HomeMy WebLinkAboutFishers Island Sidewalks RECEIVED
Jessica M. Hall
451 Whistler Avenue#311 A UG
Fishers Island,NY 06390 20
16 August 2023 SOUthOld Town Clerk
Fishers Island Town Clerk—Denis Noncarrow
P.O. Box 1179
Southold,NY 11971
Dear Fishers Island Town Clerk,
I am writing regarding the unsafe state of our Fishers Island sidewalks, specifically the areas of Fort
Stretch, Winthrop Drive,Reservoir Road, and Equestrian Avenue. While the sidewalks have been in
terrible condition since I moved here in 2014,I have witnessed several incidents in just the past six
months where adults and children have tripped, stumbled, and fallen, sometimes resulting in injuries. Just
last month I was injured during a run on Winthrop Avenue when I clipped my foot on an upheaved section
of sidewalk and sustained serious abrasions,lacerations, and road rash to my hands,knees, and elbows.
Young children learn to ride their bikes on these sidewalks.Adults walk with friends or with their dogs on
these sidewalks. The elderly enjoy their morning and afternoon exercise on these sidewalks. They should
not have to worry about injuring themselves while attempting to enjoy our beautiful island.During the
summer months,I notice that people with strollers often avoid using the sidewalks and instead walk in the
road due to the poor sidewalk conditions,which results in further safety issues.
Additionally, there are sections of our sidewalks that have become so overgrown that there is barely a
sidewalk present to utilize. I would request that whoever is responsible for those sections of sidewalk—be
it the property owner or the town crew—be notified to remove overgrown grasses,shrubbery,tree limbs,
and so on, or be subject to a fine. This would be in accordance with the Town of Southold Town Code
sections 237-19; 237-20; and 237-21.
Currently,the most dangerous section of overgrowth is on Reservoir Road by the turn down to the ferry,
as pedestrians need to walk in the road because there is no sidewalk available to use and oncoming cars
cannot see you as they make that right turn.I have nearly been struck by cars speeding around that corner
before I am able to cross to the sidewalk on the other side of the road, and I fear it is just a matter of time
before someone is injured in this way.
I write this letter requesting that steps be taken in a timely manner to improve the safety of our sidewalks.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Sincerely,
Jessica M. Hall