Officials Praise DOT on Williamsburg Traffic Signals

January 26, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BROOKLYN —Councilmember Stephen Levin, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Assemblymember Joseph Lentol announced recently that the Department of Transportation (DOT) heeded their calls to install traffic signals along Kent Avenue in Williamsburg.

The new traffic lights will be installed as a result of community support and advocacy and after DOT concluded a three-month study to determine the need for slowing traffic on Kent Avenue.

With residential and recreational development transforming North Brooklyn, the legislators and the community have long urged the city to study traffic and take steps to protect pedestrians and all users.

“I am so happy that DOT has completed their study and agreed with the community that Kent Avenue needs traffic lights,” said Levin. “The installation of traffic lights along Kent Avenue at North Fifth, Sixth and Seventh streets will make this neighborhood a safer place for all pedestrians and especially the children in the neighborhood. Along with Senator Squadron, Assemblyman Lentol and community leaders, I have been working hard to ensure that Williamsburg is a place where families don’t have to worry about cars speeding through the neighborhood.”

“For too long, crossing Kent has been simply harrowing. These traffic signals are an important step toward protecting residents and all users of Kent,” said Squadron. “As North Brooklyn and its waterfront grow, these safety improvements must happen in tandem with development, not after. DOT deserves credit for heeding the community’s calls, and I look forward to continuing to work with the city and my colleagues on further upgrades to meet our community’s growing need.”

Lentol said, “This is great news — one that helps ensure safety for our families. Crossing at these corners has been harrowing. Now, the way to the park will be a safe and enjoyable stroll.”

The installation of the traffic signals is tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of May 2012.