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Board approves traffic changes near Quarry Heights park; residents press for water service and PFAS remedies
Summary
Following a public hearing, the board adopted a local law making narrow streets in Quarry Heights one‑way or no‑parking in places to address safety around the newly improved park. Residents urged the town to prioritize long‑running water hookups for homes affected by PFAS contamination; the board directed engineering work on water‑main connections.
The Town Board on May 27 adopted a local law to change traffic circulation and parking on narrow streets around Quarry Heights Park, and separately directed staff to advance engineering for a water‑service extension to address PFAS‑related water needs for affected homes.
Traffic and safety: Police and highway staff told the board that McClure and William streets are too narrow in places for two vehicles and that parked cars can impede emergency vehicles. Chief/traffic staff recommended one‑way routing (southbound from James to Old Orchard) and targeted no‑parking sections to keep sight lines and access clear. Supporters of the change stressed safety and emergency access; some long‑time residents objected to the process used to place park improvements and the lack of prior neighborhood outreach.
Why it matters: Residents voiced two linked concerns—public safety from narrow streets and long‑standing drinking water problems. Several speakers from Quarry Heights pressed the board to prioritize water hook‑ups for homes with PFAS contamination and dry wells, saying prior investigations and Superfund pathways should be pursued vigorously while immediate relief for eight homes is pursued.
Water project direction: The board authorized hiring engineers to produce bid specifications and a map/plan for water service connection on Williams and James Streets for the eight most‑impacted homes. Staff described protracted coordination with DEC and Westchester Joint; the town said it will pursue multiple avenues (engineering design, outreach to DEC and other agencies, and potential funding paths) to finalize a program of hook‑ups and later extend the district to additional homes.
Next steps: The local law was adopted by voice vote with direction that staff and police monitor effects and revisit the Old Orchard block if unintended consequences occur. The town will advance an engineering scope, pre‑meet homeowners to define service locations, prepare bid documents and then return to the board with a schedule and cost estimates for homeowner outreach and state approvals.
