A father appeals to ban cars on Highgate street after his daughter’s death. Neighbors seek pedestrian zone near a children’s park.
Residents want to honor the little girl, seeing it as fitting. Her father spoke about his loss at a hall, wanting a safer neighborhood now. Many families live in nearby tall buildings and, since the death, feel unsafe.
They walk to school and the playground daily. A resident named Kawthar Ahmed is helping, saying the loss was heartbreaking for everyone. Her child played with the girl at school and couldn’t understand. Memorials helped kids express their feelings. Making the area safe would also make it joyful.
The street remains dangerous, people say, with drivers often speeding above twenty miles per hour. Parents worry about their kids crossing there, unable to even play in the park safely. Many families lack green space at home.
The family held two demonstrations on the road where she died. They closed the street last September and had a fun day for families. Many people came despite the rain, listening to poetry being read aloud.
People built planters together that day, while kids played street games and rode bikes. A councilor hopes to use funds to improve street safety there. The councilor presented a petition of 300 names and told other council members about the girl.
The girl was walking with family when her death impacted the whole neighborhood. People want to improve safety and pedestrianize part of that road. Two men were arrested after the crash for causing death by dangerous driving. They were released on bail while police investigated.