On Jan. 6, 2025, the Community Board 11 Transportation Committee voted to install a left-turn signal for southbound traffic on Boston Road turning into Waite Place/White Plains Road. The committee approved the motion by voice; Brian seconded the motion and the committee recorded the motion as passed.

Committee members described recurring congestion and near-blocking caused by buses (identified in the discussion as the 30 and 39 routes) that also use the intersection, and they said existing bus stop placements and recent White Plains Road safety work had disrupted prior traffic patterns. Members argued a dedicated turn signal would reduce drivers’ frustration and make the turn safer for buses and cars.

Speakers debated whether the left turn should be for buses only or for all vehicles. Some members said restricting the turn to buses would reduce conflict with pedestrians and general traffic; others said restricting turns would force cars to take longer routes. The committee discussed pedestrian-signal timing and the operational complexity of a “scramble” pedestrian phase if left turns were allowed in both directions.

The committee considered, but did not adopt at this meeting, longer-term options such as relocating bus layovers or stops. Committee members asked staff to transmit the recommendation for a turn signal to DOT and to follow up with transit staff about bus routing and stop placement.

The voice vote passed; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.