Passage Includes Streets Master Plan Transparency Legislation, Flash Flood Preparedness Bill, and Resolution Calling for QueensLink Environmental Review

New York, NY — On Thursday, April 10, the New York City Council passed a trio of bills introduced by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers that advance critical public safety, transparency, and transportation equity priorities for New Yorkers. The legislative package includes:

  • Introduction 1105, which improves public transparency around the City’s implementation of its Streets Master Plan by requiring more frequent and detailed updates on capital projects from the Department of Transportation (DOT), including timelines, funding, and community board engagement;
  • Introduction 807, which requires New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) to conduct targeted flash flood preparedness outreach and provide evacuation guidance in areas with a history of flooding and high concentrations of subgrade dwellings;
  • Resolution 59, calling on the MTA to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on the proposed QueensLink project to explore the feasibility of reactivating the abandoned Rockaway Beach Branch for transit use.

The package addresses several pressing infrastructure and transit issues facing the city at large. In recent years, the Department of Transportation has failed to meet the legally mandated benchmarks outlined in the Streets Master Plan, including the rollout of critical infrastructure like dedicated bus lanes. This lack of transparency has made it difficult for communities and elected officials to track progress or hold the agency accountable. By requiring regular, detailed updates on project timelines, budgets, and community engagement, Intro 1105 aims to ensure the public has the information needed to push for timely completion of safety improvements and faster bus service across our city.

In addition, Intro 807 responds to the rising threat of flash flooding across New York City—an issue that has only grown more urgent due to climate change. The legislation requires New York City Emergency Management to identify target locations for safe shelter during flash flooding events, as well as provide proactive outreach—including in-person visits, mailers, and improved registration for emergency alerts— so that residents receive clear and timely evacuation guidance before the next storm.

Finally, Resolution 59 highlights the long-standing transportation inequities faced by Queens residents. The resolution calls for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study on the proposed QueensLink project, which would explore reactivating the dormant Rockaway Beach Branch rail line to reconnect underserved neighborhoods in the south with central and northern Queens.  Earlier this year, the project received a $400,000 federal grant through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to support a Community Equity Analysis—an important step toward advancing a more connected and equitable transit system in Queens.

“As we face increasingly extreme weather, rapid infrastructure change, and long-standing transportation gaps, New Yorkers deserve smart, equitable solutions,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This legislative package is about ensuring transparency as we redesign our streets, protecting families from the dangers of flash floods, and further studying potential investments in transportation equity through QueensLink. I’m proud to champion this work and thank Speaker Adams and my Council colleagues for their leadership and support.”

“This package of legislation is a major step in the right direction for all New Yorkers,” said New York City Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola. “It brings smarter flood protections, ensures greater transparency from city agencies, and moves us closer to true transportation equity. Our residents deserve infrastructure that protects their homes, respects their voices, and strengthens their futures—and that’s exactly what this package aims to do.”

“The era of guessing the status of our DOT capital projects is over. My bill, Intro. 1114, will now allow New Yorkers to publicly see DOT project timelines online,” said New York City Council Member Julie Won. “It’s about time that we modernize DOT and have public-facing project trackers to ensure accountability and transparency for our taxpayer dollars. Together with Intro. 1105 championed by Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, the public will have access to multiple tracking tools that keep DOT accountable to the public.”

 “As someone who represents a coastal district with flood-vulnerable communities like Canarsie and Gerritsen Beach, where flooding has become a dangerous, costly, and far too common reality, I strongly support this package of legislation,” said New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. “Targeted outreach and improved transparency are critical tools in protecting our residents, especially those living in flood-prone and subgrade homes. I thank Majority Whip Brooks-Powers for her leadership and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every neighborhood is better prepared and protected.”

“This legislative package reflects our shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient, and better-connected New York City,” said New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman. “By strengthening our flash flood preparedness and improving transparency around vital infrastructure projects, we’re ensuring that communities—especially those historically underserved—are not left behind. I commend Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers for her leadership on these critical issues.”

“A QueensLink EIS Is an important step in quantifying the environmental benefits of reactivating Queens only north-south rail corridor,” said Rick Horan, Executive Director of QueensRail Corporation. “Strategically located between two infamously congested roads, congestion pricing demands that this and related QueensLink studies are completed before Mayor Adams succeeds in blocking the right of way with a park.”

“For years, New York City has been failing to meet the legally mandated Streets Plan requirements,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives.  “Intro 1105 will allow the public to accurately measure progress toward making it safe and easy for all New Yorkers to get around our city. The bill requires monthly updates on construction, so that New Yorkers can understand the rate of progress, or lack thereof, and fight for the safe streets we all deserve. This is a crucial transparency bill, and we’re thrilled to see it passed by the City Council.”

Together, the legislative package reflects New York City Council Majority Whip Brooks-Powers’ commitment and the Council’s dedication to addressing the urgent challenges of street safety, climate resilience, and equitable transit access. 

“Residents in Southeast Queens and across the city are experiencing the real impacts of climate change, infrastructure disrepair, and transit inequity. This package of legislation is part of my commitment to ensuring we meet this moment with clear-eyed, community-informed action,” New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers concluded. 

Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:

Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov

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