Trees Present Problems
A copy of the following letter was received by the Gazette. Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor City of New York City Hall New York, NY 10007 Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

I am writing to express my deep concern about a growing problem, literally, that I have witnessed in certain areas of my district in Queens: overgrown tree branches that are obscuring traffic signals at various intersections. Within the space of one week, I became personally aware of three accidents that occurred at such intersections, with at least one of the drivers blaming the crash on the inability to see the traffic signal through overhanging tree branches.

This is obviously a very dangerous situation for motorists and pedestrians alike, and it is my understanding that it can sometimes take years for overgrown trees to be trimmed even after a complaint is made. In this light, I respectfully ask that you direct the Department of Transportation, parks department, or other appropriate agency to survey intersections where tree branches are severely obscuring traffic signals and to take immediate action to safeguard the public's safety.

While I certainly appreciate and commend the actions that various government agencies have undertaken to ascertain the safety of our bridges in the wake of the devastating Minnesota bridge collapse in September, I believe that smaller steps- including necessary tree-trimming- must also be pursued to protect the lives and property of our constituents. I would appreciate hearing from you with regard to this issue at your earliest convenience.

Thank you, as always, for your consideration. Sincerely, George Onorato State Senator, 12th District Long Island City