The Metropolitan Transportation Authority plans to install an elevator system at the Smith-9th Street subway station in Gowanus, according to local authorities.
At nearly 90-feet above ground level, the station is the tallest in New York City and serves the F and G lines.
“Every day, New Yorkers hike the stairs up this station like they’re climbing Mount Everest, struggling to catch the train on time," state Senator Andrew Gounardes said in a statement. "And if you use a wheelchair, push your child in a stroller, travel with luggage or simply struggle climbing the stairs, forget about it. With elevators coming to the Smith-9th Street station, that’s finally going to change. It’s simple: The subway belongs to every New Yorker, and it should be accessible to every New Yorker.”
For NYCHA residents in Red Hook, the Smith-9th is the only and closest subway station—and without elevators, said Karen Blondel, Red Hook Houses West Resident Association President. "It's a daily struggle," she said.
Climbing the tallest station in the system shouldn’t be an endurance test, said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.
"This is so important for our NYCHA community, especially our seniors," said Francis Brown, Red Hook Houses East Resident Association President. "This station is our connection to the rest of the city, and to our jobs, our schools, our doctors, and so much more."
Right now, the climb to the subway platform can be a barrier, instead of a connector, Brown said.
“No station better demonstrates the need for accessibility than Smith-9th St., the highest point in the entire subway system, and we’re excited to start work there and throughout the borough soon,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo.
