POSTPONED: COMMUNITY BOARD 7 BOARD MEETING

UPDATE: The March meeting and the April meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18th, at 6:30 p.m., at the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street.

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UPDATE: Due to the prediction of lots of snow, Community Board 7 has postponed its March 21st board meeting. A new date for the board meeting will be announced.

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Community Board 7 Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, March 21st, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The regular monthly meeting of Community Board 7, representing Windsor Terrace and Sunset Park, will be held on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The meeting will be held in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street. 

All community board meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment twice during every meeting of Community Board 7 (agenda items 5 and 12).

Proposed agenda:

1.  The Pledge of Allegiance
2.  Opening of the meeting
3.  Adoption of the agenda
4.  Adoption of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 21, 2018
5.  Public Comment
6.  Committee Reports:
   A)  Transportation Committee (No Vote Required) Tabled in February 
      1)  20th Street Truck Route Study: Final preferred alternative
      2)  Automated public toilet located at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street
   B)  Ability and Access Committee
      1)  Introduce this new committee and committee members
      2)  Discuss purpose of committee and strategies for community outreach and engagement
      3)  Identify current issues and needs relating to accessibility in our district
   C)  Land Use/Landmarks Committee
      1)  Department of City Planning presentation on zoning resolution concerning hotel use in manufacturing districts
   D)  Youth Committee (No Vote Required)
      1)  Summer Youth Employment Program presentation by Center For Family Life
      2)  Presentation by Citizens Committee for Children regarding neighborhood youth statistics
7.  Elected Officials Representatives
8.  District Manager’s Report
9.  Chairperson’s Report
10.  Old Business
11.  New Business
12.  Public Comment
13.  Adjournment

NO ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO GET A WHOLE BUNCH OF SNOW

Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Wednesday, March 21st, and Thursday, March 22nd, for snow removal. The total snow accumulation is predicted to be 12 to 16 inches.
 
All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Track the progress of Sanitation Department spreader/plow vehicles and confirm the snow designation of city streets (i.e., Critical, Sector, Haulster, or non-DSNY) here.

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING, MARCH 2018

Community Board 12 Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 20th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 12 (Kensington, Borough Park, Midwood) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 20th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The board's monthly meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment during the Public Session (agenda item 2).

Agenda:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Session
3. Chairman's Remarks --Yidel Perlstein
4. District Manager's Remarks -- Barry Spitzer
5. Adoption of February Minutes
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Attendance
9. Adjourn

Location
Amico Senior Center
5901 13th Avenue, 3rd Floor
corner of 59th Street
Borough Park, Brooklyn

Enter on 59th Street. 

LIVE JAZZ ON CHURCH AVE. WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS

Triple Paste Project plays 1920s and 1930s jazz standards and originals at Church Bar on Tuesdays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested.

Church Bar's drink and food menu is posted on its Facebook page.

Location

Church Bar
416 Church Avenue
between E. 4th and E. 5th streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
phone (718) 435-2574 
https://www.facebook.com/churchbarbk 
@churchbarbk 
http://www.churchbarbrooklyn.com

LOCATION CHANGE FOR MEETING WITH BEAT COPS FOR WINDSOR TERRACE, GREENWOOD HEIGHTS, AND SOUTH SLOPE

"Build a Block" Meeting with
72nd Precinct Sector A Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Thursday, March 29th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Detective Daniel McGrath and Police Officer Francis Ghanney, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers who patrol Sector A of the 72nd Precinct (Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope), will meet with residents and business owners in those three neighborhoods at a "Build the Block" meeting.

Join the officers on Thursday, March 29th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they update the community about public safety issues in the neighborhood, answer your questions, and listen to your concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

Possible issues of concern are

• assaults and robberies on the street,
• home burglaries,
• packages stolen from porches and lobbies, and
• street safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

RSVP here.

Contact information for the officers:

• Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org 
• Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

Meeting location
P.S. 10
511 7th Avenue
between Prospect Avenue and 17th Street
Park Slope, Brooklyn 

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7 MONTHLY MEETING

UPDATE: Due to the expected inclement weather, Community Board 7 has postponed its March 21st board meeting. A new date for the board meeting will be announced.

