These Nasty Newspaper Racks

Photo Taken at corner of Atlantic and Smith

Say, does anybody in Carroll Gardens remember signing the petition against the "proliferation of sidewalk news racks?" I sure signed it ...in 2005. Back then, Assemblywoman Joan Millman had the great intention of ridding our streets of this nuisance. Two years later, there are more of them along Smith, Court and Atlantic than ever before, though it is clear that their placement on street corners violated several Department of Transportation regulations such as "placement within 2 feet of a curb cut for disabled persons, placement within fifteen feet of an entrance and exit to a subway station, and placement within a corner or crosswalk area."
On some of our street corners, there are up to 8 or 9 of these plastic boxes. The sidewalks are already narrow enough as it is. Do we really need to have these things blocking our way?
I wonder whatever happened with the petition. I'll have to ask Ms. Millman.



From Joan Millman's October 2005 Community Report

- In response to the proliferation of sidewalk newspaper racks Assemblywoman Joan Millman is circulating a petition calling on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to inspect the number of newsracks on the corner of Smith and President Streets. Currently there are nine newsracks at this corner creating an obstacle for pedestrians, especially those coming from Carroll Park with strollers and young children.
"Walking around the district I've noticed a sharp increase in the number of newsracks on the sidewalk," said Assemblymember Millman. "Access to free newspapers and periodicals is important, but we have to be able to cross the street too," she added.
Currently the news racks on President and Smith violate several DOT regulations including, placement within 2 feet of a curb cut for disabled persons, placement within fifteen feet of an entrance and exit to a subway station, and placement within a corner or crosswalk area.
"Nine newsracks really are a burden for disabled pedestrians and parents with strollers," said Millman. "We must keep our sidewalks safe and clear of potential hazards."
To sign the petition, please stop by Assemblymember Millman's office.