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by Norene Coller We have learned that Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DPW) is moving forward with the assigning of contracts for the installation of a blinking traffic signal in Clinton Hollow, at the intersection of County Route 14 (Hollow Road) and County Route 18 (Centre and Clinton Hollow Roads). In April 2005, there was a public demonstration at this intersection and requests were made to Dutchess County to hold a public meeting. Many Clinton residents expected, and deserve, a presentation of the data which justifies this decision, as well as a description of the alternatives that have been considered. No response has been received from the Department of Public Works. There are many issues to consider in regard to this decision by Dutchess County. There are problems with this intersection caused by poor visibility and the high rate of speed on County Route 18. It does not appear that a blinking traffic light will solve these problems. Some residents believe that lowering the speed limit, changing the land contour to the south of the intersection, and installing warning signs before a four-way stop would create a road that would improve safety for all travelers. The hamlet of Clinton Hollow has the largest grouping of historic buildings in Clinton, as well as a 1767 mill site. The traffic signal would be on the edge of a Critical Environmental Area, which was adopted by Clinton in 1989 as a means of controlling major changes in this hamlet. A traffic signal would violate the historic context of the hamlet. It would seem that less drastic means of traffic control could be successful. The cost of a blinking traffic light is an expense to be borne by Dutchess County taxpayers. A request for the cost of the installation has been made, but not received as yet. The estimate in 2005 was $80,000. Is this necessary? This is not a "Democratic" or "Republican" issue. Clinton residents want Town and County officials to provide leadership to protect and enhance the character of the Town, not destroy it. We do not want the historic features of Clinton to slip away because of a "one-size-fits-all" decision by County highway engineers. It is very important to raise your voice if you are concerned about this proposal. The more Clinton residents become involved, the better chance we have to obtain a plan, which would bring a solution, that would respect the views of town residents. A few individuals were vocal in 2005. Many more residents must now make their views known. We urge you to take immediate action to let your elected Town and County representatives know of your concerns: Town of Clinton PO Box 208 Clinton Corners, NY 12514 Telephone: (845) 266-5721 Ray Oberly E-mail: townsupervisor@townofclinton.com Dan Budd E-mail: dbex@optonline.net Mike Appolonia E-mail: magnifarm@verizon.net Frank Venezia E-mail: frank.venezia@worldnet.att.net Jeff Burns E-mail: jburnsquail@aol.com Please contact the following Dutchess County officials: Mr. George Bentley, Director of Engineering Dutchess County Public Works 626 Dutchess Turnpike Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 Telephone: (845) 486-2925 Mr. William Steinhaus Dutchess County Executive 22 Market Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Telephone: (845) 486-2000 Letters to local newspapers should be limited to 250 words. Letters may be mailed or sent by e-mail. The letters should be signed and include your address and daytime phone number. The newspapers will call to verify your identity. Poughkeepsie Journal Box 1231 Poughkeepsie, NY 12602 E-mail: letterstotheeditor@poughkeepsiejournal.com Taconic Press 52 Front Street PO Box 316 |