QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)– A solution could be coming for a Queens community terrorized during a recent streetcar takeover that resulted in arson and an attack on a homeowner.
Since the incident early Sunday morning, the NYPD has added several patrol cars to the small community of Malba in the Whitestone section of Queens.
New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino told PIX 11 News Tuesday evening that after pushing for speed bumps for four years, she received a verbal commitment that they will be installed in the area around 11th Avenue and 141st Street.
Paladino said the promise came from Nicole Garcia, the Queens Borough Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation.
Paladino told PIX 11 News, “They’re coming out next week, to look, and we’re going to get speed bumps placed throughout Malba. I’m not waiting; they’ve had four years. You eyeball these locations, and you start immediately. Now the weather is changing, we’re getting winter so that might hinder time in some ways, but whatever they’re able to do, so long as the weather allows, I want it done.”
A spokesperson for the NYC DOT told PIX 11 News, he could not confirm details Tuesday night of the conversation between Garcia and Paladino.
Earlier Tuesday, the NYPD released two surveillance images of two of the suspects wanted for the assault on a homeowner who told participants in the car takeover to get off his lawn. The victim’s neighbor, Larry Rusch, told PIX 11 News, “he’s actually hurting a little more today, you know, again, his body is starting to react to it, like I said, at least he’s alive.”
As for the speed bumps, Rush added, “We’ve been fighting for these speed bumps for a long time, but now I think we’re going to get somewhere.”
Anyone with information on the incident can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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