Daylighting is a term with very specific meanings.
In architecture it means "the controlled admission of natural light, direct sunlight, and diffused-skylight into a building to reduce electric lighting and saving energy." In hydrology it refers to "the opening up and restoration of a previously buried watercourse, one which had at some point been diverted below ground."
For livable streets advocates, daylighting is about making intersections safer for pedestrians. "At crossings that may have low pedestrian visibility, curb extension should be long enough to 'daylight' the crossing, i.e., provide open sight-lines to the pedestrian crossing for approaching motorists.”
New York State actually requires a form of universal daylighting, by prohibiting parking "within twenty feet of a cross walk at an intersection"—basically one car length.
But here's the bonkers thing: New York City uses its "home rule" authority to exempt itself from implementing this proven street safety tactic. Why on earth would we do that? Simply put: to preserve curbside car parking. And of course, this convenience for a handful of car owners comes at the expense of everyone else's safety.
This dynamic was thrown into tragic relief last month when a seven-year-old boy in Fort Greene Brooklyn was killed in a crosswalk by an NYPD tow-truck driver making a right turn through an un-daylit intersection. Had NYC followed state law, Kamari Hughes might still be alive.
There's a growing chorus from advocates, Community Boards, and everyday New Yorkers calling on New York City to get right with state law, as well as urban design best practices, and prioritize human lives over parking spots.
Click the link below to add your voice by sending a letter to your elected officials asking them to support universal daylighting in New York City.
