Queens Residents Frustrated by Flashing Street Lights

For weeks, locals in Queens have been dealing with the nuisance of flashing street lights, which have both distracted drivers and irritated residents. This ongoing issue only gained attention after it was shared on social media, prompting a response from city officials.

Complaints about the strobe-like lights on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk began around December 29. However, it wasn’t until recently that the problem was partially addressed, with the Department of Transportation (DOT) implementing “temporary repairs” that stopped the lights from flashing late Sunday.

According to the DOT, the flickering was due to damaged cables, and maintenance is still ongoing. The agency has yet to provide clarity on when they first recognized the issue or when a permanent fix might be expected.

Residents have expressed their concerns, arguing that the delay poses safety risks, especially for pedestrians and drivers distracted by the lights. Edward Pastore, a local resident, voiced his frustration, emphasizing the importance of safe, well-lit spaces for evening strolls.

He mentioned the general sluggishness of city responses to issues in the Rockaways, particularly during the winter months when problems tend to be overlooked. Pastore shared, “There’s a sense that nobody cares, especially now that it’s winter.”

Another local, Marian Brewer, highlighted the infrastructure issues at play. Living right off the boardwalk, she pointed out that recurring problems suggest a lack of effective management. “If they were on a roll, things like this wouldn’t keep happening,” she remarked.

The New York City Parks Department, which oversees the boardwalk, was informed of the lighting malfunction in late December. PSEG, the power company, inspected the situation on January 13 and found their equipment functioning properly. After confirming that, they directed the matter back to the DOT, responsible for the street lights.

The situation gained more visibility after a local reporter’s post went public on January 16, sparking further discussions online. Fortunately, after a couple of days, the flashing finally ceased, thanks to a temporary fix from the DOT. An update acknowledged the efforts of those involved in resolving the situation.

Nonetheless, the response has been far from satisfactory for some. City Council member Joanne Arriola criticized the back-and-forth between agencies, arguing that the delay in resolving an issue that clearly fell within DOT’s jurisdiction was unacceptable.

The DOT’s record shows they’ve received numerous complaints regarding street lights in the area since 2020. While many were addressed promptly, some issues, like a damaged light pole reported in October, remain unresolved.

Arriola expressed hope for improvement moving forward, stating, “Under the new secretary, maybe DOT will finally take more responsibility.” She concluded by stressing that community members deserve better service and appreciated their patience through the ordeal.