By —Karen Zraick
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has investigated a number of complaints by Dyker Heights residents about traffic signals, and small changes in some spots are on the way. Locals made their concerns known to DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall at the April Dyker Heights Civic Association meeting, and at the group’s last meeting, President Fran Vella-Marone gave an update. The department will be adding a left-turn light for northbound vehicles on 7th Avenue near 65th Street. Studies are underway for 12th Avenue and 76th Street, where the department is considering removing the traffic light, and 13th Avenue at 81st Street, where one may be added. A request to remove Sunday meters on 86th Street east of Bay 7th Street is also being considered. Despite complaints about the signals at 12th and Ovington avenues and 13th Avenue and 79th Street, the DOT found no problems. The updates were outlined in a May 6 letter sent to Vella-Marone by DOT Borough Commissioner Lori Ardito. But some locals still have big complaints. The hill on 11th Avenue between 79th and 80th streets is a major concern, since it limits visibility. And resident Donna Doyle complained that there is only one stop sign on the avenue between 86th and 75th streets, making it something of a local speedway. “We need to slow it down,” she said, noting that she frequently sees speeding in the area—and that she has a family member who had a terrible traffic accident on the block. “I can’t tell you how many accidents have occurred,” she said. Just a couple weeks ago, she added, a car ended up on her neighbor’s front yard after a crash. Vella-Marone suggested that the 12th Avenue traffic lights have sent motorists to 11th Avenue, and is bringing up the concerns about 11th Avenue with the DOT to figure out the best solution.
