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Petition for the Construction and Improvement of Defoe Street in Springfield Gardens, Queens, NY

To: The Department of Transportation (DOT), the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Local Government Officials, and Community Leaders

Subject: Urgent Request for the Development and Maintenance of Defoe Street

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Defoe Street in Springfield Gardens, Queens, NY, hereby petition for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of our street and sidewalks. For nearly 15 years, our community has sought assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOT), contacted 411, reached out to past council district leaders, and even appealed to “Help Me Howard,” yet no progress has been made.

Defoe Street has remained neglected, leading to significant safety hazards and depreciation of property value in our neighborhood. The unpaved and poorly maintained street has become a frequent site for illegal dumping. Residents frequently encounter abandoned vehicles, toxic motor oils, chemicals, car batteries, shopping carts, strollers, furniture, and even deceased animals on our street. Additionally, the excavated dirt behind the AutoZone exacerbates these issues, creating further obstructions and risks.

Our community members, including essential workers like MTA/NICE bus employees and USPS staff, who have dedicated their lives to serving the public, deserve a safe and healthy living environment. It is disheartening to witness neighboring streets like Pineville and Ridgedale receive proper maintenance and attention while Defoe Street remains overlooked.

According to the National Safety Council, thousands of individuals across the country suffer injuries due to tripping on inadequate sidewalks each year. The absence of proper sidewalks on Defoe Street not only jeopardizes the safety of our residents—especially the elderly and children—but also perpetuates the sense of neglect felt by our community.

We believe that the construction of a proper, well-maintained sidewalk and street would deter illegal dumping, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood, improve safety conditions, and restore a sense of pride to the community.

Therefore, we request the following:
- The assessment of Defoe Street by the Department of Transportation and Department of Design and Construction.

- The development and construction of a secure, accessible, and maintained sidewalk.

- Regular maintenance and inspection to prevent future illegal dumping and street degradation.

We respectfully urge the local government, the Department of Transportation, and all relevant authorities, including the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), to prioritize this matter and allocate the necessary resources to bring about meaningful change. The residents of Defoe Street and surrounding areas deserve a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment to live in.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Nesta S. Parchment