HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025_09_17 Traffic Committee Minutes
MINUTES
Traffic Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Conference Room E,
Ground Floor at Town Center 7:00 PM
PRESENT: Doris Block, Chair
Camile Odierna, Committee Member
Virginia Picciotto, Committee Member
Robert Blaufarb, Committee Member
Matthew Wrzesniewsky, Committee Member
Ilana Bronheim, Committee Member
Abby Katz, Committee Member
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Jeffery L. King, Councilman
Marc Romero, Assistant to the Town Administrator
Robert P. Wasp, Town Engineer
The Traffic Committee will convene in Conference Room E located on the first floor at
the Town Center at 7:00 pm.
Business Agenda:
1. Introduction
Chair Block started the meeting at 7:04pm and introduced the staff.
2. Blossom Terrace - Request for Sidewalks on Palmer Avenue
Chair Doris Block revisited a concern raised two years ago regarding the lack of a
crosswalk at Blossom Terrace. She noted that previous guidelines required either a
traffic light or signage to justify installation. A resident added that children must cross
Palmer Avenue to reach nearby schools, but the formal crosswalks are not
conveniently located.
Ms. Katz pointed out that many pedestrians are forced to walk to the rock outcropping
near Weaver Street to cross safely. Town Engineer Rob Wasp explained that Palmer
Avenue is a county road, and any changes would require county approval. He also
noted a broader shift in traffic design philosophy that now favors pedestrian safety
and mid-block crossings.
Mr. Wasp shared that an engineering study is currently underway to identify sidewalk
gaps and prioritize safe routes to schools. The study is expected to be completed in
the fall and will help guide the capital budget for a multi-year sidewalk plan. Ms.
Camile Odierna questioned whether the committee should weigh in before the study
is finalized. Mr. Wasp clarified that the committee will review the findings and make
recommendations to the Town Board once the study is complete.
Chair Block and Ms. Katz agreed that it would be best to revisit the issue in
December, after the study results are available. Ms. Katz also reported that progress
has been made on sidewalk projects, including Weaver and Colonial, and that grant
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Traffic Committee
September 17, 2025
funding has been secured. Mr. Wasp added that while crosswalks are ideally placed
at intersections, there is flexibility depending on sightlines and visibility.
3. Forest Avenue - Sidewalk Request
Chair Block raised concerns about overgrown foliage on Forest Avenue that may be
obstructing visibility. Mr. Wasp emphasized the importance of determining where the
public right-of-way ends to avoid encroaching on private property when addressing
vegetation issues.
Lt. Hollywood reported that enforcement efforts have increased, particularly during
school drop-off and pick-up times, which are the busiest periods. Ms. Odierna noted
that Forest Avenue is the most frequently mentioned concern from residents. Lt.
Hollywood confirmed that a no-parking law has been in place since 1996 and is being
actively enforced.
Ms. Katz explained that no-parking zones were expanded at the request of parents to
improve safety. She suggested the committee consider making Colonial Avenue one-
way during certain times of the day to ease congestion. Lt. Hollywood added that
Murray Avenue School has significantly exceeded its recommended enrollment, and
inclement weather often leads to more parents driving, further increasing traffic.
Ms. Virginia Piciotto proposed a town-wide e-blast to remind residents to trim
shrubbery and to raise general awareness that school is back in session. A resident
pointed out that New York State law prohibits parking pass permits on private roads.
4. Weaver Street - Sidewalk Request and Restricting a Left Turn
A resident requested a “No Left Turn” restriction at the Weaver Street intersection.
Chair Block noted that Weaver Street is a state road and is shaped more like a
rectangle than a “V,” which may affect how traffic flows through the area.
Mr. Wasp confirmed that the intersection falls under state jurisdiction, and any
changes would require state support. Lt. Hollywood shared a three-year accident
review (2022–2024), which showed only three accidents at the intersection, with just
one involving a turning movement. Mr. Wasp also briefly mentioned North Chatsworth
in the context of broader traffic planning.
5. Old White Plains Road - Speeding
Lt. Hollywood addressed concerns about speeding on Old White Plains Road. He
stated that the current traffic volume actually helps reduce speeding and that the
available data does not support the need for additional signage, such as advance
warnings or advisory speed limits, at this time.
The meeting was ended at 7:50pm
Reports of Minutes:
1. June 16, 2025
This item was not discussed.
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