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One-way conversion makes Jamaica Hills street safer

Councilman Rory Lancman is flanked by members of the Jamaica Muslim Center during the unveiling of a converted one-way street.
Photo courtesy of Assemblyman David Weprin

One street should be safer for Jamaica Hills pedestrians, thanks to a simple change in traffic flow.

Assemblyman David Weprin, City Councilman Rory Lancman, Department of Transportation representatives and community leaders were on hand Friday to reveal the conversion of 168th Street between Highland Avenue and Gothic Drive to a one-way street.

The block, which is adjacent to the Jamaica Muslim Center and one street away from Jamaica High School, previously had a two-way traffic flow.

Although officials had been working to institute the change since 2013, the cause gained wider support after a 16-year-old member of the Jamaica Muslim Center was struck in April 2014 by an oncoming car on the street.

The president of the religious center affected by last year’s accident was grateful for the community’s support.

“I would like to thank and congratulate our JMC members, community leaders, and all elected officials who helped us to fulfill our demand,” said JMC President Wahedhur Rahman.  “Our sincere thoughts and prayers are still with the young member of our center, who was seriously injured last year on this exact road.”

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