(The following two letters were sent to Commissioner John Waltz at Nassau County Dept. of Public Works. They are printed here at the writer's request.)

July 9, 1999

A very serious accident took place on July 8 at the intersection of South Oyster Bay Road and Garden Street, involving a pedestrian being struck by a turning car. In fact, she had to be air lifted from the scene.

As you know, this entire stretch of South Oyster Bay Road near the Plainview Centre Shopping Center has become very dangerous. Cars tend to speed along S. Oyster Bay Road and turning is tricky. This accident occurred when a driver was exiting Garden Street to make a left turn on S.O.B. Road and hit the woman as she was crossing the street from the shopping center (she was using the crosswalk).

I do have an immediate suggestion. Perhaps signs could be posted at the exit to the shopping center as well as on Garden Street to read, "No turns allowed when pedestrian in crosswalk". It would just be an excellent reminder that in addition to looking for cars, drivers must watch for pedestrians. Perhaps a time delay in the traffic signalization could also be considered to allow for pedestrian crossing.

John, thank you, as always for your assistance and cooperation. I look forward to hearing from you.

Judith A. Jacobs

July 13, 1999

I have an update to my July 9 letter. Unfortunately, the pedestrian hit by the car at the above intersection has died. Residents have called my office and have suggested additional signs to help to ease this dangerous roadway.

It is imperative that signs be posted which read, No Turn on Red from the shopping center onto South Oyster Bay Road and the same No Turn on Red Sign from Garden Street onto South Oyster Bay Road. In addition, a sign must be placed on South Oyster Bay Road reading No Turn on Red when traveling south on South Oyster Bay Road to prevent cars from turning into Garden Street.

John, in addition to my suggestions in my July 9 letter (which I have enclosed for easy reference), these signs should go a long way to making the area safer for drivers and pedestrians. We must do something, immediately.

Thank you, as always, for your understanding, compassion and assistance.

Judith A. Jacobs