Felder Lights Up Bay Parkway Improving Safety & Visibility Under The Tracks

Councilman Simcha Felder and NYC DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray conducted a joint site visit to survey the completion of a critical street lighting project along Bay Parkway.

The newly completed lighting infrastructure now spans the stretch of Bay Parkway from McDonald Avenue to Kings Highway, completing the upgrade that began in 2017, running from Ditmas Avenue to Bay Parkway.

The $1 million project, funded in 2017 during Councilman Felder’s tenure as State Senator, introduced a unique lighting enhancement known as the “Felder Arm” — a custom modification to standard streetlights that adds an additional light source to illuminate both the street and the sidewalk.

In all, 100 new 80-watt LED streetlights were added, and 54 existing streetlights were replaced and upgraded. The Felder Arm modification, along with the addition of many new lights equipped with brighter LED, ensure that both the roadway and the sidewalk are fully lit, promoting safer movement and deterring unlawful behavior. The result is a safer, brighter thoroughfare for all who live, work, or travel through the area.

Historically, the elevated train tracks blocked natural light and hindered the effectiveness of standard street lighting. The dark shadow created safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, and the surrounding community. Darkness limited visibility creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike — as well as opportunities for criminal activity. A two-year analysis after the first phase of the project on McDonald Avenue from Ditmas Avenue to Bay Parkway, showed a 9% decrease in injuries.

“This project is a perfect example of what happens when government listens to the people and responds with smart, practical solutions,” said Councilman Simcha Felder. “For years, residents expressed concerns about the darkness and danger under these tracks. I’m proud that my vision has finally become reality, improving safety and quality of life for everyone.

"This new lighting will improve visibility under the elevated train tracks to help drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists navigate the road safely,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.  “We appreciate the funding Council Member Felder provided as a State Senator and his steadfast commitment to seeing this lighting project through.  Bay Parkway is a brighter and safer place today because of this collaborative effort.”       

“This project may have taken time, but it’s worth every minute to make people safer on our streets,” said Councilman Felder.