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Dear John,

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I find myself reflecting on Dr. King’s tireless pursuit of justice, dignity, and equity—values that feel especially urgent as we prepare for the return of President-elect Trump. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that, even in the face of daunting challenges, we must press on with hope and determination. Now is not the time for despair or disengagement, but for action. Inspired by his example, I am more committed than ever to strengthening and protecting our communities through meaningful action at the local level.

I am encouraged by the recent news of a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East and the beginning of the hostage release as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher reunite with their families. While it is deeply saddening that it has taken over 450 days of unimaginable suffering since October 7, 2023, for all involved to reach this point, I hold hope that this development will be a step toward lasting peace, justice, and stability in the region. I call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, halt the violence and military actions in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, and ensure the safe return of the remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to their families. It is my sincere hope that this will be the first step toward a complete end to the conflict, allowing all communities to begin the process of healing and rebuilding.

At a time when we are witnessing an alarming rise in hate crimes, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian rhetoric, we must reject division and come together to build a city rooted in the safety of all communities.

Street Safety in District 39

Over my three years in office, ensuring street safety has been one of my top priorities. Building safe, livable, and accessible streets for all is central to the work my team and I do every day. We advocate for infrastructure improvements that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, recognizing that everyone deserves to feel safe on our streets, whether walking, biking, or driving.

I encourage all constituents to report their street safety concerns and complaints through 311 or the Department of Transportation (DOT) web form ([link removed]) . Once you’ve submitted your report, please email us your ticket numbers at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) so we can help resolve the issue as quickly as possible. While these online reporting systems aren’t perfect, they are an important tool for the city to track issues and prioritize improvements. They also provide us with a public record that helps us advocate for necessary street safety measures in our community.

Here’s an overview of the street safety and traffic initiatives my team and I have been working on over the past few months to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
* Expanding Daylighting at Dangerous Intersections: Based on valuable feedback from constituents, I recently sent a letter to the DOT requesting daylighting at several key intersections in our district ([link removed]) . I also reiterated my call for universal daylighting across the city. A big thank you to everyone who participated in our survey ([link removed]) !
Daylighting is a proven strategy to reduce pedestrian injuries. It works by removing parking spots closest to an intersection to improve sightlines for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This simple but effective change helps make our streets safe and more accessible for everyone.
In collaboration with DOT, we’ve daylighted the following five intersections in our district:
+ Atlantic Avenue & Court Street
+ Carroll Street & Denton Place
+ Hicks Street & West 9 Street
+ West Drive & Prospect Park West
+ Coney Island Avenue & Cortelyou Road
I’m also proud to be a co-sponsor of Intro 1138 ([link removed]) , a bill that would make daylighting a universal practice across our city. My team and I will continue pushing for expanded daylighting at more intersections in our district and for the universal implementation of the critical safety measure citywide.
* Community Meeting on Bike Lane Improvements in Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill: I recently attended a town hall ([link removed]) at the Secret Garden to hear directly from neighbors about their concerns regarding the lack of safe cycling infrastructure in Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. I’ve also received your emails in support of the petition ([link removed]) , and I want to thank everyone who has been advocating for safer streets.
I’m committed to working together with the community to address these concerns. In addition to improving bike lanes, we’re exploring solutions to reduce traffic congestion, implement safety measures like speed bumps and leading pedestrian intervals, and, importantly, making biking safer and more accessible for school children and families.
I also encourage you to read this powerful op-ed ([link removed]) by Julia Lichtblau, who shares her experience of cycling in the neighborhood and tragically falling victim to a vehicular crash. Her call for a comprehensive bike lane network is an important reminder of the urgent need for safer streets in our community.
I’m eager to continue this important conversation and work together on practical solutions that will make our neighborhoods safer and more bike-friendly for everyone.

