Jackson Heights Life

Indeed, this forum post perfectly encapsulates the futility. OP didn't ask "Can anyone please answer why the ave is
closed when it is pitch black out at 7:00 on a cold night?" because OP really wanted an answer for why. OP already knows why. It's just that OP disagrees with the answer, and instead of wanting to come to some kind of understanding other people's POV on the subject, just wants an opportunity to tell the people who answer they are wrong.

It's transparent, and is an example of a bad faith discussion.

Quote from: ChickenringNYC on December 08, 2021, 11:36:00 PM

Hooray for following a post with a reply!

Years ago, on this forum I noticed something. That no-one ever changes their mind. Ever.  No matter how much debate or logic or persuasion by posters. I believe that in the history of the internet, not a single person has been swayed by the arguments of another poster.

I have to disagree.

Not everyone knows everything all the time. People can and do change their minds all the time. The key is in the presentation and reputation of the presenter.

you are absolutely correct that no one ever changes their mind, nor does anyone ever admit to a misstep. you are the poster person for that truism. bravo/a.

Calling for truces and still baiting people?

since it's winding down, can you please point to one instance where you've changed your mind? do you still believe that we need to decommission LGA?

yes or no, please. not a 250 word smirk.

 As the OP, I've changed my mind plenty. Often issues are presented on this forum and other sources of news and info that do help one sift through the morass. On the particular topic here of the 34th Ave Open Streets, I do feel that facts from the DOT are useless and the many forums and meetings have been mostly a waste of time. The lack of knowledge of the particulars of the were appalling by DOT staff and Jason and others who are paid to smooth things over but not solve anything that is a particular annoyance. Not sure who is responsible but that's another thread. If the proposed idea about closing Northern Blvd to regular vehicular traffic as proposed by another elected goes anywhere, I hope there is a public forum in which to comment on that.

 As for changes, I do see some areas where the Open Streets are good as in the morning when the many schools on 34th Ave are inundated with students and parents and it is a zoo, much worse in bad weather too. This opening IS good and helpful. But the thirteen hours!! Just no because it's not needed and not used. It just isn't no matter how much people want to say otherwise and cameras posted (which the DOT hasn't done yet) would detail high/low traffic.

 For the tired residents of 34th ave and nearby streets, it's too much. For those who live a few blocks away who think it's swell, I like to ask what if they closed off your street and dogs peed and pooed everywhere and it became a hazard for less mobile residents and oh god, the dreaded motorized bikes...and they say "Oh my street couldn't close for this or that reason" or people wouldn't like that street to be closed...and so on. You don't hear a loud level of complaining much because most of the people adversely affected are weary, working class residents who feel the time they would take out of their lives to say their thoughts would be a waste of their time. The heavily networked folks - yes, me and Obama like saying folks - are the super loud voices here.
 
  The little guys are being overlooked and even though some think this is not true and that these comments are obviously biased, I stand by them and do think there is value in repeating the issues. Courage to speak your values is something we could use more of and I personally like a thoughtful debate. FYI two other topics were hotly debated here over the years that did change and one was the use of our many private co-op gardens (which are never counted in the green space debate btw) being available to use for children. And also the segregation of our public schools in JH which is awful for the being touted as such a diverse area, but not now, finally, a mom from IS145 is actively opening that debate again. So change might be slow but it happens.

I do feel that facts from the DOT are useless

21st century right there folks.

facts are useless. feelings are more important.