On March 6, we had some high-profile visitors: City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. They came to look at the dangerous conditions on Barnett Avenue, particularly between 46th Street and Woodside Avenue. This was covered by the Gazette, the Chronicle and the Times Ledger.

I’m very glad they came. I’ve personally avoided that stretch of Barnett ever since I saw that it was so pedestrian-unfriendly. Having it available to walk on again would be a big improvement.

Before reading these articles, I didn’t even know there were that many people interested in safety on Barnett Avenue. Skillman, Barnett, 43rd Avenue, 39th Avenue … there are lots of people who want improvements all over the neighborhood. It’s silly for us to all be working separately. I hope we can make contact and work together.

Some of you may have noticed the wires across 51st Street, 52nd Street and Skillman Avenue:

When I got home, I emailed Commissioner McCarthy to ask her about it. Leaving for an appointment I came across two vans with DOT logos on the sides. I went up to one and told the men inside that we were trying to get safety improvements. I offered them my card and asked them to update me, but one of them said it would be better to call 311. He told me that they were just collecting data, and that it was a different group that would decide what changes would be made based on that data.

In Pasadena, CA, walkability advocates took a stroll around the neighborhood, pointing out the good and the bad.  I think we could do a few of these in Sunnyside and Woodside.