Residents Protest Need For Safety Measures
As shown in the photo at left, the symbolic gesture was directed toward the Department of Transportation (DOT) to highlight the potential hazards along Fifth Street and the need for the city agency to introduce traffic calming measures along the busy Long Island City corridor.
“The traffic along 5th Street presents numerous hazards for hundreds of pedestrians and young children who cross this street every single day on their way to work and school,” said Van Bramer in a statement. “Without stop signs along this heavily trafficked corridor the chances of an accident happening are increasing each day that the DOT does not take action. I hope our efforts to erect our own stop sign are noticed by the DOT and that they take action on this hazardous issue before it’s too late.”
After numerous parents of young children from local pre-schools and nearby P.S. 78 as well as local resi- dents came forward to his office about this issue, Van Bramer contacted the DOT about the need to address this situation.
For over a year, the DOT has refused to introduce traffic calming measures along Fifth Street. As the local area continues to develop, with new apartment complexes, schools, and various other amenities sprouting throughout the neighborhood, the DOT’s street regulations have not kept up with the growing amount of pedestrian traffic.
Van Bramer stated that he will continue to push the DOT to address the situation, insisting they install stop signs along Fifth Street.
