A city plan aimed at improving street safety and transportation efficiency is facing growing opposition in Crown Heights, where some residents say their concerns are being overlooked.

The proposal includes the creation of a bike boulevard along a 10-mile corridor along Bergen and Dean streets and a previously announced plan by the MTA to reroute the B65 bus, removing stops along that route.

City officials have said the projects are intended to improve safety and create faster, more reliable bus service.

For residents like Caitilin Rose, who says more than 2,000 people have signed a petition opposing the plans, the debate is about more than bike lanes and bus routes.

"Most of the neighborhood is saying we don't need this," Rose said. "It would actually make our neighborhood more dangerous, because it's like when you look at these protected bike lanes, who are they protecting?"

Opponents argue that the proposed redesign could disproportionately affect older adults, people with disabilities, and others who depend on nearby bus stops and available parking. They also question whether the city is placing too much emphasis on cycling infrastructure without adequately considering other forms of environmentally friendly transportation.

"They paint this picture that they're doing this for the environment," Rose said. "Why only one form of transportation? Why bikes only when you can only ride them in good weather? There are electric cars. I own an EV because I always have cared about the environment."

Felicia Miller, a Crown Heights resident who drives, bikes and takes public transit, says she's concerned about how the changes could affect everyday life.

"I was shocked and surprised," Miller said. "I didn't realize there was a problem. If there's a history of problems, show me."

Miller also worries about the practical impacts on families who rely on vehicles for larger trips, including grocery shopping.

Another major concern among residents is the potential loss of parking spaces, an issue they say is already challenging in a neighborhood with multiple Citi Bike stations located throughout the area.

"We want solutions that work for everyone," Rose said. "We don't dislike bikers. I do feel it's almost like we're being pitched against each other. That’s a false narrative.”

The Department of Transportation provided this statement on the matter: “We are developing a bike boulevard on Bergen and Dean so both school children and older New Yorkers can navigate these streets safely, with the joint goal of also supporting fast and reliable buses. We have begun engaging the community both virtually and in person and look forward to future public outreach as we continue to develop this concept."

NYC DOT also says it will be holding two virtual workshops for members of the public to provide feedback on the corridors. The meetings will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Community members can register for the workshops here.

Still, petition organizers remain skeptical about whether public input could lead to significant changes to the proposal, which is currently scheduled to begin its first phase of implementation in 2027.