As part of Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, MTA proposes re-routing B65 bus from Dean and Bergen streets in Prospect Heights. Public workshop Feb. 2.

As part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's proposed Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, the route bordering the Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park project, the eastbound B65, would be re-routed to Atlantic Avenue to avoid Dean Street west of Washington Avenue.

That would thus separate it from a bike route, potential traffic jams caused by double-parking, fire department trucks, and vehicles--especially during a heavy event night--lined up for the 535 Carlton parking garage, which in 2023 will expand from 303 spaces to 758 spaces, all via the same narrow entrance.

So too would the westbound B65 be re-routed from Bergen Street west of Washington Avenue. In both cases, as shown in the image below, that would add additional traffic to Washington Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Bergen Street.

The MTA explains that the change would mean "using a wider street as compared to Dean St/Bergen St and providing a direct connection to the Atlantic Av-Barclays Center subway and LIRR stations." The downside, presumably, is an inconvenience for those used to access on Dean and Bergen streets.

That would compound traffic on Washington Avenue from the existing B45 route, as shown below.

But it would reflect, indirectly, the proposal made in January at the BrooklynSpeaks Crossroads charette on Urban Design, aiming to make Dean Street bordering the projectm at least to Carlton Avenue, a "School Street," open to pedestrians during school hours, including a little before opening and a little after closing.

That wouldn't be possible with the bus route. However, that could increase the burden on narrow Carlton Avenue for access to that parking garage, as well as access to the Chelsea Piers fieldhouse and fitness club expected to open in June.

Supporting density

Yes, though only west of Washington Ave, right? (Which is already served by B45)
So that includes new developments btw Vanderbilt & Washington, + future (?) #AtlanticYards towers btw 6th & Vanderbilt over railyard

Atlantic Ave. Mixed Use Project plan extends to Nostrand.

— Norman Oder (@AYReport) December 27, 2022

Guess that is what public workshops are for.

— Gib Veconi (@GibVeconi) December 27, 2022

From the MTA

The MTA's explanation:

This project is part of our larger effort to modernize New York City’s bus network and improve bus service borough by borough. We are taking a fresh look at the bus network, with the goal of meeting customers’ priorities: frequent service, faster travel, reliable service, better connections, and an easy ride.  

We have improved the network by simplifying it, straightening routes, creating new connections, strengthening interborough service, adjusting frequencies, and right-sizing the distance between bus stops.

Public workshops planned

Various public workshops are planned 6:30-8:30 pm over the coming weeks, with sessions beginning at 6:30 pm and 7:30 m. Use this link to register for a community workshop; the MTA says that, if you can’t make the workshop for your neighborhood, you can sign up for a different one.

The workshop aimed at Brooklyn Community District​ 8, covering Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Weeksville, will be held Thursday, February 2 .

(Each workshop will be conducted in English. Additional language interpreters as well as ASL and CART can be made available upon advance request via the registration form., with five days' notice.)

Here's the Zoom link. Meeting ID: 872 2144 3989. One tap mobile info is here.

As stated in the Slideshow below, customers can provide feedback through not only one of the 18 virtual public workshops, but also through Remix, a web-based interactive map, and through the comment portal on the Brooklyn BusNetwork Redesign microsite. 

Here's a link to the Remix map, focused on the B65 route, with the opportunity to comment at top right.

Relevant documents

Embedded below are the B65 handout, slideshow, and full draft plan.