Here's the presentation for the new Flatbush, minus the changes at Lincoln/Washington/Flatbush. Those are happening too.
I actually got an email from someone telling me I was making this all up. I assure you, it's for real.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Flatbush Corridor Project
Got word of a bad accident at the ridiculous intersection at Flatbush and Parkside. Any details folks?
Here's the presentation for the new Flatbush, minus the changes at Lincoln/Washington/Flatbush. Those are happening too.
I actually got an email from someone telling me I was making this all up. I assure you, it's for real.
Here's the presentation for the new Flatbush, minus the changes at Lincoln/Washington/Flatbush. Those are happening too.
I actually got an email from someone telling me I was making this all up. I assure you, it's for real.
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14 comments:
This is fantastic! Hopefully, merchants will support this as a way to make the avenue a bit more pleasant and therefore increase foot traffic.
DOT needs to also look into installing red light cameras on Ocean between Parkside and Lincoln. There are no intersecting streets there so drivers feel like they can blow through or roll through the light. Those cross walks are heavily trafficked by kids heading to the playground and is a terrible accident waiting to happen.
Q - is there anyone we should be contacting to show support for this plan?
This seems really sensible to me. There isn't really enough room for two travel lanes plus parking and, even without double parking, legally parked trucks block the present right travel lane, causing bottlenecks.
The plan has encountered no resistance at this point, and is "reversible" if it doesn't work. So despite some outreach they're planning to do with east side of Flatbush merchants, we can expect this to happen in the Fall. No "vote" is needed, though the Transportation committee of CB9 had no objections.
Today at 10:40am, I drove past Flatbush and Parkside after the accident. I have no idea what happened but there was a black car stopped in the intersection and another black car on the sidewalk. The car on the sidewalk was positioned with its rear at the door of the Duane Reade.
I agree that—on paper—this looks like a big improvement to the current anarchy on Flatbush Avenue. But rules are only good if they are followed. If the "turn only" lane becomes the dollar vans' "my turn to get around you" lane and red lights are still regarded as more of a "suggestion" than a law, then we've made no progress.
You can paint lines, put up lights, and post limits all you want but until we have real enforcement, with real penalties — I mean sizable fines, followed by license suspensions, and for those that still drive like they're alone on a test track, impound their vehicles (yeah, I'm pretty militant on this topic)— then this whole plan is just a not-great Powerpoint presentation.
And to JDB: while I agree with you, red light cameras are, for the moment, a dead issue. Earlier this year, Republicans in Albany—including a few from NYC— killed the whole concept. They put forth a lot of nonsense about how it was "big government invading your privacy with an unproven technology that costs too much." It is my understanding that even the cameras that exist are no longer turned on (but if you do get a ticket, you didn't hear that from me...).
I don't care what they do. Anything will be better than what we have now.
They can all this with some paint and a few signs? Really? Really?
There was a 3 vehicle accident last week at Flatbush and Parkside Aves; a NY Transit bus, a Cable Vision work truck and a van.
Side note: A 7-Eleven is opening on Flatbush Ave, between Linden Blvd n Martense Street. Looks like its opening quite soon.
I hate the drivers on Flatbush, they are so dangerous, it's all me me me attitude get out my way or I'll run you over! Seriously, even when I'm crossing (walking) the road at a walk sign they are honking there horns!. This new lane format is great news for pedestrians on Flatbush who will hopefully feel a little less like the frog from the Frogger game.
i don't have the patience to look at all these drawings. if someone would be so kind as to explain to me in english what is going to happen in the fall i'd be thrilled. All I get at this point is that Flatbush sucks and we are putting in some turn only lanes on empire & flatbush (those were the only drawings I had the patience to look at) but i don't quite get how that's gonna fix the generally third worldiness of flatbush. (actually if i compare flatbush to many third world major traffic arteries it suddenly seems peaceful.)
The driving is atrocious, but it's not just limited to Flatbush Avenue (or this neighborhood, I'm afraid). It's definitely like "run over someone or be run over out there".
So...speaking of enforcement, where are the cops going to sit while watching the traffic? We wouldn't want them to doublepark, of course.
anon 11:58 said: "I hate the drivers on Flatbush, they are so dangerous, it's all me me me attitude get out my way or I'll run you over!"
Agreed. But not for nothing, the pedestrians are no great shakes either. They cross when and where they feel like it regardless of traffic or signal. I drive an ambulance for a living and I can tell you from personal experience, there is a whole city full of people out there who will just walk right in front of you and look at you like you're doing something wrong. They've done it to me in an ambulance with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
People behind the wheel are dangerous? Hell yeah. So are the people on foot. And don't even get me started on the guys on bikes.
Couldn't agree more with Sean.
And my nomination for the absolute worst: people crossing Flatbush mid-block, through traffic, pulling a toddler alongside... I see it often and think, hey, you want to commit suicide? that's your business—we won't miss one less moron—but please please leave your kid with someone who will care for them...
And update to JDB: apparently revised to "speed cameras" rather than red-light cameras, and restricted to school zones, NY Assembly OK'd a trial program:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/nyregion/city-gets-legislatures-nod-to-install-speed-cameras.html?_r=0
Unclear if this still needs State Senate approval. And the article notes that the cops' union opposes the measure, saying the money would be better spent on more cops for enforcement. Because we all know how much attention NYPD pays to traffic enforcement...
I am happy something is being done. Thank you for your informative post. I have had my heart in my throat one two many times and have had my child almost run over twice in these dangerous intersections. I'm all for traffic slowing measures, reducing traffic and improving flow so we can get across the street. The intersection of Empire, Ocean and Flatbush where many cross from the subway, park and Botanic Gardens is particularly hazardous as well as the others mentioned.
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