Castor Avenue Is Not Broken
“We all agree that Castor Avenue businesses and residents would benefit from more cameras, more trees, trash cans, reasonable safety improvements, and better lighting.”
However……..
Save Castor Ave
CONTRUCTION IS BEING SCHEDULED !
- No politician can guarantee an increase in business and less accidents after a “road diet”.
- The Philadelphia Police, Fire Department, and other First Responders have not endorsed the reduction of four lanes to three lanes.
- One 0.8 mile stretch of Venice Boulevard in LA, with a similar average daily traffic to Castor Avenue in North East Philadelphia, saw a 33% increase in accidents to the previous 5 years before they implemented Vision Zero’s “road diet”.
- In the previous decade, the same .8-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard had seen only two businesses fail. In the 17 months following the “road diet”, 21 businesses had to shut their doors.
- In comparison Venice Boulevard averages 5.8 fatalities a year, only to see accident rates increase after Vision Zero’s “road diet”. Castor Avenue only averages 1 fatality a year. Why change a traffic pattern in an area that is already safer than most urban roadways?
- In addition to the economic impact, first responders and daily commuters have all complained that their morning and evening commutes have been made that much worse by taking away a lane from cars in favor of bike lanes.
- Addressing “Aggressive Driving” – crossing a double line, using the left opposing lane as a “passing lane” incurs a minimum $400 fine. This new middle lane only creates more problems for police to enforce aggressive drivers.
- This was not a good idea in LA where the weather is more favorable to bicyclists. Why would it be any better in the North East with long, cold winters?
- In contrast to Center City, where many do not own vehicles, relying on bicycles for transportation, according to the census, the Northeast consists of “working class people”, most of which will continue to use vehicles, not bicycles.
- Once implemented, business owners and residents have indicated the effectiveness of these “road diets” is questionable..
- Current bike lanes are being underutilized elsewhere in our community .
- All agree to avoiding using streets such as Tyson, Levick, and Devereaux because of daily congestion
Take Back Your Neighborhood – Castor Gardens Civic Association
We interviewed local businesses and residents.
Here is what the neighborhood had to say……..
Issues of Agreement
- Castor Avenue should remain 4 lanes.
- More lighting, cameras, trash cans, and trees will add to safety and bring more business to the neighborhood.
- The addition of a “left turn – green arrow” can be incorporated into the existing traffic light system to assist vehicles.
Issues of Opposition and Concern
- Changing from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with a middle turning lane.
- Lane obstruction due to bus traffic, double parking, and vehicles attempting to double park.
- During the 3 years of this proposed construction project, streets will be dug up and parking will be unavailable at various times, leading to the interruption of business.
- Hardship for Local Business and daily local deliveries companies such as Amazon, DoorDash, Instacart, Fedex, UPS, Post Office, or vehicles attempting to parallel park.
- Hardship the community – Effects from an increase in dangerous and aggressive traffic entering the community from side streets in order to avoid using Castor Avenue.
- Emergency vehicles (Ambulance, Police, Fire, Tow, etc.) cannot travel safely and operate efficiently without obstructions and congestion.
- Removing one traffic lane and replacing it with a bike lane.
- No increased Police presence for enforcement on the community side streets, regular patrols, and ticketing for double parking and other violations.
- Relocating the perfectly functional Trolley Power Lines.
- Particular politicians that appear to be not paying attention and not supporting the consensus of the Community
- Few, if any, representatives from the DOT, Septa, or local government have come to visit, or survey the businesses and residents to date.
1. PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION !!!
Please SIGN and SHARE the petition to save Castor Avenue!!!
You can help us to be heard by signing the petition.
You do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to sign and share.
If we all get our friends and family to sign, we can meet our goal!
2. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY !!!
Please take the Castor Ave. Construction Survey on the link below
https://forms.gle/WeztcYYzmgP9V7WW8
Questions or concerns, contact:
Take Back Your Neighborhood
Robert Rudnitsky, President
(215) 432-4875
rrudnitsky@yahoo.com
IS THIS BROKEN?
DON’T WAIT TILL IT’S TOO LATE