Today, Tonight & Lines Anew

I hope all is well on this 22nd day of January. I've got reminders, a recap, a wonky update with a practical deadline, and some suggestions.

I hope all is well on this 22nd day of January. I've got reminders, a recap, a wonky update with a practical deadline, and some suggestions.

First, reminders: tonight at 630 PM, our Landmarks committee will meet to review one landmark application. Outside our immediate orbit, starting at 6 PM, there's an Atlantic Yards meeting.

Second, the recap: our Transportation Committee met at Middle School 51 (MS51), with Doug Gordon chairing during a short break from his bestselling book tour. Most of the meeting was dedicated to the 5th Ave Business Improvement District (BID) presenting its vision plan, followed by discussion and questions. There were some skeptical questions, but overall, the plan was well received. 

I'd guess some read that and wondered what the vision sees, or what the plan proposes, for 5th Avenue, so I'll summarize as best I can. The Vision Plan outlines changes to the commercial corridor. It treats Fifth Avenue as a "complete street," with wider sidewalks, shorter crossings, space for outdoor dining, and dedicated zones for buses and deliveries to reduce double parking, while noting the eventual possibility of a dedicated bike and/or bus lane. The plan also incorporates green infrastructure, including rain gardens, to address recurring flooding and provides the Department of Transportation (DOT) with a roadmap for implementation over the coming years that makes it safer, helps small businesses thrive, and is resilient to climate-related changes. This is an ongoing process, and the BID expects to receive feedback and guidance from DOT later in the first half of 2026. I'll be sure to keep you posted on DOT's pending reply, but in the meantime, you can bide your time by reading the full plan and presentation here.

Also, a big thank you to MS 51, my alma mater, for hosting, and to the 5th Avenue BID, especially Executive Director Joanna Tallantire, the team at WXY for presenting, and everyone who contributed to the work behind this vision. The committee also discussed Bergen Street and ideas for upcoming meetings, including updates on the proposed Flatbush Avenue bus lane.

Third, the wonky update and practical deadline hinted at in the first paragraph. Yesterday, a State Supreme Court Judge ruled that New York's 11th Congressional District, which includes all of Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn, is unconstitutional for diluting the voting power of Black and Latino voters, and ordered new electoral maps to be drawn by February 6.

While CB6 does not currently overlap with NY11, the new lines could affect who represents you in Congress. At present, all of CB6 is in New York's 10th District and represented by Dan Goldman, but that could change once new maps are adopted, potentially splitting CB6 across multiple districts or into 1 new district; only time will tell. We've had multiple congresspeople representing CB6 previously. Just a few years ago, CB6 had some parts represented by Nydia Velázquez and Yvette Clarke. The share of CB6 in the 2 districts even shifted at points, but kept the same two reps.

I mention all of this not to discuss maps or Congress (despite being a preferred topic), but so that you're aware, especially if you want to vote in June's primary election, because if you're not already enrolled in a political party, or want to switch parties, you have to do so by February 14. That means that if you're among the 14% of unaffiliated voters in CB6 come June, you won't be able to vote and would have to wait until November unless you take action. Anyway, check your registration and to make changes, or register to vote in the first place, go here.

I'll stop here and suggest you scroll and read the rest of this email. Whether you scroll or stop here, I wish you the best and stay warm.

This is the web archive of a newsletter originally sent by email to Brooklyn Community Board 6 subscribers on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The email edition may contain additional event listings and links.