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Community Board 7 Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, March 21st, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The regular monthly meeting of Community Board 7, representing Windsor Terrace and Sunset Park, will be held on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The meeting will be held in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street. 

All community board meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment twice during every meeting of Community Board 7 (agenda items 5 and 12).

Proposed agenda:

1.  The Pledge of Allegiance
2.  Opening of the meeting
3.  Adoption of the agenda
4.  Adoption of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 21, 2018
5.  Public Comment
6.  Committee Reports:
   A)  Transportation Committee (No Vote Required) Tabled in February 
      1)  20th Street Truck Route Study: Final preferred alternative
      2)  Automated public toilet located at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street
   B)  Ability and Access Committee
      1)  Introduce this new committee and committee members
      2)  Discuss purpose of committee and strategies for community outreach and engagement
      3)  Identify current issues and needs relating to accessibility in our district
   C)  Land Use/Landmarks Committee
      1)  Department of City Planning presentation on zoning resolution concerning hotel use in manufacturing districts
   D)  Youth Committee (No Vote Required)
      1)  Summer Youth Employment Program presentation by Center For Family Life
      2)  Presentation by Citizens Committee for Children regarding neighborhood youth statistics
7.  Elected Officials Representatives
8.  District Manager’s Report
9.  Chairperson’s Report
10.  Old Business
11.  New Business
12.  Public Comment
13.  Adjournment

66TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MARCH MEETING

Captain David A. Wall

66th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 15th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meet the 66th Precinct's commanding officer, Captain David Wall, at the 66th Precinct Community Council meeting on Thursday, March 15th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Captain Wall will update residents of Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood on recent crimes in those neighborhoods. He will also provide information about what the police are doing to deter crime and arrest criminals.

This is an opportunity to bring crime-related issues to Captain Wall's attention, including quality-of-life issues, such as traffic safety. The meeting is free and open to the public.

In addition, you can find out about various programs that are available through the precinct.

Click here to see a map of the 66th Precinct.
 
The Community Council provides the critical interface between citizens and police through regular monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month, from September through June. The Community Council does not meet in July or August.

Meeting location
Community Board 12 Office
5910 13th Avenue
between 59th and 60th streets
Borough Park 
(map)
B16 bus to 13th Avenue at 56th Street; return on 14th Avenue (schedule)

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Contact information for the 66th Precinct:
phone: (718) 851-5611 
e-mail: 66precinctcc @ gmail.com
website: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/66th-precinct.page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYPD66Pct or @66precinctcc
5822 16th Avenue
between 58th and 59th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn

TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN WORKSHOP

Trap-Neuter-Return Feral Cats Workshop

Saturday, April 7th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Expert instructors from Neighborhood Cats will teach best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management of feral and stray cats. They'll also provide participants in this TNR workshop with information on New York City resources.

The interactive format is designed to give people confidence about leading their own TNR project. Attendees will become TNR-certified, which makes them eligible for free and low cost services like spay/neuter, trap rentals, and expert assistance. Over 7,000 New York City area caretakers have been trained to date.

The suggested (but not required) donation of $15 would be appreciated to help offset the cost of printed material for the workshop.

The workshop begins on time, so arrive ten to fifteen minutes prior to the start time--Saturday, April 7th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Advance registration is required. Register here.

Location
Kensington Library
4207 18th Avenue

between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Kensington, Brooklyn

(718) 436-0545 

BEAT COPS WILL MEET WITH WINDSOR TERRACE, GREENWOOD HEIGHTS, AND SOUTH SLOPE RESIDENTS

UPDATE: The meeting location has changed. It will be held in Park Slope at P.S. 10, 511 7th Avenue, between 17th Street and Prospect Avenue.

------------------------

"Build a Block" Meeting with
72nd Precinct Sector A Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Thursday, March 29th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Detective Daniel McGrath and Police Officer Francis Ghanney, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers who patrol Sector A of the 72nd Precinct (Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope), will meet with residents and business owners in those three neighborhoods at a "Build the Block" meeting.

Join the officers on Thursday, March 29th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they update the community about public safety issues in the neighborhood, answer your questions, and listen to your concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

Possible issues of concern are

• assaults and robberies on the street,
• home burglaries,
• packages stolen from porches and lobbies, and
• street safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

RSVP here.

