Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) recently intervened on behalf of local residents in an attempt to correct what she calls a dangerous traffic situation that exists less than 50 yards from their front lawn.

Michael and Janice Stone have lived in Woodbury for 22 years on a cul-de-sac that abuts the access road from the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway leading to the Northern State Parkway going west. According to the Stones, the redesigning of that road a year ago has led to a major safety concern for them - New York State Department of Transportation workers cleared much of the foliage, trees and buffer that stood between the expressway ramp and their property.

"There is definitely a major safety issue," said Mr. Stone. "The cars come screeching around the turn and there have been many accidents to date. Many of the accident victims walk down the short hill to my house and I allow them to call for service."

According to Ilene Peters, Public Relations representative from the New York State Department of Transportation, the DOT was forced to re-do the ramp because people weren't slowing down and were driving off the road because they were driving too fast.

Despite numerous letters to state officials, Mr. Stone said he got no satisfaction - just form letters. That is when he is contacted Jacobs to ask if she could intercede on his behalf.

"I understand that the state DOT has a voluminous agenda," said Jacobs, "but the health, safety and welfare of both residents and drivers has been in danger for over a year."

Jacobs immediately contacted the regional director of the NYSDOT, stating, "This is not one of those items that should be put on the back burner or ignored. The seriousness of the current situation jeopardizes the safety not only of the residents who abut the property, but the drivers making the turn, and requires immediate attention."

Jacobs has asked state officials to place a cement buffer or guardrail on the curve to prevent cars from rolling down the hill.

According to Jacobs, the state's response was to send Jacobs another copy of the same form letter sent to Mr. Stone, but she is continuing to pursue a solution by contacting state lawmakers and DOT officials by phone.

"I won't rest until this situation is made safe for these residents," said Jacobs. "The state can't just come in here, redesign the ramp and leave town with no concern for the safety of those living nearby. This is unacceptable."

According to Peters, the DOT added $38,000 worth of landscaping to protect the Stone's house and replace the trees they took down with low shrubs. According to Jacobs, the area needs pine trees or something that will protect the area better than shrubs.

Peters also stated that the state was willing to put in a 6-foot fence for even more protection for the Stones, but he has "permanent fixtures" on state-owned property interfering with the area where a fence would be placed. Peters stated that the "fixtures" included a shed and a pool filter. "We are waiting for Mr. Stone to comply so we can improve the situation," said Peters.

When asked about the encroachments, Mr. Stone said, "That's been taken care of months ago."

Meanwhile, the Stones have their home up for sale and have been unable to find a buyer. "Brokers show up and say that they are very sorry, but their prospects have safety concerns and won't even look at our house," said Mr. Stone.