Brooklyn-Queens Connector Streetcar Plans Released

"The de Blasio administration today released plans for its Brooklyn-Queens Connector, a streetcar officials envision running along the waterfront between the two boroughs," reports Joe Anuta.

"The original streetcar was expected to cost $2.5 billion and run roughly 16 miles between Astoria, Queens, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn. But the updated plan calls for a shorter route to Gowanus instead and will cost $2.7 billion," according to Anuta.

The plans for the Brooklyn-Queens Connector has been through the ringer since Mayor Bill de Blasio first pitched the idea in early 2016 and as the idea took shape throughout the year. As recently as May of this year, however, Mayor de Blasio was leaving the streetcar out his own budget and speculation about the demise of the project was common.

Anuta's coverage of the latest iteration of the plan explains a lot more detail about the challenges facing the project.