Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) is pleased to see the traffic calming project for Jackson Avenue and Underhill Blvd. in Syosset finally become a reality. In 2004, Legislator Jacobs committed $150,000 from her district's community revitalization funds to finance the important project.

According to Jacobs, the intersection had major safety issues and was nearly impossible for pedestrians to cross safely.

"The completed traffic calming project includes the installation of new light and a traffic island so that pedestrians can now cross safely," said Jacobs. "With the construction of the safety island in the middle, improvements to the traffic signals, and the reconfiguration of a curb to slow drivers down, it should mean a safer crossing for residents and commuters who use this busy intersection."

"Traffic calming projects like this one are a new technique used across the country," said Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island, a smart growth and planning organization. "These projects dramatically reduce pedestrian accidents. I praise Nassau County and Legislator Jacobs for recognizing the need to plan for more pedestrian friendly areas."