There's road rage on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Borough Park, where ambulance drivers and merchants said they've been hurt by attempts to boost pedestrian safety.
Department of Transportation officials installed pedestrian islands from 45th to 47th Sts., but they have slowed down ambulances, driven away shoppers and jeopardized the safety of Sanitation Department workers, critics charge.
Until six weeks ago, ambulances racing to nearby Maimonides Medical Center could easily pass cars. But the lanes are narrow because of the medians and sometimes ambulances get stuck behind traffic.
"People won't go through the red light to let us through," said an ambulance driver outside the Fort Hamilton Parkway emergency room between 48th and 49th Sts. "It could add a minute or two to the trip, and that can make a difference."
Merchants said business has dropped because of traffic congestion. They're bracing for another dip because DOT officials eliminated about 10 parking spots on Monday to add room for turns.
"Business is low and I believe it's getting worse," said Abe Prero, manager of All In Houseware. "Customers are avoiding this area."
He said the shop opened at the corner of 46th St. more than 40 years ago but will move because it's not a good location anymore.
Vendors hit Prero and other merchants with $30 to $50 delivery surcharges because they can't double-park outside stores to unload in the narrower street.
Sanitation supervisor Keith Woods warned last month that garbage collectors risked getting hit by vehicles.
"The medians pose a huge safety issue," said Woods in an email to Community Board11. He said motorists drive too close to sanitation trucks.
A DOT spokesman said the agency built the islands because of pedestrian injuries, including the death of a 70-year-old woman in 2006.
"We are also looking into adding more commercial parking spaces and loading zones to ease access to local businesses," said spokesman Montgomery Dean, adding emergency responders haven't complained to the agency.
No comments:
Post a Comment