Bethpage Post Office Receives Much Needed Traffic Light

By Marta E. Levenson

Due to a joint effort of the Bethpage Post Office, Nassau County and New York State, a new traffic light was installed at the post office's location on Hicksville Road, right on the border of the towns of Hicksville and Bethpage.

Legislator Dennis Dunne, Assemblyman Marc Herbst, Postmaster Mike Silverstri and Legislator Edward Mangano at the newly installed traffic light at the Bethpage Post Office.

The post office moved from its original Central Avenue location in Bethpage to Hicksville Road late in the summer of 1999. Prior to its relocation, residents were concerned of traffic patterns in that area.

According to Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano's office, local neighbors were worried about the tendency of drivers to pick up speed on that strip of Hicksville Road. Since the post office had intended on moving there more anxiety rose since many residents would be getting in and out of cars to access the facility.

Mangano's office also stated that it was very beneficial for residents to think of possible traffic complications ahead of time, prior to the post office's relocation, since this resulted in the traffic light being put in quickly.

Residents were not only concerned with drivers' tendency to pick up speed at this location, but also the pattern of turns on the block. Neighbors often expressed worry over the fact that those who attempted to make a left off Hicksville Road onto a residential street often had to move fast to pass oncoming traffic, many times resulting in screeching tire sounds and increased speed.

In addition, those who make right hand turns to avoid the intersection often rapidly drive around the residential streets behind Hicksville Road. This raised concern of parents of school children getting on and off buses as well as other residents who live in the area.

Since Hicksville Road is a state road, New York State Assemblyman Marc Herbst assisted Legislators Mangano and Dennis Dunne in getting the traffic light installed.

Bethpage Postmaster Mike Silvestri thanked the officials for getting this traffic light installed, saying it will significantly increase the safety and welfare of pedestrian traffic, as well as vehicular traffic entering and exiting the post office.