Bill Authorizing Improvements to Dangerous Intersection in Greenburgh Signed by Governor Cuomo

Greenburgh, NY - One of the most dangerous intersections in Westchester County will receive a much needed safety improvement this year and a law sponsored by Greenburgh’s State Legislators and signed by Governor Cuomo Friday made it possible.

The law, sponsored by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins in the Senate and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti in the Assembly, authorizes small parcels of Westchester County parkland adjacent to the intersection of Jackson Avenue and North Sprain Road in Hastings to be used to straighten a dangerous "S curve” which has caused over 80 accidents and two deaths over the last three years. The Legislators introduced the law at the request of Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky.

“This project is an example of Local, County and State officials working together to improve the community. Jackson Avenue at North Sprain Road is one of the most dangerous roads in Westchester County and its clear something needs to be done. This improvement will undoubtedly save lives, and I was happy to sponsor and pass it in the Senate at the request of the County Board and pleased Governor Cuomo signed it,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

"This is the way government is supposed to work – three levels of government working together," said Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti (D-Mt. Pleasant). "The state is facilitating a partnership between the county and the town for a long overdue project to improve road safety and drainage. There have been too many accidents and too much flooding for too long," said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.

“I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for signing the legislation permitting the Jackson Avenue road improvements to proceed. Our community has been working for yearsto get this project underway, and we are glad that the State of New York completed its part of the process so quickly,” said Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky.

Thousands of motorists drive through the intersection each day to get to Stew Leonard’s, Home Depot, Costco and other shopping destinations in Yonkers. Traffic has increased significantly since the Ridge Hill development opened.

The $2 million roadway improvement project will be paid for using funds from a 2008 traffic safety settlement between the developers of Ridge Hill in Yonkers and the Town of Greenburgh, Village of Ardsley and Village of Hastings on Hudson.