Hello Neighbors,
It has been a crazy 6 months since we started this project and have gotten so much support from the community, businesses, and even our elected officials! But our fight isn't over until Austin Street is fixed, so here are some ways you can help us finally Fix Austin Street!
--- The Austin Street Fair Signature Drive on June 11th
I still remember the first signature drive we did back in September of last year. We love the Austin Street Fair, as it proves what potential Austin Street has.
With that in mind, the Austin Street Fair is here again! On Sunday, June 11th Austin Street will be pedestrianized for the first time this year and we plan on taking advantage of it! We will be having another Signature Drive, but this time bigger! We will have two timeslots, 10 am to 12 pm, and 2 pm to 4 pm. If you would like to help out, please reach out to pedro@ASaferAustinStreet.com. If you have not yet signed our handwritten petition (even if you signed the online one), stop by and give it a sign! Or just stop by and say hi!
--- Contact City Council Member Lynn Schulman
We need to continue to remind our elected officials that this is something we all want. So even if you have already, please send an email to our City Council Member Lynn Schulman at LSchulman@council.nyc.gov. Tell her that you support a people-friendly Austin Street and support the DOT study. Also tell her what a people-friendly Austin Street means to you, what issues you see on it, and what you would like to see be done to it. Don't be shy, she loves hearing from constituents!
--- Send public comments to Queens Community Board 6
Once the proposal from DOT comes in, the Community Board will get to comment on it. So just like our elected officials, we need to keep reminding them of the importance of finally fixing Austin Street. Just like the email to Lynn Schulman, send them one titled "public comment" saying what you don't like about Austin Street and what you would like to see on it. You can send your email to QN06@cb.nyc.gov.
Their next meeting will be Wednesday, June 14th at 7 pm at Queens Borough Hall 120-55 Queens Blvd, Room 213. If you can attend the meeting in person and give your comments in person (specify that in the email if you plan to do so), that would be best! But if you cannot, simply state in the email that you want your comment to be read out loud at the meeting and someone will read them for you.
--- Talk to your neighbors, friends, and family about Austin Street
Lastly, one of the best things you can do is just talk to your friends, neighbors, and family about Austin Street. Tell them about our group, tell them why you think Austin St should be fixed, and have conversations about it. Our movement is best when the most people know about it and can share their opinion on it. This will not only help us, but it will help push DOT to provide the best option for Austin Street.
That's it for now. If you can make it on Sunday, please do! We have so much momentum going right now, let's not waste it!
Thank you for reading and for helping finally Fix Austin Street,
Pedro Rodriguez