Contact information for the officers:

• Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org 
• Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

THE STABLE HAS BEEN SAVED; IT WILL STAY IN BUSINESS

Crain's New York Business reports that Brooklyn industrialist John Quadrozzi Jr. purchased Kensington Stables at an auction in December. He is going to "preserve the stables and keep current management in place for a minimum of five years."

Quadrozzi's plans include "refurbishing the barn, making the stable a more active operation, partnering with community groups and gaining the city’s help in improving the bridle path in the park."

He will also seek a zoning variance to build seven or eight floors of residential units on top of the stable.

Kensington Stables was declared bankrupt in February 2017 after one hundred years of operation. Since 1993, it has been owned and operated by the Blankinship family.

The deed states that Edna Blankinship grants the land and building to Prospect Park Stable, LLC (John Quadrozzi Jr.) for the full sale price of $1,000,000. "Full Sale Price is the total amount paid for the property including personal property. This payment may be in the form of cash, other property or goods, or the assumption of mortgages or other obligations."

Kensington Stables
55 Caton Place, at E. 8th Street
phone: (718) 972-4588
e-mail: info [at] kensingtonstables.com
website http://www.kensingtonstables.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonStables
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bklynpony?lang=en
 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE THIS SATURDAY IN WINDSOR TERRACE

UPDATE: Girl Scout Daisy Troop 2267 will also sell cookies outside of Walgreens at 589 Prospect Avenue on Sunday, March 18th, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Girl Scouts will sell cookies in our neighborhood once in March and once in April.

Girl Scout Daisy Trooop 2267 will be selling Do-si-dos, Samoas, Savannah Smiles, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Trefoils for $4 per box and Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic (gluten-free) for $5 per box. Descriptions of the cookies are here.

They'll sell the cookies this Saturday, March 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until they're sold out, on the sidewalk outside of Walgreens, 589 Prospect Avenue, between 10th and 11th avenues. The sale had previously been scheduled to take place outside of the Windsor Terrace Library. 

Cookies will also be sold on Sunday, April 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at International Baptist Church, 312 Coney Island Avenue, between Caton Place and Ocean Parkway.

The net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes to Girl Scouts of Greater New York (the local Girl Scout Council) and the neighborhood troop.

MAN WANTED FOR BEATING A MAN IN THE F TRAIN STATION AT MCDONALD AND DITMAS

"Enraged Subway Panhandler Beats Man Who Had No Cash To Give: NYPD"

"Police are looking for the panhandler who beat a man, fracturing his elbow and ribs, because the straphanger had no money to give him."

An article about Sunday's brutal attack, written by Kathleen Culliton, Patch Staff, is published here.

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENDED FOR SNOWSTORM, MARCH 7TH AND 8TH

Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Wednesday, March 7th, and Thursday, March 8th, for snow removal.

All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

VOTE FOR CHEF CHRIS SCOTT AS "TOP CHEF FAN FAVORITE;" HE'S ONE OF TWO FINALISTS

One of the two finalists in the Top Chef Fan Favorite competition is neighbor and excellent chef Chris Scott of Brooklyn Commune and Butterfunk Kitchen. If Chris gets the majority of the votes, he'll win $10,000 from S. Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.

During the eight years since they created Brooklyn Commune, Chris and his wife Eugenie Woo have proven themselves to be good neighbors and civic-minded humanitarians. In keeping with his character, Chris will use the $10,000 prize for food education, kids' cooking classes, and beautifying our neighborhood. 

Anyone who is eighteen years old or older can vote for Chris forty times and can cast all of those votes on the same day. Vote by computer or cell phone at http://www.bravotv.com/fan-favorite or by texting Chris' name to 27286. It's a bit tedious, but you can do it!

Steps for your first vote:

1. Vote Chris Scott
2. Log in with Facebook or Enter Your Phone Number
3. Submit
4. +
5. Submit
6. Return to Vote

Steps for your second through fortieth votes:

1. Vote Chris Scott
2. Re-Submit
3. +
4. Submit
5. Return to Vote

Voting ends on Thursday, March 8th, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time.

The complete official rules are posted here.

