March 31, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
A group of local parents have launched a petition for a new stop sign and crosswalk near a school in Hunters Point to increase child safety, garnering nearly 100 signatures.
The petition launched Monday by concerned parents has generated 94 signatures that call on the Department of Transportation to install a stop sign and crosswalk at the intersection of 51st Avenue and 5th Street, about a block from Hunters Point Community Middle School.
The petition sites safety concerns for children who attend the nearby school, and states, “NYC Vision Zero promises to protect our children with every tool possible, and this change will help protect our children from traffic as they walk from the subway to school.”
This particular spot has been a point of contention between the community and DOT for several years. Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer has called on DOT to add a stop sign at the intersection in the past, and installed a “people’s stop sign” made of cardboard in January.
“For years, we have called for a stop sign at this dangerous intersection to stop preventable and potentially deadly accidents,” Van Bramer said. “I continue to stand with concerned parents and community members who are calling on DOT to do their job and protect the safety of our children and families from speeding cars and reckless drivers.”
The DOT has responded to these requests by stating that it has studied the intersection but its data indicated that a stop sign wasn’t needed based on nationally recognized standards.
“DOT is, however, in the process of looking into other enhancements in this area and will be in touch with stakeholders,” said a DOT spokesperson in response to questions about the petition request.
For more information, the petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/new-york-city-department-of-transportation-install-a-stop-sign-and-crosswalk-at-51st-avenue-5th-street-in-lic
