revitalized 5th avenue that was done ahead of the original schedule and on budget."

"I commend the City of New York for their interest in seeing the greatness that is 5th Avenue Bay Ridge undergo enhancements, beautification and modifications," said Senator Golden.  "The City's work was diligent and on schedule. I applaud this community for their patience which has seen this important community business street rebuilt, an accomplishment that will allow this shopping district to continue to thrive.  As the holidays approach, I invite all to come and see the new 5th Avenue."

"Fifth Avenue is one of Bay Ridge's and one of Brooklyn's most important commercial districts," said Borough President Markowitz.  "Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the administration this project has been a model for successful community involvement.  Brooklynites like to be consulted and they like the job done right.  I know that the news of its early completion will be an early holiday gift to the thankful residents and businesses of Bay Ridge."

"The need for a comprehensive reconstruction of this important avenue was clear," said Commissiner Weihshall. "The coordination, cooperation, among city agencies, the business and residential communities, community leaders and elected officials made this a prime example of how successful projects are done."

"This priority project was placed on a very aggressive yet achievable time table," said Acting Commissioner Anne Papageorge "What you see and appreciate is the physical improvement of Fifth Avenue, the contribution of many professionals. What is not visible is the intense amount of planning and preparation that was vital to the prompt return of this street to full use by residents, motorists, shoppers and businesses."

Key elements to the project were planning and community consultation. More than two years before the project started in 2002 coordination meetings among City agencies and private utilities were held as well as reports to the local community board, elected officials and business leaders about the scope of work and projected scheduling were issued. This project originally was seen as taking three years to complete - about 10 blocks per year.

However, a new schedule was devised where ten-block sections at both ends of the project were done last year, with the middle segment being done in 2003, thus eliminating a year from the schedule and reducing the adverse impact on the community.  The community's commitment to this project led them to obtain an additional $1.3 million grant from the Federal Government for additional beautification.  The Department of Environmental Protection provided substantial funding for the project.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958

Thomas Cocola   (DOT)
(212) 442-7033

Matthew Monahan   (DDC)
(718) 391-1641




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