The BM3 which services Sheepshead Bay – Midtown / Downtown, used to service Gerritsen Beach residents but was cut back in June. The stops that were cut are: Coyle Street & Avenue Y, Knapp Street & Avenue X/Allen Street, and Avenue W & Knapp Street.
Councilman Lew Fidler has been fighting for the expansion of BM4 service which services Gerritsen Beach, due to the recent cuts on the BM3 line. Councilman Fidler has requested from the MTA that they include service prior to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, with the addition of more frequent runs during the day.
From his Letter to the MTA:
The community is asking for increased frequency of runs, since the BM4 tends to have sparse service. Also, it begins at 6 a.m., and some people need to leave earlier than that to get to work. In the past, they could walk to one of the now-eliminated BM3 stops, which were closer to GB than the remaining ones. In the absence of that option, the BM4 runs need to begin earlier than 6 a.m.
Letters:
- Lew Fidler: RE- MTA- expansion of BM4 service
- MTA:Â Expansion of BM4 service
Faster more direct Bus routes are definitely the way to go. I’m not sitting on a Bus to Manhattan for 90 minutes even if it is close by. Give me a couple block walk to a bus that gets there in 60 minutes any day!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It won’t take an hour unless you’re downtown due to construction on the FDR.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Hmm, now if only Lew could figure out a way to better fund the MTA at the same time demanding more accountability from them….. hmm, and if only the federal government were to help out, and if ALL those who benefit from the transit system pay their fair and equitable share.
Oh wait, would that be congestion pricing, East River bridge tolls?
Nah, those things make too much sense. It’s a good thing Lew presented his own ridiculous and unworkable plan. That way he can go on whining about the MTA’s problems without actually having to do anything about it. What a leader. Gerritsen Beach, have no fear — you are well served in the City Council.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@nobody,
Unworkable?
Gee, I believe that all concerned are aware that the Mobility Tax, a one third of one percent payroll tax on regional businesses was originally my idea. And as that was adopted a year or so after I proposed it, thus saving us from a massive fare increase and service cuts, I would say that somebody thought that at least part of my plan was workable.
That this was my idea is an indisputable fact, and since you are obviously familiar with the fact that I had a plan, feel free to research my 9 point plan on places like Streetsblog to see that this was in fact a key part called “Paying for it”.
As to making the MTA more accountable, I only wish that I, as a municipal legislator facing a State authorized regional authority—had such a power.
If I did, I guarantee that I would use it.
Lew from Brooklyn
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Lew, you’re not getting it. Keep trying.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@nobody,
Actually, this is intended as a reply to Gene but alas there was no reply button under it on my computer screen.
Gene, it is easy to stand on the sidelines and pontificate. I wonder what YOU have done to solve the problem of mass transit? What would YOU do to pay for a system that cannot sustain itself on a per ride basis without continuing subsidies from other sources? What wand would YOU wave to gain control over a system that is beyond your legal capacity as a CITY Council member? Is your answer that you would just belly ache? Perhaps you should run for STATE office if you want power and oversight over the MTA?
Would YOU have supported congestion pricing, thus taxing residents of Brooklyn and Queens at the virtual exclusion of others, though Manhattanites and suburbanites also use the system, if not disproportionately so?
And are YOU aware that the payroll tax is not on workers—it is on businesses, and there is little evidence that it has been pased on to workers? And are YOU aware that the payroll tax is a REGIONAL tax, and is therefore the closest thing to a commuter tax return that we have seen?
No one likes taxes. As you know I voted against the last property tax increase,for example. But you should have sat on the sidelines rather than demagogue on the issue unless you are prepared to say what YOU would DO.
Talk is very very cheap.
Lew from Brooklyn
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@,
And Gene, let me add, that I was the one who called the MTA n the carpet years ago for their dangerous plan to run trains by computers and without living conductors on board…and helped stop the last part of it.
And I was the one who blew the whistle on their massive cost overruns on this proiject.
So, yes, I have worked to cut the waste and stop the really bad ideas.
