Rockaway stretch turns into racetrack

Rockaway stretch turns into racetrack

Anthony DelMundo for New York Daily News

School crossing guard Bernard Pelzer, directs traffic and helps pedestrians cross the streets at Rockaway Beach Blvd. and Beach 79th St. in Rockaway.

Benard Pelzer spends his afternoons shepherding children across the street.

But what was once a routine tas k has become a risky proposition as a lawless stretch of Rockaway roadway has turned into a perilous speedway, the crossing guard and several residents said.

The section of Rockaway Beach Blvd. between Beach 73rd and Beach 79th Sts. isnt governed by any signs or traffic lights, leaving pedestrians to jog across the street as motorists far exceed the speed limit, residents said.

Im terrified myself when Im out there, said Pelzer, 56, who is stationed on Beach 79th St. They speed down here like crazy.

The stretch has earned such a hazardous reputation that even adults ask for an escort across the street, Pelzer added.

Ive gotta cross the whole entire public and thats not my job, he said.

The central section of the Rockaways has seen a population boom with developments such as Arverne by the Sea.

Resident and college professor David Lichtenthal said the traffic infrastructure hasnt kept up with the changing demographics.

T he street light system is from an era thats a relic, he said. The population density requires a street light now. Its becoming problematic.

But another variable is looming that could further aggravate the situation, locals said.

A new YMCA branch, slated to open in 2013 on Beach 73rd St., is expected to draw more pedestrian traffic, especially small children.

When that Y opens up in March youre going to have hundreds of kids and families, said Edwin Williams, 43. Its like a NASCAR speedway. Its really not good.

Officials with the YMCA said they have fielded complaints from residents regarding that area and forwarded them to City Councilman James Sanders Jr.s office.

Officials with Sanders office said they were stonewalled by the city Department of Transportation.

Weve been pushing for it, said the lawmakers chief of staff, Donovan Richards. Weve been turned down by DOT.

DOT officials said they evaluated Beach 75th and 7 6th Sts. the heart of the speedway in December, but it didnt meet the standards for installing any speed controls.

Safety is a top priority and the agency will take a look at this location to see if there are other possible enhancements that can be made to boost safety, said Nicole Garcia, agency spokeswoman.

Community Board 14 District Manager Jonathan Gaska said he will urge the agency to re-evaluate its decision.

It would make sense to put a light there, he said. I was very surprised that it got turned down.

St. Johns Baptist Church, which has more than 500 congregants, falls within that six-block stretch. Pastor James Williams said his worshipers dodge cars before and after services.

Something needs to be done, said Williams. Weve had parishioners that have had issues with crossing, especially seniors.

Williams said he may begin protesting if the situation continues to go unresolved.

You shouldnt have to have a casu alty in order for something to be done, Williams said.

idejohn@nydailynews.com