Francis Lewis Park to get some sort of traffic help

The following is a letter we recieved from the Queens Department of Transportation Commissioner.  While we are appreciative of the actions they plan on taking, we feel more needs to be done.  For example Speed Humps in front of the park would be helpful, especially since they were promised years ago.  Also, what about the intersection of the Whitestone Expressway Service road and 3rd avenue.  We would like to see Crosswalks painted white, with signage "Yeild to Pedestrians" on both intersections and the center entrance of the park. 

Again, we would like to thank the DOT Commissioner and hope she consider our suggestions for a safer passage to OUR park, for OUR children, and OUR families. 

Bellow is the letter recieved.  Baby steps are a great start.  

Alfredo Centola


Just recieved this letter. Baby steps are a good start.



malbagardenscivic@hotmail.com




Dear Mr. Centola:


This is in response to your July 8th e-mail regarding the traffic controls at the intersection of 147th Street and 3rd Avenue.


We completed our analysis last month. Factors such as vehicular and pedestrian volumes, vehicular speeds, visibility and signal spacing were all taken into consideration in making our determination. Based upon our evaluation of the data collected, it is our judgment that Multi-Way Stop controls are not recommended at this time.


However, we have issued orders to install Pedestrian Crossing signs on 3rd Avenue to enhance motorist’s awareness of pedestrians at the intersection.


Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.


Sincerely,


Maura McCarthy
Queens Borough Commissioner






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November 16, 2011






Mr.

SHATTERING RECORDS

FOR THE PAST TWO EVENINGS, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:10 AND 8:30 THERE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROCESSION OF CARS TRAVELING EAST ON 5TH AVENUE AT A RATE OF A CAR PER SECOND.

YET MY DEAR NEIGHBORS, THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE ACCORDING TO THE DOT, JUST A MERE INCONVENIENCE.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following is a letter Councilman Halloran wrote to D.O.T. regarding our Safety Issue on 5th and 4th avenues. There is much that needs to be done on this issue and we thank the Councilman for acknowledging the fact that this is a Public Safety Issue that needs to be remedied.



THE COUNCIL
O F
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Daniel J. Halloran, III
Council Member, 19th District, Queens







April 29, 2010

Hon. Maura McCarthy
Queens Borough Commissioner
Department of Transportation
120-55 Queens Boulevard – 2nd Floor
Kew Gardens, NY 11424

Commissioner McCarthy,

As you are aware, on April 27, 2010 Community Board 7 voted to table the traffic flow issue on 4th and 5th Avenue. While the issue may have been tabled for now, it is clear to me that the residents of 4th and 5th Avenue still have very valid concerns regarding safety.

I believe at a minimum the following must be done:

1. At the entrances to 4th and 5th Avenue negative truck signage needs to be placed. I have personally observed trucks violating the “No Commercial Vehicle” rules on a regular basis. While it may be Department of Transportation policy not to place negative truck signage, in this situation public safety demands it.

2. Additionally, the speed transition from the Whitestone Expressway, through 4th and 5th Avenue, into a residential neighborhood must be addressed. While I understand placing a stop sign on the exit ramp would cause traffic congestion on the Expressway, I believe the best solution for the time being is to place a stop sign on the service road at 5th avenue. As can be seen on the enclosed map, a stop sign would force vehicles exiting the Expressway to lower their speeds and would reduce the number of high speed vehicles coming from the Expressway and service road onto 4th Avenue.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and working with our community to resolve this public safety issue. Should you have any questions during your review, please do not hesitate to contact me at my District Office at (718)631-6703.

In Liberty,


Dan Halloran
Council Member,
District 19

DJH:mm

CC: Community Board 7