In 2021, my legally parked car was totaled when an 18-wheeler made an illegal right turn from ATLANTIC Avenue onto HENRY Street, then attempted another impossible turn onto KANE Street—destroying anything in its path.

This is no longer an isolated incident. Massive semi-trucks are now barreling through our small residential streets daily—often two or three times a day—damaging property and putting pedestrians at serious risk. Cobble Hill residents are dealing with a chronic and dangerous pattern.

These long-haul 18-wheelers, typically destined for New Jersey and often carrying AMAZON or UNFI trailers, are diverting off the BQE and mistakenly entering our neighborhood. They simply cannot navigate our narrow streets.

The problem is fueled by the inadequate “TRUCK RESTRICTION” signage at HENRY Street and ATLANTIC Avenue. Drivers routinely miss it, turn onto HENRY, and then get stuck at KANE Street—directly in front of elementary school PS29. Hundreds of children cross this intersection every day, forced to walk around giant trucks, smashed car parts, and broken glass.

Each time this happens, police spend one to two hours blocking streets to maneuver the truck out and issue violations. And just hours later, another truck repeats the exact same dangerous mistake. This cycle is constant, hazardous, and unsustainable.

We are calling on all elected officials who represent this area and Community Board 6 to urge NYC DOT to prioritize and install safety improvements at the intersection of ATLANTIC Avenue and HENRY Street as soon as possible, beginning with the most easily and immediately actionable improvements listed below:

1. Replace the current “TRUCK RESTRICTION” sign, on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Henry Street, with a more visible and prominent sign to further deter these large vehicles from entering prohibited areas.
    
2. Install traffic barriers at the corner of Henry Street and Atlantic Avenue. This measure would physically prevent trucks from making illegal turns from Atlantic Avenue into Henry Street, thereby preserving the safety and integrity of our neighborhood. These traffic barriers would not prevent emergency vehicles and local delivery vehicles from entering the neighborhood. 

By signing this petition, you support making Cobble Hill’s streets safer for everyone. Let's urge our local city council and transportation authorities to take swift action in implementing these changes, helping to preserve our neighborhood's unique character and keep its residents safe.