Live From Nassau Avenue & Leonard Street: DO NOT ENTER!

Today, as promised, construction commenced on Nassau Avenue. And as I learned on at the corner of Leonard Street this afternoon it is already proving to be problematic— and downright dangerous!

The above sign graces the southeastern corner of the aforementioned intersection…

and unfortunately it appears to gone largely unnoticed by motorists. Especially those driving southbound on Leonard Street, as I personally observed.

Thus a number of Good Samaritans, including the folks at Proper Real Estate (which is located on this corner), elected to take turns flagging down motorists and making them aware of the traffic changes (and this sign). I was told by one person present that no less than twenty “close calls” (READ: near accidents) had come to pass on her watch.

As of approximately 1:30 p.m. (and numerous calls to the 94th Precinct, I’ll add) a traffic officer was stationed at this corner.

If you are wondering how something like this can happen, I’ll tell you. Per our Transportation Chair (who is keeping a very watchful on eye on this) the fault lies with the Department of Design and Construction. Or more specifically the contractor whom they have entrusted to do this work. You see, part of the contractor’s job is to ensure traffic officers are stationed at key intersections to ensure as seamless transition as is possible. As you can see, this did not happen. In addition, it was brought to my attention they did not see fit to station a traffic officer at Norman Avenue and McGuinness Boulevard (which is where a public school is located). Our Transportation Chair noticed this egregious oversight and has requested one be stationed there.

While the folks at Leonard and Nassau took this all in good humor (as seen above), the fact of the matter is this is no laughing matter. Until motorists become acclimatized to the new traffic changes (and the detours entailed therein) it is vital that our public servants be extra vigilant about raising awareness— and safe-guarding our well being. In this respect thus far they have failed miserably.

On that note if any of you, gentle readers, have witnessed any similar such problems— or simply want to make your concerns known— please contact our Community Board’s Transportation Chair, Karen Nieves, via Community Board 1’s email address at bk01@cb.nyc.gov. Thanks— and stay safe Greenpointers!

UPDATE, 8:50 p.m.: Here’s the word from the head of the 94th Precinct, D.I. Hurson:

Heather we have noticed the problems on Nassau today and tonight. I have a meeting tomorrow with the NYPD Chief of Transportation this issue will be discussed.

So we’re seeing some action on that front!

P.S.: Special thanks go out to Ms. Nieves and the head of the 94th, Deputy Inspector Hurson, for their attention to this matter— and my concerned emails!