By Forum Staff
For years, the stretch along the Babbage and Bessemer Streets train trestle in Richmond Hill, from 84th Avenue to Hillside Avenue, has been a source of safety and quality of life concerns for residents. However, since State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) took office as the area’s new representative following redistricting, he and his office team have taken charge of the situation, initiating a collaborative effort across multiple agencies to tackle the persistent issues affecting the area, such as illegal dumping, loitering, vagrancy, illegal parking under the bays, and more.
Since Addabbo began working in that area, significant progress and improvements have been made, with the help of residents and government agencies partnering in their efforts.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has addressed the pressing need for street signs on Babbage and Bessemer streets. For instance, new “Do Not Enter” signs have been installed at the one-way section of Babbage Street and 115th Street. Also, a stop sign has been added at the intersection of Bessemer Street and the LIRR underpass, where traffic merges from 115th Street.
The DOT has also committed to installing street signs to clearly identify Babbage Street, Bessemer Street, and 115th Street. This was necessary because the train trestle obstructs visibility of existing signs on the opposite sides.
The DOT plans to address residents’ concerns about speeding on Babbage and Bessemer streets by considering the installation of a mobile speed camera in the future. This camera would help enforce speed limits and monitor motorists’ speeds, offering an alternative to the previously rejected idea of installing speed bumps due to constraints like driveway locations and other limitations.
The MTA Police Department has already begun enforcing the “No Trespassing” signs along the trestle. Both the MTA PD and the NYPD will issue tickets to those found parking illegally under the trestle. Individuals with concerns or inquiries can contact the MTA police communications desk at (718) 361-2201.
Addabbo is collaborating with residents and the MTA to assess the feasibility of identifying a group that meets the MTA’s insurance requirements to maintain the bays under the trestle. Initially, the MTA had considered fencing off the entire area, but due to community opposition, they have taken the residents’ concerns into consideration and postponed fencing, until a viable proposal can be reviewed.
Alternatives such as planters and bollards are being considered, with community support for both options. Besides working with the MTA, Addabbo is exploring additional safety measures in conjunction with the DOT, including the potential addition of planters.
Enhancing the Babbage and Bessemer site remains a top priority for Addabbo, who is committed to continuing his partnership with the community and government agencies to ensure the area’s improvement.
“The safety and well-being of our community are paramount, and I am committed to working tirelessly with residents and government agencies to address the challenges we face,” Addabbo added. “I truly appreciate the cooperative effort of the local community and the agencies in resolving the issues around Babbage and Bessemer.”
