Senator Andrew Gounardes & Council Member Justin Brannan Demand Action on Traffic Safety in Crash-Plagued Area in Dyker Heights

Brooklyn, NY – At a press conference on Saturday, Senator Andrew Gounardes, Council Member Justin Brannan and local activists called for the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to take urgent action on traffic safety in Dyker Heights in the high 70s to low 80s near 10th and 11th Avenues. The previous weekend, there were three crashes in three hours in the vicinity.

           They were joined by local activist Denise Cangemi, District 10 Community Board Manager Josephine Beckmann, and member of Senator Gounardes’ Pedestrian Safety Task Force. The elected officials and advocates emphasized the immediate need for DOT to complete their traffic studies of the area and provide the residents with speeding relief. For years, residents have expressed concerns over poor visibility and speeding in the neighborhood.

           “Community members have been raising a red flag about traffic safety in this area for years now. City government needs to act now to ensure the safety of every child, every senior, every individual in the community. We call on DOT to do everything in their power to stop these preventable traffic collisions,” said Senator Andrew Gounardes.  

           "Lately, it seems like there is a crash every single day on or around 10th and 11th Avenues. Clearly, something needs to be done. We don’t have time to wait for more studies when people’s lives are on the line. Whether it’s more speed bumps, more enforcement, traffic lights, flashing beacon lights, stop signs – whatever it is, we need to exhaust every option and put everything on the table. The streets of Dyker Heights need attention immediately and we need to make these streets safer for everyone. Life can’t wait,” said Council Member Justin Brannan.

“This continued call to action is not based on assumptions or perceptions. There is overwhelming data that reflects the need for a better traffic solution in this neighborhood.  Additionally, there has been well-noted support for years from the people who walk, drive and watch their children play in this community. People are becoming being badly injured. It’s not safe to stand or cross on a corner as a pedestrian and hearing the frequent sound of automobiles collide is a reminder of how those who can do something about this issue aren’t doing anything at all. When does it stop being an agenda item and begin to become the negligence of those who are responsible?” said Denise Cangemi, Community Activist.

           Community Board 10 is happy to join State Senator Gounardes and Council Member Brannan to bring attention to the need for street safety improvements along the 10th and 11th Avenue corridors in the residential neighborhood of Dyker Heights. We stand with neighbors who are seeking to make this area safer for all users of the roadway especially its seniors and young children who cross 10th and 11th Avenues everyday! We request the Department of Transportation to prioritize this study in light of recent crashes,  ask the local precinct to help enforce speeding and urge all users of the roadway to be diligent,” said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann.