Flatbush Councilman Wants City to Look at Fatal South Brooklyn Intersection (Updated)

MIDWOOD, BROOKLYN — Councilman Jumaane Williams wants the city to examine the safety of the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Kings Highway, where 29-year-old teacher Hermanda Booker was fatally struck by two cars Tuesday morning. Williams' district includes the site of the accident.

The city's Vision Zero database shows that from 2009 through 2016, 25 pedestrians and two cyclists were injured at the intersection. Booker was the first victim of 2017, and the only pedestrian or cyclist killed at the location during the 2009-2016 period.

"The bare minimum we can do is continue to look at this intersection and make sure we're doing everything we can," Williams told Patch on Thursday. "With that many accidents, obviously we're not doing all that we can."

Williams said he has reached out to the Department of Transportation on the issue, and believes "we have to look at some more traffic calming measures and enforcement of what's already existing."

A DOT spokesperson said Friday that the agency "is looking into possible safety enhancements at this intersection, and we look forward to bringing future proposals to the community as part of a broader effort to improve safety and mobility in Southern Brooklyn."

Booker, a Flatlands resident and special education teacher in Cypress Hills, was crossing Nostrand early on the morning of Jan. 3 when she was hit by a school bus and an SUV, according to the NYPD. Police initially reported that the SUV fled the scene, but later said the driver remained at the location.

Pictured at top: the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Kings Highway. Image via Google Maps.