Petition to make Congress Street safer for pedestrians

Reposted from the Columbia Waterfront Nextdoor site:

Hi

People who use Van Voorhees park on Congress Street (between Columbia and Hicks) are concerned about the speeding traffic and inability to cross the street without fear of being hit by a speeding vehicle.

We started a petition and would love the support of the neighborhood. Once we collect signatures, we can then obtain letters of support from Joan Millman, Brad Lander and Daniel Squadron to submit to the DOT.

Please sign our petition and pass it along to everybody you know!

http://www.change.org/petitions/nyc-dept-of-transportation-slow-the-traffic-speed-on-congress-street-between-columbia-hicks

Thanks
Lisa
Mom to 2 who was almost mowed down yesterday while crossing with both of my kids!

Parents Needed for Transportation Survey

Transportation Alternatives is NYC's leading advocacy group for pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit users and they are now beginning a street study comparing Brooklyn neighborhoods, one of which will be the Columbia Waterfront. T.A. is seeking parents for a 15-25 minute survey about themselves, their physical activity, and their neighborhood. Participating families will receive a small gift in appreciation of their time and input. Full details are available by clicking on the  adjacent flyer or contacting Stephanie Kneeshaw-Price, stephanie@transalt.org.

Improvements soon at Pier 6 / Atlantic Avenue intersection

"Construction to improve pedestrian access to the beloved Brooklyn Bridge Park is slated to begin at the end of the month, the DOT says."

http://carrollgardens.patch.com/articles/construction-to-begin-at-pier-6

A safer access to Pier 6 on its way!

We got news through the Cobble Hill Association blog that the DOT responded to public outcry (with a little push from elected officials) about the dire street crossing situation on Atlantic Ave toward the Pier 6 playgrounds.


Here are the DOT comments:

-“Stop Here on Red” sign on Atlantic Avenue at the eastbound approach to the on-ramp, to communicate to drivers that they do not have a free left turn when the light ahead is red and the pedestrian indication across the ramp is WALK.

-“Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians” sign on Atlantic Avenue at the westbound approach to the on-ramp, to emphasize to drivers that they must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

- Conducting a traffic study to determine if further signal or regulation changes that will reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts at this location are feasible. Additional recommendations will be shared publicly in near future.

- Evaluating medium term opportunities for more significant reconfigurations to the street network around Pier 6 that will assist with bicycle and pedestrian park access, including the intersection of Columbia Street and Atlantic Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue west of Columbia Street.

Let's hope they will act on it before the end of the summer.