It’s a green light for the red light.
The city has approved a signal light at the busy intersection of Colonial Road and 91st Street, where homeowners and residents of the nearby Shore Hill Housing senior complex say that crossing the street can be daunting and dangerous.
“There’s a senior home right down the block, so this would be a good place for a light so that elders can cross the street safely,” said Birdylin Bromfield, 50, a home health aide who has worked at the senior complex for over a year and often assists her clients across the roadway.
But not all senior residents have the luxury of an escort. LaVerne Bell, 88, a long-time resident of the 558-unit senior complex said many residents in her building, including herself, have to make the dangerous trek across the intersection alone.
“I don’t understand why they don’t have a light here, because they know the seniors have to cross. We all walk to the Food Town, and you have to be very careful here because the cars are always speeding,” said Bell.
Assemblywoman Pam Harris (D–Bay Ridge) pushed the city’s Department of Transportation to approve the signal for the dangerous crossroads, which was referred to as “murder row” by one resident helping an elderly man across the street — though there have been no fatalities at the intersection, according to the city. Harris contacted the city after receiving several complaints from residents.
“Installing a traffic light at this intersection was necessary, and the NYC Department of Transportation has made the right choice for Brooklyn, said Harris. “Simply put, this is a win for the Bay Ridge community. It will make our streets safer and protect our families behind the wheel as well as on foot.”
The city responded to Harris’ request and residents’ complaints by conducting a study which determined the need for additional traffic controls, according to a letter addressed to Community Board 10 district manager Josephine Beckmann.
“I think it’s great that DOT has completed its study and a new traffic light will be installed at Colonial Rd. and 91 St.,” said Beckmann. “We have had calls in the immediate area requesting a study due to difficulty crossing, namely 89th St. and Colonial Rd.”
The city said the new light is tentatively scheduled to be completed by November 30th.
