One interesting detail to note: the BQX streetcar proposal, as its currently known, originated not from the de Blasio Administration but from a Brooklyn-based real estate company.
Dana Rubinstein has the scoop on the details of a city-commissioned report to study the Brooklyn-Queens Connector streetcar (BQX) proposal announced in February of this year.
The article reveals a few surprising details, the first being that the BQX was "dreamed up by executives at Two Trees, the DUMBO-based real estate company owned by the Walentas family." Also included are details about projected ridership, projects costs, and travel times. Rubinstein also reports that about" 70 percent of the route would get a dedicated right-of-way."
That last detail inspired Yonah Freemark to tweet his reactions to Rubinstein's article. Freemark's tweets include a reference to a February column he wrote to describe the necessary planning decisions for a successful BQX.
BQX, as I suspected, will have considerable portions without its own ROW. It also will run at 10.5 mph, not 12 mph as previously reported
— Yonah Freemark (@yfreemark) April 25, 2016
Sad to see concerns in my op-ed from Feb coming true, despite what consultants told me https://t.co/yRMHDPHZ4X https://t.co/v9qRr8FRsK
— Yonah Freemark (@yfreemark) April 25, 2016
FULL STORY: City gives new BQX streetcar details, and revs up outreach plan
Brooklyn-Queens Connector Streetcar Plans Released
Plans for the Brooklyn-Queens Connector, otherwise known as the BQX, are still on the table, despite reports of the project's demise.
Brooklyn Queens Streetcar Hopes to Learn from D.C. Streetcar's Mistakes
The long-awaited opening of the D.C. Streetcar on Feb. 27 brings time for reflection on Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposed $2.5 billion Brooklyn Queens Connector, part streetcar, part light rail. D.C.'s line took a decade of planning and construction.
Concerns Raised About the Brooklyn-to-Queens Streetcar Proposal
We've gathered a sample of the responses to Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposal for a $2.2 billion streetcar to connect Brooklyn to Queens.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Los Angeles County Invests in Wildfire Recovery for Parks, Trails, and Open Space
The $4.25 million RESTORE Program supports the recovery of parks, trails, and open spaces damaged by the January 2025 wildfires through targeted grants that promote community healing, wildfire resilience, and equitable access to nature.
Nevada Bills Aim to Establish Home Insurance Assurance Amidst Wildfire Risk
Republican sponsor hopes the FAIR plan would be “a true market of last resort.”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service