Sponsored by AARP
The countdown to election day is ticking on. Brooklyn’s District 47 is under six weeks away from deciding their next city council representative. Brooklyn Paper spoke with candidates, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso to discuss their thoughts on transportation accessibility and affordability.
Q: Given that only 28% of NYC subway and Staten Island Railway stations are fully accessible under the ADA, what specific policies or initiatives do you support to accelerate the subway system’s accessibility improvements, especially in neighborhoods serving many aging residents?
Santosuosso: It is critical that we increase ADA accessibility as soon as possible, particularly for our older adults, parents pushing strollers, and disabled New Yorkers. It is, of course, the law, and we must do everything we can to be in compliance. I will work with my colleagues on the state level and fight hard to ensure that the transit infrastructure in our communities is not overlooked.
Sarantopoulos: I will continue to bring attention to and support the Access-A-Ride program while NYC Subways become ADA compliant. I believe that the MTA should prioritize making Subway stations in neighborhoods with a high concentration of elderly individuals.
Q: Many older New Yorkers rely on public transportation for daily activities, yet accessibility remains a challenge. How would you propose to enhance last-mile solutions, such as accessible bus stops, curb cuts, and shuttle services, to better serve aging residents in your district?
Santosuosso: I would push for more bus shelters, or at minimum, benches at our bus stops. Unfortunately riders are often waiting for a bus for upwards of 20 minutes, if not more. And while we should be improving bus service, in the meantime riders should be able to sit while waiting.
We also need to make sure that the Access-A-Ride system is fully funded and managed with the highest degree of efficiency and safety. My time as a Law Department attorney made me aware of the many accidents that occur in Access-a-Ride vehicles. We need to ensure there is proper oversight so that seniors who use this critical service are not in danger.
Sarantopoulos: As the MTA redesigns its Brooklyn bus routes I will follow and make sure our district does not lose access to its critical local stops.
Q: Funding and infrastructure upgrades are often complex and lengthy processes. What strategies would you advocate for to secure dedicated funding and streamline construction timelines to rapidly improve transportation accessibility in underserved areas?
Santosuosso: I would use my oversight power, and bully pulpit, to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget. I have spent my entire career working with city and state agencies and public authorities, and developing strong professional relationships with people at all levels of government. I will communicate early and often to secure funding for much needed projects, and keep the pressure on to ensure projects are completed as designed and budgeted. Taxpayer dollars should not be wasted away on endless vanity projects. It’s my goal to build lasting public works and necessary infrastructure upgrades that will improve the quality of life of New Yorkers.
Sarantopoulos:As for infrastructure upgrades, I am for using all comprehensive options including capital budgets, working with the mayor, and the speaker to ensure our district gets the investments it needs. Regardless of party, and location each councilman gets an equal amount of capital and discretionary funding, and I want to make sure infrastructure is prioritized.
