Assemblymember Brabenec Offers Support
Improve59 coalition members continue to meet with key state legislators for ongoing support. NYS Assemblymember Karl Brabenec has embraced the Improve59 plan following a recent meeting. This endorsement is another huge step forward as the Assemblymember's district includes key portions of the Route 59 corridor. We appreciate Assemblymember Brabenec's support and look forward to continuing the conversation to urge the infrastructure modernization Ramapo needs! |
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Spring Valley Planning Board Passes Resolution in Support of Improve59 Initiative
The Spring Valley Planning Board
passed a formal resolution in support of the comprehensive Improve59 initiative. Planning Board Chairman, Aaron Sternberg specifically pointed out in his remarks the timely nature of the Improve59 initiative. John Miles, the Vice Chairman, also commended the initiative for being forward-thinking.
This resolution is another huge step forward, reflecting the Improve59 Coalition's resounding momentum!
Read the full Resolution...
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Significant Action by County & Local Leaders
As Village of New Hempstead Mayor, Improve59 Coalition member Fred Brinn, who has since been appointed as Ramapo Town Councilman, submitted a letter on behalf of the Village of New Hempstead to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) and Rockland County Executive Ed Day urging support for Improve59 as an essential component of NYMTC's next Regional Transportation Plan.
We are also grateful to members of the Rockland County Legislature who submitted a letter formally urging NYMTC's strong support for Improve59's bold infrastructure modernization proposals for state highway Route 59. The letter was signed by:
- Chairman Toney L. Earl
- Deputy Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe
- Chair of the Planning & Public Works Committee Ilan Schoenberger
- Chair of the Multi-Services Committee Philip Soskin
- Chair of the Public Safety Committee Aron B. Wieder.
Thank you Mayor Brinn and Rockland County Legislators for your leadership!
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The Urgent Need for a Corridor Study
State and local leaders quickly rallied to address the dangerous conditions that led to a pedestrian fatality from the June 26th accident involving a mother and three children who were struck and seriously injured by a driver on Route 59 in Monsey. Our hearts go out to the family. As a recent Journal News editorial points out, officials took immediate action by expediting plans for new sidewalks and cautionary signage. However, as this editorial notes, these incremental safety measures are an important but totally inadequate solution.
Pursuant to our recent meeting with the Department of Transportation, in order to implement the comprehensive safety measures Improve59 proposes, the government must conduct a corridor study. This evaluation is critical for improving traffic flow and safety for presently imperiled pedestrians through bold measures such as opening the Route 59 bypass, widening the roadway and installing landscaped medians to prevent jaywalking, among other measures.
The Improve59 Coalition looks forward to upcoming scheduled meetings with state legislators and Rockland Transportation Commissioner Doug Schuetz on July 18 to advance this pressing corridor study. We urge County Executive Ed Day to secure support from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) for this urgent initiative.
Check out the Journal News editorial featured below on the urgent need for comprehensive upgrades to save lives.
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Feature Editorial
Fix Route 59 Mess in Monsey Now, Save Lives: Editorial
July
7, 2017
 Journal News Editorial
"It's past time to overhaul this main east-west corridor through one of the densest areas of Rockland."
Read More |
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Coalition Meetings with Lawmakers
A delegation of twenty local retailers met with NYS Senator David Carlucci in May to advocate for the inclusion of the Improve59 initiative in NYMTC's next Regional Transportation Plan. This meeting was a huge success with great turnout from local business owners and operators that provided a vivid narrative for reasons why congestion relief on Rt. 59 is vital for their businesses and customers! Thank you to Senator Carlucci for his continued leadership!
To learn more about participating in upcoming meetings with key officials and legislators, please email
[email protected]. |
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Urging your elected officials to support Improve59 is easy!
Click below to sign on to the letter shown.
By filling our the form, we'll instantly forward your support to key officials!
Your letters are important! Please click below to take action. |
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In case you missed the articles below, read more about the latest news and Coalition activity. |
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The Improve59 Coalition will be hard at work advocating for safer, modern infrastructure this summer. Stay tuned for additional information as we plan these events:
Infrastructure Panel
Improve59 is planning a Panel Discussion this summer on the Vision for the “Route 59 of the Future.” Please stay tuned for more information on date and participants!
Community Education Day
The Coalition will hold more Community Education Day events throughout the community this summer to speak with local shoppers, display renderings and distribute car magnets and resources. Please email us if you wish to get involved!
Presentations to Municipal Boards
The Coalition will continue presenting the Improve59 initiative to local municipal boards to urge adoption of a resolution or authorization of a letter in support of the Improve59 initiative.
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Your support on social media is key to helping us spread the word to #Improve59! Please Like and Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and share with your friends to get others involved! |
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