Alan Gerson
Streetsblog Basics
Gerson Bill Mandating Review of Transpo Projects Is Now Law
New York City's 2009 legislative session didn't end without a parting gift from outgoing Lower Manhattan rep Alan Gerson. A new law that passed City Council unanimously before the end of the term mandates that any significant changes to the streetscape be subject to comment by both the local council representative and the community board. Though the comments are not binding, the law seems primed to slow down the process of re-designing streets at a time when projects to enhance bus service and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists are top priorities in New York City, and hundreds of New Yorkers are still dying every year on city streets. Mayor Bloomberg signed the bill into law on December 28.
January 7, 2010
NYLCV Endorses Safe Streets Foe Alan Gerson for Re-Election
The New York League of Conservation Voters came out with their slate of primary endorsements today. Streetsblog readers may be surprised to see that District 1 incumbent Alan Gerson is one of four City Council candidates in Manhattan to win the environmental group's endorsement.
September 1, 2009
Gerson on Grand Street Safety: Never Mind the Facts
City Council member Alan Gerson didn't have much new to say at his sidewalk protest of the Grand Street bike lane. But a handful of reporters and a few cyclists pressed him to defend the idea that projects designed to improve street safety should be subject to greater City Council review.
August 21, 2009
Lunch Break Fun: Gerson Leads Protest of “Dangerous” Grand St. Bike Lane
Anyone heading over to Chinatown for lunch? If not, and you work in Manhattan, you might want to change your plans. This rally, promoted by Council Member Alan Gerson, promises to be a can't-miss event:
August 21, 2009
Council Candidate’s Congestion Solution: Rush Hour Bike Bans
The Lo-Down, a blog covering the Lower East Side and environs, just wrapped up a slate of interviews with all the candidates running for the 1st District seat in the City Council: Margaret Chin, Pete Gleason, Arthur Gregory, PJ Kim, and the incumbent Alan Gerson. Along with John Liu, Gerson has been one of the council's most vocal critics of recent safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. But after reading up on the views of his competitors, it's doubtful that dumping Gerson in the September 15 primary -- provided he makes it on the ballot -- would put a more progressive voice in City Hall.
August 5, 2009
City Council Bill Aims to Quiet Motorcycle Noise
The City Council is considering a bill to keep excessively loud motorcycles from stopping, standing or parking on city streets.
June 11, 2009
Tonight: Share Your Thoughts on Safer Streets at Gerson “Town Hall”
Itching to tell DOT what you think of recent changes to Lower Manhattan streets? You can tonight at 6:30, when the second installment in Alan Gerson's "Traffic Town Hall" series gets underway at Old St. Pat's Gym (near 275 Mulberry Street).
May 19, 2009
Safer Streets Under Fire at Gerson “Town Hall”
Lower Manhattan City Council rep Alan Gerson held a "transportation town hall" Monday night, following up on his pledge last year to closely monitor creeping safety enhancements to New York streets. Fellow City Council member John Liu, a candidate for comptroller, also made an appearance at the forum.
May 6, 2009
Gerson Looks to Rein In Runaway Safety Improvements
Alan Gerson's office has more on what we suspected was a bill intended to give the Lower Manhattan City Council member and his colleagues more power over DOT implementation of new bike infrastructure. Judging by this comment from Gerson communications director Paul Nagle, the new law would not be limited to bike lanes, but would mandate a "review" of basically any outrageous new project designed to improve conditions for transit users and pedestrians.
December 9, 2008
Alan Gerson Wants Greater “Review” of DOT Bike Safety Plans
In 2006, Alan Gerson helmeted-up and rallied for a protected bike lane on Houston St.
December 8, 2008