Council Member Crowley, Borough Commissioner Maura McCarthy (center), and DOT staff with Principal Franco and parents outside St. Margaret’s School. Photo courtesy of The Office of Elizabeth Crowley
Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley called on the DOT to a renew a study of hazardous areas in western Queens, showing Queens Borough DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy a risky intersection at 79th Place and Juniper Valley Road near St. Margaret’s School.
“I appreciate that Commissioner McCarthy took the time and saw firsthand safety concerns for students at St. Margaret’s School,” said Crowley. “The Department of Transportation has to find a solution to reduce speed and make the school’s streets safer.”
Countless concerns about speeding on Juniper Valley Road near 79th Place, especially because of its proximity to St. Margaret’s School, have been made to Crowley’s office. She requested stop signs and speed bumps at the location, which to date the DOT has denied.
Crowley and McCarthy visited the area and met with parents and Principal Philip Franco to discuss a number of safety improvements including speed bumps, flashing lights and a slow speed zone during school hours. The DOT has agreed to restudy the area. Crowley and parents stressed the study must be done during dismissal times when traffic is heaviest.
McCarthy also visited 69th Street and Grand Avenue, along the Queens Midtown Expressway. There have been more than 20 accidents at the intersection in 2012, according to NYPD statistics. Last year, the DOT installed new signage and a left turn only lane. The DOT said it would conduct another study to determine other safety improvements in the area.
Crowley, wrapping up her first term in office, will face re-election this fall.
