Red Hook Transportation Study, 2014

The Red Hook Transportation Study, launched by the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) in April 2013, was undertaken to address transportation-related concerns raised by the local community. It identifies incremental improvements that can be made by the City and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to improve transportation for all modes and users in the community of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The report’s recommendations were drawn up in consultation with the local Red Hook community.

The neighborhood of Red Hook is located on a peninsula in the south of Brooklyn. After a period of decline in the second half of the twentieth century, Red Hook has recently revived, attracting new investment and interest. As demonstrated during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Red Hook is vulnerable to storm-related flooding, which can affect the structural and mechanical systems of residential, commercial and manufacturing buildings.

At the initiation of the study, DCP engaged with other agencies to identify the major transportation issues in the area, as well as current and pending projects. DCP also conducted independent site visits and data analysis. Based on this understanding of the study area, DCP held public brainstorming sessions with community members and elected officials to solicit ideas from Red Hook residents, workers and business owners about their priorities for transportation issues and potential strategies to address them.

The recommendations laid out in this report include the following:

• Improvements to enhance pedestrian safety at major crossings and on routes leading to transit;
• Changes to curbside regulations to improve traffic safety and truck maneuvering;
• Additions and improvements to Red Hook’s bicycle network; and
• MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) exploration of new or enhanced bus service to Lower Manhattan.

The study also inventories existing roadways and sidewalks in disrepair to enable the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) to incorporate them into repairs or capital projects as funding becomes available.

Many of the recommendations in this report can be undertaken by implementing government agencies such as NYCDOT and NYCT. This report can be used for guidance and for establishing priorities. Red Hook community groups can play a vital role in ensuring that improvements are made in the way that best benefits the people who live and work in Red Hook.

Together, these recommendations can contribute to improving the safety and transportation access for the residents and businesses of Red Hook. DCP will continue to serve as a liaison in ongoing coordination efforts with relevant community groups and operational agencies to prioritize and implement the study’s recommendations.

Download the executive summary.
Download the full report.