Greenpoint residents continue to rally for safer streets

A redesign plan was proposed by the Department of Transportation last May. It was expected to reduce a lane of traffic in both directions and creating protected bike lanes.

Shniece Archer

May 18, 2024, 2:37 AM

Updated 69 days ago

Share:

Greenpoint residents are rallying to make their streets safer, three years after a teacher was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
The intersection on McGuiness Boulevard has been the cause of several incidents over the years. Mathew Jensen was a teacher in the community who died from a hit- and-run three years ago. Since that tragedy, there have been many injuries almost every eight days according to Vision Zero.
"When we go through the data and see that there's a crash every two days, a serious injury every eight days, that shouldn't be something that we just say is OK. And that's just all happening on McGuinness Boulevard," said NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
A redesign plan was proposed by the Department of Transportation last May. It was expected to reduce a lane of traffic in both directions and creating protected bike lanes.
"Nine months ago, we learned that this plan was in jeopardy," said Bronwyn Brightner, a member of Make McGuinness Safe.
Some residents who voiced their opposition to the plan said it would make the street more congested and impact their businesses.
Mayor Eric Adams and the DOT made some adjustments.
The updated plan would include a bike lane and a flex lane, which allows driving and parking sometimes. It's a plan that many say doesn't work for them.
Advocates at Make McGuinness Boulevard Safer told News 12 that isn't enough. They want the city to implement the original proposal.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Transportation about the redesign but has not heard back at this time.


More from News 12