Sign the petition for speed humps on Hawthorne

This just in: The Department of Transportation has surveyed our street and ruled that it would be a good site for speed humps if Hawthorne residents agree.

Why speed humps? Hawthorne gets an inordinate amount of through-traffic due to its location (off Flatbush) and design (the street is extra wide, for example, and has few trees). And with that traffic comes a lot of speeding. Humps would slow down cars and discourage drivers to use the street as a thoroughfare.

I've created a petition, per Community Board 9 request. If you live on Hawthorne and haven't yet signed the petition but would like to, email me at brooklynite282 @ gmail and I'll bring it by at a convenient time. Otherwise, you could download this petition (pdf), sign it (ideally, with some roommates and/or neighbors) and drop it off under the gate at 23 Hawthorne. Thanks.

Comments

[Andre]

Dear Carrie,

Please refer to your comments on the Lefferts Yahoo account dated 11/13/07 12:26pm and 11/13/07 1:55pm.

I am a resident of Rutland II and want to ask "What ever happened to being a good neighbor?"

Please also refer to your comments in the same Yahoo account on 12/1/07 6:17pm.

Your seemingly sincere comments at the time about not addressing traffic issues by individual blocks, but to include the neighborhood as a whole in order to avoid any adverse "domino effects" were a generous and selfless stance to take--at least they outwardly seemed to be.

But what a difference less-than-a-year makes. Kindly consider the adverse effects that would occur on Rutland if Hawthorne were to install speed humps.

I had had high hopes that the greater neighborhood was in a position to work together to solve problems that affect all of us. But, sadly, it seems, that it's every neighbor for themselves.

Respectfully,
Your neighbor, Andre

[carrie]

Andre,

I agree that a calming approach that includes the neighborhood as a whole is the best way to go. But while I've repeatedly reached out to others in the neighborhood to work on this issue so that we can do something more holistic, no one north of our block has shown any real interest (by attending meetings or responding to email queries).

The DOT sees the installation of speed humps as a block-by-block decision. If you want to get any real change done there, you have to do it in small chunks (unless, of course, other people are willing to help).

carrie

[noelle]

don't know if this would be a concern for others, but my husband (former skate punk) assures me that speed humps would not affect the skateboarders on the flatbush-bedford block, and would in fact make it easier and safer for them to work on their tricks (and even give them challenging obstacles to "ollie" over.)

i love those kids and view their skating as a very positive, healthy outlet. just my $.02

[Andre]

Dear Noelle,

Thanks for the comment.

Correct me if I am wrong, but speed humps sound like they are "a good thing" when it comes to skateboarders--such that the speed humps create desired obstacles for kids to practice their jumps, flips and such. And that speed humps would probably attract other like-minded kids looking to work on their tricks, practice their craft and improve their skateboarding skills?