Assemblyman Lentol Announces Progress on Slowing Down McGuinness Blvd. Motorists

March 8, 2013

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) received a letter from NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Joseph Palmieri explaining that existing speed limit signs along McGuinness Boulevard will be relocated for better visibility. The Brooklyn Borough Engineering Office will be responsible for the relocation of the signs and this work is scheduled to be completed by May 2013.

According to a previous letter received by Assemblyman Lentol from the NYC DOT, there are fourteen signs along McGuinness Boulevard that display the 30 MPH speed limit, and at that time additional signs were not warranted. Several of the signs, as Lentol previously advocated for, were improperly placed and were not visible.

“I have been pushing for the DOT to investigate the speed limit signs on McGuinness for almost a year, and after sending two letters they have finally decided to improve the visibility of the signs,” he said. “I am glad DOT is addressing this problem, which will hopefully slow drivers down.”

Lentol also introduced legislation last year authorizing the City of New York to install and operate speed cameras along McGuiness Boulevard, one of the most dangerous streets in all of New York City (A.10556). McGuiness Boulevard is a North/South Four-lane arterial street stretching over one mile through the heart of Greenpoint. It is notorious for its speeding motorists, and the injuries and deaths they have caused.

According to a study released by Transportation Alternatives and the McGuinness Boulevard Working Group, who conducted a series of speed surveys, over 66% of cars speed on McGuinness Boulevard. They also found that from 2005-2009 there were 57 motor vehicle crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians, which resulted in four deaths.

“It’s clear to me, and most in this community, that speeding along McGuinness Boulevard is a serious neighborhood concern. We need to find immediate solutions to prevent future, needless injuries and deaths. The DOT’s decision to improve the visibility and placement of speed limit signs will definitely improve the situation, but the introduction of speed camera’s will undoubtedly also serve as an efficient deterrent. I will also be advocating that the police department regularly monitor McGuinness for speeding and to set up "stings" to drive home the point that speeding will not be tolerated,” Lentol concluded.

What's New