Town Adopts 'Complete Streets' Policy

At the urging of Wantagh resident Sandi Vega and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, the Hempstead Town Board voted Tuesday to adopt a comprehensive “Complete Streets” policy aimed at developing safe roadways viable for all utilize them including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, children and senior citizens.

The policy mandates that all new road projects on streets controlled by the Town of Hempstead take into account all methods of travel.

“By developing this all-encompassing ‘Complete Streets’ policy, the town is laying the groundwork for creating more efficient roads that are safe for all residents,” said Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. “I am confident that pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who use public transportation will all benefit from this new road design policy.”

The policy comes just one week after the death of 16-year-old Levittown student Anthony D'Alessandro.

D'Alessandro was struck and killed by a car driving westbound along Hempstead Turnpike late Wednesday night while attempting to cross the street.

It was the second teen death along Hempstead Turnpike in as many years. Last June, 19-year-old Peter Thearle was killed while crossing Hempstead Turnpike at Gardiners Avenue. 

Vega played an integral role in getting a similar law passed by New York State last year.

Her 14-year old daughter Brittany was killed on Sept. 22, 2010 when she was struck by a Toyota Camry crossing Sunrise Highway at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue.

Vega and Ryan Lynch, Senior Planner and Long Island coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, spoke Tuesday prior to the policy's adoption.

Vega also spoke before the Hempstead Town Board about the need for a “Complete Streets” policy on Jan. 25, 2011.

“I’m very happy they are moving forward with it,’ Vega said.

Also attending Tuesday’s Hempstead Town Board meeting in support of the “Complete Streets” measure was Eric Alexander, who is executive director of Vision Long Island.

Alexander said he is pleased Hempstead has joined five other Long Island townships in crafting “Complete Streets” policies including North Hempstead, Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip and Southampton.

"There are a lot of people in Hempstead that will benefit from this law," Alexander said. 

Alexander said Vision Long Island will be honoring Vega as well as State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, this June for their commitment to improving transportation safety conditions. 

The 'complete streets' plan was not the only expected order of business from Tuesday's meeting.

The board planned to hear a presentation from an applicant planning to build senior housing on Crocus Lane. However, the applicant's attorney asked for an adjournment per the request of local residents, according to Town of Hempstead spokesperson Susie Trenkle-Pokalsky.

The next hearing on the Crocus Lane project will take place on May 8.