A new traffic pattern in Sunnyside has residents upset.
"The traffic now backs up because of the light and the barricade because people don't know that there's a barricade there,” said Krista Pavia, Sunnyside resident.
Pavia is referring to these new barricades and this traffic light.
The city's Department of Transportation recently installed the traffic-calming measures at two intersections: Ocean terrace and Milford Drive as well as ocean Terrace and Witteman place.
The new traffic pattern comes after residents complained of speeding drivers in the area, an unintended result stemming from a new exit off the Staten Island expressway
However, some who live in the area say the DOT’s fix isn’t the answer.
"It’s too many cars trying to approach the same area. They put these barrels as you can see here but it’s not a good thing," said Kevin Zimmerman, Sunnyside resident.
Residents and Councilman Steve Matteo are now calling on the DOT for an alternate solution other than a traffic light.
"Put up bollards to separate the merge from those who are coming off the exit. That way people coming down from Ocean terrace and coming out onto the service road can basically go to their own lane,” said Steve Matteo, City Council, Staten Island.
Matteo says he has another concern. There is a school nearby and with classes starting next week he says the new traffic light may cause congestion.
"The last thing we need is a backup that reached back up to the underpass, the over pass over there. And it causes more of a problem especially in the morning and afternoon with dismissal times,” said Matteo.
A DOT spokesperson says they will observe and monitor the changes during the following months, particularly as school begins next week.