More than a dozen subway stations in Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights are in line for a sprucing up, but residents had a clear reaction to the news: It’s about freakin’ time.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week allocated more than $18 million to begin designing rehabs for nine N-train and four D-train stations.
It is unclear when — or even whether — any actual construction work would be done, but residents and their elected officials were pleased that something was moving forward.
“I’m happy they’re starting something,” said Assemblyman William Colton. “But I hope it isn’t just a press release and nothing happens.”
The Assemblyman has been writing to the MTA for five years on behalf of his commuting constituents.
“They [the MTA] would promise me, [but] then basically just do patch up jobs,” Colton said.
This time will be different, the MTA said — though the tri-state transportation agency couldn’t say how.
“Since it is in the design phase, further details are not available at this time,” said MTA spokeswoman Deirdre Parker.
The N stations being studied are Eighth Avenue, Fort Hamilton Parkway, New Utrecht Avenue, 18th Avenue, 20th Avenue, Bay Parkway, Kings Highway, Avenue U and 86th Street. The D stations are Ninth Avenue, Fort Hamilton Parkway, 62nd Street, and Bay Parkway.
Riders throughout all three neighborhoods looked forward to a cleaner, if not smoother, ride.
“It’s horrible. You can see mold under the chipped paint,” said Louis DeJesus, who has been riding the N train to work for 14 years.
A fellow commuter agreed.
“There is always construction going on, but nothing changes,” said Meiuyerta Zhazitova. “The train comes on time, but the stations still look the same.”
Colton said the need for repairs were more than just skin deep.
“The stations have been a disaster for many years,” he said. “They all have structural damage.”
