
BROOKLYN YORK (VINnews) — A state judge has temporarily blocked New York City’s plan to install bike lanes in part of Brooklyn after residents and community institutions sued, arguing the project moved forward without the legally required public notice and community input.
The temporary restraining order prevents the Department of Transportation from installing bike lanes south of Avenue H in Midwood while the case proceeds.
The lawsuit followed a cease-and-desist letter sent last month by Councilmembers Simcha Felder and Inna Vernikov and Assemblymembers Simcha Eichenstein and Kalman Yeger, who argued the DOT failed to notify local elected officials and disregarded requests from Community Board 14 for a public meeting.
The legal challenge was filed by several residents and local organizations, including Mesivta Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin and Glatt Mart.
The lawmakers called the court order a victory for community involvement, accusing the city of advancing the project without meaningful public engagement. They also argued the proposed bike lanes could create traffic and safety concerns in the neighborhood.
The restraining order is scheduled to remain in effect through Nov. 25 while the case moves forward.