Farmingville, NY - On June 25, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine (2nd from left), Councilman Michael Loguercio (left) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (third from left) were joined by NYS Assemblymen Anthony Palumbo (right) and Joseph DeStefano (second from right), at a press conference in Ridge to demand the repaving of a dangerous section of NYS Route 25. The section of roadway, spanning from Coram to Ridge, has been riddled with potholes, drainage problems and crumbling curbs for years, creating a hazard for local drivers and emergency service vehicles travelling this major corridor of central Brookhaven. Also in attendance were Gail Lynch Bailey and Frank Bailey (Middle Island Civic Association), Erma Gluck (Coram Civic Association), Scott Wood, Holly Wood and Chris Sosik (Ridge Civic Association), E. James Freeman (Gordon Heights Civic Association), Mike Habisch (Birchwood at Spring Lake), Ridge Fire Department Chief Lou Keiser and members of the Ridge and Middle Island Fire Departments.
New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) officials had assured local officials and residents as recently as three weeks ago that this area would be paved this summer. However, this week the DOT announced that they would not address this area until 2021, diverting all resources to Route 25B in Nassau County instead.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Route 25 is the Main Street for central Brookhaven Town and one of our busiest roads. We have waited many years for the state to reconstruct this major traffic artery but have they have only provided temporary and sporadic fixes that have not held up over time. This is a New York State highway that must be made safe for our residents. Today, we are all united in demanding that the New York State DOT repave it this year.”
Councilman Michael Loguercio said, “The NYS DOT gave me their word that Route 25 from Coram to Calverton would be paved this season and now they are reneging on their word. Driving on this road is extremely hazardous, especially our first responders. I ask that the state keep their word and pave this road as promised. Waiting is not an option.”
Councilwoman Jane Bonner said, “We stand here today along busy Middle Country Road, which is an accurate representation of crumbling state infrastructure. Since it has been neglected for so long, this stretch of road now requires a complete reconstruction because cheap is expensive in the long run. It’s time for the state to keep their promise and make safety a number one priority.”
State Senator Ken LaValle said, “My office has worked closely with the civics and constituents for well over a year in an attempt to fix the safety issues along this stretch of Route 25. We were given a commitment by DOT that repair and paving would begin this summer and completed in the 2020 calendar year. It is unacceptable that the DOT would do an about face and put this project off for a year, especially in light of the fact that emergency vehicles cannot safely travel this stretch of road and driver safety is a major concern.”
NYS Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo said, “It is truly unacceptable that people who pay some of the highest taxes in the nation are forced to endure poor and unsafe road conditions. This project’s continued delay illustrates Albany’s inability to provide the most basic services to all Long Island’s residents. With the safety of local residents in jeopardy as seasonal traffic intensifies, I urge the DOT to complete this project this summer. Suffolk residents deserve better.”
“This portion of NY-25 is in deplorable condition and is a hazard to motorists,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “New York State DOT must treat this as an emergency situation and start the reconstruction immediately. This roadway has been neglected for far too long and our residents deserve immediate action. It’s a matter of safety, and I strongly urge the Governor and the New York State Dept of Transportation to stop delaying this project and address our resident’s concerns.”
