To Whom It May Concern:
I am the manager of the 656 Laundromat on 656 Vanderbilt Avenue.
I am writing because I am opposed to having the Vanderbilt Open Streets continue in 2024.
On Friday afternoons, even though Open Streets do not officially start until 5:00pm, barricades are put up at 4:40pm. This traps buses coming through and ties up traffic. No one is able to get through. This is dangerous as no emergency vehicles are able to access this area.
My clients carry heavy loads to and from the laundromat. When they drive, they are unable to park near our entrance due to traffic caused by the street closures. This is particularly difficult for many of my elderly customers.
Further, I am disabled and go to and from work by bus. Now that the B69 bus is re-rerouted on weekends, I am have to walk to Washington or Flatbush Avenue. This is a great hardship for me because of my disability and it is even worse if I am carrying groceries. Not only am I forced to walk long blocks but then I have to wait 30-40 minutes for a bus due to increased traffic.
Finally, having the streets closed has made it almost impossible for the delivery vehicles that bring us soap and other supplies to reach us.
Please put an end to the Vanderbilt Open Streets.
Sincerely,
Manager
656 Laundromat
656 Vanderbilt Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238