But the fact remains, it is a regional authority under state control. I’d like to have some say over foregin policy too, but hey, that’s not a part of the job description for the office we are seeking.
Lew from Brooklyn
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@, What a convenient “argument”.
First, it’s not only a right to “pontificate” as you call it and question our leaders, it’s our responsibility as responsible citizens. One man’s pontification is another’s man check on those who should be representing them. So spare the rhetoric.
But since you asked, I would’ve been a little more pro-active in fighting problems before they start. The MTA’s books have been an issue for YEARS. This isn’t something that came out of the blue! Since the MTA strike (at least), we’ve all been decieved and given different figures about the fiscal state of the MTA.
In between picketing with the TWU and speaking at their rallies, maybe you could’ve called for financial responsibility instead of supporting how they took the city hostage. Maybe instead of taking sides, you could’ve used the strike as an opportunity to promote real changes in the system and get REAL numbers from the MTA.
As a councilman, I would’ve brought awareness to the Mayor and State officials that the way the MTA was doing business is unacceptable, and demanded a thorough examination of their fiscal state. Use that bully pulpit, work contacts behind the scenes, anything and everything I could. I would’ve looked for support to make this a citywide cause. If and when those books were opened, you then act to FIX THE SYSTEM – eliminate inefficiencies, cut the fat. Work with state officials, the unions, and keep pushing the issue, while holding everyone accountable.
It’s not rocket science – we do it in our everyday lives all the time, at home and in our businesses.
Would I have supported congestion pricing? I don’t think I would have because I wasn’t sold on the Mayor’s system of tracking traffic coming into Manhattan. But, it was the only system that actually had a chance of meeting the goal of relieving congestion in the city, and the financial burden on Brooklyn and Queens were equitable compared to the Ravitch plan, which burden Brooklyn even more so WITHOUT any transportation improvements.
According to Streetblogs – the website you cited earlier – under the Mayor’s congestion pricing plan, Brooklyn and Queens bear a fairer share of the burden ( accounting for 36% of car trips, bearing 40% of the cost) than in the Ravitch plan, where 60 percent of the proposed Ravitch bridge tolls would be paid by Brooklyn and Queens residents.
Twenty percent more expense for less service, and no impact on congestion – and that’s before your tax – great plan for Brooklyn, Lew.
By the way, the number of people from our district that would have been affected by congestion pricing? 5.3% They must’ve had a tremendous lobby!
Yes, I know that the payroll tax is on businesses – the economic engine of our city. In case you haven’t noticed, business in the city is in peril. To further burden the business sector, including small business, with an additional tax is no way to stimulate the economy. You not only send a wrong message, but you impede the city’s recovery. Like I said, it’s a band-aid – a quick fix because leaders like you didn’t have the foresight to see the real problem staring you in the face.
And yes, you voted against the last property tax increase – but voted for the previous two.
As far “as sitting on the sidelines” as you call it, I think we can forgive a wet-behind-the ears twenty-something law school graduate who was already embroiled in fighting rampant over-development in his own neighborhood – a fight that his councilman’s office should’ve championed and led instead of SITTING ON THE SIDELINES waiting until the plan that the young man and others helped to formulate with the help of the Mayor’s administration was certified – from biting off more than he can chew.
But then again, maybe you’re right. Since I did champion that fight – and got meaningful results – maybe I should’ve taken on more of what you should’ve been doing by battling the MTA as well!
In closing, I do find your final comment particularly amusing, considering that everything I’ve ever done politically shows that I just don’t talk – I do. I promised not to quote my resume on sites like this, but you of all people know that first-hand. You admit that you”work” the system, don’t “work” the truth, too.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@, I wasn’t going to touch the whole payroll tax-congestion pricing issue, but…
I find it amazing that Councilman Fidler wants all of us to celebrate the fact that he suggested a TAX on working New Yorkers that amounts to a last minute band-aid used to “save” an essential service that has been mismanaged for years because he suggested it first as an alternative way to pay for NEW transportation alternatives that, while fanciful, were years in the offing to begin with, and that we now probably won’t see for many years.
