Two more deaths on Third Avenue. When will the city care about Sunset Park?

Yesterday morning, two pedestrians were killed on Third Avenue in Sunset Park, adding to the fatalities along this deadly corridor. This tragedy did not surprise me, and that is the problem.

I have lived at 45th Street and Third Avenue for 23 years. This isn’t just a street to me—it’s my home. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I’ve seen seniors struggle to cross safely, mothers pushing strollers, kids fearful of speeding traffic, and too many near-deaths to count. Third Avenue has always felt like a forgotten community, ignored by both Sunset Park and the city.

For decades, the community has expressed that this avenue needs significant safety improvements. Walk signals are far too short, leaving pedestrians constantly stuck waiting for cars to pass. Crossing the street should not feel like a death sentence. Yet, on Third Avenue, it often does.

I remember last year when the Department of Transportation finally presented a redesign of Third Avenue to Community Board 7. I thought to myself: finally, the city has listened to us and wants to improve this corridor. As a proud member of Community Board 7, I was proud to vote yes. It was a vote to slow traffic, protect pedestrians, and give people in our neighborhood the basic safety they deserve. I live right on this avenue—I knew the plan would help our elders, our children, and our families feel safer every single day.

Unfortunately, the city gutted the project after lobbying from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, led by Randy Peers. Their excuse? Keeping car traffic flowing to businesses on Third Avenue—even though cars aren’t supposed to be double-parked here in the first place, and the avenue functions like a mini-highway.

Let’s be real: more people walk to these businesses than drive. People don't want to shop somewhere they don't feel safe walking. A safer, calmer Third Avenue would mean more foot traffic, more families, and more support for small businesses—not less. The Chamber’s logic doesn't hold up, and the city should’ve known better than to listen.

These two deaths were preventable, but once again, Sunset Park was sacrificed for traffic convenience. The city and the Chamber chose cars over people. Now, two more of our neighbors are dead.

Sunset Park deserves better. Third Avenue deserves better. Our lives deserve better.