Photo Taken at corner of Atlantic and Smith Say, does anybody in Carroll Gardens remember signing the petition against the "proliferation of sidewalk news racks?" I sure signed it ...in 2005. Back then, Assemblywoman Joan Millman had the great intention of ridding our streets of this nuisance. Two years later, there are more of them along Smith, Court and Atlantic than ever before, though it is clear that their placement on street corners violated several Department of Transportation regulations such as "placement within 2 feet of a curb cut for disabled persons, placement within fifteen feet of an entrance and exit to a subway station, and placement within a corner or crosswalk area."
On some of our street corners, there are up to 8 or 9 of these plastic boxes. The sidewalks are already narrow enough as it is. Do we really need to have these things blocking our way?
I wonder whatever happened with the petition. I'll have to ask Ms. Millman.
From Joan Millman's October 2005 Community Report
- In response to the proliferation of sidewalk newspaper racks Assemblywoman Joan Millman is circulating a petition calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to inspect the number of newsracks on the corner of Smith and President Streets. Currently there are nine newsracks at this corner creating an obstacle for pedestrians, especially those coming from Carroll Park with strollers and young children.
"Walking around the district I've noticed a sharp increase in the number of newsracks on the sidewalk," said Assemblymember Millman. "Access to free newspapers and periodicals is important, but we have to be able to cross the street too," she added.
Currently the news racks on President and Smith violate several DOT regulations including, placement within 2 feet of a curb cut for disabled persons, placement within fifteen feet of an entrance and exit to a subway station, and placement within a corner or crosswalk area.
"Nine newsracks really are a burden for disabled pedestrians and parents with strollers," said Millman. "We must keep our sidewalks safe and clear of potential hazards."
To sign the petition, please stop by Assemblymember Millman's office.
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6 comments:
Good eye. I'm sick of these, too, and will be keeping a lookout (hopefully with camera in tow) to document (as you have) how out of hand it's getting.
I wonder how many of these are actually used to distribute "news." On my corner, they seem to be used more like garbage cans: a place for people to stuff their empty coffee cups and candy wrappers.
am i the only one that actually likes the newsracks? they bring bright colors to the streets and free packing supplies for moving. many of them are too close to the corners though.
Free packing material. I never quite thought about it that way.
I just hate the fact that there are so many of them and that they are trashed...
They should be placed in front of Mayor Bloomberg's home,then maybe we will get action!!
Good Idea! Lets get a U-Haul and lets start loading
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