Playland Pathway Hearing Next Week

Westchester County is moving ahead with plans for a 2.65 mile pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists the will stretch from the Rye Metro North station to Playland. And next Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Rye City Hall will be the only opportunity for residents to weigh in on the plans.

"The County is testing the waters here," said Steve Cadenhead of the Rye City Shared Roadways committee. The group has been working to advance the goal of safer biking and pedestrian activity; including a recent collaboration with the Rye YMCA Capstone project. He seems hopeful the county is now working toward the same lines as the committee and hopes Rye residents will come out for the hearing.

The pathway will consist of sidewalk paths, on‐road shared lanes, and shared off‐road pedestrian and bike paths within the City of Rye, according to Cadenhead. Design plans will also be available for public viewing at the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on the same day.

"Many have felt that Westchester County has tended to lag in its acceptance of current complete-streets-type thinking," said Cadenhead. "Here is a test case where it's critical we show that there is wide support across the county for these types of programs." 

The meeting will be recorded and anyone who cannot attend can send a written statement to Robert Lopane of the Westchester County Department of Planning by email ar rcl1@westchestergov.com or regular post to Robert Lopane, Westchester County Department of Planning, 148 Martine Avenue, room 414, White Plains, NY 10601. Written statements must be received by Friday, April 6, 2012.