This week, City Hall’s recent efforts to restrict cars took a significant step forward, despite strong pushback from actual bus riders. They accused the community board leader of being too aligned with city interests and private lobbyists.
The contentious decision to ban cars on 34th Avenue, a crucial route for commuters traveling from New Jersey and Long Island, will be implemented at the end of summer. This change will transform the area into a dedicated bus lane stretching from 3rd to 9th Avenues.
Stacy Rauch, a lifelong resident of Murray Hill who uses the 34th Street Crosstown Bus daily, expressed her skepticism. She believes car traffic isn’t really the main concern.
“The bigger issue is that we simply don’t have enough buses,” she stated during a lively community meeting on Wednesday night.
Rauch, one of many frustrated residents from Murray Hill, criticized the rushed nature of the plan, arguing that it lacked thorough data or traffic assessments. She noted that redirecting traffic from the Midtown Tunnel would prove detrimental to local neighborhoods.
City officials pointed to a similar car ban on 14th Street, which followed a legal battle. However, Rauch countered that 14th Street benefits from multiple bus lines during peak hours, unlike 34th Street, which only sees two buses and doesn’t require a busway.
“The bus on Park Avenue at 34th took 21 minutes to reach 10th Avenue,” she said, visibly frustrated. “I made it there in 10 minutes. What speed do they expect?”
She warned, “You need to add more buses before claiming this is a solution.”
The meeting escalated into heated exchanges, with some residents accusing the board of conflict of interest.
“This is fake!” exclaimed Samuel “Peter” Panuccio, a retired NYPD sergeant and Murray Hill resident, questioning the board’s actions. “We’re being blindsided.”
He, along with other residents, mentioned they only found out about the planned changes a week ago.
“I have questions for your people,” Panuccio continued, addressing the board. “Are there even any members here who represent alternative transportation?”
Critics say a strong anti-car group, which has ties to influential city officials, holds significant sway in these decisions. Jason Freuimowitz, a cycling advocate, often promotes their agenda at various events. Barak Friedman, who is vice-chair of the Transportation Committee for Manhattan Community Board 6, has volunteered with transportation-focused groups.
During the meeting, board members did not respond to Panuccio’s inquiries.
Froimowitz later stated he has never been compensated by any transportation alternative groups. He emphasized that his involvement reflects his commitment to safer streets.
Friedman defended his participation as strictly volunteer work. However, these claims did little to ease the worries of local residents.
Panuccio raised a valid point during the meeting. “You have someone pushing for this who has direct advocacy ties—that seems wrong! Do you honestly think the community isn’t upset?”
The board voted overwhelmingly for the busway, 31-5, disregarding residents’ objections.
“I’m done with this,” Rauch expressed to the Post, clearly upset.
While the Department of Transportation insists they’ll communicate with the community before finalizing plans this summer, this vote suggests the project’s direction is largely set, leaving many neighbors feeling unheard.
