By Alexander Dworkowitz
Residents living off Willets Point Boulevard in Whitestone are set to receive a new traffic signal by May, a spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation said.
After being pushed by local residents, the city Department of Transportation began studying the intersection of Willets Point Boulevard and 16th Avenue in August.
Upon completing the study in November, the DOT determined that the volume of traffic at the intersection called for a traffic signal.
“We found that a traffic signal was warranted at this intersection,” said Lorelie Palmer, a spokeswoman for the DOT.
Palmer said further study of the intersection, including the exact placement of the lights, was needed, pushing the date of the installation of the light for sometime in May.
Democratic Councilman Tony Avella (D-Whitestone), who was just sworn-in to represent District 19, joined residents in asking for the DOT to make the study.
“It’s a busy intersection,” said Avella. “It’s also a dangerous intersection.”
Palmer hesitated to call the intersection dangerous. She said four accidents had occurred at the intersection in 1999 and three accidents in 2000. One accident took place at the intersection in 2001.
Palmer said the installation of the signal is “because of volume, not because of accidents.”
James Marsanico, the manager of Clearview Gardens, a housing development along Willets Point Boulevard, was pleased with the change to the intersection.
“This light will certainly increase safety for the residents of Clearview Gardens,” said Marsanico.
Rose Bowsky, who lives on Willets Point Boulevard between 16th and 17th avenues, said 16th Avenue did not mark the first time residents fought for a traffic signal.
“We fought for the 17th Avenue traffic light for 18 years,” said Bowsky.
According to Bowsky, the signal on 17th Avenue was installed about five years ago.
But Bowsky said the 17th Avenue signal, although welcome, created further problems.
“With the 17th Avenue light, people sped through 16th Avenue to beat the light,” she said.
Bowsky said other traffic signals were needed in the area.
“We desperately need one at 19th Avenue and Utopia,” she said. “Kid cross there all the time, and it’s a dangerous place to cross.”
Avella said he thought traffic in the area merited further study.
“We need to take a comprehensive look at how the city deals with traffic in our community,” he said. “The new light is a step in the right direction.”
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 141.
