Four-way stop proposed in Pine Plains

PINE PLAINS — The town may soon have a new four-way stop sign at the intersection of Stissing Avenue, Lake Shore Drive and Beach Road, right near the town’s recreation fields. There was a public hearing on the matter at last Thursday’s Town Board meeting.

Resident Jim Boyles, who attended the hearing, had asked town Supervisor Gregg Pulver to approach the Town Board in an effort to get the four-way stop sign installed.

"As I see it, the town of Pine Plains is getting bigger and bigger," Boyles said. "People are out walking their dogs, kids are out playing at the park. We can have 100 kids at the field and if someone is coming down the road at 30 or 40 mph, I think it’s a no-brainer that a four-way stop should be put up, if just for the safety of our kids alone."

Boyles said that speeding is a problem on his road, Lake Shore Drive. There are also some blind spots he’s concerned about. Putting a four-way stop sign would help mitigate some of those problems, according to him.

"I care about the kids at the park and about my neighbors," he said. "If a four-way stop sign saves one kid, then that is well worth it."

A neighbor of Boyles agreed.

"I’ve lived there forever, and it’s definitely necessary," said resident Phil Amelio.

"I would encourage you to talk to your neighbors and to have them write in and support this," Pulver suggested to Boyles. "We’ll wait and see if we get any more comments [before we act on this proposal]."

The Town Board then closed the public hearing. Those who would like to send in their comments may do so until Oct. 31. Comments may be dropped off at Town Hall at 3284 Route 199, or mailed to PO Box 955, Pine Plains, NY 12567. The board plans to take action on the matter at its next meeting, set for Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.