Neighbors living near the intersection of 7th Avenue and 41st Street say their streets have become increasingly perilous for both drivers and pedestrians, describing the area as a “danger zone.”
Cyclist Kevin Flatley says navigating the intersection has grown more frightening in recent months.
“Sometimes it's scary. Your life is at risk just getting to work,” he said.
According to city data, three crashes along the avenue just last month, including a deadly hit-and-run on 41st Street that claimed the life of 75-year-old resident Judy Byron.
Her husband, Henry Byron, says the danger didn’t end there. “A guy was hit on the corner a week after my wife was hit; Seventh Avenue by the park has become a raceway,” he said.
In response, neighbors have begun petitioning for stronger safety measures, including the installation of speed cameras and red-light cameras.
“I will take speed cameras, I will take red-light cameras,” said resident Debrah Kaiser. “The combination of cars and whatever else makes it hard to safely cross the street.”
The group is already halfway to its signature goal and says they will continue pushing until their neighborhood streets are safe for everyone.
The Department of Transportation tells News 12 that, their "thoughts are with Judith's family and loved ones" and they "are reviewing [the] location for safety upgrades and working to expand red-light camera enforcement citywide to curb the reckless driving we've seen increase since the pandemic."