By Gina Martinez
The NYC Department of Transportation hosted a smart truck management workshop Tuesday at Flushing Library. The workshop is part of the DOT’s plan to improve the quality of life of New Yorkers through safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible movement of goods.
City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) attended the workshop along with community leaders.
The open-house event, titled “Smart Truck Management Plan,” was designed to improve the city’s understanding of truck route usage and compliance, movement of goods, needs of shoppers and receivers, and community concerns.
Koo thanked the DOT for volunteering to come to Flushing to maintain a dialogue with the community.
“Truck traffic, deliveries, and parking is a significant issue in our community,” he said. “Since the start of Select Bus Service in downtown Flushing, some commercial businesses have experienced difficulties coordinating delivery services. This is an opportunity for both our business and residential communities to troubleshoot their truck traffic and delivery concerns directly with the Department of Transportation.”
DOT statistics show 90 percent of all goods in New York City are delivered by truck. According to DOT, the freight industry is a major source of jobs for the region, and requires city agencies to prioritize safety and efficiency while minimizing impacts on air quality, traffic congestion, and neighborhood quality of life.
“Trucks are critical for getting New Yorkers the products they need every day, and freight is a key part of the economy in Flushing and every community across the five boroughs,” DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, said. “This workshop is an important way for the city to get feedback from the community that will help officials shape plans to keep goods moving in the most reliable, safe and environmentally sustainable way possible.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
