Senator Squadron and Council Member Chin Call on DOT to Improve Safety on Delancey Street

New York, NY – Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Council Member Margaret Chin called on the Department of Transportation to address the serious safety concerns on the Delancey Street corridor. 

In a letter to DOT (also below), Senator Squadron and Council Member Chin highlighted the fatal accident on Delancey and Chrystie Streets last week as the latest reminder of the need to immediately improve safety conditions on the thoroughfare.

Senator Squadron said, “Each tragedy is a clarion call that we need more safety improvements now. Last year’s Department of Transportation improvements were a welcome step – but Delancey remains one of the most dangerous streets in this city.  I will continue to work with the community, DOT, NYPD, and my colleagues in government to make these dangerous intersections -- and all of our streets -- safe for bikers, pedestrians and all types of users”

 “The dangerous conditions on Delancey cannot continue unabated,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “The number of accidents between pedestrians and motor vehicles on Delancey is unacceptable. The Lower East Side neighborhood is growing and attracting more foot traffic. We need to work with DOT, NYPD, experts and residents to develop solutions that are in line with the needs of the community, and most importantly, keep people safe.” 

In May, after a pedestrian fatality at the intersection of Delancey and Essex Streets, Senator Squadron and Council Member Chin joined Transportation Alternatives in calling on DOT to fix what has been named one of the deadliest intersections in the city. 

From 2008-2010, there were 523 motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Delancey and Essex Streets, 134 of which involved pedestrians and cyclists, according to DOT records.

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Media Contact: Amy Spitalnick (Squadron) - 212-298-5565 / Kelly Magee (Chin) - 212-788-7259