The Jogging Jeweler #20

The Jogging Jeweler

| About Dem' Curbs - HOH |

Following up on a previous blog about the frequent curbs encountered on a recent run in Hastings. When we posted our blog to the 10706 page we received a few comments and suggestions - which were taken seriously and followed through on. The comments basically eluded to emailing the HOH board a Notice of Defect - to which we titled our email.

The Email.

Hello,

I am a local runner that lives in Dobbs Ferry. I have started to wear a GoPro camera on my runs to demonstrate and write a blog, The Jogging Jeweler, about the pedestrian safety issues in the Rivertowns. These safety issues range from blind spots, lack of crosswalks & sidewalks, vehicles neglecting to stop at crosswalks, frequently rolled stop signs, terrain along the Old Croton Aqueduct, and as I recently discovered - an abundance of curbs, specifically in Hastings-On-Hudson.

As you can see in my photos I have attached, I capture 6-7 curbs on my run. What's the issue with curbs? Well, specifically they are not handicap accessible, especially the ones in and out of the high school. I've attached the link to my blog specifically concerning Hastings. Fore more detailed information, National Complete Streets offers suggestions to implement sidewalks that are more livable.

I post my videos, photos, and blogs weekly on the corresponding zip code Facebook pages to help draw awareness. It was suggested by the 10706 that I email you my findings. I am also currently working with a number of groups within Dobbs to address our own pedestrian issues as well as draw awareness on a state level to solve safety issues along Broadway.

The Jogging Jeweler #11 - 1st Hastings Run

Thank you for your time!
I hope this email brings awareness and solutions.

Maggie Segrich

The Jogging Jeweler

The Reply.

The reply was from Daniel Lemons and to keep matters short, I'll summarize our email exchange - he agreed that the areas I pointed out were in need of attention. He also stated that due to years of tight budgets and a lack in infrastructure maintenance these issues have arisen. The last year has brought about a productive Transportation Working Group that is actively assessing and recommending improvements to the walk-ability and safety for pedestrians.

Click for further information on the Transportation Working Group.

Click here to Contact the Transportation Working Group.

Individuals listed in this group:

Matthew Hobby
Amy Lambert
James Nolan
Jeanette Sawyer Cohen
Dan Sbrega
Samantha Wilt
Richard Bass
Andrew Ratzkin	Liaison to the Conservation Commission
Mary McDonald

Now What?

Well - residents of good ol' Hastings on Hudson - make sure this group of people follows through.

Write them emails sharing my blog posts, whether its this one or #11, or new ones.
When you see them working on your roads, shoot them an email saying make sure you fix that curb there!
Send them pictures of other issues in town that need addressing.
And... be nice! Momma always said - Kill 'em with kindness! There's enough negativity and hostility in the world, we don't need to be gettin' nasty over some curbs.

Why do we have to remind them? - Because they are human and likely volunteer for these positions. They are not omnipresent and your reminders, which are hopefully gentle reminders, are in fact helpful. Sure - they've likely been pointed out the issues, but have you ever gone to the grocery store needing 5 items and after you pick up 4 of the 5 you can not remember what that last, 5th item was... Being in the arena of volunteering for the greater interest of the public requires a lot of remembering - I forget all the time!

Written by Maggie Segrich
Filed under dobbs ferry, fitmom, GoPro, hudson life, hudson river, hudson valley, New York, pedestrian safety, rivertowns, runner, running, upstate new york, westchester
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