Clean and Safe
As we start 2020 with our Trellis Crew, we are moving from our reporters attending and reporting on general community events, to pitching their own stories about the things that they see and that matter to them.
As the students move out into their communities now with eyes more focused on things they want to see change, be better and available, these reports we trust will inspire our crew and more students in the community to be storytellers of and advocates for change in our city
Recently, two of our crew submitted reports about issues they want address, cleanliness and public safety.
“It’s disgusting to me that there’s so much garbage and trash in my area. It makes me feel sad to know that I live in is such an unsanitary place. I would like more to be done about this situation but unfortunately that takes funds that I think no one is willing to give into and to constantly really make sure that the neighborhood is clean. I think housing does a somewhat good job of making sure the buildings are clean but not so much about the outside of the buildings. The BQE is a large part of the Fort Greene area and I wish there we’re staff and workers on site to make sure that it was clean it may take a lot of work for the job to get done but with plenty of people and assistance I’m sure that not only underneath the BQE but all around Fort Greene projects will be a lot cleaner.”
“Red Light, Green Light, 1 2 3
If you’re in the Canarsie area you might find yourself walking like myself, home from the B103 and see a direct signal letting you know it’s your turn to cross the street. Well my fellow commuters this month the newly installed traffic lights (pictured above) have been installed at the intersection of Glenwood and East 85st.
For some perspective previously this was a four way intersection with only stop signs. And knowing that and also knowing that this is New York City it’s common for people to forget all the rules of the road after passing the Road test.
However, there are two perspectives to view this from, the drivers and pedestrians. There are two kinds of drivers. One kind of driver prefers the stop signs because although there’s some stop and go motions it’s much better than the hassle of waiting for a light right. Whereas other drivers wouldn’t mind the new addition of traffic lights at this intersection so they don’t risk missing the rest of the green lights up ahead because they stopped at a pesky stop sign. These drivers like when all of the lights turn green and they can just zoom ahead without interruption.
“Where does that leave pedestrians?”
Well I believe we benefit the most. Being that prior to this new addition there were many encounters with near accidents. Pedestrians have almost been hit at this intersection numerous times. Simply because it can be confusing to know “when do I cross at a four way intersection?”. Patience is often very low for pedestrians crossing. So after one incident too many and pedestrians like myself turning to the next avenue due to the anxiety we faced when approaching this intersection the newly installed traffic lights feels like a gift. And on behalf of the pedestrians that walk up and down Glenwood Road all throughout the week I’d like to say thank you! ”