Good luck, Chef Chris!

VINYL ROCK ON MONDAYS AT THE ADIRONDACK

BYORR: Bring Your Own Rock & Roll

Monday, March 5th,

and the First Monday of Every Month,

8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Bring your rock & roll vinyl records from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s for host La Grange to spin at The Adirondack on the first Monday of every month, starting tonight.

Location
The Adirondack
1241 Prospect Avenue
between Greenwood Avenue and Reeve Place
Windsor Terrace
(718) 871-0100
theadirondackbar @ gmail.com
http://www.theadirondackbar.com
https://twitter.com/The_Adirondack
https://www.facebook.com/theadirondack
 

YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PROSPECT EXPRESSWAY ARE REQUESTED AT A COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

Community Workshop on 

the Prospect Expressway Corridor

Wednesday, March 14th

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The NYU Capstone Team--comprised of four urban planning students in the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service--and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President will be holding a free community workshop about the Prospect Expressway corridor.

Neighborhood residents of all ages, workers, and employers are invited to attend and share their thoughts on the current state of the Prospect Expressway as well as their suggestions for improving the corridor. The current state, as we all know, is hazardous at best and deadly at worst.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, March 14th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Shepherd’s Hall at Holy Name Church.

You can RSVP or direct any questions to PXForward @ gmail.com.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Location
Shepherd's Hall
Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church
243 Prospect Park West
between Prospect Avenue and Windsor Place
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

Enter Shepherd's Hall through the parking lot on Prospect Park West.

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New York City Councilmember Brad Lander has asked the New York City Department of Transportation, New York State Department of Transportation, and the NYPD to participate in a separate community meeting about the Prospect Expressway/Church Avenue intersection. A pedestrian was struck and killed there on February 27th.

A meeting has not yet been scheduled. 

In addition, Lander and New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll co-authored a letter to the three agencies mentioned above. In the letter, they requested a comprehensive review of the intersection, quick implementation of changes, and increased enforcement of laws by the NYPD immediately.

HEALTHCARE FORUM ON THE NEW YORK HEALTH ACT AND HOW IT WILL HELP NEW YORKERS (FREE)

District 17 Healthcare Forum: The New York Health Act
Sunday, March 4th, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

New York State can pass a bill that guarantees healthcare for all. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many people are uninsured, underinsured, or trapped in restrictive and confusing networks.

Learn about the New York Health Act on Sunday, March 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Borough Park Library. Find out what it is, how it would benefit you and the community, and which of our legislators can get universal, single payer healthcare passed so that everyone in New York State has coverage.

Presentations will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.

This event is free, open to the public, and wheelchair-accessible. RSVP here.
 
Participating in the forum are healthcare advocates from the community and speaker Dr. Oliver Fein, practicing general internist, chair of Physicians for a National Health Program, NY Metro Chapter, and past president of PNHP.

Fein is also professor of clinical medicine and clinical public health at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He serves there as associate dean responsible for the Office of Affiliations and the Office of Global Health Education. He is the immediate past vice-president of the American Public Health Association.

The forum is sponsored by NY Senate District 17 for Progress and HEAL NY: Healthcare Equity Action League of New York.

Location
Borough Park Library
lower level (accessible by elevator)
1265 43rd Street
between 12th and 13th avenues
Borough Park, Brooklyn

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ART EXHIBIT "THE NATURE OF THINGS"

The Nature of Things: Rebecca Bird and Natalie Conn

Saturday, March 3rd, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The opening reception for Prospect Range's newest art exhibit, "The Nature of Things: Rebecca Bird and Natalie Conn," will take place on Saturday, March 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

"Bringing together the beautifully macabre watercolors of Rebecca Bird and the disorienting diorama photographs of Natalie Conn, "The Nature of Things" reflects on the human desire to document, order, preserve, and display that which fascinates us. In this context, nature stands still--reproduced and behind glass; found and transformed--while we observe from a comfortable distance."

The exhibit can be viewed from March 3rd through March 31st, on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and by appointment.

Admission is free.

About Prospect Range
Prospect Range is a performance/community space dedicated to the creative talents of artists, and their families, living and working in the central Brooklyn diaspora.

