By Connor Adams Sheets
A College Point intersection will be a little safer soon due to the efforts of state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside).
The legislator announced last week that a traffic light was scheduled to be installed at the juncture of 127th Street and 11th Avenue by the end of October.
The state Department of Transportation approved the plan to install the traffic device there in response to a slew of requests from residents who replied to his “civic action checklist” in order to request the life-saving equipment.
After collecting the checklists, which constituents filled out in order to let Avella know about concerns they have in their neighborhoods, Avella set out to remedy the traffic situation at the intersection after fielding a number of complaints.
He contacted the DOT, which initiated a traffic study early this month. As a result of the study, the DOT determined that a light was necessary to improve driving conditions and increase safety in the surrounding area.
“I am pleased that DOT has determined that this heavily trafficked intersection merits the installation of additional controls. As a result, both residents and motorists in this area will benefit from increased traffic safety,” Avella said in a statement.
Whitestone resident Pat Colalillo, who often visits his cousin who lives on 127th between 10th and 11th avenues, said Friday that a light will be good for the neighborhood.
“It’s a good idea,” he said. “People want to get to work at rush hour and they’re late and so they speed. It’s good to have a light there.”
Colalillo said the fact that the intersection is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood near St. Agnes High School, PS 129, Powell’s Cove Park and Spa Castle makes it a priority that something be done to address traffic issues centered there.
He said he and his cousin have often seen drivers zip through the neighborhood without watching or slowing down for children on their way to and from school or for other cars on the road.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
