New Signs Coming for Controversial Myrtle Intersection

by Harriet Kline

(November 20, 2008) On Wednesday, November 19, the Town of Mamaroneck Board unanimously approved a local law which hopefully will please pedestrians and drivers alike. The Myrtle Boulevard/North Chatsworth/Murray Avenue intersection has been the subject of numerous public hearings, traffic commission discussions, e-mail messages, written communications and other conversation.

Background: Attempts to Increase Safety

The five-way intersection near the Larchmont train station was redesigned about two and a half years ago to address the safety concerns of many pedestrians living in the area. However, the resulting signage of “no turn on red” has at times (especially commuter rush hours) resulted in vehicular bottlenecks along the streets leading to the intersection.

Since the September 17 public hearing on the subject (see: Town Board Delays Decision on "No Turn on Red"), board members along with consulting traffic engineer Phil Cimino have been analyzing suggestions proposed by the public as well as new signage configurations approved by NY State.

Solutions: New Signs, New Rules

In a nutshell, under the new Mamaroneck law, right turns on red, at each corner of the intersection, would be prohibited only during the exclusive pedestrian crossing phase. This phase will require that pedestrians manually activate the walk sign. At other times, drivers will be able to turn right on red.

In addition, the walk sign will include a “countdown” to enable both pedestrians and drivers to know exactly how much time remains for the exclusive pedestrian crossing phase.

New illuminated and flashing signage will indicate that vehicles are prohibited from making a right turn and a steady circular red signal will indicate when vehicles may turn on red. Striping will be painted on the surface of North Chatsworth Avenue and Myrtle Boulevard to show where turning is prohibited.

Mr. Cimino said that the illuminated signs are expensive but the countdown signage are more affordable since they can be acquired at state purchase prices.

When Bill Zelenka of 43 Myrtle Boulevard suggested that only two illuminated signs were necessary, Town Supervisor Valerie O’Keeffe said that pedestrian safety is more important that saving money.

Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner reminded residents that pedestrians must press the walk button to activate the pedestrian phase and that by NY State Law there should be no diagonal crossing – crossing is allowed only at the painted crosswalks.

There were about 15 residents in the audience and their favorable comments spurred the board to unanimously adopt the proposed changes. Ron Lenney of 14 N. Chatsworth Avenue summed it up when he said, “Given the complexity of the intersection, you’ve come up with the right thing.”

The local law must now be filed with the NY Secretary of State’s office. It is anticipated that the law will be effective by February 1, 2009.

George Latimer on Local Law & State Budget

NY State Assemblyman George Latimer appeared briefly at the meeting to inform the board about the status of its home rule legislation and the status of the New York State budget discussions.

In May of 2008, Mr. Latimer announced the passage of a bill by the Assembly to authorize creation of a residential parking district in the Washington Square area. (See: TOM Parking District Bill Advances.) This would enable the Town to issue permits for street parking. However, the State Senate has failed to act on the law and has only until December 31 to vote on it. Mr. Latimer assured the board that if the current Senate fails to deal with it by that date, he is prepared to re-introduce the legislation in the Assembly in January.

He then went on to characterize the November 18 legislative session on proposed budget cuts in Albany as “the breakdown of bi-partisanship.”

Mr. Latimer said that New York State collects taxes from wealth and from transactions. So, if, for example, Goldman Sachs partners fail to receive bonuses, the revenue stream generated by taxes on the bonuses dries up. And, if consumers stop shopping, the sales taxes due the state also diminish.

He anticipates that a revised budget for the current year will not be passed until mid-December. The budget must be balanced because NY State law does not allow a deficit.

Next Board Meeting: December 3

The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for December 3 when the preliminary 2009 Town budget will be presented and open for public discussion.

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