Calls for change after man killed crossing street from temple in Roslyn

ROSLYN, Long Island (WABC) -- There are calls for changes on a dangerous stretch of road on Long Island.

A local rabbi says two people at his synagogue have been struck by cars while trying to cross the street.

One of those victims died this past weekend.

The victim had had just come from temple, across the street. The tragedy of his death, some hope, will bring new safety measures.

It is a very busy four-lane road, Mineola Avenue in Roslyn, and most recently, a deadly one, between Hillside and Warner avenues.

"Mr. Sion Bakhshi was hit. We came outside and saw him lying here," Rabbi Doron Baalhaness said.

82-year old Bakhshi was killed. He was a long time member of Temple Torah Ohr.

He was crossing Mineola Avenue near Hillside Avenue about 7:30 Saturday night after prayers.

He was struck by an SUV. Nassau County Police are investigating.

"We went inside to pray for him and unfortunately he passed away," Rabbi Baalhaness said.

Rabbi Baalhaness points out there is no crosswalk there and lighting is dim at best.

Eyewitness News did see one person take a chance and cross the four lanes during the day.

"It's very, very dangerous, very sad situation," Rabbi Baalhaness said.

About a half a block from the temple there is a traffic light, but there is no designated crosswalk.

The nearest one is yet another block away down where a second traffic light is located.

"I rarely take this intersection. I go a different way," said Keith Kopinski, a resident. "It's just too dangerous."

Others who live in the area, like Kopinski believe speed is also a concern.

"The speed limit is 35 miles an hour," Kopinski said. "I believe if there was more enforcement, more of a presence, you would see that reduction."

A spokesperson for Nassau County Public Works says traffic engineering has not been made aware of anything at this location.

Members of the temple have previously petitioned county officials for speed control devices.

One who signed it was Bakhshi who was killed. He had been at temple to pray for his son who recently passed away.

"There shouldn't be these tragedies happen all the time," Rabbi Baalhaness said.