THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK COMMITTEES

ALBANY Banks
Cities
Consumer Affairs and Protection
Environmental Conservation
Steering

MICAH Z. KELLNER
th
65 Assembly District

April 15, 2011

Margaret Forgione
Manhattan Borough Commissioner
Department of Transportation
59 Maiden Lane, 35th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Re: Roosevelt Island Bridge

Dear Commissioner Forgione,

We are writing in regards to the status of a pedestrian barrier on the Roosevelt Island
Bridge. Currently, pedestrians on the eastern side of the bridge do not have a physical barrier to
protect them from traffic. Such a barrier was unfortunately and incomprehensibly not included in
the original design of the bridge.

The absence of a barrier on the eastern side has created hazardous conditions for the large
disabled community on Roosevelt Island, pedestrians with children, and the many others who
understandably feel unsafe crossing the bridge while unprotected from traffic. As the only
thoroughfare to and from Roosevelt Island, the bridge is extremely busy at all hours of the day.
Wheelchair users who cross the bridge risk falling off the curb’s edge. On the extremely narrow
path, this can easily occur when individuals attempt to pass one another

Members of the community, including the Roosevelt Island Residents Association and
the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, have contacted us for assistance in meeting with the
Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine the best way to incorporate a barrier into the
existing structure. We understand that this problem has been acknowledged by the DOT, and that
you have been examining the issue. However, the community has not been kept apprised of any
progress that has been made towards the construction of a barrier.

The absence of this barrier is a tragic accident waiting to happen. We ask that you meet
with local community leaders to discuss the future plans for the bridge. Thank you for your
attention in this matter.

Sincerely,

Jessica Lappin Micah Z. Kellner

Council Member Assembly Member

834 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248 (518) 455-5 6 7 6, FAX (518) 455-5 2 8 2
315 East 65 Street, New York, NY 10065 (212) 860-4906, FAX (917) 432-2983
E-mail: KellnerM@assembly.state.ny.us