Several Queens legislators joined by civic leaders are calling on the Department of Transportation to address dangerous traffic conditions along a section of Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.
In a joint letter sent to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Feb. 9, Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr, Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Community Board 6 Chair Heather Beers-Dimitriadis urge the agency to install a new traffic light and crosswalk at the intersection of 72nd Road and Metropolitan Avenue.
The letter comes after the legislators say that they have received numerous reports of the intersection being dangerous for pedestrians looking to cross the street, according to Hevesi’s office. Furthermore, they note, that there is a lack of traffic controls at that segment of the busy stretch.
Although there are already nine traffic lights on Metropolitan Avenue leading up to 72nd Road, the distance immediately after the residential area, and across the street from the Cinemart Cinemas, is left without a safe crosswalk for pedestrians, the letter says.
Hevesi, who represents Forest Hills as part of his district, says the addition of a traffic light at this section of the roadway will help create a safe environment for nearby residents.
“There is a bevy of traffic controls along this entire stretch, with stop lights sometimes appearing less than one or two blocks apart. Based on what is being reported and what we’ve assessed independently, we think similar measures can and should be extended to the entire corridor,” Hevesi said.
Schulman too backed the calls for a traffic light and crosswalk at the intersection, citing safety concerns for pedestrians.
“Mobility is a fundamental part of making our city function for everyone, which is why it is important for DOT to take a look at providing safeguards for pedestrians on Metropolitan Avenue,” Schulman said.
