Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed on January 3, 2026, that he will advance a critical street safety plan for McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint, New York City. This initiative had previously faced significant setbacks during the administration of former Mayor Eric Adams and his former chief aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin.
The revitalized plan will introduce protected bike lanes in both directions along the boulevard, addressing longstanding safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. McGuinness Boulevard has been recognized as one of the city’s more hazardous routes, prompting advocacy for its redesign from local safety groups.
Commitment to Safety and Community Needs
During his announcement, Mamdani emphasized the city’s commitment to enhancing safety for residents, stating, “The city committed to a redesign of McGuinness Boulevard. That commitment promised to deliver the safety and improvements that residents had been asking for until the prior administration bowed to big money interests, leaving the project incomplete and Greenpointers still at risk. Today, however, there is a new mayor in City Hall.”
Under the new design, each direction of McGuinness Boulevard will feature one travel lane for motor vehicles, one parking-protected bike lane, and a vehicular parking and loading lane. Mamdani indicated that construction is expected to commence once weather conditions permit.
This decision comes after the Adams administration had made efforts to dilute the original safety proposal. Lewis-Martin is currently facing legal charges related to allegations that she accepted bribes from a local film production company in exchange for undermining the project. Both Lewis-Martin and the production company owners have pleaded not guilty to these charges.
Next Steps and Broader Commitment
Mamdani, who had pledged during his campaign to complete various public safety initiatives previously stalled by the Adams administration, reaffirmed his dedication to following through on these commitments. “I will just say, as someone who has been on the other side of DOT for many years, we actually mean this,” he remarked, generating laughter among the attendees.
The renewed effort for McGuinness Boulevard reflects a broader strategy by Mamdani to prioritize community safety and infrastructure enhancements in Greenpoint, signaling a shift in governance aimed at addressing the needs of the local population.
As plans progress, residents and advocates will be watching closely to ensure that the commitments made by the new administration translate into tangible improvements on the ground.
