NEW YORK – New York State Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein released a statement on December 17 concerning a proposed school in Bay Terrace. He mentions that the Department of Education (DOE) “has repeatedly cited a need for seats in the Beechhurst/College Point/Whitestone ‘subdistrict.’” The area has many Greek-American residents who would be affected by the environmental impact and traffic increases of a new school in Bay Terrace.

Assemblyman Braunstein’s statement follows: ”I am disappointed to learn that the de Blasio Administration is moving forward with the proposed school at 24th Avenue and Waters Edge Drive in Bay Terrace without substantively answering several concerns raised by my office and the local community. First and foremost, the community expressed concerns about environmental impacts and how the traffic increase and transportation needs will be addressed. Only after the school received approval by the City Council did my office receive an abbreviated State Environmental Quality Review, which cites ‘significant’ anticipated impacts on local traffic and parking conditions. The report draws this conclusion under the assumption that nearly all students will reside within a half mile of the school, and that 41% of students would walk to school.

“Additionally, the DOE has repeatedly cited a need for seats in the Beechhurst/College Point/Whitestone ‘subdistrict.’ However, the DOE has also indicated that, with the expansion of P.S. 169/Bell Academy, the Bay Terrace neighborhood’s need for primary seats will be met. When pressed about what impact the new school will have on the population at P.S. 169 and admissions priority at Bell Academy, the DOE and SCA have failed to deliver any clear answers.

“Going forward, the City must fully address all of these concerns and better engage parents and stakeholders in the decision making process related to this site. I urge the incoming Mayoral Administration to make strides to increase transparency in the City’s site selection process.”