32°
Fulgenzi's comments come in the wake of the National Transportation Safety Review Board's report released Tuesday. The NTSB's report primarily placed blame on Ellen Brody, a 49-year-old Edgemont resident, for driving onto the tracks after a crossing gate came down on her car.
The report also included a series of recommendations, including closing the railroad crossing, which Fulgenzi agreed with.
"It would be irresponsible for me to ignore their recommendations," Fulgenzi said.
The town engineer has discussed the matter with the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the State Department of Transportation, Fulgenzi said and they will look into the potential impact closing one railroad crossing will have. Fulgenzi said he wasn't surprised with the NTSB's report.
"We've been discussing it for over two years," Fulgenzi said. "There was nothing wrong with anything the town did. We don't handle or control the crossing. It's unfortunate that this woman made a mistake and that mistake took her life and the lives of five others.
Fulgenzi said he finds all railroad crossings to be dangerous but singled out the Cleveland Street crossing (near the Commerce Street crossing) in Valhalla, as being one that gives him pause, due to its close proximity to a restaurant.
Sen. Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown) called for the MTA to adopt the NTSB's safety recommendations.
"Perhaps some good will come from this investigation," Murphy said. "There are clearly actions we can take to improve safety for riders and drivers alike to ensure they reach their final destination."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mount Pleasant and receive free news updates.
