BY EMMA MILLER
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer joined students, parents and faculty from P.S. 343 in Sunnyside on Thursday, Sept. 6, to celebrate a new traffic signal.
The signal was installed last week on 42nd Street and 47th Avenue across from the elementary school. It was activated on Aug. 29.
“This intersection is closest to our school and connects us to our local park and library,” said Principal Brooke Barr. “Adding this signal will greatly increase safety for everyone traveling to and from our building.”
Van Bramer said that he had been pushing for a light to be installed since the school opened in 2014. He and Principal Barr expressed thanks to the NYC Department of Transportation for acting on their concerns.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children and it’s about time that these lights were activated to make this school zone safer,” said Van Bramer. “The new traffic signal will undeniably ease the fears of everyone who crosses that busy intersection to and from P.S. 343, Noonan Playground and the multiple apartment buildings in its vicinity.”
Parent Coordinator Clara Oza agreed. “I could not have asked for a better start to a new school year, knowing that my families will be safe coming and going to school,” she said.
On Twitter, Van Bramer said he was “Thrilled to join PS 343 students, parents, and faculty to celebrate the activation of traffic signals at 42nd St & 47th Ave. The new lights will undeniably improve the safety of children and families as they cross to and from PS 343. A great victory for #Sunnyside!”
Also present to celebrate the new safety measures was Senator Michael Gianaris and a representative for Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan.
