Kagan Wants The Lights To Return To The Brighton Beach Boardwalk

The boardwalk running along Brighton Beach has been a bit dark since Superstorm Sandy, and City Council Candidate Ari Kagan wants to bring back the light. Ever since the storm knocked out the lights lining the Brighton Beach section of the boardwalk, the city has yet to replace them – despite funneling millions of dollars to make such repairs to the boardwalk in Coney Island.

In a press release, Kagan lamented the loss of what he considers an essential community service.

“In the summer months, people want to enjoy the weather, and spend their evenings outdoors. I’ve spoken to dozens of people in the community who said they have seen people trip and fall because of the lack of adequate lighting. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt, in an accident or in a crime encouraged by the lack of lighting,” Kagan said.

NY1 spoke with Brighton residents who are fed up with the lack of light illuminating the boardwalk at night.

“We’re covered in darkness and I’m concerned about slip and fall accidents. My mom has a cane she’s disabled,” one Brighton Resident told NY1.

Slip and fall accidents are especially troublesome considering all the holes and loose boards randomly dotting the boardwalk expanse.

While emergency lights were set up on the boardwalk following the events of Sandy, they are currently not on and residents are worried about crime.

“It’s very dangerous,” another Brighton resident told NY1.

Currently, the Department of Transportation, which is responsible for fixing the lights, has yet to release a timetable for when they’ll get to Brighton Beach. The DOT did claim that they have fixed 90 percent of all boardwalk lights damaged by Sandy, although it appears every one of those was west of Coney Island Avenue.