Since 2009, the Range has served this community of creative people, and their families through performance, exhibitions, and performing arts education.

Location 
Prospect Range
1226 Prospect Avenue
between Vanderbilt Street and Reeve Place
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
(917) 776-6834
info @ prospectrange.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/prospectrange
https://twitter.com/prospectrange
http://www.prospectrange.com

MOVIE "HE NAMED ME MALALA" SHOWING FREE AT LIBRARY

Movie: "He Named Me Malala"

Saturday, March 10th, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The documentary "He Named Me Malala" tells the incredible and inspiring true story of a fifteen-year-old Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai.

When she was ten years old, the Taliban took control of the area she lived in. They issued an edict that banned girls from going to school. Malala, however, was a vocal advocate for girls' education, so the Taliban earmarked her for assassination.

The Taliban hunted her down and shot her in the head as she was riding home on a bus at the end of a school day. But the horrifying attack made Malala a more determined activist. She became internationally-known for speaking up for the education rights of all children.

She addressed the United Nations on her sixteenth birthday in 2013. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Malala is now a college student in England.

The movie, released in 2015, is rated PG-13. Its running time is 1 hour, 28 minutes.

Location
Windsor Terrace Library
160 E. 5th Street
corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway
Windsor Terrace - Kensington, Brooklyn
 

F TRAIN WILL NOT BE REPLACED BY SHUTTLE BUSES THIS WEEKEND

UPDATE: For the weekend of March 2nd to March 5th, replacement of the F train by shuttle buses is not listed among the Planned Service Changes on the MTA website.

------------------------------------------

Community Board 12 reports that free shuttle buses will replace the F train between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue for six non-consecutive weekends, from Fridays at 9:45 p.m. through Mondays at 5:00 a.m.

F train service will operate normally from 179th Street to Church Avenue. Transfer between the F train and the shuttle buses at Church Avenue.

The buses will stop at the F train stations at Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Kings Highway, Avenue U, Avenue X, Neptune Avenue, and W. 8th Street.

This change takes place during the weekends of February 23rd to 26th, March 2nd to 5th, March 16th to 19th, March 23rd to 26th, April 20th to 23rd, and April 27th to 30th.

DEATH AT CHURCH AVE. AND OCEAN PARKWAY LEADS TO ANOTHER ROUND OF CAMPAIGNING FOR SAFETY

A pedestrian died Tuesday night when a truck turning right from Church Avenue onto the Prospect Expressway struck and killed him as he crossed Ocean Parkway. 

Over the years, the combined efforts of our community, our elected officials, and the city and state Departments of Transportation (DOT) have brought improvements to the intersection. But, as the community knew prior to this death, it can't yet be called "safe."

As the slogan of the community's major safety push of 2013 said, "Our neighborhood is not a highway."

In response to this most recent tragedy, City Councilmember Brad Lander and Assemblymember Robert Carroll wrote a letter to the city and state DOTs and the NYPD. Below are Councilmember Lander's statement to the community, followed by the letter.

Let's be ready to participate in making Church and OP safer for all of us--pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

---------------------------------------------------

In the wake of the tragedy Tuesday night, Robert Carroll and I sent the following letter last night to Commissioner Polly Trottenberg of NYC DOT, Commissioner Cathy Calhoun of NYS DOT, and the Commissioner James O'Neill of the NYPD, seeking their urgent collaboration to do everything we can to make sure this ceases to be an intersection of death.

After the death of Ngozi Agbim at this same intersection in 2013, we added a pedestrian refuge island (which the community voted for in participatory budgeting), and DOT adjusted the signal timing. And we have pushed regularly for additional enforcement of frequent illegal turns & failure-to-yield. But tragically (and, yes, perhaps predictably) those things have not been enough.

There has been a periodic debate about trying to close off the north-side crossing altogether, with fencing and signs -- previously, the opinion of experts has been that too many people would just go around the fence, creating an even more dangerous condition.

Obviously, and tragically, we need to look at all of this again. That's why we are calling on NYC DOT, NYS DOT, and the NYPD to work with the community on a comprehensive review, to develop plans to make it safe, and to dramatically increase enforcement until those changes can be made. We pledge to work together, with the agencies & with the community, to do everything we can.