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Crash-Prone Jay St. Corridor Overhaul at Center of Monday Night Discussion

By Janet Upadhye | March 10, 2014 1:41pm
 Members of Transportation Alternatives are holding a forum to discuss changes on Jay Street in Brooklyn on March 10. 
  
Jay Street Corridor
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DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Jay Street is a narrow, accident-prone corridor where dozens of crashes happen each year — prompting advocates to call for a meeting Monday night on ways to make it safer.

"The entire Jay Street corridor is in desperate need of safety improvements," said Miller Nuttle, 26, of Transportation Alternatives, which is hosting the "Reimagine Jay Street! A community street safety planning workshop" on March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the National Grid First Floor Auditorium at 1 Metrotech Center in Downtown Brooklyn.

"It's pretty harrowing because there are so many people driving, walking and biking and the street is very ill designed."

Since 2011, there have been at least 68 crashes on the thoroughfare, which runs from DUMBO to the Fulton Street Mall in Downtown Brooklyn, according to crashmapper, a web site that uses data from the NYPD. Motorists make illegal U-turns and double park on the street, increasing the danger, advocates say.

The Department of Transportation said it is aware of Jay Street's safety hazards and recently extended parking and bike lanes on Jay Street near Tillary Street in Downtown Brooklyn. The agency also said it was willing to work on other safety initiatives if they arise.

"We look forward to working with the community on potential cycling improvements on Jay Street and elsewhere in Downtown Brooklyn," a spokesman for the agency said.

Transportation Alternatives made a time-lapse video filmed over four days to show pedestrians, bicyclists, cars, taxis, and buses competing for limited space on the street, the Daily News first reported.

And residents have taken to Twitter to voice concerns about the street's safety.

"My wife got doored while riding *in the bike lane* on jay st.," tweeted Phil Aroneanu. "We need a protected lane."