Marty Markowitz Blasts Fort Hamilton Parkway Islands

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was joined today at the Fort Hamilton Parkway islands by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz who has pledged his support in the campaign being waged

 to have the islands removed. Since the installation of the islands, firefighters have reported that their response time has been slower, while the ability of ambulances to swiftly reach Maimonides Medical Center has also been negatively impacted. Sanitation workers, too, have indicated that their pick-ups have been hindered.

“I am thrilled to be working with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz to remove these islands and restore safety to our community,” said Hikind. “It is outrageous that the DOT refuses to acknowledge the egregious mistake they have made in installing these islands. They have taken no responsibility or meaningful action, even as these islands continue to jeopardize lives.”

“These islands make it difficult for people to maneuver,” stated Markowitz. “It is ridiculous that the DOT would intentionally jam up traffic so close to a hospital. If this is about safety, how safe is it to delay ambulances right outside of this major medical care facility? The community board was not invited to make any kind of adjustments to this plan. DOT made all the decisions for them and it is a clear demonstration that heavy-handed street changes need much more oversight before they get approved.”

The DOT has also removed approximately a dozen parking spaces on Fort Hamilton Parkway to accommodate FDNY rigs, furthering damaging small businesses and inconveniencing residents living in the affected area.

{Matzav.com Newscenter}