Heavens forbid we attempt to fix the root of the problem in the MTA (after all, why bother? – “I only wish that I, as a municipal legislator facing a State authorized regional authority—had such a power”) – let’s just suggest taxes on people that State authorized regional authorities just happen to pick up on to soften another blow to the public so government can waste more money.
“Like taking a sledgehammer to a nail, broad income and payroll tax increases are a rough tool that can have unintended consequences on businesses, employment and family income. These measures may place special burdens on low and middle income residents.” http://www.edf.org/documents/7393_Alternatives_Congestion.pdf
Thanks again, Lew.
This is one more example of Lew “working” a broken system. Just like member items, just like the loophole that allowed term limits to be overturned. And he’s proud of it! (“I am proud that I worked this system. I am proud that I do it for you,†– http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/09/10/kings_courier/news/kings_courier_newstzazxia09102009.txt)
When is enough ENOUGH?
On to congestion pricing – Lew, your 9 point plan was not only unrealistic, but it wouldn’t have addressed congestion in the city at all! Your plan would have PROMOTED increased use of cars! That’s not me saying it, it’s the Pratt Center for Community Development (see link above with PDF) All your plan did was muddy the waters in the congestion pricing debate.
And your hydrogen car “dream” in this plan would not only costs our nation BILLIONS in changing over our fuel industry, but is considered the most expensive-least efficient alternative fuel vehicle (that’s from the Dept. of Energy, not me). And, it’s not coming anytime soon. While I never thought I’d see the day that you and President George W. Bush agree, I guess you do on hydrogen vehicles! And it looks like the Obama administration agrees with me! Talk about a switch! http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=rip-hydrogen-economy-obama-cuts-hyd-2009-05-08
So enough self-adulation for burdening our community with a tax-spend plan that doesn’t solve our real problems. After all, you’ve got more important things to worry about.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@Gene B.,
Gene,
There are so many inaccuracies in your diatribe that it is hard to know where to begin.
First, I have to admit to being confused as to your piosition on congestion pricing….for example you said you “probbly” would have voted against it….then argue strenuously FOR it. You cite numerous “facts” to say my plan was unworkable, but these “facts” were from lobbyists who were working FOR congestion pricing.
I voted for one property tax increase, and that was the one after 9/11 when the City was in dire straits. It was a tough call. How would you have filled a $6 billion budget hole? And pls don’t tell me simply by cutting waste…because $6 billion would have fired cops, teachers, firefighters, closed firehouses, closed senior centers and after school programs. When you are in office, you don’t get to vote “probably”.
BTW, I was publicly credited with leading the fight for a propertytax reduction two years ago. We reduced property tax rates by 7 1/2 percent, I cut that your Mayoral candidate reversed a eyar later…right after he reneged on sending folks their $400 property tax rebate check. As you recall, he only sent them out after I an d two of my Republican colleagues sued him.
As was demonstrated at the hearing of the Environmental Protection Committee, hydrogen fuel cells are highly practical. In fact, they are in broad use for bus service in several European countries and yes, your party’s standard bearer for Mayor, Mike Bloomberg, is even doing a hydrogen test for sanitation vehicles right now. Feel free to quote the pro-oil Bush Administration as to why we should not try to move to a system of vehicle fueling that is totally pollution free.
Your revisionist history on the SB Plumb Beach zoning is just that. The first person to call for a downzoning there was Steve Barrison. As a result of HIS call, I initiated a public debate as to how we could get it done. The record is clear that I was the first elected official to speak of it and advocate for it. I had BP Markowitz’ office directly involved and I believe Jon Benguet, Marty’s chief planner, came to SBPC before I heard a peep from you to discuss how we could get it done.
Back to the MTA, I absolutely did scream and yell about the MTA’s finances. And I am pleased that my candidate for Mayor, Bill Thompson, ALREADY HAS exposed the two sets of books at the MTA. Now, if we could get YOUR candidate for Mayor who has four appointees to the MTA Board to actually oppose any of the fare increases, two sets of books and huge cost overruns, that would be helpful.
