NYDOT turns down light request

By TOM KANE

LAKE HUNTINGTON — The New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) turned down a request to position a stop-amber-go traffic light at the intersection of Route 52 and 17B in Fosterdale.

There is a blinking light there at present.

Cochecton Town Supervisor Sal Indelicato informed board members and residents of the letter from NYDOT at the board meeting on June 12.

“They said that the data from the incidents at the intersection did not meet the requirements for a full light, but that the issue could be revisited when the new school is opened,” Indelicato said.

The petition requesting the installation was supported by a letter from Michael Johndrow, the superintendent of Sullivan West School District.

Indelicato complained that there were frequent near misses at the intersection. “The DOT doesn’t have keep records of near misses,” Indelicato said. “It never gets into their books.”

“I would hope that DOT would anticipate the need and address it now and not wait for a serious accident to occur,” Johndrow said, adding that chances for accidents will increase markedly when the Bethel Performing Arts Center opens.