Council Member Stephen Levin is announcing that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has agreed to install traffic signals on Kent Avenue. This follows a request from Levin that the DOT take steps to prevent future tragedies along Kent Avenue after a hit-and-run resulted in the deaths of Raizy and Nathan Glauber and their newborn son this March.

There were previously no traffic signals or stop signs on Kent Avenue between Williamsburg Street West and Clymer Street, a stretch of six blocks. This had emboldened reckless drivers, like the one responsible for the hit-and-run that resulted in the deaths of the Glaubers, to turn this neighborhood street into a raceway. The motorist who caused the crash was reportedly driving 60 miles per hour.Description: https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif

Traffic signals will be installed in two locations – one at the intersection of Kent Avenue and Wilson Street and the other at Kent Avenue and Hooper Street. They are expected to be installed by November 30.

“The lack of traffic signals had encouraged speeding to take place on Kent Avenue and tragically contributed to the hit-and-run that resulted in the deaths of Raizy and Nathan Glauber and their newborn son.” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “By installing traffic signals on Kent Avenue we are making our city streets safer for all New Yorkers—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. I want to thank the Department of Transportation for recognizing the need to keep our streets safe and agreeing to install traffic signals along Kent Avenue.”

“Every step we take to make our streets safer is a step in the right direction,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Kent Avenue and all of New York’s roads are the safest they’ve been in generations thanks to innovative redesigns and working block-by-block with communities so that neighborhood streets can keep pace with changing demands.”

“The loss of the Glauber family was tragic and brought great sadness to the community,” said Rabbi David Niederman, Executive Director of United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg said. “By installing traffic signals on Kent Avenue we are helping prevent future tragedies and ensuring the safety of the residents of Brooklyn. Thank you to the Department of Transportation and Council Member Levin for their work to keep our communities safe.”

Yanky Itzkowitz, of the Williamsburg Shomrim Patrol, said, “The community is very grateful that these stop lights will be installed along Kent Avenue. If they had been in place in March, two young people and their son would still be alive today.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)