Bronx, NY – In February, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz along with his colleagues Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Jeffrey Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, former Community Board 8 Chair Dan Padernacht and community residents stood at the intersection of Heath Avenue and Fort Independence Street to bring attention to dangerous conditions at the intersection and to highlight Ft. Independence’s lack of adequate pedestrian safety measures. Deputy Inspector O’Toole and Detective Mindy Ramos from the Bronx’s 50th Precinct were also present at the event as well as local community advocate and member of FIPNA Jordan Moss.

Previously, a stop sign was located on the east side of Heath Avenue for northbound traffic right before Heath Avenue intersects with Fort Independence Street. There was also a yield sign on the west side of Fort Independence Street for southbound traffic right before Fort Independence Street turn into Heath Avenue. Even with the yield sign and stop sign, the three way y shaped intersection at Heath Avenue and Fort Independence was dangerous.

Parents and students walking across the intersection to P.S. 360 were forced to put up with unsafe traffic conditions and drivers must take precautions to be wary of pedestrians that were previously forced to run and weave between cars without a traffic light and without crosswalks.

Assemblyman Dinowitz and his colleagues asked that the Department of Transportation (DOT) install traffic signals and additional crosswalks to improve safety. The DOT agreed to conduct a thorough review of the entire corridor. After finishing the review, DOT installed traffic lights at what used to be only a yield sign. The traffic lights began operating as of yesterday and crosswalks are expected to be installed soon.

“I am very pleased that the DOT heeded the calls from the community and from elected officials to do something to make this community safer. Children and parents walking their children to and from P.S. 360 shouldn’t have to run across the street to make it safely to school or back home or to local after school programs” said Assemblyman Dinowitz “With these new lights, pedestrians don’t have to be exposed to unnecessary danger just to go about their daily lives with their children.

“Keeping our children safe is a priority that we all share,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I commend the Department of Transportation for hearing our calls to increase street safety and pedestrian safety at the busy Ft. Independence and Heath Avenue crossing in the Bronx. I commend Assemblyman Dinowitz for urging this immediate action and for his efforts to keep our community safe.”

"The installation of a traffic light at Fort Independence Street and Heath Avenue is a tremendous step to improving the safety of pedestrians and drivers who navigate the tricky intersection. This was a necessary measure given its close proximity to P.S. 360. I look forward to freshly painted crosswalks, which will further bolster safety for the community," said Senator Jeff Klein.

“I am grateful to the DOT for taking the proper steps to make the community safer,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “This intersection is used by so many members of the community including seniors and children. It’s on us to make sure we have the proper measures in place to keep them safe.”

The new traffic signal at Fort Independence Street and Heath Avenue will greatly enhance safety at this dangerous and complicated intersection,” said Community Board 8 Chair Rosemary Ginty.

"After months of focus and persistence -- gathering petition signatures, attending Community Board 8 Transportation Committee meetings and working closely with community and political leaders -- we are grateful, and relieved, that street lights and crosswalks have been installed at what was the dangerous, scary intersection of Fort Independence Street and Heath Avenue," said Jordan Moss, a member of the community organization FIPNA (Fort Independence Park Neighborhood Association). "It has already made the area incredibly safer. Thanks to Assemblyman Dinowitz for organizing a key press conference and staying in close touch with DOT."