As the calendar approaches the shortest day of the year, residents living in the vicinity of both the Pelham Parkway north and south service roads have had to deal with the long dark winter nights for several weeks now.
According to Pelham Parkway residents, a majority of the street lights that run alongside the service roads are out of order, leaving the streets and sidewalks very dark once night falls.
At this time of year, Pelham Parkway’s street lights usually turn on at about 4:30 p.m., just before dusk hits, to help guide drivers and especially pedestrians on its service road.
According to emails from residents to Community Board 11, however, both service roads have been reported as ‘pitch black’ as early as 5 p.m.
There are some lights that are working properly on Pelham Parkway South, from Williamsbridge Road to White Plains Road, although the majority are not working at all.
The situation is more severe on the Pelham Parkway North service road from Bronxwood Avenue to White Plains Road, where there are no lights working properly.
This inconvenience has dragged on for over a month, and has generated complaints ever since. The 311 confirmation number for this complaint is #2305500.
Residents of CB 11, specifically from Pelham Parkway, strongly believe that this is a serious safety issue, especially for those jogging on the parkway as well as commuting to and from the Bronx House, due to the darkness.
The dark, unlighted sidewalks have also made the area attractive to the criminal element.
It has also been reported that the heavily used Bx 12 bus stop at Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road is in the dark as well.
“I’ve personally witnessed the problem and I am fully aware of this issue,” said CB 11 district manager Jeremy Warneke, relating to residents affected by this situation.
