Orangetown Moving Palisades Sidewalk Project Forward

Carol Baxter of Palisades spoke before the Orangetown Board Feb. 29, only partially to express her frustration and that of her neighbors.

They are hoping that a long-delayed project that would install sidewalks along the south side of Oak Tree Road from the Palisades Community Center to Route 9W will finally move forward, but they also want to ensure that it is done right. She has been part of organized efforts to get the project done since 2008.

"We've gotten close, then there have been roadblocks," Baxter said. "I have to share our frustration over the years to know other sidewalk projects in Orangetown were approved or completed while we wait. We do not begrudge these projects. They are all important to the community you serve. After six years, we're frustrated."

Baxter also came to speak as the town selects the materials for the project. Mike Yannazzone from the Orangetown Highway Department provided five options and their costs at the workshop meeting last week. The board is expected to pass a resolution Tuesday choosing Belgium Block curbing and concrete sidewalk, considered a mid-range option.

The options presented are as follows:

• Option A: Granite curbing/paver sidewalk, $159,000
• Option B: Granite curbing, concrete sidewalk, $101,000
• Option C: Belgium Block curbing/concrete sidewalk, $75,000
• Option D: Belgium Block curbing, asphalt sidewalk, $60,000
• Option E: Asphalt curbing, asphalt sidewalk, $50,000

Baxter's concern was avoiding the cheapest option, the asphalt curbs with asphalt sidewalk. She said that type of sidewalk elsewhere in Palisades is in bad shape.

"The asphalt curbing crumbles," Baxter said. "Being the same material as the road give the illusion that the road is wider than it really is, which encourages speeding. It's not only an embarrassment, it's unsafe.

"We are satisfied with the mid-range options."

"As far as the other sidewalks projects we've done, a lot of that was with grant money, so they could get all of the bells and whistles," Councilman Tom Diviny said. "I think this is going to be a compromise. I'm glad you guys understand that."

Yannazzone said option C, the Belgium Block curbing with concrete sidewalk, is easier to maintain than the cheaper options. He said that even a conservative estimate would have it holding up 20 years.

"Option C is a good way to go because it would be less maintenance cost down the road," Yannazzone said.

Check back with Patch for more about Tuesday's meeting. The full agenda and supporting materials are attached to this report.