Greenpoint intersection under scrutiny as neighbors call for safety upgrades
Residents say they fear that without changes, another crash is inevitable.
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Broken pieces of glass, splintered wood and bent window frames remain at the intersection of Franklin and Commercial streets after a car slammed into a storefront on Monday.
This latest incident has added to the ongoing concerns about the intersection.
"I could definitely see it happening because [there is] so much going on late night. And when everybody's driving fast over here, there's nothing to stop them. So, it's like every man for himself," said Ricky, a resident.
Residents say they fear that without changes, another crash is inevitable. Some point to blocked crosswalks, heavy traffic flow from multiple directions, and a lack of traffic signals as ongoing hazards.
"You have traffic coming from my right, traffic coming from my left and also traffic coming from down here and it's difficult to see. It'd be really nice to have either a flashing light or a different crosswalk, even because the crosswalks are often blocked by trucks," said Shelly, a resident.
With a playground just steps away and thousands of traffic-related injuries reported citywide this year, residents say safety improvements at Franklin and Commercial streets cannot wait.
"Add some lights and some signals with some signs because [there is a kids’ park] right there. It just makes all the sense in the world," Ricky said.
Even some drivers who regularly pass through the intersection say it remains difficult to navigate safely.
"It's problematic. I think that it's incredibly confusing. Who has the right-of-way? I also think that stop signs would be helpful in a potential, you know, traffic light would be helpful. Or a speed bump," said Kim, a driver.
As neighbors continue pushing for change, the NYC Department of Transportation says it will continue reviewing community feedback, with safety remaining a top priority.
