Queens, New York – Assemblyman David I. Weprin and Councilman Barry Grodenchik joined Irwin Altman Middle School Principal 172 Jeffrey Slivko, Community Board 13 District Manager Mark McMillan and NYC DOT’s CB 13 Borough Planner Craig Chin to announce the one way conversion of 256th Street, between 82nd and 81st Avenues, and 257th Street between 83rd and 81st Avenues; as a way to calm the streets surrounding the school.

The conversion was initiated after a concerned resident contacted Assemblyman Weprin’s office to express disappointment about the traffic safety conditions surrounding MS 172. The sentiment echoed concerns previously made by MS 172 Principal Jeffrey Slivko and others in the area about increased traffic outside the school, particularly during pick-up and drop-off times. In response, Assemblyman David Weprin’s office contacted NYC DOT and, after conducting a feasibility study, DOT proposed a one way conversion of streets surrounding the school: 256th Street, between 82nd and 81st Avenues and 257th Street between 83rd and 81st Avenues. The conversion was completed by DOT on July 11.

“Parents, understandably, are often eager to drop their kids off near the entrance of the school in the morning, and like to be first in line to see their children after a long day. So we end up getting instances where we have drivers dropping off their children and attempting to leave while other cars are coming in to the same area – leading to double parking and cars pulling over across the street to let kids out. All of this led to a chaotic and untenable situation at MS 172, especially with 256th Street and 257th Street both being two-way streets.” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “We contacted DOT and asked them to take a look at the safety conditions around the school and after conducting a traffic study, the Department suggested a one way conversion of 256th Street, between 82nd and 81st Avenues, and 257th Street between 83rd and 81st Avenues; as a way to calm the streets surrounding the school.”

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens). “I thank Assembly Member David I. Weprin for his advocacy and the Department of Transportation for implementing these safety measures near Middle School 172Q. I look forward to a safe school year.”