I will not apologize for standing with working men and women like the Transit Workers. One of the important issues in that strike was the MTA’s desire to break a binding agreement with them and run the L train, which services Canarsie btw, without a live conductor on board. I would not and will not allow my constituents to be guinea pigs for proposals like this, to run the trains like they were some Lionel train set, by computer. It was far too dangerous. Do you not agree?
Finally, obviously my 9 point plan in response to congestion pricing was workable because we were able to avert a large fare increase and huge service cuts when it was implem,ented. Had it been implemented earlier, the threat never would ahve been raised.
As to taxing businesses, please see my co-sponsorship of legislation which would in fact reduce the tax burden on small business in this City thru comprehensive business tax reform. We have asked Albany to authorize it and we are awaiting State Senate action.
It is pontificating to say that you are going to use the bully pulpit to change things but offer no plans for actual change.
Gene, you are entititled to speak, you are entitled to your own opinion. What you are not entitled to is your own facts.
Please rest assured that when you re-write facts and revise history I will endeavor to correct the record.
Lew from Brooklyn
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@Lew from Brooklyn, Oh boy, here we go again… I’ll try to be brief because frankly, I don’t have the time to hold you by the hand through all of this.
1) Re: My position on congestion pricing – I said I would have voted against congestion pricing because I wasn’t sold on the technology to be used to track traffic – that does not diminish the fact that the Mayor’s plan has been recognized as the ONLY plan that actually reduced congestion, and that expeerts found that your plan promoted traffic, not prevented traffic.
2) Re: Hydrogen cars – I strongly believe in living “in the nowâ€, not in testimony from years ago. If Scientific American isn’t your cup of tea, try the NY Times – in May 2009 the U.S. Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu announced that since fuel cell hydrogen vehicles “will not be practical over the next 10 to 20 years”, the U.S. government will “cut off funds” for development of hydrogen vehicles, although the DoE will continue to fund research related to stationary fuel cells. The difficulties in the development of the required infrastructure to distribute hydrogen was also mentioned as a justification for cutting research funds. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/science/earth/08energy.html?_r=1
3) Re: SB Re-Zoning – Yes, you talked… and talked… and did nothing to further the neighborhood’s needs. SB/PB Civic gave you the benefit of the doubt for almost a year (even before I got involved) At one point, you didn’t even know what “downzoning†was and told the SB/PB Civic that you would get back to us with your position on it. You never did – not until we picked up the ball you dropped.
Let’s deal in fact:
I and other members of SB/PB Civic got the attention of DCP. You didn’t.
We organized walking tours with DCP and other City officials. You didn’t even bother to attend.
We took hundreds of pictures all over Sheepshead Bay and Plumb Beach. You didn’t.
We organized complaint files on each out-of character building complete with violations. You didn’t.
We confronted developers and contractors on the street about illegal dumping groundwater seepage, flooding basements, localized utility outages, had all kinds of foul words, and in some cases construction debris, hurled at us. You didn’t.
All of that work resulted in a certified plan that you had nothing to do with creating. Then we got 30 days shaved off the ULURP process by getting DCP to waive notice as applicant at the CB15 public hearing.
And then after all that work, you talked some more.
4) Re: MTA – it’s funny… when I looked up to research “Lew Fidler†and “transit Strike†and /or “TWUâ€, all that comes up is talk of you carrying the TWU’s banner and talk of how the Council leadership was silent on the matter. Guess you didn’t make as much noise as you think. And you choose to deflect your accountability in the TWU’s illegal strike by asking policy points in the abstract with no context – of course no one would want to have their constituency used as “guinea pigsâ€, but to point to that one issue alone in the context of the entire city of New York being held hostage by the TWU and the fact that you supported what amounted to an illegal activity
5) Regarding taxes – I was indeed mistaken. When I looked up the vote tallies on Gotham Gazette, I see that I read your vote incorrectly, and I admit when I’m wrong.
