Push continues in Mount Pleasant for safety improvements at busy intersection
Neighbors have been pushing for safety improvements.
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Frustrations are growing in the Hawthorne area of Mount Pleasant over a busy intersection. Neighbors have been pushing for safety improvements. However, there are some differing views on how to make that happen.
News 12 has previously reported on these concerns. It's Route 9A at the corner of Beverly Road.
"Very few adhere to the 45-mile-an-hour speed. There's no sidewalks. Getting out of this neighborhood, you have to wait forever and even then, you got to kick the gas and hope no one hits you," said Hawthorne resident Fran Carlucci.
Neighbors say it's dangerous.
"Getting out of here during rush hour is very difficult," said Sara Amy, who lives nearby.
They believe a traffic light would help.
However, the New York State Department of Transportation previously told News 12 that the area does not meet the requirements for a traffic signal.
Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi recently sent a letter to the NYSDOT.
"We demand that you step in, overrule these rigid restrictions and mandate that a fully operational traffic signal be included in the Route 9A project plans. Common sense must prevail before another preventable tragedy occurs on this road. We look forward to your prompt response and immediate action," the letter read in part.
News 12 spoke with Fulgenzi Friday.
"I know the book says it doesn't warrant a traffic light, but the experiences of the residents in that area say otherwise," Fulgenzi told News 12.
However, not everyone in the neighborhood is on board with that.
“Ignore the data? I’m outraged. The DOT knows what they’re doing," said Joseph Iannibelli.
Iannibelli lives right next to this intersection.
“I honestly think just lowering the speed limit and people not being distracted as drivers," said Iannibelli.
An official with NYSDOT sent News 12 the following statement:
"The New York State Department of Transportation expects construction to begin in 2027 on the project to enhance safety and improve pavement conditions along State Route 9A in the Town of Mount Pleasant, Westchester County. The project is currently in the design phase and NYSDOT continues to engage with our local partners in the Town of Mount Pleasant to ensure that it fulfills the overall needs of the community while also adhering to state and federal standards for safety."
