Panic among small businesses as DOT plans Morris Park Avenue traffic pattern changes

Community members say they are outraged over the city's Department of Transportation's plan to change Morris Park Avenue's traffic pattern.

News 12 Staff

Apr 18, 2019, 11:41 AM

Updated 1,840 days ago

Share:

Community members say they are outraged over the city's Department of Transportation's plan to change Morris Park Avenue's traffic pattern.
Work is expected to start within the next two weeks, and neighbors tell News 12 they are not thrilled about the city's plan to add bike lanes.

They say the lanes will take away parking in a neighborhood where people already double park cars to get to local businesses.
Neighborhood leaders also say it will only get worse.

"Small business are beside themselves. I spoke to one man this morning who said, ‘I’m going to lose 15 to 20 percent of my business right off the top as soon as they start this.’ He said, ‘I’m going to have to lay off people,’" says Chairman of Community Board 11 Albert D'Angelo.
The DOT’s plan would add just under 1.5 miles of bike lanes on Morris Park Avenue going through Morris Park and Van Nest.
It would also add turning lanes and high visibility crosswalks while removing what the DOT says is “a low volume travel lane.”
Community Board 11 says it's a bad idea.
"90 percent of people in this community are against it, and the city just doesn’t seem to care,” says D’Angelo.
Members of Community Board 11 say the DOT should look for other ways to slow traffic. They say the DOT should consider staggering stop lights.
In a prior report, a DOT spokesperson told News 12 Morris Park Avenue is a Vision Zero priority corridor with at least seven people killed or severely injured per mile.
News 12 reached out to the city’s DOT for a statement, but has not yet heard back.


More from News 12
2:10
Stony Brook University administrators demand pro-Palestinian protesters end demonstration

Stony Brook University administrators demand pro-Palestinian protesters end demonstration

1:56
Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

0:25
Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

0:13
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

0:27
MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

0:41
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:46
What's Cooking: Steak Taco

What's Cooking: Steak Taco

2:57
Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

2:01
US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

0:33
Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

0:53
USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments