I hope that the DOT reaches a workable compromise with the Island Trees School District, the local businesses, and the residents of the area that would be affected by the proposed widening of Hempstead Turnpike at Wantagh Avenue.

One solution could be the construction of a pedestrian walkway over Hempstead Turnpike on the eastern side of Wantagh Ave. This would eliminate any traffic threats to students crossing Hempstead Turnpike as well as shoppers who will be walking to the new Target store. This would eliminate the need for an additional crossing guard to cover this intersection (as was the concern of Nassau County Police) as well as any additional buses planned for the school district to transport students across this very busy and dangerous intersection.

This walkway would be similar to the one going across Jericho Turnpike in Westbury as well as the walkway over Wantagh Parkway in Wantagh and Route 135 in Seaford.

The DOT must take into consideration the concerns of the residents and business owners and must develop a plan that will make this intersection safer for both drivers and pedestrians.