DOT, Eugene Take Steps to Calm Cortelyou Road Traffic with Forum

Residents, politicians and government officials came together last week to discuss traffic issues along and near Cortelyou Road and brainstorm ways to alleviate these problems. 

"Elected officials alone cannot better the community," Councilman Mathieu Eugene said, opening the floor for the Department of Transportation and Ditmas Parkers to discuss concerns and possible remedies. 

Eugene has long advocated for the installation of additional traffic lights along Cortelyou Road, specifically at congested intersections at Stratford and Westminster Roads, and while many agreed this would quell problems, alternative solutions were also discussed. 

Some proposals including enforcing traffic laws on Cortelyou Road as well as "daylighting corners," which would involve removing parking spaces on corners by either installing "no standing zones" signs or bike racks, which would take up an entire parking space. 

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Parking near Ladder 147 at 1210 Cortelyou Road was a very touchy subject, as many residents expressed frustration with the double parked cars and cars that park on the sidewalk. Firefighter Josh Lomask said he understood the issue, but said that firefighters are not the only people disobeying parking laws. "Someone else sees us double-parked, and they’ll pull in behind us,” he said.

He noted that if the Firehouse could receive dedicated parking along that block, it would rectify many of these problems. “We are happy to revisit the issue with the firehouse,” said Community Board 14 District Manager Shawn Campbell. She said merchants will have to agree to hand over their parking spots, but the Community Board will work to find a solution to this problem.

Residents also discussed the dangers of driving along and crossing side streets and noted that installing speed bumps would go a long way to slow drivers. Campbell said a speed bump is slated to be installed on Stratford Road.

Lomask noted Albermarle Road is extremely problematic and said the FDNY has responded to countless accidents along the road. “Stop signs on Albemarle might go a little way to reducing those accidents,” he said. 

All agreed that the intersection at Coney Island Avenue and Cortelyou Road needs to be looked at. DOT Traffic Planner Rob Viola said at peak hours, as many as 300 pedestrians cross at that area. Creating a designated area for pedestrians to cross, including fences, was discussed.

Heather Hart, a member of Eugene's office, asked residents to send her a list of their top traffic concerns and issues that they would like to see addressed. Email Hart at hhart@council.nyc.gov or call her at 212-788-7352.