Squadron Calls for Accessibility Improvements to Seven Intersections in Chinatown

Squadron's Letter to DOT Asks for Improvements to Pedestrian Ramps and Crosswalk Markings, Removal of Obstructions

Over 90 Intersections Surveyed to Assess Needs

MANHATTAN – State Senator Daniel Squadron today sent a letter to the New York City Department of Transportation calling for repairs at several intersections, which were identified based on a survey of over 90 intersections carried out by Senator Squadron’s office over the summer. The repairs requested will improve accessibility for the elderly and the disabled. The full letter, which also requests a status update and a timetable for repairs, is below.

"Sometimes small changes make a big difference for safety – especially for seniors and those with disabilities. In Chinatown, DOT has made real progress in a community that has so many transportation issues. These changes will go a long way to continue the progress,” said State Senator Squadron. “I look forward to working with DOT on these improvements, so that our streets can be used more safely by everyone.”

Senator Squadron’s office surveyed over 90 intersections in Chinatown and the Lower East Side to determine their accessibility for the elderly and the disabled. The survey looked at whether a pedestrian ramp existed; whether the ramp was easily accessible; and whether there were obstructions at the corners of the intersections.

The Chinatown area had been previously studied by DOT in its 2010 report “Safe Streets for Seniors: Chinatown, Manhattan.” Senator Squadron’s survey found that some improvements had been made based on DOT’s 2010 report, but some recommendations were not acted upon.  Specifically, the survey found that 28% of intersections surveyed had at least one corner missing a pedestrian ramp, and 38% had at least one inaccessible pedestrian ramp. The letter focuses on the seven intersections found needing the most work.