By Kathianne Boniello
A Clearview Expressway pedestrian bridge where a Bayside boy was accidentally killed in August 2000 was officially named after the young victim last week when Gov. George Pataki signed legislation designating the overpass “Christopher’s Crossing.”
Pataki’s signature came on Aug. 20 and was the last step in the legal process to name the bridge for 11-year-old Christopher Scott, who was killed Aug. 17, 2000 after riding his bicycle across the pedestrian overpass. Christopher was struck by a car as he attempted to cross the southbound Clearview Expressway service road at 46th Avenue. The driver was not charged.
Christopher’s death was the second fatality at the 46th Avenue pedestrian bridge. In 1994 John Shim, 10, was killed in the same spot in a similar automobile accident.
Christopher’s family had pushed to name the bridge “Christopher’s Crossing” as a way to remind people to be cautious of the dangers in that area.
State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) and state Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza (D-Bayside) had sponsored the “Christopher’s Crossing” legislation.
“Although it’s a year since Christopher’s death, many still remember the little boy who touched them during his short life,” Padavan said. “By signing this bill, Gov. Pataki has made certain that not only his friends and family will remember him, but everyone who uses ‘Christopher’s Crossing’ will.”
Padavan said in a news release that he would forward the pen used by Pataki to sign the legislation as well as a bill certificate to Christopher’s family.
Christopher Scott’s death has been a lightening rod for the Bayside community, which has rallied for changes at the accident site.
While residents continue to push for a stop sign or traffic light at the intersection of the service road and 46th Avenue, the city Department of Transportation has steadily declined, citing two traffic studies that show the service road is lightly used.
The DOT did make some changes to the area around the pedestrian bridge, including cutting back shrubbery obstructing the view of the service road from the bridge, signs and stanchions to push traffic away from the entrance to the overpass. The DOT also banned bike riding on the overpass, a rule often ignored by those who use the bridge.
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
