Controversy over safety changes on street in Harlem - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Controversy over safety changes on street in Harlem

Over the past several years, a dozen people have been killed on a portion of Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, usually hit by cars. So the city came in and made some improvements by altering lanes, adding signs, and erecting barriers.

But the safety campaign may have backfired with some residents.

The DOT put the project in place after 12 people were killed on this boulevard during the last 6 years.

But not everyone is happy about the changes. Critics say Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard is one Harlem's last grand boulevards, associated with the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement. They say adding these barriers and eliminating traffic will take away from the rich historic legacy.

Julius Tajiddin, the founder of Preserve Harlem's Legacy, has gathered hundreds of signatures hoping the DOT will rethink the project.

In response, the DOT said "our preliminary observations have found that traffic already appears to be moving better than before the project... we will continue to speak with the community as this project moves forward."