DOT gets ‘friendly’ with Midwood residents

Agency installs signs around Friends Field to increase safety

October 21, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Assemblymember Dov Hikind says Midwood residents have been pushing to have signs installed around the perimeter of Friends Field to improve safety for pedestrians entering and leaving the recreational area. Photo courtesy of Hikind’s office

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In response to complaints from Midwood residents about traffic problems around Friends Field, the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has erected signs around the popular recreation spot to increase safety in the area.

Assemblymember Dov Hikind (D-Midwood-Borough Park) thanked Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Brooklyn DOT Commissioner Keith Bray for installing new traffic signs in front of Friends Field near East Fourth Street and Avenue L.

The new signage, which includes a stop sign, a “stop ahead” sign and a playground sign, was erected in response to requests made by Hikind, who said he had heard from local residents about the need for traffic safety in the neighborhood.

Residents complained to Hikind that many drivers did not slow down before making a turn in front of Friends Field, increasing the chances of a pedestrian being struck by a car.

“You have hundreds of children and their families that use Friends Field for its services, and it can be very dangerous if drivers are speeding nearby. Someone could get seriously injured. It’s a chance that we cannot take,” Hikind said.

In September, Hikind and Trottenberg toured the area around Friends Field to see first-hand where more signage would improve traffic safety.

“We are so lucky to have commissioners Trottenberg and Bray, as well as a mayor that cares so deeply about the needs of our communities. It’s about getting things done, and they have delivered,” Hikind said.

Friends Field, which is bordered by Avenue L, East Fourth Street, McDonald Cemetery and Washington Cemetery, is a 6.7-acre park named for the Society of Friends, a Christian denomination also known as the Quakers, according to the New York City Parks Department website, https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/friends-field.

The park contains football, baseball and soccer fields, as well as tennis courts.