After successfully lobbying city officials for a traffic light at the Columbia Street waterfront, residents there are offering a model of hope to other communities.

Residents say the new light at Columbia and Carroll streets is a huge safety improvement, but they spent years filing complaints with the Department of Transportation and organized a grassroots campaign to get results.

The DOT agreed to install the light in May, and it began operating Thursday.

After residents request a traffic signal, the DOT says the next step is to conduct an engineering study. Data from the study is compared with a federal standard, and then officials can determine whether a signal is feasible and warranted.

As News 12 reported last week. residents of Ocean Hill are also seeking improved traffic safety at the intersection of Rockaway Avenue and Hull Street.