BORO PARK'S 50th WILL BE A STREET AGAIN, NOT AN OBSTACLE COURSE

I'm delighted to announce that the Commissioner of the DOT has given our community a solid commitment to begin critical repairs along 50th Street between 13th and 14th Avenues in early July, after school terms are complete so as not to disrupt the community.

50th Street is in the heart of our community but its conditions became dreadful. It was unacceptable to have our children riding in school buses, commuters on the B11 bus, and residents and shoppers all risking their lives each time they traveled this street.

In October, I met with representatives from the New York City Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection to discuss the critical repairs needed along 50th St. with the goal of making the street safer. I personally surveyed the area with DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Joseph Palmieri and followed-up with the Department of Environmental Protection, as well.

The DOT responded by repaving the street in late November to diminish the danger while committing to complete additional repairs after a thorough examination of the street’s conditions by the DEP.

I’m grateful to Commissioner Palmieri for responding quickly and thoroughly to our needs for repairs. I also want to thank Council Members David Greenfield and Brad Lander for assistance in this issue. We know a lot more work must be done throughout our community, but this is another step in the right direction.