Lake Purdys Seeks a Few Ways to Stop

SOMERS, N.Y. - Nancy Joyce, president of the Lake Purdys Property Owners Association, appeared before the Somers Town Board at its last meeting to request some badly needed traffic signs.

“Lake Purdys is a lovely little community,” she said, “but we want it to be a safer community. It started out as a cozy little summer retreat in the 1930s. Right now there are only eight stop signs.”

Ms. Joyce said there are probably 18 different spots that would benefit from having stop signs, but at the moment she is only asking for two. At the intersection of Entrance Way and Fair Way, the sight lines are very poor. Drivers cannot see oncoming traffic and there is a school bus stop on that corner as well. Currently, there is a stop sign on Fair Way, but not on Entrance Way. The community would like to add a sign on Entrance Way.

Secondly, she spoke of the intersection of Entrance Way and Central Way. “Another dip in the road there prevents you from seeing. Right now there is a stop sign on Central Way. We should have three-way stop signs.” Ms. Joyce explained that the non-residents who approach the T-intersection of Central Way and Entrance Way sometimes do not stop. The configuration is confusing to visitors, she added, especially at night. Visitors approach the club house through these roads and are unfamiliar with the layout.

Asked if there was a speeding problem, she responded that it is mainly a problem of bad sight lines. “If you don’t know where to stop, you could have an accident.” But, she said, “we’d also like some seasonal speed bumps near the clubhouse.”

Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy pointed out that “by law you are supposed to stop at a T intersection. Many people don’t know that.” “Have there been any incidents?” asked Councilman Morrissey.

“There was a car accident at the corner of Entrance Way and 116 recently,” answered Ms. Joyce. “On Entrance Way by Fair Way we have had several near misses. We’ve also had a little dog killed on that road.”

Fifteen-year community resident Steve Bierman said, “When 116 closes they reroute traffic through the neighborhood. If you’re on Entrance Way headed toward 116, you can’t see over the hill. There are children getting on the school bus but there’s nothing to slow you down.”

Supervisor Murphy responded, “What you are proposing are intersections where people should be stopping but they need the reminder of a stop sign.”

Ms. Joyce also mentioned that two of the stop signs were recently vandalized. 

Supervisor Murphy said, “What people don’t realize is that this costs the taxpayers a lot of money.”

She concluded by saying, “I think I understand what you’re looking for. We’ll take no action at this time. But we’ll get a local law drafted and I’ll email it to Nancy Joyce.”

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