CB 6 members are calling on the DOT to implement a left turn signal at the intersection of Metropolitan and 71st avenues. File Photo
Due to the number of injuries, and the one fatality, in the last few years that occurred at the intersection of Metropolitan and 71st avenues in Forest Hills, the city Department of Transportation has identified that intersection as a pedestrian safety issue. Community Board 6 recognized this intersection as a problem and unanimously decided at its meeting last week that a turning signal would be the most beneficial solution to the pedestrian safety issue.
Because there is traffic build up in that area, drivers end up making a quick left turn onto 71st Avenue without giving enough attention to pedestrians, residents said.
The DOT initially presented a plan to add a third lane, which would result in moving 14 parking spaces and a westbound bus stop that is currently situated on the northwest corner of Metropolitan Avenue but presented no plan to install a turning signal.
On Wednesday CB 6 unanimously approved the transportation committee’s suggestion to have a green arrow be put in place at that intersection instead of the third lane that would displace the bus stop and the parking spaces.
Transportation Committee Chairman John Dereszewski stated in his presentation that, “the committee questions the effectiveness of the left turn remedy minus the installation of a traffic turn signal,” and “we also question to eliminate at 14 spaces in implementing this proposal in a community that has witnessed a recent and continuing increase in commercial activity.”
CB6 Chairman Joseph Hennessy, presented Dereszewski’s presentation in Dereszewski’s absence.
Hennessy said the major concern is the parking for the businesses in the area.
If the parking spaces must be moved, Dereszewski’s presentation states that, “we suggest that the DOT consider implementing reasonable adjustments to the metered parking regulations along this portion of Metropolitan Avenue to mitigate any parking space loss.”
“The only solution is the green arrow, not removing parking spots or moving the bus stop and not adding a third lane,” said
Steven Goldberg, second vice chairman of CB 6.
Hennessy said, “We are not accepting their proposal. We are recommending the green arrow and we do not want anything else there. That doesn’t mean they have to do it.”
Hennessy also remarked that the DOT seems resistant to the arrow.
At CB 6’s September meeting, a DOT representative, said its plan to remove up to 14 parking spots in the area was meant to improve an intersection where a pedestrian was fatally struck in 2011 and where 17 people have been injured between 2007 and 2011.
By Kerry Goleski
