ATTENTION: 9-Year-Old Boy Killed In Fort Greene Vehicular Incident

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
November 2, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081 

9-Year-Old Boy Killed In Fort Greene Vehicular Incident

(Brooklyn, NY)-- Around 12:45PM on Saturday, November 2, 2013, a man driving a red SUV Ford Expedition west along Fort Greene's DeKalb Avenue, moved to turn left onto Clermont Avenue and collided with another vehicle.

According to reports, the driver of the SUV then lost control of his brakes, mounted the sidewalk, and crashed into a nearby building.

The tragic accident caused pedestrian injuries, and killed a 9-year-old boy. Witnesses state that the 9-year-old boy, his sibling (a 5-year-old boy), their 47-year-old mother, and another 28-year-old woman were among those injured. The 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, while the other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

"My heart goes out to the victims and loved ones affected by the tragic vehicular incident that took place in Fort Greene today," said Council Member Letitia James. "I will be working with the Department of Transportation to review the details of the incident, and specifically determine what measures can be taken to increase driver and pedestrian safety along De Kalb Avenue."

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CM James Announces 2014 Clinton Hill Slow Zone

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
OCTOBER 15, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Announces 2014 Clinton Hill Slow Zone
Crown Heights and Prospect Heights To Receive Slow Zones By 2016

(Brooklyn, NY)— On Friday, October 11, 2013, the NYC Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Slow Zones Initiative announced five new slow zones for the City of New York, including one for Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The 2014 slow zones, which lower speed limits from 30 mph to 20 mph where needed (in addition to adding new signage, street markings, and speed bumps to city blocks) will help combat speeding in a Downtown Brooklyn area that is seeing increased commercial and residential development, as well as a sharp increase in bike riding.

Clinton Hill was selected for the program following strong community support. The administration also announced an additional 10 slow zones to be placed throughout the city— including the 35th District neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, in 2015 and 2016 respectively. For the 2014 slow zone, the area borders Lafayette Avenue to Fulton Street, and Washington Avenue stretching beyond Classon Avenue, extending two blocks into Bedford-Stuyvesant.

“I am pleased to announce the Clinton Hill Slow Zone,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Clinton Hill is beginning to experience record high traffic, on par with its neighbor Fort Greene. With numerous schools and day care centers that span this strip of Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant, I hope that these traffic calming measures will create a safer community for all.”

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ATTENTION: Speed Reducer Requested for Carroll Street In Crown Heights

Council Member Letitia James has requested a speed reducer on Carroll Street between Nostrand Avenue and New York Avenue in partnership with the Crown Heights community.

The NYC Department of Transportations will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the proposed locations to evaluate the warrant and feasibility of a speed hump installation. We anticipate completion of the study within the next sixteen weeks. Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 if you have further questions.

ATTENTION: Slow Zone Application Available

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications to the Neighborhood Slow Zone program. Applications are due May 31st.

What is a Slow Zone?
Neighborhood Slow Zones reduce the speed limit on residential streets from 30 mph to 20 mph. Slow Zones grant local families peace of mind because they know drivers in their communities will stick to safer speeds. Communities that apply for a Slow Zone can get safety improvements that reduce traffic crashes, cut-through traffic and traffic noise, making residential streets safer for biking and walking.

Who can apply?
Community boards, civic associations, BIDs, elected officials or other community institutions such as schools or churches can apply.

What can qualify as a Slow Zone?
• Pick a primarily residential area about 5 blocks by 5 blocks in size
• Avoid including wide streets, industrial sites and major commercial areas within the Slow Zone
• Pick an area with strong boundaries (e.g. Slow Zone borders can be major streets, highways, large parks or elevated train tracks)

How do I apply?
Download the application, and follow NYCDOT’s application instructions.
Applications must demonstrate local support for the Neighborhood Slow Zone.
Applications that include letters of support from key community stakeholders will be prioritized.

Transportation Alternatives is available to assist communities in the application process. Call TA at 212-629-8080

CM James Commends NYPD for Quick Identification of Hit-and-Run Suspect; Accident Claimed the Lives of Young Williamburg Family

UPDATE: Multiple media reports now state that Mr. Julio Acevedo will surrender to police.

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MARCH 4, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Commends NYPD for Quick Identification of Hit-and-Run Suspect 

(New York, NY)— On March 3, 2013, a tragic car crash claimed the lives of a young Williamsburg couple expecting a child. Raizel (Raizy) and Nachman Glauber— who were traveling to the hospital in a Toyota Camry livery cab at the time of the collision— were struck by a BMW Sedan driving northbound along Kent Avenue. While the cab driver was treated for minor injuries, the Glauber’s child (a boy) was born prematurely in an emergency procedure. The baby sustained blunt trauma, and was pronounced deceased on March 4, 2013. The driver of the BMW left the scene of the collision.

