CHA Going the RIGHT Way

Throughout 2012, the Cobble Hill Association has had ongoing conversations with the Department of Transportation regarding safety improvements to the Court Street corridor. Recently, one of our requests came to fruition: an improved traffic light at Amity Street.

Big & Clear, Amity Street's new Traffic Signal

All too often drivers had been disregarding the small 'All Traffic Turn Right' signage, and instead been making a dangerous left turn against traffic on Court followed by an immediate right onto Dean Street. This catches pedestrians off guard and is a recipe for disaster. Thankfully, long time civic leader Jerry Armer pushed DOT on this issue, asking they change the traffic light to more clearly direct drivers of the safer, and more legal, maneuvering.

Comparing the above pictured image with the older street view below, you can see the light now changes from red phase to a flashing yellow right turn signal, rather than full green. This more clearly directs drivers attention to the safe turn they should be making. In addition, the traffic light itself which faces drivers on Amity street is now much larger than the side facing Court street, further reinforcing the clarity of the regulation.

Amity Street signal, w/ no directional specification

We appreciate the Department of Transportation's cooperation with our requests and prompt changes to the street. Stay tuned for updates about similar requests we've made as further improvements to the streetscape come to our Court Street corridor.

LPC hearing on 166 Amity: Tuesday

On Tuesday, June 16, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will hold a hearing regarding 166 Amity Street. Here is the description from the LPC's calendar:

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
BOROUGH OF BROOKLYN
09-8655 - Block 720, lot 40-
166 Amity Street - Cobble Hill Historic District
A Greek Revival style rowhouse built in 1843. Application is to install mechanical
equipment at the roof, alter the rear facade, and excavate at the rear yard.
Zoned R8B

The matter came before the CB6 Landmarks Committee on May 28, a night when Roy Sloane and I were at the first meeting of the CHA's new History Committee. Jerry Armer did attend the committee meeting and gave the CHA board his report.

In the end, the committee voted to object to the number of doors to be added to the existing rear-yard addition: that it should be one door, not three. Possibly of more concern is that the applicant appears not to have notified the neighbours as required. The CHA board decided not to send a statement to the hearing one way or the other, but you may want to express yourselves to the LPC on any of the issues involved: the number of doors, the non-notification of the neighbours, or any of the other elements.

WHAT: LPC hearing regarding 166 Amity Street
WHERE: 1 Centre Street, 9th floor, LPC Conference Room, Manhattan
WHEN: Approx. 9.30 a.m.