|
|
|
Friday afternoon, September 8th, County Legislator Joel Tyner held a press conference protesting the County Department of Public Work's plan to install a blinking light at the intersection of Hollow Road and Centre Road in Clinton Hollow. The event was attended by about 15 local residents who were very vocal and well spoken, expressing their opposition to the County's plan. Disappointingly, there were no press members attending to record the residents' concerns. All comments were videotaped, however, to be aired on local public television. Some of the primary issues centered around the lack of communication with townspeople and town officials by the Department of Public Works, the lack of necessity for the light when more cost effective and better solutions appear to exist, the encroachment upon a state designated Critical Environment Area (the hamlet of Clinton Hollow), the impact of a blinking light running 24 hours a day upon local residents, and the tax burden of this seemingly unnecessary expense. Legislator Tyner expressed the belief that it is still possible to halt the installation of the light. All townspeople attending the event appeared to agree that a blinking yellow light would do little to slow down the northbound/southbound traffic. Their proposal is multi-pronged: lower the speed limit on Centre Road (now 55 mph) approaching its intersection with Hollow Road, install warning signs and speed bumps on Centre Road approaching the intersection, install a 4-way stop sign at the intersection, and regrade the approach from the North to increase visibility, if necessary. If you are concerned about this matter, you are encouraged to communicate your concerns in writing . . . particularly to the local newspapers. More publicity to raise public awareness is needed to motivate the County to respond. written by Blanche Rubin |