A while back, prompted by the news of old trolley tracks being dug up and scrapped in connection with infrastructure work at Fulton Ferry, we noted wistfully the neighborhood’s history of extensive light rail service, and wondered, even more wistfully, if at least some such service might be restored. Now, it seems, thanks in large part to federal funding secured by Rep. Nydia Velazquez, this may happen.
New York Post: After two decades of false starts, the city is finally back on track with plans to build a light-rail or trolley line connecting Brooklyn’s most transit-starved neighborhood with its downtown area.
The city Transportation Department expects to select a consultant within the next two months to study running the mile-long line from the Red Hook waterfront to Atlantic Avenue at the edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is in walking distance to several subway and bus lines.
According to the Post article, the study will also consider extending the trolley line along Atlantic Avenue to Borough Hall, with its many subway connections. Bob Diamond’s dream may yet come true.
Update: Brownstoner has a piece on this, with a link to a map showing a proposed rote that has the trolley line starting at Fairway, proceeding up Van Brunt Street, jogging over to Columbia Street and following it up to Atlantic Avenue, where it turns and follows Atlantic to Boerum Place, then goes up Boerum to Joralemon Street, turns left and loops back to Boerum by way of Court and Livingston Streets.
