New and additional street lights are needed for a poorly lit underpass in Ozone Park that is “potentially dangerous” for residents to walk through at night, said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
“This dark and dangerous underpass poses a threat to the children and families in the community and is a welcome sign for criminal behavior,” said Goldfeder. “Our families deserve to feel safe walking in their own neighborhoods and I’m urging the Department of Transportation to immediately install lights to help give every resident the peace of mind they deserve.”
The pathway Goldfeder is singling out is between 99th and 100th streets on Rockaway Boulevard, which passes under the elevated A train tracks. He said that the current fixtures that provide light do not work and that even when they do, they wouldn’t provide adequate lighting for the area. He has written to the Department of Transportation in hopes that they will fix the problem that he calls “troubling and dangerous.”
“When I arrive home every night from work, I use the pathway to get to my house,” said local resident Shaki Kar. “There are no street lamps there and it’s dark and covered in litter and graffiti. I know people who have gotten robbed there in the past. I feel very unsafe.”
The assemblyman encouraged the agency to work with the MTA, which owns the tracks, to perform any necessary maintenance at the site.
He said that the area is home to many local businesses and is also near two public schools – M.S. 137 America’s School of Heroes and John Adams High School – making the situation particularly dangerous for students walking home from school.
“No one should have to fear for their safety while walking home at night,” said Goldfeder. “We live in a great community where people feel safe to live and raise a family. When problems like this underpass arise, it’s important to address them as soon as possible and maintain the quality of life we enjoy.”
As of press time the DOT did not respond for a request of comment on the situation.
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