A Big Win for Third Avenue! | September 10, 2026

We’re excited to share a major win for Third Avenue: NYC DOT has removed the

proposed truck routes on Third Avenue and 86th Street from its final citywide truck

route plan.

NYC DOT proposed designating Third Avenue from 65th Street to 86th Street, and 86th

Street from Third Avenue to Fort Hamilton Parkway, as local truck routes, which would

have significantly changed our commercial and residential corridor.

The Merchants of Third Avenue Civic Improvement Association (MoTA) strongly

advocated against the proposal and helped lead a coordinated community response by

partnering with Brooklyn Community Board 10, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID and the

86th Street Bay Ridge BID to oppose the proposed truck route on behalf of our

merchants and community. Our concerns included increased truck traffic along an

already congested two-lane corridor, pedestrian and traffic safety, schools and other

sensitive locations along the route, and the effect on outdoor dining, community events

and everyday business activity.

MoTA member David Baloche took the lead in preparing the comprehensive written

opposition that documented and articulated these concerns. The joint submission

formally requested that both Bay Ridge segments be removed.

And our voices were heard. In its final Notice of Adoption, DOT stated that, based on

significant opposition from the surrounding community, it removed both proposed Bay

Ridge truck-route additions. You can view the final Notice of Adoption here .

This is exactly why a strong merchants association matters: when an issue affects our

corridor, we can come together, advocate with one voice, get results and make sure that

we are heard. MoTA is a nonprofit volunteer organization, and membership is open to

businesses and residents on Third Avenue and on side streets adjacent to Third Avenue. If

you are eligible, we invite you to join and be part of that voice:

https://www.merchantsofthirdave.com/join .

Thank you to everyone who came together to make this happen, with special thanks to

David Baloche, Brooklyn Community Board 10, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID, and the

86th Street Bay Ridge BID!

Craig A. Eaton, Esq.

Eaton & Torrenanzo Attorneys at Law

– James D. Vavas | President, Merchants of Third Avenue