Editor, The Spotlight;
The sidewalks near Bethlehem Central Middle School are too close to Kenwood Avenue and are substandard by DOT standards. They do not meet the specifications of New York State Department of Transportation. Sidewalks must be of a certain width and must include a buffer zone between the roadway and the edge of the walking area, according to NYSDOT. The Kenwood Avenue sidewalks between Elsmere Avenue and Adams Street are very dangerous to walk on. They are used extensively by children walking to BCMS and Saint Thomas, families going to the farmer’s market, joggers, walkers, etc. They are narrow, slippery in the rain, icy in winter, extremely close to fast-moving traffic and should be upgraded immediately. Frequently, I see children walking two or more abreast chatting happily (being kids) on their way to school, oblivious to the fast-moving cars, buses and trucks nearby. To make matters worse, vehicles on Kenwood Avenue are often speeding along, their side mirrors only inches away from pedestrians, oblivious to the fact that they could injure or kill someone. It is only a matter of time before someone is struck by a vehicle. The town should absolutely prioritize the installation of standard-width sidewalks with safety buffers on this section of Kenwood Avenue. Terry Rooney
Delmar