Richmond Hill, NY – After receiving inquiries from concerned residents in Richmond Hill, three local legislators – Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Senator Joe Addabbo – have called for the New York City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) to enhance traffic controls in a residential neighborhood situated off Forest Park between Park Lane South and Babbage Street.

The calls from legislators come after constituents of the representatives reported drivers operating in the neighborhoods at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour, while ignoring signage aimed to curb such activity. Residents attributed these hazards to the heavy volume of traffic particularly from Park Lane South, and a lack of sufficient traffic controls – including speed bumps, Stop Sign warnings, and stop lines – which they believe could significantly reduce the number of traffic violations in the area.

In addition to sending representation to view the concerns of constituents firsthand, the legislators contacted local law enforcement about increasing the presence of traffic police in the area, and penned an official letter to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, requesting assistance from the agency. The letter specifically noted the following concerns:

• Southbound traffic from Park Lane South down 115th Street being conducted directly into the residential neighborhood, with constituents reportedly witnessing drivers speeding in excess of 50 mph
• Lack of DOT signage – including Stop Lines and Stop Sign warnings – to curb speeding from drivers coming from Park Lane South and Babbage Street in excessive speeds
• Northbound traffic from Babbage Street being similarly conducted into the neighborhoods by way of its wide, one-way street, without appropriate traffic controls

“It’s clear that something needs to be done to improve safety here. These neighborhoods were not built to accommodate drivers far exceeding the city’s 25 mile per hour limit, and residents deserve better than to be constantly on the lookout for reckless drivers,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. “We have had great success improving safety with DOT in the past and hope we can work with them again towards another successful resolution.”

“I am deeply concerned about reports of speeding in excess of 50 miles per hour in a residential neighborhood like Richmond Hill,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “I believe that working with DOT, we can take action to ensure that we are putting resident’s safety first and improving our streetscape to accommodate a positive experience for both pedestrians and vehicles.”

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “It is important that the roads are safe for pedestrians and motorists and that means obeying speed limits and installing proper traffic calming devices. I look forward to working with my colleagues in government and the DOT to ensure that we can prevent traffic violations, car accidents and pedestrian fatalities that have become such concerning hazards in our community. It’s time the city looks to prevent accidents and fatalities instead of reacting to them.”