Brooklyn Bike Lane Plans Revived by Mayor Mamdani

Mayor Zoran Mamdani has announced plans to restart a bike lane redesign project in Brooklyn, which was previously halted by Eric Adams’ administration amid corruption allegations.

This past weekend, Mamdani revealed that McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint will feature protected bike lanes stretching from Meeker Street to the Pulaski Bridge.

This decision brings back a controversial plan that Adams’ aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, had attempted to end in 2023, following claims that Greenpoint influential figures had offered her bribes, including a guest spot on the Hulu series “The Godfather of Harlem” alongside Forest Whitaker.

Mamdani criticized the former administration for yielding to “big money interests” and hinted at underlying scandals.

“But today we have a new mayor at City Hall,” he stated during a rally along McGuinness Boulevard.

The road has witnessed over 200 fatalities since 1956, raising concerns among residents, which ultimately spurred the Make McGuinness Safe campaign advocating for its redesign.

Notably, victims included York University student Donikeka Cook—whose mother was present at a Mamdani event during her passing in a 2016 crash—and elementary school teacher Matthew Jensen, killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2021.

Side by side with the families of these victims, Mamdani emphasized the need for safety reforms.

Backed by local leaders like state Rep. Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn), city planners intend to implement protected bike lanes and other traffic calming measures.

However, the plan has faced pushback from some local figures, particularly Gina and Tony Argento, business owners of Broadway Stages Studios.

Manhattan prosecutors allege that the Argentos paid $2,500 to Louis Martin, which included funds for his appearance on the “Godfather of Harlem,” to influence changes in the project.

Lewis-Martin allegedly texted Gina Argento, dismissing the “Make McGuinness Safe” group’s concerns with a blunt message: “We ignore them and continue with our plans. They can kiss my ass.”

Local residents had long advocated for changes to McGuinness Boulevard, only to see the prior administration reverse progress.

Now, plans for a protected bike lane are set to move forward, with Mamdani’s transportation commissioner, Mike Flynn, estimating that work could start around April or May.

“It really depends on our partner, Mother Nature,” Flynn noted.

Lewis-Martin has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges across five indictments but expressed no remorse regarding her actions in halting the redesign.

“I did my job, I didn’t do anything illegal, and I listened to the concerns of the community,” she told reporters.

In response to Mamdani’s criticisms, she remarked, “He doesn’t know. Because if he knew me, he’d know I’d never do anything wrong. So I’ll give him a pass.”