By 2PM on Monday, March 04, 2013, police had identified Julio Acevedo as a suspect in the hit-and-run. Mr. Acevedo had a previous DWI arrest in February 2013, and was reportedly traveling at least 60mph when his car struck the cab carrying the Glaubers. The speed limit in the area is 30mph. Additionally, media reports state that Mr. Acevedo previously served an estimated eight years in prison on a manslaughter charge in a shooting death.

“I extend my condolences to the Glauber’s extended family at this tragic time,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I commend the police department for quickly identifying a suspect, and I join the voices calling for the suspect to be charged with a triple homicide.”

Police state that at minimum Mr. Acevedo would be charged with fleeing from the scene of a crime. Community leaders are calling for a charge of triple homicide for the suspect.

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ATTENTION: Submit Comments Regarding Barclay's Transportation Demand Management Plan

Downtown Brooklyn residents have until Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at midnight to submit comments and questions on FCR's draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan to AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov. The NYS Empire State Development Corporation will compile responses to questions, and post the final TDM Plan along with responses to all questions by the end of July.

The goals of the TDM are to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects of the traffic that is generated by the facility (although many local elected officials and community representatives favor the more comprehensive “Neighborhood Protection Plan” which calls for measures that include the institution of residential parking permits, increased garbage can placement, and an early cutoff for alcohol sales).

Please see more information here: http://esd.ny.gov/subsidiaries_projects/ayp.html

ATTENTION: ESDC and Community Boards Review Barclays Arena Transportation Plan At Hearing; 5/22; BK Boro Hall

The NYS Empire State Development Corporation and Brooklyn Community Boards 2, 6, & 8 will be holding a joint meeting on the Barclay's Center Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan. The proposal aims to reduce vehicular traffic to the arena and minimize the effects of the cars. Representatives of the developer will make a presentation and answer questions from the public.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
6:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 JORALEMON STREET
Brooklyn, NY

For more information contact: Arana Hankin at AtlanticYards@esd.ny.gov.

See NYT-Local's coverage here. Council Member Letitia James co-sponsored a Downtown Brooklyn Community Transportation Workshop that explored transportation issues with the up-coming arena in March 2012.

CM James Comments On Collapse of Illegal Billboard In Williamsburg

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 14, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments On Collapse of Illegal Billboard In Williamsburg
Illegal Billboard Fell Onto BQE; Highlights Need For Greater Regulation

(New York, NY)— On Friday, January 13, 2012, an illegal billboard advertising the New York Lottery fell onto the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) due to high winds. The collapsed billboard blocked the BQE after falling on a guardrail. It also struck a nearby car wash and body shop, severed a gas line, and damaged a vehicle. Fortunately no one was injured, and traffic resumed about an hour after the incident.

The billboard was mounted atop 421 Meeker Avenue, and fell around 2:20PM, with the billboard's metal supporting partially falling on the building itself. Gas at the building was shut off, and the FDNY confirmed a partial gas leak. The New York City Department of Buildings zoning rules prohibit billboard placement within 200 feet of highways, however many City highways are lined with illegal billboards.

"It is time the Buildings Department cracked down on illegal billboards," said Council Member Letitia James. "It is fortunate that no one was hurt in this incident, but it is time the City enforced this rule and held sign companies responsible. As long as advertisers make more in illegal billboard placement than they pay in fines, this will continue to pose a danger. I call upon the Department to inspect City billboards for legality and safety."

In 2009, a Federal District Court in Manhattan found that “the City’s enforcement of its zoning regulations has been inconsistent and less than vigorous...The billboard industry has taken advantage of this lax enforcement and has consistently ignored the regulations on billboard sign location.”

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ATTENTION: Community Comments On Lafayette Avenue Loading Zone

On May 9, 2011, Council Member Letitia James and Brooklyn Community Board 2 held a public forum on a proposed Lafayette Avenue Loading Zone, to facilitate unloading and loading by vendors at the Brooklyn Flea market, located behind Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School.

Our office is still collecting comments for this proposal. Please direct them to Alfred Chiodo at achiodo@council.nyc.gov or (718) 260-9191.

ATTENTION: DOT To Install "No Standing Anytime" Signs in CrH

The Department of Transportation will install "No Standing Anytime" signs at Schenectady Avenue and Lincoln Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, following a department analysis.

Traffic Signal Being Placed In FG

The New York City Department of Transportation has completed an analysis of the intersection of Hanson Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn in March 2011. A traffic signal has been approved at this location. Installation will be performed by contract and the work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2011.

CM James Talks Residential Parking Permits at AY Traffic Forum

Council Member James discussed her support of residential parking permits at the recent Atlantic Yards Traffic Forum in Prospect Heights:



Read more info here.

*Video borrowed from the Atlantic Yards Report.

