Upper West Siders Oppose City’s Plan for E-Bike Charging Station in Chaotic Intersection
A plan by the city to install an e-bike charging station for delivery workers in a busy intersection on the Upper West Side has sparked opposition from local residents. The proposed “deliverista hub” would be located in the public plaza between Broadway, West 71st, and 72nd streets. Critics argue that the intersection is already congested with cars, subway commuters, and cyclists, and the lithium batteries used by e-bikes pose a fire risk.
Concerns Raised by Opponents
Opponents of the plan highlight the potential dangers of placing the charging station in such a chaotic location. Katina Ellison, co-leader of the West 71st St. Block Association, called the plan “preposterous” and emphasized the need for safety. The city Fire Department has also warned about the fire hazards associated with lithium batteries. The opponents believe that the proposed site is unsuitable and could endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and subway riders.
The Pilot Program
The deliverista hub is part of a pilot program introduced by Mayor Adams and Sen. Chuck Schumer to repurpose empty newsstands into charging and rest stations for the growing population of delivery drivers in New York City. The Broadway hub would be the first of its kind in the city.
Community Opposition
Community groups, including the West 68th, 71st, 72nd, 73rd, and 79th street block associations, as well as the NYC E-Vehicle Safety Alliance, have intensified their efforts against the plan. They have written to elected officials and distributed flyers to protest the proposed location. The coalition argues that the intersection is already complex, dangerous, and overcrowded, making it unsuitable for the deliverista hub.
Response from the City Parks Department
The city Parks Department has acknowledged the concerns raised by the community and stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of delivery workers, pedestrians, and commuters. They will present more formal design plans to the community board once they are ready.
Public Opposition
A Change.org petition opposing the hub has gained nearly 1,300 signatures to date. The petition calls for finding an alternative location that better serves the community and delivery personnel.