However, upon further review, you seem to vote “yes” to all kinds of taxes, including the sales tax (twice), the cell phone tax and the 911 phone fee. Apparently, the city can’t even fund 911 without charging us $1 per month! See: Gotham Gazette’s vote tallies.
And by the way Lew, I have no candidate for Mayor – I am not a politician or a cog in a political machine walking in lock step behind a standard bearer. I have no problem telling you, the Mayor or anyone for that matter that you all dropped the ball, and we had to pay for it with more taxes for less service. But if I choose to endorse someone, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know.
6) Re: Your Blessed Payroll Tax – This quote takes the cake – “Finally, obviously my 9 point plan in response to congestion pricing was workable because we were able to avert a large fare increase and huge service cuts when it was implem,ented. Had it been implemented earlier, the threat never would ahve been raised.â€
Forgive the John MacEnroe moment, but you cannot be serious!
You’re actually going to say that because you suggested a tax on businesses to pay for your fanciful, unrealistic, no-short-term-fix to traffic congestion that was ultimately used in a totally different emergency plan that had NOTHING to do with cutting congestion and EVERYTHING to do with bailing out the MTA money pit is proof positive that your congestion plan was realistic?
The spin going on here is dizzying!
One has nothing to do with the other – it was simply an expeditious cut-and-paste job that gave New Yorkers the “gift†of decreased service at a higher price , and it proves nothing about your plan to reduce congestion.
In closing, your comment about making up my own facts is – once again – amusing, considering that I provide source material while you provide rhetoric and chest-thumping about your resume. I at least admit when I’m mistaken, you’re still clinging to your hydrogen-mobile that’s 20 years in the offing.
If conversations like this prove anything, it’s the need for community debates – maybe even organized by a forum like GB.net.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@Gene B.,
Gene
There are so many inaccuracies in your comments above that I would have to stop being the Councilman to have the time to answer them all.
You might note that the fact that newspapers do not cover my every word to be a shock…but that does not mean that I did not take a position and speak out.
Your rendition of the SBPC downzoning is a work of fiction. I believe that I was the one who started the organization on the picture taking process. You might not know this as you admittedly were not there when I was first working on this…and no Gene one’s relatives are not a reliable source for your version of this reality.
Finally, rather than wax on about political lockstep, I am SURE that you would agree that the most important decision that the voters have to make in this election is who will be our next Mayor. Hey it is even more important than who the next Copuncilman is, well except to my mother….
So Gene, tell us once and for all….as the Republican Party candidate for the Council do you support the Republican Party candidate for Mayor, Mike Bloomberg? If not, who do you support? I thnk the voters are entitled to know…don’t you?
Lew from Brooklyn
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
@, Before I say who I’m supporting, I will say that my “revisionist” history comes from my own knowledge, experience and actions, not any relative. I was in the crowd for the whole re-zoning effort, and actively participated in most of it.
I think we both know that relatives and politics don’t mix, right?. Heck, friends and politics don’t mix!
Now, drumroll please…. I am personally undecided on my vote for Mayor because, despite the barrage of ads and mailings, I want to give Bill Thompson a fair shake and listen to his positions and ideas – despite the fact that he stole “eight is enough” from my campaign (which I stole from the popular 70s sitcom!). I would encourage all voters to do the same – to make an informed decision based on the issues most important to them.
My vote is the most powerful thing I have – which is why your vote to overturn my vote on term limits is so abhorrent to me.
I noticed that you didn’t respond to my suggestion for an online debate on this site – how ’bout it?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I agree – Less stops = Faster Service.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Don’t bother with the BM4 this week – the UN is in town.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Epic political battle between Lew and Gene above!
This is as good a place as any to offer an opinion about this website. This thread includes the comments of two candidates for the City Council. Lew Fidler, the incumbent, and Gene Berardelli, who would like to unseat Councilman Fidler.
