Pine Plains is seeking state funding for a first phase of sidewalk, drainage, crosswalk and lighting improvements in the center of town, and officials used a public forum Tuesday, March 3, to gather feedback before the application deadline next week.
The proposal would form the basis of the town’s application to the New York State Transportation Alternatives Program, which is due March 12. If funded, the project would focus on parts of North Main Street near the pharmacy, South Main Street near the library and community center, and central stretches of Church Street and Academy Street.
Town Board member Jeanine Sisco said the proposal reflects a scaled-down version of the 2014 Pine Plains Town Center Pedestrian Plan, which outlined broader walkability improvements across town.
“This is not a $5 million project. This is a $20 million project,” Sisco said, recalling feedback from the New York State Department of Transportation after town officials previously submitted the broader concept for funding. She said the state advised the town to reduce the scope and pursue the work in phases.
Plans discussed Tuesday included new crosswalks across from the library and on Church Street, along with additional lighting on Church Street to match fixtures on North and South Main streets. Officials said the project would be designed to current safety and accessibility standards, including ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users.
Much of the public discussion centered on the proposed crosswalks and whether they would require pedestrian-activated flashing beacons. Town officials said they would prefer alternatives if possible, though no final decision has been made.
Residents were divided. Some argued that drivers often ignore both crosswalks and flashing beacons and said enforcement by town police would do more to slow traffic. Others said marked crossings would make the area safer for adults, bicyclists, and children.
Planning Board Chair Michael Stabile, who attended the meeting, cited federal research showing greater driver compliance at crossings with button-activated flashers than with signs alone, calling it “a slam dunk improvement in safety versus just signs.”
The discussion also touched on lighting improvements. Residents said any new fixtures added to Church Street as part of the grant should match the style of the town’s existing lights. Stabile, meanwhile, said the town should move toward dark-sky-compliant lighting with a lower color temperature. Other residents noted that many of the town’s decorative light heads are nearing the end of their lifespan.
According to a timeline shared at the meeting, grant awards are expected in September. If Pine Plains receives funding, the town would select a consultant in December, with survey, environmental review and design work continuing through 2027 and construction authorization targeted for spring 2028.
Bravo to Michael Stabile for encouraging the use of dark-sky lighting. Not only does it protect insects and birds, but it makes our night sky more beautiful when we can see the stars.