Yellow Light Installation Started – Not Where You Think

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Installation has started of the flashing yellow traffic signal that was promised on Gerritsen Avenue. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation, ran the conduit for the power for the poles approximatively 150 feet away from actual intersection of Gerritsen and Channel Avenues.

This effectively kills any chance for a full (red, yellow, green) traffic signal at the actual intersection.

Last year, for the upteenth time, the property owners requested a new traffic study for Channel and Gerritsen to try and get a full traffic signal. At the time, it possibly could have been funded though Anthony Wieners “Green Streets” money. However, when the traffic study came back we did not qualify for the full traffic signal. The in and out (North/South) traffic was good enough but from Channel to Gerritsen (East/West) was not.

The association then proposed a flashing yellow signal, the thought being, that although it might help, it was more important to get the DOT to install everything: the power, poles, etc because then it would be a very easy switch for a full traffic signal.

Then without a community input or any type of presentation, the DOT started work 150 feet away from the actual intersection completely backfiring on the original plan. Now it seems like any hope for any type of full traffic signal at Channel has died.

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Rain Floods Gerritsen and Channel Avenue

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We understand that this is just a puddle but it’s no ordinary puddle – It’s OUR HUGE puddle. Too big for what was a short period of rain.

It’s all due to a clogged storm drain at Channel Avenue.

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Traffic Signal Approved for Channel and Gerritsen Avenue

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A 50 + year battle to get a traffic signal at Channel Avenue has come to an end – thanks to the Gerrittsen Beach Property Owners and State Senator Marty Golden.

State Senator Martin J. Golden is today announcing that he has received notification from the Department of Transportation that a flashing yellow light has been approved for installation at the intersection of Gerritsen and Channel Avenue.

A flashing yellow traffic light indicates that there is a congested road or dangerous intersection ahead. The signal means motorists should slow down and approach with caution.

The corner has long been one of much concern for the entire Gerritsen Beach community as well as the school community of P.S. 277. Senator Golden has met with DOT officials and the Gerrittsen Beach Property Owners Association on site at this location to observe the traffic study, and has repeatedly contacted the Transportation Department and requested traffic calming measures be considered for this intersection.

A date for installation has not been scheduled.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “This is a great day for the community of Gerritsen Beach and for the safety of all residents. This is a day that has long been wished for by parents, teachers, and students of P.S. 277, as
well as the residents of the neighboring streets throughout the community. Finally, after continued efforts and support from the community, including the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association, we have been able to get approval for traffic safety enhancements at this intersection. With the new school year set to begin next month, this news could not have arrived at a better time.”

Golden concluded, “I am hopeful that the installation of this traffic signal will be completed soon. The community of Gerritsen Beach has waited long enough to feel safer and more comfortable when driving along Gerritsen Avenue at Channel Avenue. We thank the Department of Transportation for approving this signal
and for their continued attention to this intersection.”

DOT Shoots Down Channel Avenue Light

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[DOT March Study]
After laying down yet another traffic study, The DOT shot down the community request for a traffic signal at Channel Avenue.

The study did not meet the federal warrant requirements.

DOT Lays Down a Traffic Study

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If you have not already noticed DOT has laid down the strips they use for a traffic study approaching the Channel Avenue intersection.

This study was requested by Senator Goldens office along with the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association for a Traffic Signal at Channel Avenue.

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