Orangetown Advances Palisades Sidewalk Project

The Orangetown Council took a step forward with the long-delayed sidewalk project on Oak Tree Road in Palisades this week.

The council voted unanimously to give the Highway Department permission to proceed with the installation of concrete sidewalks with Belgium Block curbing.

The sidewalk will run from the Palisades Community Center to Route 9W along the south side of Oak Tree Road. This connects three buildings, the community center, Palisades Library and the post office.

"This will be a tremendous improvement to the quality of life in the hamlet," said Palisades Library Director Maria Gagliardi. "It will allow commuters to walk to public transportation. The library is investing in a sidewalk to connect to Oak Tree Road."

"Thank you for allowing me to participate in the discussion on the sidewalk," Palisades resident Carol Baxter said. "Thank you for coming to the decision on the concrete sidewalk with Belgium Block curbing. I hope when the spring comes, the sidewalk will begin to be installed. We've waited six years and we look forward to the safety the sidewalk will provide for commuters and pedestrians who use the road every day."

The Orangetown Highway Dept. provided five options for materials to the town board, which chose the one in the middle in terms of cost at $75,000. The board vote was 4-0 with Councilman Denis Troy absent.