ATTENTION: Atlantic Yards Traffic Forum in PH; 12/8; PS9; 7:30PM

Join Council Member Letitia James, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council at their Atlantic Yards traffic forum at PS9 in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 8, 2010
7:30- 9:00PM
WHERE: PS9, 80 Underhill Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238

The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council presents a forum on traffic and transit issues raised by Atlantic Yards construction and the planned opening of the Barclays Center in 2012.

* What impacts are already being felt?
* What is coming from the arena and future construction?
* What does the recent court decision mean to the community?
* What can we do now?

CM James Supports Flushing Avenue Bike Lane

**For Immediate Release**
June 25, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn is getting a two-way, protected bike lane linking cyclists between the Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg

This is an effort to energize the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project- in the works since 1993

The Flushing Avenue bike lane is a win-win situation for the Department of Transportation, Brooklyn and elected officials. The City has abandoned its contentious plan to convert Flushing Avenue to a one-way street to accommodate a two-way bike lane. The new design will maintain two-way car flow, yet still provide for a bike lane.

This new proposal maintains two-way traffic between Kent Avenue and Navy Street, as well as adds a two-way protected bike lane east of Washington Avenue (a jersey barrier and buffer zones between cars and cyclists).

“As an advocate for compromise, I am pleased that the new plan for Flushing Avenue is satisfactory to both drivers and bikers. I want to commend Council Member James for leading the discussion and negotiations for the new plan,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “As a member of the Environmental Protection Committee, I am an advocate for alternative transportation and minimizing traffic flow. However, on a busy street, it is important that traffic flow is maintained while we continue the effort to green our city. I urge both drivers and bikers alike to call 311 or my office if there are any problems or concerns with the new street configuration.”

The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway initiative, which is overseen by the Department of Transportation, has developed a plan that pleases all parties involved. Drivers and residents of the nearby Navy Yard area will not be forced to acquiesce to bikers and exit Flushing Avenue in one direction, as the original plan included.

“Residents living around Flushing Avenue, and tenants of the Navy Yard who attended the recent public meeting were not content with the original bike lane proposal - because of the one-way street component. We are grateful that DOT has responded to their concerns,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Of course, our long-term goals are to create safe pathways for everyone in the community. I support slowing down traffic, along with creating an easier, usable bikeway. This proposal is part of the big picture for the future waterfront greenway, and will positively change Flushing Avenue. I also know first hand from constituents that bikers are very ready for this long-awaited change.”

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CM James, North Flatbush BID Remember Women Struck By Vehicle in BK; Call for Traffic Calming

**For Immediate Release**
February 24, 2010

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Sharon Davidson at (718) 783-1685

Council Member Letitia James, North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District, DOT, and the community continue to pray for two young women struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn last weekend

Community stakeholders gather at DOT offices to consider adding more funding for traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures to the North Flatbush Avenue BID's Capital Project Streetscape Design

On Sunday morning, Erinn Phelan, an employee of the mayor’s office was declared brain-dead after she and Alma Guerrero were struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, according to the police. A car traveling north on Flatbush Avenue struck the women near the intersection of Prospect Place in Prospect Heights, around 4:30 am, authorities said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found both women lying in the street.

“This accident is a terrible tragedy for the families of Erinn Phelan, and Alma Guerrero, as well as the community. It is my hope that once again, important lessons will be learned from this incident. I offer the families of these young women any assistance needed, as they are all in my thoughts and prayers,” said Council Member James.

Coincidentally, this accident happened on the eve of a previously scheduled meeting that was held Tuesday with DOT and community stakeholders, including the North Flatbush Avenue BID; Prospect Heights Development Corporation; Park Slope Civic Association; Borough President Marty Markowitz; Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Stephen Levin. The group looked at traffic calming initiatives such as street furniture, synchronization of lights, islands and other calming methods. A meeting is also planned with commanders of the 77th and 78th Police Precincts to discuss enforcement.

“For the past several years, the North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District has been working with DOT to address pedestrian safety issues, and create traffic calming designs for Flatbush Avenue,” said Sharon Davidson, Executive Director of the North Flatbush Avenue BID.

Recently, a study by the Park Slope Neighborhood Council in coordination with the BID and DOT, resulted in the installation of painted channelization markings and enhanced crosswalk markings – specifically at the Carlton Avenue triangle to reduce speeding traffic from Flatbush Avenue onto Carlton Avenue, and to increase pedestrian safety.

“Also, since 1986, the North Avenue Flatbush BID has had good relationships with the 78th and 77th Precincts, and we will continue to address these traffic issues. The DOT and NYPD collaborations will continue to focus on pedestrian safety. The BID has expectations for more changes and improvements in the near future,” said Sharon Davidson.

