At its March meeting, Brooklyn’s Community Board 11 voted overwhelmingly to support legislation sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) that, if signed into law, would require the MTA to provide advance notice of planned service changes to local elected officials and community boards representing the affected area or areas.

The bill passed the Assembly last month, and Assemblyman Colton reached out to all of the city’s community boards asking for their support.

“As things stand, the MTA decides to make service changes, and may or may not let those who would be impacted know in advance,” said Assemblyman Colton. “That has to change. We need time to let area residents and businesspeople know so they can plan alternative routes. There also may be situations where the proposed changes are so onerous that we may need to advocate for alternate arrangements, to make it easier for riders who need public transportation to get to work, school and medical appointments, as well as to see family members and friends or go out for dinner or to see a movie.”

CB 11 members strongly agreed, with board Vice Chairperson Ross Brady noting, during the meeting, held on March 12 at Il Centro, 8711 18^th Avenue, “Anything that increases transparency should be supported wholeheartedly.”

Prior legislation, dating back to 1967, required that notification be given to the mayor and the (then) Board of Estimate. The bill, A02010, would expand notifications by mandating that borough presidents, assemblymembers, state senators and city councilmembers who represent the impacted area or areas, as well as the district managers of impacted community boards, also be notified, at least 30 days prior to the proposed service change.

The companion bill in the State Senate, S02217A, which is sponsored by State Senator Leroy Comrie, is currently being considered by the Senate’s Transportation Committee.