Mount Pleasant residents demand traffic light on busy stretch of road
The intersection at the center of it all is where Route 9A meets Beverly Road in the Hawthorne area in the Town of Mount Pleasant.
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People living in a Mount Pleasant neighborhood are pushing for a traffic light on a very busy stretch of road. They say it's not a matter of convenience but safety.
“It’s terrifying," says Sara Amy, who lives near that intersection.
People who live near that corner tell News 12 they have major concerns about safety.
“No one does the speed limit of 45 and a massive increase in traffic. To get to town, for our kids to get to school, the supermarket, we have to make a left," says Hawthorne resident Fran Carlucci.
Carlucci says new developments in the area have resulted in more cars and trucks on this road. This intersection is the only way in and out of her neighborhood.
On top of concerns over speeding and traffic, there is also a bus stop there. Carlucci says she frequently sees people walking across 9A.
Data from the Town of Mount Pleasant police shows there have been several car accidents at this corner so far this year.
Near the end of last year, one nearby accident was deadly.
Residents there tell News 12, they are worried about safety.
"It is very busy, people don't follow the speed limits," says Hawthorne resident Rebekkah Bello.
Many say they want to see a traffic light put there.
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“My biggest concern has always been school buses getting in and out. I believe that a traffic light is really warranted there, I think that is the only way to make it a safer intersection," says Town of Mount Pleasant Supervisor, Carl Fulgenzi.
Officials with the NYSDOT sent News 12 the following statement:
"Safety is the top priority for the New York State Department of Transportation. While a recent Department study concluded that a traffic light at this location does not meet the minimum requirements for installation, based on feedback we received at two public meetings, we have identified other potential road enhancements that will be implemented at this location in the near future."
Joseph Iannibelli lives next door to this intersection. He says he doesn't want a traffic light. He tells us he's concerned it would lead to air and noise pollution.
"What we really need is enforcement of a speed limit that is lower for residential," says Iannibelli.
Police tell us they are working to strictly enforce speed here and are working with neighbors about facilitating some acceptable resolutions.
