As I watched a recent council meeting, there was a moment in which I thought, "I'm glad I don't have to run the city". What with all the recent budget cutbacks and wrangling over development issues, parking, how to collect garbage,et al.it's a wonder anything does get accomplished. Kudo's to those who serve. With all of this going on, can you really justify adopting changes to ordinances and or traffic regulations because of one car? If there is that much time to spare please consider the following.
Pratt Street and the intersection of Pratt and Adams Street. For YEARS the community has been complaining about the excessive speeds and accidents. Before there was a Traffic Calming Program, before the Mayor was the Mayor. We've had civic association meetings with the Mayor, our Council members, with the traffic division, with the commissioner of streets and highways only to be told there was nothing that could be done. Anyone who lives on this street can attest to the street being used as a shortcut to beat the traffic light on main street. Neighborhood kids can't even play ball or ride their bikes in on this one lane speedway. Accidents average about one per year. From small fender benders to cars careening through peoples yards to 4 car pile ups with at least one car landing on it's roof. This is all in a ONE block stretch. Our requests for help were basically ignored until one day, we were offered the Traffic Calming project. Great. Now WE have to do all the research.You would think that all of the years of bringing these issues to the powers that be would qualify, but no. OK, so we have to help our selves.But Wait, the Traffic Calming Program has been shelved for now. All well.
The Mayor said that the one car that doesn't move well enough is a quality of life issue. If 4 cars piled up on his front yard, would it then be a quality of life issue? Maybe, maybe not. I wonder how they make the distinction.
The fact that this issue was bounced about the city council chambers is absurd enough, to go on to become a news story is really, well, I don't know, a quality of life issue, I guess.
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Martin Sanchez is an attorney, businessman, and community leader. Sanchez previously served on the New Rochelle Board of Education and has been an outspoken voice for New Rochelle's Latino Community.
Traffic Advisory Committee -
In New Rochelle there is a citizen Traffic Advisory Committee that meets monthly in City Hall. They represent each district and are appointed by councilpersons. You should give your topic to your councilperson to give to the TAC. They may take up your cause.