Brooklyn communities have been requesting a tunnel for almost the same reasons as the Miller Highway Project except that Brooklyn is far more concerned about social issues: The reconstruction of the Gowanus Expressway using outdated technology would cause great harm to the surrounding community in terms of life and health safety. A recent study links the Gowanus Expressway to the high rate of asthma in the area's children. Rebuilding the Gowanus in place, would perpetuate dangerously poor air quality, isolation of communities, and traffic congestion.

Mobility is essential to NYC's economy and social well being. As a critical link in the interstate highway system, the Gowanus should have the best technology, which is clearly a bored tunnel alternative. Though NYS DOT's planners now seem to have accepted the reality of many of the community's contentions about the feasibility and desirability of a Gowanus Tunnel, they have done so only after considerable independent input and information and considerable pushing from the communities and public interest planning organizations. Brooklyn communities have been persistently showing their support for the construction of a tunnel to replace the Gowanus Expressway, while NYSDOT remains resistive.

The affected communities have called for NYS DOT to agree to the following:

1. An independent study of the bored tunnel option, by an outside research organization well versed in the latest innovative tunnel boring technologies.
2. An interstate - 278 corridor study to ensure that the choice made for the Gowanus is compatible and coordinated with other highway decisions, and that the whole package is designed to be the most cost effective, community compatible program.
3. And finally, a community technical advisor to give communities an independent check and resource in interpreting technical information.