Town of Hempstead Adopts 'Complete Streets' Policy
At the urging of Wantagh resident Sandi Vega and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, the Hempstead Town Board voted Tuesday to adopt a comprehensive “Complete Streets” policy aimed at developing safe roadways viable for all utilize them including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, children and senior citizens.
The policy mandates that all new road projects on streets controlled by the Town of Hempstead take into account all methods of travel.
According to the town, studies have shown that when streets are designed to incorporate multiple modes of transportation, more people will start walking, bicycling or taking mass transit. Not only does this reduce the number of vehicles on the road, it cuts down on pollution and helps promote a more planet-friendly environment.
Under this new policy, the Town of Hempstead would require that all new road design and construction be undertaken with this "complete streets" concept in mind. Such developments would allow for the accommodation of pedestrians, bicycles and mass transit.
The policy comes just one week after the death of 16-year-old Levittown student Anthony D'Alessandro, who was struck and killed by a car driving westbound along Hempstead Turnpike April 4 while attempting to cross the street.
D'Alessandro's death was the second teen death along Hempstead Turnpike in as many years. Last June, 19-year-old Peter Thearle while crossing Hempstead Turnpike at Gardiners Avenue.
Vega's 14-year old daughter Brittany on Sept. 22, 2010, when she was struck by a Toyota Camry crossing Sunrise Highway at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue.
