18 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP • APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2016 BY ANNA SPIVAK [email protected] Read all about it: Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has received a National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for its service to the community. Recognized for the work of its Outreach Services Department – offering citizenship classes for new Americans, creative aging workshops for older adults, an oral history project for veterans and the Books-to-Go program for homebound library patrons – BPL is one of 10 recipients of the award, deemed “the nation’s highest honor” given to museums and libraries. “Our receipt of the National Medal is a tribute to the hundreds of librarians, staff members and volunteers who make Brooklyn Public Library a resource the entire community can turn to, a place where all people can be inspired to pursue their dreams and do their best thinking,” said Linda Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “We are dedicated to serving a large, diverse borough, including children discovering the joys of literacy, students visiting our branches after school, families on the wrong side of the digital divide, immigrants eager to become United States citizens and the innovators who have remade Brooklyn’s image and economy.” The fifth largest library system in America – with 60 branches located throughout the borough – BPL runs as an independent library system for Brooklyn’s 2.5 million residents. Now in its 22nd year, the National Medal will honor the library for catering to those residents and “making a difference for individuals, families and communities,” according to BPL. “This year’s National Medal recipients show the transforming role of museums and libraries from educational destinations to full-fledged community partners and anchors,” said Dr. Kathryn Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are proud to recognize the extraordinary institutions that play an essential role in reaching underserved populations and catalyzing new opportunities for active local involvement.” The other award winners include Madison Public Library (Wisconsin); North Carolina State University Libraries, Otis Library (Norwich, Connecticut); Santa Ana Public Library; the Chicago History Museum; the Columbia Museum of Art (South Carolina); Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children (Gulfport, Mississippi); the Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs, Arkansas) and Tomaquag Museum (Exeter, Rhode Island). The award will be presented to Brooklyn Public Library and the nine other winners at an event in Washington, D.C. on June 1. NYC & Company/Tagger Yancey IV The Brooklyn Public Library’s Prospect Heights branch. Overhaul project begins on Ocean Parkway BY ANNA SPIVAK [email protected] Work on the troublesome Ocean Parkway has begun. What can residents expect? Added traffic signals, reconstructed ramps, added countdown clocks, and left turns at several intersections eliminated. The $8.5 million safety improvement project for the high-traffic (and high-incident) Brooklyn street began on Wednesday, April 20, with enhancements to pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility between the Prospect Expressway and Shore (Belt) Parkway first on the list, announced Governor Andrew Cuomo. BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo Work has begun on the $8.5 million Ocean Parkway improvement project. “Creating a safer Ocean Parkway will benefit neighborhoods and families throughout Brooklyn – and ultimately help save lives,” said Cuomo. “Every day, nearly 45,000 vehicles and thousands of bicyclists and pedestrians rely on Ocean Parkway. They deserve a roadway that is safely designed and constructed, and this project will ensure a safer route for all.” Specific work to the thoroughfare will include: Implementing no-left-turns from the service road at certain intersections, replacing six stop signs with traffic signals on the service roads of certain avenues, reconstructing 177 pedestrian ramps, installing 159 countdown pedestrian signals, installing speed display signs, upgrading pavement markings, traffic signs and istalling high visibility crosswalks. “There’s nothing more important than addressing safety issues, so the start of this much-needed construction project on Ocean Parkway is welcomed news,” said State Senator Simcha Felder. “Our district also looks forward to the speed limit returning to a sensible 35 mph on Ocean Parkway.” Assemblymember Dov Hikind, who has long lobbied for the repair of the problematic road and met with the Director of Government Affairs and External Relations for NYSDOT, Charles O’Shea in January, to discuss the construction plans and potential issues that might arise during the repairs, is also glad that work is underway. “I’m happy to be part of this project that will greatly improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow along Ocean Parkway,” said Hikind. Reactions, however, have not all been positive. After learning that left turns would be banned at nine intersections along the road, local residents chimed in. “Not being able to make a left at Avenue C and the three blocks beyond is going to back up traffic even more on the Prospect Expressway,” said one of our site’s commenters, C.J. Wendroff. “I’m all for safety and traffic calming but eventually you’ve got to make a left somewhere.” “NYCDOT is at it again,” another local resident said. “I’ve lived in this community for 60 years and have been driving 40+ of those years. Just like the closing of Prospect Park to cars, especially park circle during afternoon rush hours, this is once again a move to screw drivers.” The work is slated for completion by fall of 2017, according to Cuomo, and in a separate contract for approximately $6.7 million, scheduled to be released for bidding in December, 2016, NYSDOT will install new pavement and new pavement markings on Ocean Parkway between the Prospect Expressway and the Belt Parkway. Brooklyn boasts award winning library
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