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(Click Here for Adobe Version of Response Letter)

from Commissioner Crotty (June 7, 2004)

(Visit Trail of Misery Photos & Files)

                                                                                                                                                                       May 5, 2004

The Honorable Mayor Gerald D. Jennings

City of Albany

City Hall

Albany, New York 12207

Dear Mayor Jennings:

You were welcoming to our agency employees when DEC moved its headquarters to 625 Broadway. Our members were appreciative of that hospitality. Many are still enjoying working in the city.

However, in the ensuing time, PEFencon representatives have been stymied in efforts to resolve pedestrian issues with DEC management, the Albany Police Department, the City Highway and Engineering Departments, and the State Department of Transportation regarding walking from the OGS surface parking lots (Water Street lots B and C, North and South of the railroad bridge over the Hudson River) and crossing Orange Street in order to access 625 Broadway. These efforts have not resulted in increased safety. Our members remain at considerable risk of accident and injury. PEFencon remains steadfast in its commitment to safe conditions for all members on their way to and at work.

This letter is to inform you that we will be giving notice to our members, and other citizens, that we have communicated these concerns to you and other City officials in order that they may have recourse for compensation resulting from accidents caused by unsafe conditions under the authority of your Office and the City. We are acutely aware that a tragedy similar to the recent pedestrian death of Ms. Rita Hamlin in Troy could happen to one of us or our colleagues. For instance, a motor vehicle ran off the road on April 26^th and came to rest across the footpath used by pedestrians leaving the C lot and proceeding south along the eastside of Water Street.

Specifically, we have suggested and requested, but not received action on the following:

1. Replacement of traffic light at the intersection of Colonie Street and I-787 off ramp/ Water Street with a four-sided light. Pedestrians heading to the C lot and boat launch parking lots cannot see when they have the right of way.

2. Striped pedestrian crosswalks connecting all four corners of the intersection of the I-787/Water Street off ramp/road and Colonie Street. These crosswalks should also have poles with push buttons for pedestrians to change traffic signals to facilitate crossings.

3. Modification of Jersey barriers blocking safe pedestrian East/West crossings at intersection referenced above. The present configuration of jersey barriers forces pedestrians into the roadway when crossing the intersection. When ice and snow are not removed, the intersection is considerably more dangerous. For example, the snow/ice during the week of February 9-13, 2004 created an almost impenetrable barrier extending the jersey barriers another 4-8 feet.

4. Prompt removal of snow barriers on North and South corners of I-787 off ramp/Water Street and the Colonie Street intersection. These snow/ice obstructions force pedestrians into traffic lanes where the 30 MPH speed limit is rarely enforced.

5. Placement of a sidewalk (underneath 787 off ramp) connecting west side of surface parking lot A with east side of Water Street parking lot B. Pedestrians are again forced into vehicle path ways, especially in snow and icy weather conditions.

6. Poorly designed crosswalk from North sidewalk on Orange Street into garage and rear entrance of 625 Broadway.

7. PEFencon's request for traffic cones in crosswalk reminding vehicle operators that state motor vehicle law requires them stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. We were informed, indirectly, that this request was rejected.

The various uses of the Corning Preserve, the Boat Launch and the Alive at 5 rainy day location mean that these safety issues involve more than just DEC and other commuting employees.

We are copying the State Department of Transportation, OGS, and DEC, as well as the Attorney General's Office, to minimize the possibility of any publicly responsible or potentially responsible parties claiming lack of notice for such conditions.

If you wish more information on the specifics of our public safety concerns and suggestions we may have to offer, please feel free to contact me at any time at the following telephone number or at the address on the letterhead.

Sincerely yours,

Karl Berger

Chief Steward

PEFencon

Division 169

518-402-8020

cc

Roger Benson, President of PEF

Erin Crotty, Commissioner of DEC

Kenneth J. Ringler, Jr. OGS Commissioner

Joseph H. Boardman, Commissioner of NYSDOT

Thomas C. Werner, Director Region 1 NYSDOT

Eliott Spitzer, Attorney General

Paul Clyne, Albany County District Attorney

Helen Desfosses, President Common Council

John C. Nielsen, Commissioner of Public Safety

Dottie Dack, Office of Special Events, City of Albany

>>> Michael Mascelli 05/07/04 06:04PM >>>
Hello everyone,

I am very pleased to announce that after a very long planning process,
OGS has given final approval for a project to improve pedestrian access
from the Water St "C" lot to 625 Broadway.

In short, the project will include the creation of a new crosswalk from
the northwest corner of the "C" lot across Water St. just south of the
traffic light.   Pedestrians will be able to cross Water St at the
light, and pass through a new opening to be cut in the concrete barrier,
connecting them to a newly designated "pedestrian only" walkway on what
is now the access road on the west side of Water St.   The walkway will
be the full width of what is now the roadway.  Vehicular traffic will be
permanently prevented from using this former one way road by iron pipes
at the north end, and by narrowing the opening and creating a second
crosswalk at the south end.  The second crosswalk will connect to the
end of the walkway over the bridge, thereby providing a complete safe
path of travel from the "C" lot to 625.

Construction on this project will begin on Monday MAY 10, and should
take about 4- 5 weeks to complete.    Please take special note of any
signs and directions for temporary walkways during the construction,
which should be clearly marked.  At some point the traffic on Water St
will be reduced to one lane for a few days while they cut away the
concrete barrier, and this may cause some confusion to south bound
traffic.  Please be careful if you use the "C" lot, and consider the
benefits of using the "B" lot during the construction time, as there are
quite a number of vacant spaces there on an average day.

As always, thanks for your cooperation with these temporary
inconveniences.

Mike Mascelli