Residents: Reckless, wrong-way drivers a danger in Paterson neighborhood

They say reckless drivers are cutting corners quite literally – making a sharp left turns off N. 11th Street onto Lily Street and illegally accelerating toward the corner of Burhans Avenue.

Mary-Lyn Buckley

Sep 8, 2024, 9:40 PM

Updated 35 days ago

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Once a one-way road in a quiet residential area, Lily Street in Paterson is now a dangerous hotspot for wrong-way drivers, residents say.
They say reckless drivers are cutting corners quite literally – making a sharp left turns off N. 11th Street onto Lily Street and illegally accelerating toward the corner of Burhans Avenue.
Jeanette Thompson, who has lived on Lily Street for 25 years, says she witnesses the reckless driving daily.
“They shoot straight down there, make a quick turn on Burhans, and I don’t know where they go after that, but that’s exactly what I see,” she said.
Mayor Andre Sayegh addressed the issue, emphasizing the city's commitment to public safety.
“It’s a narrow road. It’s dangerous, so their safety is our top priority, and that’s why, like I stated before, we’re going to double down, re-stripe the road, and put more signage,” said Sayegh.
Paterson police say a traffic officer will be stationed on Lily Street starting Monday to ensure drivers are obeying traffic laws.