Petition

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TITLE: FIX MAIN STREET IN SMITHTOWN TO SAVE LIVES

SUMMARY

Main Street, known as Route 25/25A in downtown Smithtown, New York between Route 111 and Brooksite Drive has been the location of five pedestrian deaths and one driver death in seven years. Three pedestrian deaths have occurred in the past 19 months. Vehicles are often driving well above the 30 MPH speed limit, the roads are narrow, frequent left turns cause sudden and aggressive lane changes and dangerous conditions, and street parallel parking decreases visibility.

Smithtown is rapidly becoming known as a town to avoid if you’re a pedestrian and a town to speed through on your way to somewhere else if you’re a driver. Should Smithtown be a pass through town or a destination? Right now it is both and it is a deadly combination. We want it to be a destination where the road conditions facilitate traffic needs while ensuring pedestrian and motorist safety.

We petition for the appropriate state, county and town officials to work collaboratively to develop and execute a coordinated plan that will significantly increase safety for pedestrians. We ask that both short- and long-term measures be implemented.

LETTER

To: Senator John J. Flanagan, 2^nd Senate District

Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick, 7^th Assembly District

Commissioner Joan McDonald, NY State Dept of Transportation

Supervisor Patrick R. Vecchio, Town of Smithtown

County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick, 13^th Legislative District

County Legislator John M. Kennedy, Jr., 12^th Legislative District

Inspector James Rhoads, Suffolk County 4^th Precinct

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy

I am a citizen concerned about the safety of pedestrians and drivers on Main Street in Smithtown, New York.

The one mile section of Main Street in Smithtown, New York, known as Route 25/25A, between Route 111 and Brooksite Drive has in recent years become a very dangerous roadway for pedestrians.

There have been six deaths in seven years and a high number of collisions and serious injuries on this stretch of road. The intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Main Street alone has been the site of three deaths and one serious injury in the past 19 months. One death and the serious injury involved 11 and 9 year old girls.

This is a popular downtown area lending itself to pedestrian use with shops, restaurants, bars, a theatre, library, parks and a train station nearby. It has become an area, however where pedestrians are fearful for their lives.

Business has declined in recent years, and the area is now often in the news for road-related incidents. The sidewalks, utility poles, curbs, and utility wires are unsightly, in disrepair and hazardous. When repairs are made, there is no consistency enforced with regard to aesthetics or materials used. In addition, many places in the area are not ADA compliant.

This area is dangerous for several reasons:

Four narrow lanes of traffic are only 9 feet wide
The two inside lanes are used for turning lanes which causes traffic to back up and encourages sudden and aggressive lane changes
Street parallel parking on the north side increases risk to pedestrian safety by significantly decreasing visibility of drivers
The crossing distance for pedestrians to cross Main Street is over 40 feet, without an area of refuge
In off peak hours, vehicles travel well above the posted 30 MPH speed limit with minimal and inconsistent enforcement
Pedestrian crosswalks are not as visible as in other villages on Route 25/25A
Utility poles are positioned within 12 inches from the road, and are visibly damaged by being hit by vehicles
Public parking areas are limited, and full at peak times, forcing people to walk much further to their destination
Inadequate enforcement of traffic and pedestrian laws
Road curves in multiple places reducing visibility and increasing risk

The road is a state road, managed by the New York State Department of Transportation. The sidewalks and parking areas are maintained by the Town of Smithtown. Law enforcement is provided by the Suffolk County Police Department. The Suffolk County Legislature has influence on measures in this area as well.

I petition for all parties to work collaboratively to develop and execute a coordinated plan that will significantly reduce or eliminate pedestrian injuries and fatalities. This plan must consist of both short- and long-term solutions designed to control traffic, improve road design and alter driver behavior.

Smithtown has the opportunity to be transformed into a competitive community that is innovative and creative in promoting its quality of life. I urge you to give considerable attention to the integration of appropriate community design, ample and safe parking, modern utility design, general aesthetics and ongoing maintenance in the downtown area. Successful transformation will be realized when businesses, residents and visitors recognize Smithtown as a prosperous, safe and inviting destination on Long Island.

Your anticipated commitment to this critical issue is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,