Questions for District 33 Candidates

We asked the candidates for NYC Council District 33 about their candidacy as relates to our neighborhood. At this time, we have not heard back from Sabrina Gates' campaign. Below is current Councilman Lincoln Restler's response.

1. Why should DUMBO residents consider voting for you?

It's been an honor to serve our community as Council Member since January 2022. I've passed legislation to protect workers, improve transit, and confront the climate crisis. I’ve pushed to fully fund 3-K and Pre-K, delivered better services for seniors, and approved thousands of new truly, affordable apartments to track the affordability crisis. I’ve also invested millions in capital upgrade projects for our schools - including brand new school yards and playgrounds for PS 8 & PS 307. As part of our District 33 Climate Plan, I’m planting thousands of trees across the district. And I’ve pushed to revitalize open spaces -  like the Pearl Street Triangle, and coming soon, Anchorage Plaza. My office has also resolved hundreds of constituent cases for residents in DUMBO, from getting vendors off the Brooklyn Bridge, to adding more trash cans, and making traffic improvements. 

2. What issues do you think you can help DUMBO address and how?

I know that the increase in tourism has continued to create quality of life issues for some DUMBO residents. I have pushed for increased coordination from city agencies to help control illegal vending and other issues. I have been pushing City Hall and NYPD leadership on this and am also exploring legislative solutions that will ensure tourism hot-spots like DUMBO get the support needed. I am committed to continuing to work closely with DUMBO residents to ensure that everyone can enjoy the neighborhood. 

I have worked to keep the $100M sewer & water infrastructure restoration on track and know it will be a big relief for DUMBO residents when work is finally completed this fall. This project will significantly strengthen DUMBO resiliency. 

I am also happy that DUMBO has been selected to be a “Slow Zone” and am looking forward to the Department of Transportation completing its long anticipated DUMBO / Vinegar Hill transportation study to help limit congestion and improve mobility for all. 

The situation at the York Street F station remains unacceptable. The number of riders at the station grows each year, but the fact that there is only one entrance poses safety risks for our community. The estimated price tag to add a second entrance is hefty - approximately $500M - but we must push the MTA for additional stairwells and improve safety and expand egress options for riders.

3. What do you love about our neighborhood?

I have been loving DUMBO since I was hanging out in the neighborhood when I was a kid. DUMBO is a beautiful neighborhood and a wonderful community. I love the parks, the restaurants, the arts, and the people who make DUMBO great. As much as the neighborhood has changed over the years, I still love many of the same things from when I was young - like grabbing sweets at Almondine, visiting artist studios and walking around the cobblestone streets.