L train fix-up stirs lawsuit

WEST SIDERS are suing to keep the L train from shutting down, a year before the closure the MTA has planned to allow it to repair a critical East River subway tunnel.

The lawsuit from a coalition of West Side neighborhood groups says they fear the “fabric of their neighborhood disrupted” from buses, street closures, bike lanes, and limited car traffic on 14th St., according to the complaint.

The 48-page federal suit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and city Department of Transportation seeks to halt the closure, and funding to the repair project, arguing the agencies never completed a required environmental study.

The coalition, represented by attorney and West Village resident Arthur Schwartz, also includes disability advocacy groups because only two of the closed L train stations will get elevators to make them accessible.

Transportation officials said the agencies are complying with regulations.

“We don’t think the suit has merit,” Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said. “We think that the city and the MTA have done the appropriate due diligence.”