Council Member James said: “I look forward to working with the administration to promote greater safety on City streets when driving, because these accidents occur far too often. Also, residents walking should always be cautious when crossing speedways such as Flatbush Avenue, which may get worse because of the proposed Atlantic Yards Project near this accident site and growth of Brooklyn. Lastly, I and the City Council will continue to stand beside these victims and family members during their time of need.”

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ATTENTION: New Speed Bump On Washington Avenue!

NEW SPEED BUMP ON WASHINGTON AVENUE

The New York City Department of Transportation has conducted an investigation to determine the feasibility and the need for installing a speed bump on Washington Avenue between Gates and Greene Avenues. They have concluded that it is a good candidate for the installation of a speed bump and the location has now been added to the list of pending installations for Brooklyn which will scheduled shortly.

We will have more information when it's available. Please contact (718) 260-9191 for more information.

Transport News: The B61 service Splits into Two Shorter Routes

The MTA NYC Transit proposes to divide the current B61 route into two shorter routes, the B61 and the new B62 route. This will provide more efficient and convenient bus services for our customers and constituents.

The current B61 route is a long 9.7- mile route which operates between Red Hook in Brooklyn and Queens Plaza in Queens. The route experiences severe delays due to traffic congestion, especially in Downtown Brooklyn, resulting in unreliability and frequent complaints.

Splitting the B61 route in Downtown Brooklyn will create two routes, the B61 and B62. Both of these routes would operate with the same total level of service as the current B61 route, but their reliability would increase because of their shorter operating distances.

The new southern route, the B61, will travel from the IKEA Terminal in Red Hook to Downtown Brooklyn. The northern route, the B62, will travel from Downtown Brooklyn to Queens Plaza, and will be rerouted through the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza Bus Terminal. This reroute will also provide transfers to the bus routes at the bus terminal and a connection with the J, M, Z line in the Marcy Avenue Station.

NYC Transit is proposing to implement these changes in January 2010. This proposal will be presented for information to the NYC Transit Committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board at its 2009 meeting. Members of the public are invited to offer their opinion during the public commencement period at the beginning of each NYC Transit Committee meeting.

The meeting will be held at 347 Madison Avenue, Manhattan, 5^th Floor Conference Room, on Monday July 27^th at 9:30 a.m. All those wishing to present comments at this meeting must register to speak between 9: 15 a.m. and the start of the meeting.

NYC-DOT Adjusts "Signal Calming" on DeKalb Avenue

Please note that the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC-DOT) has re-adjusted the signals on DeKalb Avenue between Vanderbilt and Ashland Avenues to a 25 m.p.h. progression. This progression was installed in 2001 as a Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming pilot program, but over time some of the signals got “out of synch” and the consistent progression was lost.

The purpose of creating a progression slower than the posted speed limit (also known as “signal calming”) is to discourage speeding. Motorists starting from a red light will only be able to achieve a consistent speed of 25 m.p.h. Traveling faster than this will result in the motorist having to stop and wait for the next light to turn green.

NYC-DOT has looked into this phenomenon because community concerns about speeding on DeKalb Avenue. Though signal calming cannot completely prevent speeding, it does reduce average and 85th percentile speeds. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please call our District Office at (718) 260-9191.

Downtown BK Surface Transit Circulation Study; 6/25; 5:30PM; NYU-Polytech

Open House: Downtown Brooklyn Surface Transit Circulation Study
All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend

Thursday, June 25th, 2009- 5:30PM to 8:00PM, with presentations at 6:15PM and 7:00PM

Polytechnic University
5 Metrotech Center
Dibner Library, Room LC400
(entrance at Metro Tech Center between Jay and Flatbush Avenue Extension)
Brooklyn, New York

NYCDOT is working with MTA-New York City Transit and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to improve surface transit within Downtown Brooklyn. This study will focus on making bus routes more effective and on improving local transportation for Downtown Brooklyn residents, employees and visitors.

In this first Open House , there will be a presentation of the initial results of our investigation into existing conditions and attendees will be asked to provide input about their travel patterns, needs and issues in Downtown Brooklyn.

ATTENTION: Traffic Changes on Brooklyn Streets

Council Member Letitia James and Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries joined business owners, churches, and residents of Fort Greene today at 11:00AM in Brooklyn to discuss traffic changes on major streets in Brooklyn, specifically the change of street directions (from a one-way to a two-way) on Hanson Place. This street direction change affects the Atlantic Center Mall, as well as the Brooklyn State Office Building (location of the office of Assembly Member Jeffries), the Office of Council Member James, MoCADA, restaurants, businesses, apartment buildings, brownstones, and the Atlantic Avenue subway station. This unannounced change is putting people and drivers in harms way due, by and large, to improper notification by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

In response to this, Council Member James's office is currently developing legislation geared towards the DOT, and traffic rules implementation. There will be more to state concerning this legislation at a later date.