Community Board 12, Senator Simcha Felder, Councilman Kalman Yeger and Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein appreciate the NYC Department of Transportation’s installation of a long advocated for stop sign at 46^th Street and 11^th Avenue in Boro Park. For years, DOT’s response to our efforts was that “traffic conditions did not meet nationally recognized traffic engineering standards required for installation of a traffic control.” We sought clarification as to the “standards” DOT would consider sufficient to make the intersection safer. In June 2021, DOT advised that the standards were dependent on reported accidents.

With this information, we once again renewed efforts to have the sign installed. Many people do not report accidents, and of those that do, many leave after waiting a long time for police to arrive. This means the data DOT used for their determination was skewed. At first, DOT insisted that “DOT is bound by the warrants when it comes to traffic controls.If the intersection does not meet them[,] we cannot install [a] light or stop sign.”

Two weeks ago, Senator Felder renewed efforts to bring a traffic calming device to that intersection and joined by Councilman Yeger, Assemblyman Eichenstein and our District Manager, Barry Spitzer, fired off a letter to the Commissioner of Transportation demanding an on-site visit so the commissioner can see the dangerous conditions for himself. The letter made such an impact that instead of scheduling a visit, DOT decided to finally install a stop sign.

“This is a lesson in never giving up,” said District Manager Barry Spitzer. “Our neighbors know we will never stop fighting for them, no matter how long it takes. We would like to thank Commissioner Rodriguez and the DOT for installing the sign and Senator Felder, Councilman Yeger and Assemblyman Eichenstein for constantly being in the trenches with us on behalf of our community.”

“I am grateful to my legislative colleagues, Sen. Simcha Felder and Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, as well as District Manager Barry Spitzer for their partnership in our joint request for necessary safety enhancements at 11th Avenue and 46th Street,” said Councilman Kalman Yeger.“With three streets converging to travel on one single short block, it was imperative that DOT take this immediate step to ensure roadway safety.An all-way stop sign is a temporary fix.We still need greater efforts from DOT to ultimately address the traffic situation at that intersection.”

“After many requests and multiple car accidents, the DOT finally came through to install a much-needed stop sign on this very dangerous corner,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “Thanks to my colleagues Senator Simcha Felder and Councilman Kalman Yeger, as well as Community Board 12, for working tirelessly to make this happen. Thank you DOT for hearing our voices. The streets of Boro Park are now a little bit safer.”

Senator Simcha Felder said, “After years of sustained advocacy, this dangerous intersection in the heart of our community is safer today. I am thankful to DOT Brooklyn Commissioner Keith Bray who finally heard our plea. I am grateful to Manager Barry Spitzer of Community Board 12 for spearheading the collaboration between our respective offices, together with Assemblyman Eichenstein and Councilman Yeger that finally achieved success. It should never take 10 years to approve a stop sign. In a community with numerous safety concerns, I look forward to a much swifter response going forward.”