County ignoring bypass flaws

In response to the LCDOT public opinion on the Rt. 45 bypass, they claim that:

타 they considered public opinion. Actually, more than 75 percent wanted an eastern bypass, 20 percent didn’t want any bypass and 5 percent wanted the western bypass.

타 there will be 18 percent less delay time. Actually this equates to 5.9 seconds (LCDOT data), and does not provide for any traffic control measures or reduced speed limits to provide for safe turns on six lanes of traffic at three major residential areas.

타 the eastern bypass would bisect the Millburn historic district. Actually, the Strang House is already separated from the rest of the Historic District by about 1/4 mile with no pedestrian connections. The western bypass passes within 50 feet of many homes.

타 the eastern bypass affects wetlands. Actually, the “original” eastern option was moved — the original road would travel entirely through cultivated land. A 2007 land survey lists no wetlands near the footprint of the eastern bypass, and actually lists two small pockets of wetlands that would be affected by the western bypass.

How is this option fiscally responsible? The western bypass costs $900,000 more, without the inclusion of additional traffic controls and noise/pollution barriers that the community would expect for safety. How does this ensure the safety of families and children for generations to come (considering the expected increase of trucks and truck pollution) as it runs right alongside and through neighborhoods? Why have other alternatives, like better light sequencing, allowing bypass lanes, connecting Grass Lake and Millburn not been explored further?

Maria Nash

Lindenhurst