* Traffic Study on 6th Avenue and 21st Street: Since last July, my office has been working to address concerns about confusing traffic patterns and dangerous driving at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 21st Street. These issues were highlighted by a troubling incident last year, when a truck knocked down a lamppost in the area. Thanks to the quick action of my office and the DOT, I’m pleased to report that the lamppost has been fully restored.
Last month, I hosted a visit ([link removed]) to the site with residents and Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray to assess the situation firsthand. During our walkthrough, we discussed the need for an expedited, three-month traffic study to better understand the causes of these safety concerns and explore potential solutions.
I look forward to reviewing the study’s findings and working with the community and the DOT to implement effective measures that will improve safety for all who use this corridor.
* Improving Safety on 9th Street: I recently joined advocates and Sarah Schick’s family to honor her memory. Sarah was a beloved mother, wife, neighbor, constituent, and cyclist, tragically lost to traffic violence two years ago. Her passing galvanized our community and reinforced the urgent need for safer streets.
Following her tragic passing, my office, in collaboration with Transportation Alternatives and local residents, fought for the installation of a complete and protected bike lane on 9th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. While we’ve made significant strides by securing a protected bike lane, the area remains unsafe. Trucks routinely park in the bike lane, and cars idle, forcing cyclists into traffic. Unfortunately, there has been little to no enforcement by the NYPD to address these violations.
To combat these ongoing dangers, my office, in partnership with Transportation Alternatives, Families for Safe Streets, and Community Board 6, sent a letter to DOT with recommendations ([link removed]) for improving safety along 9th Street. I am also calling on the NYPD to step up enforcement to ensure that traffic rules are followed and cyclists can ride safety. I look forward to DOT’s response and will continue to push for stronger enforcement and safer streets.

I’m encouraged by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s recent announcement of a revised police vehicle pursuit policy ([link removed]) . This is a step in the right direction, as the current trend of police car chases and crashes under Mayor Adams' leadership has become increasingly troubling. Police vehicle crashes have surged to over one crash per day ([link removed]) , with a staggering 88% increase in Brooklyn between 2023 and 2024 alone.

This alarming rise in traffic violence, caused by NYPD pursuits, has resulted in more injuries and fatalities, undermining our public safety goals. While it is essential that individuals who commit crimes are held accountable, we must ensure that enforcement efforts do not put either law enforcement officers or the public at greater risk.

I am optimistic that this revised policy will help reverse this dangerous trend and ultimately reduce both traffic crashes and pedestrian injuries. This is a critical step in making our streets safer for everyone.

Community Bulletin
* 3-K & Pre-K applications are open until Friday, 2/28! Apply online ([link removed]) , visit a Family Welcome Center, or call 718-935-2009 for assistance.
* Non-profit, community-based organizations can apply for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) discretionary funding. Applications ([link removed]) are due by Wednesday, 2/19.
* Applications for Brooklyn Community Boards ([link removed]) are now open! Help shape the future of your neighborhood by serving on a community board. Applications are open until 2/14.
* High school and college students can apply for paid professional summer internships through the Ladders for Leaders program. Applications ([link removed]) are open until Monday, 1/20.
* Concerned about flooding in your home or community? Attend the Flood Solutions Fair ([link removed]) at the Van Alen Institute on Saturday, 1/25, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Meet with experts, explore flood resilience strategies, and discover available resources.
* We want your feedback! Share your thoughts ([link removed]) on the future of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) and its transformation into a mixed-use community hub. Your feedback will help guide the vision for the space.
* Last year, the City Council passed Local Law 172, which establishes a comprehensive framework to support industrial and manufacturing businesses in key areas. By completing this survey ([link removed]) , you can help us identify the challenges and opportunities facing the industrial sector. Your input will directly inform NYC’s Industrial Plan and shape future planning and policies for these critical businesses.
* Are you a small business owner involved in your local merchants' association? Interested in collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs to improve the commercial corridors in your neighborhood? Join small business leaders from all five boroughs at the NYC Merchant Organizing Conference ([link removed]) on Tuesday, 2/11. Learn valuable techniques to organize and strengthen your community’s collective power.

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana

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Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
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