November 03, 2014

Urgent Traffic Safety Memo: BACS 205 and BACS

E98
To:
K-8 Families at Brooklyn Ascend
From: Janna Genzlinger, Managing Director
Re:
Traffic Safety Memo, Brooklyn Ascend Charter School
Dear Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of a fatal hit and run that occurred at approximately 2:30
in the morning on Saturday, November 1 st on Rockaway Parkway between Clarkson Avenue and Winthrop
Street, the block that houses our 205 campus. The victim was a 59 year old man and we are actively
seeking information so that Brooklyn Ascend can send support to family members during their time of
grief. Should you have any information about services, please contact the 205 Director of Operations
Monique Bowie at monique.bowie@ascendlearning.org.
I have been grateful for the strength the Brooklyn Ascend families have shown as we advocate to demand
safer traffic patterns at 205 Rockaway and 123 E98 Street from our elected New York City officials. Your
advocacy has resulted in the median at 205 Rockaway, the longer school zone at 205 Rockaway, and the
new traffic light at 123 E 98th Street on the corner of Blake Avenue.
Though we have made progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure that our children can travel
to and from school without the risk of being struck by a vehicle as was the unfortunate victim on Rockaway
Parkway this Saturday morning. We need to mobilize with urgency and remind our elected officials about
the now proven deadly traffic situation at 205 Rockaway and potentially deadly traffic situation at E98th
Street. We have extended invitations to Kevin Bray, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner for the Department of
Transportation; Sherif Fraser, Community Board 17s district manager; Lee Burton, chair of Community
Board 17s transportation committee; and Councilmember Darlene Mealy; to join us in this important
discussion.
We are asking Brooklyn Ascend families to advocate for:
-A midblock signaled crosswalk at 205 Rockaway Parkway
-A crosswalk to accompany the new stop light at the intersection of E98th Street and Blake Avenue
-A stoplight and crosswalk at the intersection of E98th Street and Ralph Avenue
Our families at the E.98th Street campus were able to successfully obtain a stoplight at the corner of Blake
Avenue and E. 98th street by accommodating the request made by the 71st precinct to stop illegally parking
during arrival and dismissal. To be successful in our advocacy for a midblock crosswalk at the 205 campus
we need to show the 67th precinct as well as our elected officials that were serious about not jay-walking
by not doing it ourselves. Please do not jay-walk, especially with your child.
Your Family Association presidents, Nyger Cacho (K-5 Lower School) and Kim Kirton (6-8 Middle School)
have already been in touch with the Ascend Learning communications team who will partner with the
families on this crucial safety campaign. Please come to the next Family Association General Body
Meetings to support this cause (Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30 pm for K-5 Lower School at 205
Rockaway campus; and Thursday, November 13th at 6:30 pm for 6-8 Middle School at 123 E98th Street
Campus).
Your partner in traffic safety,

Janna Genzlinger
Managing Director
Brooklyn Ascend Charter School
janna.genzlinger@ascendlearning.org
347-461-5140

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