Zohran Mamdani resurrects McGuinness Boulevard bike lanes after Adams admin scrapped redesign
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made a bold move to resurrect a Brooklyn bike lane redesign project that was abandoned by his predecessor, Eric Adams. The project, which aims to create protected bike lanes along the full length of McGuiness Boulevard in Greenpoint, had been scrapped under allegations of corruption involving Adams’ administration.
The decision to revive the plan comes after controversy surrounding Adams’ consigliere, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, who was accused of accepting bribes from local bigwigs in exchange for halting the redesign project. These alleged bribes included a cameo appearance in the Hulu show “Godfather of Harlem” alongside Forest Whitaker.
Speaking at a rally along McGuinness Boulevard, Mamdani criticized his predecessor’s administration for succumbing to “big-money interests.” He emphasized the need for a new approach under his leadership.
The push for redesigning McGuinness Boulevard stemmed from a history of over 200 deaths on the roadway since 1956. Tragic incidents, such as the deaths of York College student Doniqueca Cooke in 2016 and elementary school teacher Matthew Jensen in 2021, fueled local advocacy efforts to make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite opposition from powerful locals like Gina and Tony Argento, who reportedly influenced the decision to scrap the redesign plan, city planners crafted a new proposal that includes protected bike lanes and other traffic-slowing measures. Mamdani’s administration, with support from elected officials like state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher, is committed to implementing these changes.
The project is set to begin in April or May, pending favorable weather conditions, according to newly appointed transportation commissioner Mike Flynn. The decision to move forward with the redesign reflects a commitment to prioritizing safety and accessibility for all road users.
In response to the allegations against her, Lewis-Martin maintains her innocence and asserts that she acted in the best interests of the community. Despite facing multiple indictments, she remains defiant and unapologetic, dismissing criticisms from Mayor Mamdani.
As the city prepares to embark on this long-awaited redesign of McGuinness Boulevard, the focus remains on creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone who uses the roadway. The revival of the bike lane project signifies a new chapter in Brooklyn’s transportation infrastructure, guided by the principles of transparency and accountability.
