Street safety activists gathered on Wednesday at two distinct locations in New York City, urging Mayor Adams to fulfill his commitment to improve safety on Third Avenue in Brooklyn and to take immediate actions to prevent fatalities on Canal Street in Manhattan.
The first vigil took place in Sunset Park, where local residents implored the mayor to act on a long-delayed proposal that aims to narrow the busy, highway-like stretch of Third Avenue beneath which lies an actual highway.
Mathilde, a resident of the area, expressed her concerns in Spanish through a translator, stating, “We need this street to be safer for all of our children. No one should have to be worried that their children are going to get hit by a car, just trying to cross the street.”
Despite the proposal for a road diet put forth in 2023 designed to increase safety between Prospect Avenue and 62nd Street, Mayor Adams has postponed progress following resistance from influential local business groups, including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s unconscionable to drag your feet on proven street safety measures when you know that they work,” said Elizabeth Adams, deputy director for public affairs at Transportation Alternatives.
Seven hours later, rally attendees gathered at the Manhattan Bridge entrance to Canal Street, where two recent fatal crashes highlighted the urgent need for redesigning the area. One of the victims, Kevin Cruickshank, was killed just days prior, prompting a public outcry for change from his family and friends.
“Sadly, our family is not the only family who is affected by tragedy at this location,” said Sarah Witt, Cruickshank’s sister. “Twelve people have died at this intersection and it’s time for the city to protect its cyclists, its elderly and all of its residents. Kevin always loved New York City. He loved biking this city and he would want it to be safe for all.”
Ron Gentile, a friend of the deceased, called for the city to take immediate action, stating, “To Mayor Adams and the DOT, Kevin would have said that all your studies are stupid. This is an easy fix. Install concrete barriers immediately and then install bollards. Implementing a safety plan is the best way to honor him.”
Kate Brockwehl, representing the advocacy group Families for Safe Streets, made a pointed observation about delayed safety protocols.
“DOT has plans and they sit on shelves, people die, people are seriously injured in the meantime. Why play politics and delay, and delay, and delay, when you know that canal street in its current design is a public health emergency?” she asked during the rally.
Mary Beth Kelly also emphasized the frustration felt by voters regarding safety concerns. “Voters have no use for mayors who don’t care about safety,” she stated. “Mayor Adams, we have no use for you.”
In a related development, the NYPD announced that a suspect, Timiko Young, was charged in connection with the 2021 hit-and-run death of 59-year-old Jose Galen. Young was charged only with leaving the scene of the crash.
In other news, a potential lawsuit is looming as Instacart has threatened to sue the city if Mayor Adams endorses a new grocery delivery minimum wage law put forth by the City Council.
Additionally, plans are in place for the W. 72nd Street subway stop to be down two elevators during a replacement process.
Mike Lawler has confirmed he will not run for governor.
Leftist discussions and debates about ‘Abundance’ were also reported.
Lastly, an unusual story has emerged, likened to the MAGA equivalent of “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn,” as detailed in the Daily News.
image source from：nyc
