Who Will Fix 3 Overpasses Sheathed in Ice?
Forty years ago, official plans for the Prospect Expressway did not include an ice rink. But in recent years that is what some of the expressway’s pedestrian overpasses have become, say residents who describe being cut off from shopping, schools and churches after heavy snows. ”It melts and then freezes over, and it’s very dangerous for people to try to come over,” said the Rev. John Costello, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, which abuts the expressway. As a result, he said, many elderly people do not attend Mass after snowstorms. ”It’s not worth the effort to kill themselves to get across the street,” Father Costello said. Peggy Rosenbaum, who lives near one of the overpasses, said the lack of maintenance often makes it impossible for her to shop for food. ”I have a bad back, and I am not a youngster,” she said. ”To go over, I’ve got to hold the railing with two hands.” Councilman Stephen DiBrienza, who represents the area, said the problem has persist
