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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jennifer Whitney, Architect, on Intro 1138
2:05:46
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89 sec
Jennifer Whitney, an architect from the Upper East Side, testifies in support of Intro 1138, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and safety benefits of daylighting intersections. She highlights the potential for additional community improvements that can be implemented in daylit areas.
- Whitney argues that daylighting is a relatively cheap and fast way to significantly improve intersection safety compared to other infrastructure projects.
- She outlines various potential uses for daylit areas, including stormwater mitigation, increased greenery, bus shelters, bike parking, and public art spaces.
- Whitney urges the council to pass Intro 1138, emphasizing the opportunity to make lifesaving improvements that address unique community needs citywide.
Jennifer Whitney
2:05:46
Is it on?
2:05:47
Okay.
2:05:47
Hi, my name is Jennifer Whitney, and I live on the Upper East Side, and I'm here to testify in support of Intro eleven thirty eight.
2:05:56
I'm an architect who works on transportation and infrastructure projects, so I'm well aware, as I'm sure you are, of how challenging, costly, and lengthy it can be to implement built improvements in the city.
2:06:09
Comparatively, creating a daylit intersection is relatively cheap and fast with significant safety improvements.
2:06:16
By simply laying down some paint and placing some boulders or planters, you have automatically made the intersection safer for everyone.
2:06:23
As an architect, what excites me the most is the next step, which is what you can do with the daylit area.
2:06:29
Storm water mitigation, increased greenery and tree canopies, bus shelters, bike parking, public art and social spaces, These are all needed improvements to make New York more resilient, accessible, and beautiful.
2:06:42
And consider the price of planning these improvements individually as separate programs.
2:06:47
There are inevitable these are inevitable costs of investing in a city, but daylighting includes the free and invaluable return of saving lives.
2:06:57
Daylighting intersection presents a powerful opportunity to make lifesaving improvements that address the unique needs of each community citywide.
2:07:06
Every intersection offers the potential for positive change.
2:07:10
I urge the council to pass intro eleven thirty eight, and thank you for the opportunity to speak today.