Jarvis Avenue has been approved for a speed hump that will provide added safety for the school children, and many neighbors say that it cannot come soon enough.
The NYC Department of Transportation has approved one speed hump for Jarvis Avenue between Roberts and Buhre avenues. Pelham Bay resident Joe Patriarca said he has been requesting a hump for about 20 years, along with many of his neighbors.
Patriarca, who lives on the street, said that he was especially concerned that speeding cars could pose a safety hazard for children who cross the street on their way to nearby P.S. 71 and Our Lady of Assumption School.
“I think the speeding is a major hazard for the children who cross the street the street on their way to school,” Patriarca said. “So far no one has gotten hurt.”
Patriarca reached out to Senator Jeff Klein, who then contacted DOT. The agency responded by initiating a traffic safety study that found that one speed hump could be installed on the street, as it would clear all existing curb cuts and driveways.
A DOT spokesman said that the agency’s study found that a speed hump was warranted for the location, and its Street Maintenance/Engineering Division is scheduling its installation.
“When it comes to safety, we must be proactive instead of reactive,” Klein said. “I commend Mr. Patriarca for taking on this issue and not giving up. Now, the children who walk along Jarvis Avenue will be better protected on their way to school.”
There are already speed humps around the two schools on Mahan, Parkview and Hobart avenues, but the latest on Jarvis Avenue is expected to add an extra measure of protection.
According to Patriarca, speeding occurs at all hours of the day, and he and his neighbors collected petition signatures over the past two decades requesting more traffic controls.
“I can’t believe this is finally going to happen,” Patriarca stated. “These cars were flying down the street. Unless you are sitting on my porch, you wouldn’t believe how the cars speed by. The speed hump couldn’t come soon enough.”
