HomeMy WebLinkAboutCR 48COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
ROBERT J. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
CHARLES J, BARTHA, P. E.
COMMISSIONER
September 6, 2001
Honorable Jean Cochran, Supervisor
Town of Southold
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
' SEP 2001
Re: Reconstruction of CR 48, Middle Road
Dear Supervisor Cochran:
$outhg!d Town
PJanning Board
I have reviewed comments forwarded to you by Concerned citizens for the above mentioned
road construction project. Attached please find a summary of concerns by respective homeowners
along with a copy of their original transmittals.
The following are their mare points of concern along with an explanation in response to each:
Concern - An extra lane would increase traffic in this corridor. Reply - The County is not
adding any additional travel lanes. The center turn lane is provided to allow added safety
for turning vehicles and to provide areas for plarmed medians where feasible.
2. Concern - The road widening will leave little room for existing driveways. Reply - The
proposed edge of road will still be well within the existing County right-of-way.
Concern - The roadway should be left in its existing character and resurfaced and
repamted with a double yellow line as presently exists. Reply - This does not take into
consideration the safety of left turning vehicles nor bicycle and pedestrian safety. Also a
resurfacing project will not address the stormwater influx into wetland estuaries.
4. Concern - Road widening will increase air and noise pollution. Reply - Since this project
does not add additional through lanes, increased air and noise pollution will not occur.
5. Concern - The road widening will create parking problems along the corridor. Reply - I
cannot foresee any areas where this might occur.
6. Concern - Additional police enforcement is needed to reduce speed. As you are aware,
Suffolk County does not patrol or enforce speed limits in this corridor.
SUFFOLK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
335 YAPHANK AVENUE (631)852~116
Supervisor Jean Cochran
September 6, 2001
Page two
Concern - An additional lane would be hazardous to emergency vehicles.
Reply - This project provides for a continuous shoulder/bike lane which
will enhance the safety to emergency vehicles responding to accidents by
providing an area for the traveling pubhc to yield right-of-way.
Concern - Adding drainage is not necessary. Reply - Currently, most
stormwater runoff collects at localized low points draining into low lying
wetland areas or private property. It is County policy to remove all direct
discharges to wetland areas when projects are undertaken.
We feel the addition of a center turn lane will enhance the safety and
ease the access to residential and commercial establishments.
If you have any questions or require additional information concerning
this matter, please contact either myself or William Shannon, P.E., Chief
Engineer of Highways/Waterways.
Very truly yours,
Charles d. Bartha, P.E.
Commissioner
CJB:JKP:cl
CC:
Valerie Scopaz, Southold Town
Janet DeMarzo, Deputy County Executive
William S. Shannon, P.E., Chief Engineer
James K. Peterman, Director Highway Design and Construction, SCDPW