WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. December 7, 2005: Mr. Pucca responds to a reader with further clarification of the Broadway-Franklin Avenue, now fatal intersection -- scene of a hit & run accident one week ago which killed White Plains resident, Kevin Morgan:
The reader who addressed my piece concerning the need for enforcement
at the Westchester and Franklin Avenue corner (and the North Broadway
strip) could use some clarification on the situation, and of my concern.
I've lived on this strip with a street-facing apartments for over 30
years, and know the dynamics of this neighborhood very well with
respect to pedestrian and vehicle behavior.
(More)
While the tragic accident that killed Mr. Morgan did indeed take place
around 7:30 in the evening, any allusion that there may less of a need
for enforcement here at that time may be misguided. In fact, one of the
largest crowds at the nearby neighborhood bar occurs at Thursday Happy
Hour-- starting at 6pm and later. Nightlife --even when enjoyed
early-- still results in a higher volume of unsafe drivers.
(True, a patrol car at Westchester And Franklin in early evening may
not be readily feasible. Hence my proposal for permanent signage on
that block, or maybe a yellow blinker at the corner now forever marked
by tragedy.)
We've hardly, if ever, had a patrol car posted there when the
lawlessness is most profound: after 11pm till about 4am on 'party
nights.' Such was my original concern.
No one is accusing local law enforcement of turning a blind eye to
possible DWIs. I am well aware they keep a sharp and honorable watch at
Mamaroneck Avenue, Post Road, and many other points on party nights.
However, redeployment should be a consideration and is my strong
recommendation. I have seen patrol cars outside the Presbyterian Church
southbound on North Broadway at 11am in the morning, when there is
little traffic, much less speeders. I have also seen checkpoints set
up on South Broadway (en route to the bars) in the early evening...
when common sense would tell us that it's more logical to have them at
places and times where people are leaving bars, rather than when
they're en route.
Lastly, our block is well aware of the hazards of crossing Westchester
Avenue at Franklin. Some still do it, most don't. But to anyone who
thinks the problem is the sole responsibility of the pedestrian, just
realize that cars turning out of Franklin Ave. face the same dangers.
In fact, at the recent Common Council meeting, I believe I heard Mayor
Delfino recount his personal need for caution crossing that corner both
by foot and car.
It's time to send a clear message of zero tolerance for those who
choose to speed or drive drunk towards the "Broadway Raceway."
Anthony L Pucca
