Kudos to Judy Jacobs for putting our safety and our concerns first. The intersection of Cold Spring Road and Syosset-Woodbury Road had been slated to get a traffic light, and now, thanks to Judy Jacobs, the Department of Public Works is re-evaluating the feasibility of a roundabout at this intersection. A traffic light would create traffic backups in every direction during the work and school rush hours. On the other hand, a roundabout would improve traffic flow as well as calm traffic. Based on the performance of tens of thousands of roundabouts around the world and across the U.S., a roundabout would be much safer for all users than a signalized intersection. By slowing vehicle speeds through the intersection, a roundabout would reduce crash severity, reduce noise, reduce delay, and reduce pollution. It would make crossings by pedestrians safer, easier and quicker and it would make blind spots benign. The intersection would be far prettier with distinctive plantings and brick pavers. Finally, condemnation of private property would not be an issue as roundabouts often take up less or far less land than a signalized intersection (especially when considering the extra length on lanes to store cars and the extra lanes for turns.) Syosset's small town feel would be enhanced by a roundabout!

The Berry Hill PTA, of which I am a member, voted unanimously to support a roundabout here. The Syosset Council of PTA's also voted to support an investigation into the feasibility of a roundabout at this intersection.

If you agree that a roundabout would be better than a traffic light, please sign the petition being circulated by your local PTA or go to www.ipetitions.com/petition/Roundabout-in-Syosset.

Sherwin Gluck

For more information go to: www.home.earthlink.net/~mr.roundabout