At issue are elements of the Downtown Brooklyn traffic calming study (MTR #179). Brooklyn's community board #6 recently voted against trial construction of "neckdowns" - sidewalk extensions at corners that add space for pedestrians, reduce street crossing distances and make it harder for cars to hang turns at high speeds - on Court Street at intersections with Carroll and President, placing concern about losing a handful of parking spaces over badly needed means to increase pedestrian safety and accommodation.

The problem is reminiscent of Staten Island community boards' role in complicating installation of speed humps in that borough (MTR #245). Based on lay arguments that the humps either slow traffic too much or "don't really work," some S.I. boards now require applicants for the humps to meet a three-page list of "steps" needed to get the traffic calming devices installed. The list is accompanied by several untrue "negative aspects" about speed humps.

NYC DOT has clear and consistent policies on installing curb cuts and stop signs, and must develop the same for traffic calming measures. Community boards should not dictate policy based on whims or personal preferences. T.A. has urged the NYC DOT to keep the Court Street neckdowns in the Downtown Brooklyn traffic calming pilot program.