Councilman addresses quality of life issues at Bushwick intersection

After merchants and residents in Bushwick raised concerns over quality of life issues at the intersection of Broadway and Myrtle Avenue, something is being done to improve conditions at the busy intersection.

City Councilman Antonio Reynoso announced on Thursday his office is working with various city agencies to address street and sidewalk conditions at the intersection, which is below the Myrtle Avenue-Broadway station the J/Z and M lines.

Some of the problems previously cited at the location include poor lighting, littering and the illegal sale and use of synthetic marijuana commonly known as K-2.

The task force, which involves Reynoso, the NYPD and community organizations, will strategize and respond to quality of life issues with comprehensive actions addressing the cleanliness, loitering, and K-2 abuse at that intersection.

“While private investment has been made in the more desirable properties in the neighborhood, Broadway has remained in disarray for too long,” Reynoso said. “I am thrilled and thankful for the city agencies and community groups’ efforts to make Myrtle-Broadway a drug free, cleaner, safer and more vibrant commercial strip.”

As part of Reynoso’s task force, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has installed over 10 LED lights on Broadway, resulting in brighter and safer sidewalks for pedestrians and residents. Additionally, the DOT included new street markings for the five crosswalks connecting Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The MTA also repainted six of the supporting columns of the elevated train, significantly improving safety for the thousands of subway commuters that pass through Myrtle-Broadway each day. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) replaced corner trash bins and has been removing bigger trash items that are often left at the corner of Broadway and Jefferson Street.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce engaged in a long-term plan to organize the many independent businesses along Broadway, while the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation removed much of the graffiti on properties along Jefferson Street, contributing to the beautification efforts put forth by the task force.

START Recovery & Treatment, the local methadone clinic, has installed more lighting and repainted their exterior walls and ACE provided assistance through their street cleaning service and emptying of public trash receptacles.

“It’s really nice to see the city come together and work on a corner that looked like it was stuck in the late ‘80s with trash and drug abuse all over the place,” said Edwin Delgado, a life-long resident on the area.

“Community Board 4 is always happy to see elected officials, City agencies, and the community come together to repair problems in the community,” added CB 4 District Manager Nadine Whitted.