By Gina Martinez
After years of request, Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Whitestone) has secured one-way conversions around PS 184 in Whitestone.
The Department of Transportation converted 21st Road to a westbound one-way street and 21st Avenue to an eastbound one way street in order to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestion during school dismissals.
This change comes after years of requests from the Whitestone elementary school, located on 163-15 21st Road. According to Vallone, the change has shown immediate positive results by improving the flow of traffic during dismissal time.
DOT also installed numerous new signs informing drivers of the changes at each corner surrounding the school. The eastbound turning lane on Francis Lewis Boulevard for 21st Road has also been closed off.
Vallone said the improvements will go a long way towards increasing the safety for all the students, parents and teachers of PS 184
“Working with Principal Dimilta and the DOT was critical in identifying and implementing these positive changes,” he said. “The safety of our kids always comes first and I applaud the DOT for their responsiveness to the concerns of the teachers and parents of the hundreds of students who attend this school.”
Anna Dimilta, principal of PS184, said the one-way conversion has been on a wish list for years and she has already noticed the changes.
“Councilman Vallone held a face-to-face meeting with the DOT back in the fall and at this meeting a time line for conversion was established,” she said. “The long-awaited safety measure was implemented and we have already begun to see the improved traffic conditions at entry and dismissal. This change ensures a safer traffic pattern around the school.”
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
