Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, dean of Yeshiva of South Shore, thanked Town of Hempstead Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino for his work in approving new traffic patterns and control devices along William Street in Hewlett.
The new traffic pattern, which incorporates stop signs, crosswalks, and revised parking regulations on William Street, is the result of a yearlong effort by Councilman Santino, the yeshiva administration, and the Town of Hempstead Highway Department to improve the safety of students during daily drop-off and dismissal times, which were becoming increasingly hectic and dangerous.
“Thankfully, the yeshiva has grown tremendously these past few years,” said Rabbi Kamenetzky. “But with more students came a growing need to accommodate more cars and buses, while keeping parents and students as safe as possible.” He points out that “regulating the traffic flow more efficiently improves the quality of life for our neighbors who live on William Street.”
The new pattern incorporates many of the findings of a comprehensive traffic engineering study conducted by the Town of Hempstead to identify, anticipate, and address multiple needs present on William Street and surrounding thoroughfares. The new traffic pattern consists of a strategic mix of crosswalks, wheelchair-accessible curb cuts, stop signs, reconfigured roadway markings, signpost reflector strips, modified parking, and traffic-flow regulations.
“Maximizing safety wherever students may be vulnerable is a responsibility we take very seriously at the Town of Hempstead,” said Mr. Santino. “I’m glad that Supervisor Kate Murray and I were able to complete this project for the betterment of the area and student safety.” v
