In a letter to the editor, Jersey City resident Yvonne Balcer gives her opinion on why Vision Zero is not as far along in the city as some people think.
Screenshot via YouTube.
Dear Editor:
I do not agree with the editorial on Hudson County’s progress on Vision Zero as being well documented. Only part of the information is being considered.
During the Ordinance 26-010 hearing on Franklin Street, former council candidate Catherine Healy brought up the subject of the fireman’s union report on bike lanes, which narrows the streets.
She said the report claims it adds precious time for emergency vehicles.
I actually asked Mayor Solomon at one of the budget hearings why the Fire Department union’s report wasn’t available to the public and his response is the Fire Department union is private and the city does not put private material on the city’s website.
Unlike the Jersey City Fire Department’s hidden report, the New York City Fire union blasted former Mayor de Blasio on Vision Zero. They said response times to fight blazes and other emergencies rose dramatically.
This reminds me of late Bob Miller, formerly of Skillman Avenue; he spoke before the City Council complaining he waited a long time before an ambulance arrived; he said he called more than once.
Now that we have only one hospital open, it takes more time if you live outside the downtown area where the Medical Center is located.
There is no data collected on the wait time it takes ambulances to arrive or how it impacts those who die from a slow response.
Yvonne Balcer
Jersey City resident