Without light, park hard to reach

EDITOR'S NOTE: This letter to the editor was originally published on June 10, 1999, and was reprinted as part of the 70th anniversary of The Riverdale Press.

Editor, The Press:

On May 28, the children of Visitation School experienced the joy of their first school walk-a-thon.

The walk-a-thon took place in the large vacant playground just off Van Cortlandt Park South and opposite Visitation Church.

The day was beautiful, and the children had fun. The only hitch was crossing three groups of children, both ways, to get to and from the playground.

With the help of the 50th Precinct — which sent a car — we were able to send groups of parents onto the avenue to stop traffic while the children crossed. However, even with this police assistance, it was noted by both the principal of the school and the PTA president that one car sped down the inner lane driving west and came within inches of the children before coming to an abrupt halt. Luckily, the police car approached the driver and took him to task.

I wrote to ask why there cannot be a push-button traffic light placed on Van Cortlandt Park South, somewhere between the Major Deegan Expressway and Review Place, to remedy this situation. We now have the beauty of a renovated park just within walking distance, yet groups as well as individuals — both young and old — are deprived of visiting the park because of the dangerous crossing.

This is an issue that has been previously addressed and discussed over the past few years. Seemingly, the heavy stream of traffic, both entering and exiting the Deegan, has prevented any action from being taken.

However, if a “programmed light” were available for just those times when crossing is necessary, it would not appear to be a major bottleneck of traffic.

Our elected officials have shown an interest in this issue, but despite their efforts, a light has not appeared. Is it possible for them to revisit the issue at this time?

The park is indeed beautiful. What we need now is a programmed light on Van Cortlandt Park South to help those who wish to enjoy it get there safely.

SR. ROSEMARIE CONNELL
Visitation School principal

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