State Senator Squadron, Community Announce a Safer Congress and Columbia Intersection

Daniel L. Squadron

September 30, 2015

Transportation

Squadron, Brooklyn CB6, Community Have Long Called for Safety Improvements at Intersection Serving Large Number of Park-Users

BROOKLYN – Today, State Senator Daniel Squadron, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), Brooklyn Community Board 6, and Cobble Hill Association announced approval of a stop-light at the intersection of Columbia and Congress in Cobble Hill. The intersection serves as a major crossing point for local children and families, particularly those headed to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The intersection previously failed to meet requirements for a stop-light. Squadron and the community continued to push for safety improvements. Squadron successfully secured another DOT study earlier this year. The intersection has remained a major community priority given its proximity to a Brooklyn-Queens Expressway entrance.

"With so much bad news coming out of Congress, it's great to have good news on Congress (Street),” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “So many children, families, and residents cross here for Brooklyn Bridge Park, it’s great news that we've gotten the green light for a safer intersection. I thank Commissioners Trottenberg and Bray and the DOT, Brooklyn CB6, CHA, and my colleagues.”

“We are pleased to work with State Senator Squadron’s office to improve the safety at the intersection of Columbia Street and Congress Streets. In this burgeoning neighborhood, an additional crosswalk and signal will make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to reach their destinations,” said NYC DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray.

"Our Columbia Waterfront can be especially difficult to access because of the mobility limits imposed by the BQE trench at Hicks Street. Compounding these challenges with an unsafe pedestrian crossing made this particular intersection at Columbia and Congress Streets quite daunting. We're glad that DOT is making the area safer and more accessible, especially for pedestrians, which is an essential Vision Zero goal. We're also grateful for the leadership of our elected officials and community members who advocated for safety enhancements," said Gary Reilly, Chairperson of Brooklyn Community Board 6.

“This is wonderful news for residents of Cobble Hill. My husband and I have sometimes avoided walking to Brooklyn Bridge Park due to the danger of crossing Columbia and I’ve heard near-death stories from neighboring families. Former leaders of the Cobble Hill Association, including Roy Sloane, Dave “Paco” Abraham, and Jerry Armer, have long focused on creating a safer crossing at this intersection. We thank them, Senator Squadron, Councilman Lander, CB6, the DOT and Commissioner Trottenberg for this life-saving action,” said Laurel Burr, President, Cobble Hill Association.

“This is wonderful news,” said Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. “I applaud NYC Department of Transportation, State Senator Squadron, Community Board 6, and Cobble Hill Association for working together to create a safer means of accessing the Park.”

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