Pedestrian Safety Concerns at Riis Houses​

Recently I’ve heard concerns from a number of my constituents who live in Jacob Riis Houses about vehicles speeding across 10th Street, which cuts through the complex between Avenue D and the FDR Drive. There are currently no clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks or traffic signs on the block or the traffic circle that bisects it, which is used by a significant number of children, seniors and other residents as the central connector between the north and south sides of the complex. On July 24, I was joined by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Borough President Gale Brewer, Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh and Council Member Rosie Mendez in writing to the Department of Transportation requesting data on traffic accidents on the block, a traffic study and appropriate mitigations to protect Riis Houses residents and others who use the thoroughfare. Please see our letter below.