As a reader of this website, you have a choice: You can either read what each has written, and offer your own opinion, or you can move on to another topic, or off the website itself. These are the options you have, just as you do, if you read the newspapers, or watch television or the radio. Radio is a good example, because there is controversy about “talk radio”. Personally, I find television a waste of time, so I don’t watch it. That’s simple enough. I don’t demand that television be censored, or froth at the mouth because I don’t care for what Letterman or Leno, or others have to say. I don’t watch them. As for radio, it too is a simple click and voila, it’s gone. With the knowledge that the number of “hits” on a website is the economic lifeblood of websites, one would think, if you don’t like what you read, you wouldn’t respond. Better still, don’t open to this site at all. I can tell you that one person is aware of that, and that person has been beating the drum for people to stop writing on this site, or even opening to it. Well, that person must be one of the best customers, since he knows, and comments on everything anyone writes. It’s sad! Sad, because he is asking for censorship. Under any other name, it is still censorship. I agree with those who think there should be stricter registration, and having discussed that with the owner of this site, can say, he made one substantial change. You should notice less profanity, because the terms that are barred from most media are now automatically modified or excluded from commentary. Those negative comments that appear, are endemic to this media format. Have you stopped reading the Daily News, NY Post, NY Times or any other publication you read, because someone has made outrageous comments on their respective blogs? Probably not. This community has not been hurt by this website. It may have suffered a wound because of the attention given to ‘wood chips’ (when is the last time you have even seen or heard that term)? A month or two? It’s time to move on. Get over it. Everyone in this community knows how much and for the most part, which, individuals have and continue to make contributions to our community. The greatest wound will be the day one person or several cause ‘censorship’ of any kind. For the most part, I can’t stand the NY Times, but I would be vehemently opposed to the government or anyone stopping the presses. I just don’t pay to read it. Not to say, I don’t occasionally take advantage of reading it online. The constant whining and threats (hidden or overt) are not in the best interest of our community. There is much to be done to maintain the best this community has to offer. Getting stuck at one point impedes progress. Use this website to our advantage. I already know, I am not to expect any help from one individual, so if you see me cutting grass in either of the community gardens and you want to help, come on in… If not, I can use the exercise. C’est le guerre.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I know it’s too late to change any plans but I wanted to share my experience. I only heard about the changes from reading this blog and as soon as I did, I wrote to all the elected officials someone listed on the previous post as well as the MTA – all via email on September 10, 2009. One of the questions I asked was why there was no notice of the changes in service. There was no posters, no emails, and at that point nothing on the MTA website. The MTA replied some nonsense about vandals ripping down notices – ridiculous but expected.
What I did not expect were the responses (or lack of responses) from the officials who all were sent basically the same letter:
1) Marty Golden had Joan Byrnes in his office send me a copy of the letter he sent to the MTA opposing the changes. I replied clarifying my actual questions and Ms. Byrnes looked into them all. In regards to the lack of information about the project she replied that, “The MTA informed the Community Board over two years ago.”
2) Marty Markowitz’s office replied to my questions on 9/18 by having someone in his office send me a copy of the letter from the MTA to CB 15 which explained the changes. I immediately replied clarifying my initial questions and concerns and have heard nothing since.
3) Lew Fidler replied on 9/11, “Thank you for your recent email regarding MTA issues. However, if you could provide me with your full name, home address and phone number in order to better address your concerns.” I replied immediately and have heard nothing since.
4) Alan Maisel replied on 9/24 – “Thank you for your correspondence concerning the B train. I have been working with Councilman fidler on this issue. He and I are trying to arrange a community meeting with MTA executives to resolve the problems people in Gerritsen Beach and Sheepshead Bay are having. I’ll keep you informed of our progress.” (That’s copied & pasted by the way.)
To date I have had no reply or even acknowledgement from: Carl Kruger, Steven Cymbrowitz, or Mike Nelson.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
[...] honesty, and Fidler has called Berardelli’s charges anti-semitic (here, here, and here). Meanwhile, Libertarian Party candidate Derek Sacerdote has been waging a grassroots campaign, [...]
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
[...] trading barbs in the comments section of Sheepshead Bites and GerritsenBeach.net (here, here, and here). They have discussed such issues as campaign financing, term limits, and discretionary funds, with [...]
Like or Dislike:
0 
0