Doing Nothing Is Not an Option

by Cindy Goldstein

If you drive regularly along Route 1 (and who doesn’t?), you know how difficult it can be – narrow lanes shared with enormous SVUs and bicycles, cars and commercial vehicles parked along the sidewalk often jutting out into the driving lanes.  It feels like everyone is compressed together in a very tight and scary space, with vehicles making left-hand turns out of driveways or shooting across the entire road (think Stop ‘N Shop to Dunkin Donuts in Mamaroneck).  It’s an ugly game of bumper cars with potentially deadly outcomes.

The Problem

In July 2024 New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) began to review Route 1 between Dillon Road in Larchmont and Hornidge Road in Mamaroneck to provide “Complete Street” enhancements.  They define it as “a roadway planned and designed to consider the safe, convenient access and mobility of roadway users of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders and motorists.”

In the report (see HERE) some of the existing conditions identified are:

1)    Travel lanes are 9.5 feet wide (compared to a Chevy Suburban, which measures approximately 8 feet including side mirrors)

2)    Parking lanes are 8 feet wide

3)    Bicyclists share the travel lanes with vehicles

Also included is a visual analysis of the crash clusters, which are, unsurprisingly, in the vicinity of schools, Harbor Island Park, and Orienta Avenue (among others).

Stakeholder Meetings

NYSDOT held three public meetings at which hundreds of residents showed up. 

Parents have voiced concerns about reckless driving near the schools with near misses between vehicles and cyclists and pedestrians.  Students are especially in favor of bike lanes while some older residents prioritize convenience and speed.  There is skepticism about a turning lane since they say Mamaroneck is different than Rye (where the road was changed from two lanes in each direction to just one with a turning lane) because of the businesses.

This Is Not a Done Deal

In a phone call, NYS Assemblyman Steve Otis reported that the project is in the second phase of the comment period and NYSDOT wants to hear from you.  For the status of the project see HERE.

Otis also pointed out that residents should provide their comments to their local municipal officials, as NYSDOT tends to defer to municipalities to steer the project toward what works for their communities.  He suggested that residents contact both their local elected officials and the NYSDOT to make their voices heard.

To submit comments directly to the NYSDOT:

Mr. Christopher J. Hann, P.E.

NYS DOT

4 Burnett Boulevard

Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

chris.hann@dot.ny.gov

Village of Mamaroneck residents should email their comments to:

US1comments@vomny.org

Otis also explained that he and NYS Senator Shelley Mayer want this project designed properly to protect and enhance public safety.  On the NYSDOT website the project cost is estimated at $16 million paid for by federal and NYS funding without a contribution from the local municipalities.  That cost could increase depending on the final plan.