De Blasio's L Train Press Conference Flummoxes Reporters

EAST WILLIAMSBURG, NEW YORK — If locals were confused about Mayor Bill de Blasio’s appearance on a Brooklyn street corner Tuesday afternoon, they were not alone. The hoard of reporters that joined the mayor on his L train ride to Brooklyn waited patiently for him to explain why the event was being held.

But when de Blasio offered no updates on mitigation plans for the L train shutdown, Politico reporter Dana Rubinstein asked for a clarification.

“How would you characterize the purpose of this press conference?”

“Of this press conference?” De Blasio replied. “To tell people in the communities affected that the city of New York is ready.”

But few locals were able to participate in the event, as it was guarded by blue barriers and NYPD officers who blocked off the plaza at the corner of Grand Street and Bushwick Avenue.

The mayor's response also conflicted with an earlier contention that New Yorkers already understood and accepted the difficulties the 15-month shutdown of the Canarsie Tunnel would present.

"It must be done so that the L train can work in the future for everyone, and I think New Yorkers understand that," de Blasio said. "They understand that sometimes it's better to get the job done once and for all."

The Mayor went on to assure residents of East Williamsburg, a landlocked neighborhood, they could rely on East River ferries to provide an L train alternative, as well as an increased select bus service and additions to biking infrastructure, such as pedal-assist bikes and new bike lanes.

De Blasio rode the L train to the Grand Street station press conference and during his trip one straphanger tried to quiz the mayor about shutdown specifics.

"This is a very big deal," de Blasio told the man. "We're gonna make sure there are plans in place to make sure people can get around."

De Blasio was joined by Brooklyn city council members Antonio Reynoso, Raphael Espinal and Stephen Levin, all of whom repeatedly thanked the mayor for coming to Brooklyn.

Before the event, a representative from the Mayor’s office declined to tell Patch what the purpose of the press conference was, stating only that we would have to attend the event to find out.

Photo by Kathleen Culliton