Treyger Helps Install Left-Turn Light on Neptune Ave
City Council Member Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) yesterday was joined by Brooklyn Community Board 13 members to announce the installation of a left-turn traffic signal at the intersection of Neptune Avenue and West 5th Street eastbound lane.
Historically, there have been visibility issues for cars and busses making left-turns off of Neptune Avenue as well as crashes between left-turning vehicles and pedestrians.
“This intersection has been plagued by crashes and numerous close-calls, endangering pedestrians. We’ve sent emails, letters and have held demonstrations requesting a left-turn signal and pedestrian countdown clock and today we celebrate this victory for Coney Island residents. Thank you to DOT Commissioner Trottenberg and DOT Brooklyn Commissioner Bray for granting my request and I appreciate the partnership with the leadership of Community Board 13 and Warbasse Houses. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for the implementation of additional traffic calming measures and better street design in Southern Brooklyn and citywide to make our streets safer for all,” said Treyger.
The new left-turn signal at Neptune Avenue and West 5th Street includes signal timing changes to add dedicated left-turn phases for vehicles on Neptune Avenue, along with a pedestrian countdown clock. According to the DOT, these changes will improve left-turn safety by eliminating conflicts caused by left-turning vehicles and by better organizing vehicles to improve the predictability and function of the intersection. This street safety improvement will provide much-needed traffic calming solutions to this heavily frequented motorist and pedestrian intersection in Coney Island.
Eugene to Give Food and Masks
City Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) is partnering with local organizations to provide free food and masks to residents facing food insecurity and to help protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over the past few weeks, I have been honored to partner with community organizations to provide free food and masks to hundreds of underserved residents and their families,” said Eugene. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a serious public health
issue, and we still have friends and neighbors who are at-risk and need resources to stay healthy. By providing food and masks to those who are dealing with financial instability and food insecurity, we are helping numerous families get through this crisis. It is important to me to demonstrate what is possible when we work together as a society and do what is right for our neighbors who are struggling. I am very appreciative to the organizations and volunteers who have assisted with this event, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to provide these resources to those who need them most.”
This event is slated to take place at 3 p.m. today, Oct. 29 in front of the District Office located at 900 Rogers Avenue.
Mayor Announces Open Storefronts Plan
Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday announced the Open Storefronts program, permitting storefront businesses to use a portion of their sidewalk to display merchandise, sell goods, complete transactions, and provide queuing areas. The program will begin Oct. 30 and run until December 31.
Building on the success of the Open Restaurants and Open Streets programs, Open Storefronts will provide safe spaces for small businesses to rebound in challenging economic times. This program is a part of an effort to make New York City the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living and to advance the Mayor’s recovery agenda, which is centered on public health and social justice.
“Rebuilding a fairer, better New York City means maximizing use of our outdoor space, helping businesses keep their employees, and giving New Yorkers more reasons than ever to shop local and enjoy their communities. Open Storefronts does all three,” said Bill de Blasio. “This program builds on the successful legacy of our Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs, and I look forward to finding more ways than ever to reimagine our urban landscape.”
Myrie, Clarke to Encourage Brownsville Early Voting
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) will join with U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-East Flatbush, Central Brooklyn) and other Brooklyn advocates to encourage early voting in Brownsville.
Nearly half a million people have voted early in New York City so far. While the lines have been long everywhere, early voting turnout in Brownsville is running approximately 30 percent lower than in other parts of Myrie’s district. Myrie and other Brownsville elected officials and community leaders will highlight the opportunity to vote early in Black communities and everywhere, and encourage all New Yorkers to ensure their vote is counted by voting early.
This event is slated for 12 noon, today, Oct. 29 at the NYCHA Van Dyke Community Center, 392 Blake Avenue in Brownsville.
Davila Directs How to Celebrate Halloween Safely
Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Bushwick, Williamsburg) announced Halloween safety guidelines in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social distancing guidelines.
“This COVID-19 Pandemic has put a strain on thousands upon thousands of people who are still adjusting to the new norm. This year as Halloween approaches, we want to give children and families the ability to feel safe and secure during trick or treating. Following the specified guidelines in accordance with the CDC’s safety steps, such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, sanitizing, contactless candy bags and maintaining a 6-feet distance, is a necessity. Partnering with our local merchants who are a part of the Graham Avenue BID, along with SUN Brooklyn, has made this planning process an opportunity to think outside the box. We are looking forward to celebrating Halloween this year as we prioritize safety and fun,” said Davila.
The local guidelines are consistent with Halloween safety guidelines announced by the Halloween & Costume Association and supporting partners on Sept 14, along with a color-coded COVID risk level map – provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute – that details COVID risk level by county, across the country.
The guidelines and map are now live on the Halloween2020.org website with other features, including social distancing suggestions and celebration alternatives, a Safe House Pledge, and printable certificate to ensure safe trick-or-treating sites. The BID has also provided these guidelines and a Safe Store Pledge to stores along Graham Avenue.
