Town of Hempstead Adopts 'Complete Streets' Policy

Nearly a year after Wantagh resident Sandi Vega helped successfully lobby support for of a “Complete Streets” measure in the New York State Legislature, the Town of Hempstead has adopted a similar policy aimed at improving safety conditions on local roadways.

At the urging of Vega and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, the Hempstead Town Board voted Tuesday to adopt a comprehensive “Complete Streets” policy aimed at developing safe roadways viable for all utilize them including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, children and senior citizens.

The policy mandates that all new road projects on streets controlled by the Town of Hempstead take into account all methods of travel.

“By developing this all-encompassing ‘Complete Streets’ policy, the town is laying the groundwork for creating more efficient roads that are safe for all residents,” Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said. “I am confident that pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who use public transportation will all benefit from this new road design policy.”

Prior to adopting the policy, remarks were given by Vega and Ryan Lynch, Senior Planner and Long Island coordinator for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

Vega, whose 14-year-old daughter Brittany on Sept. 22, 2010 when she was struck by a Toyota Camry crossing Sunrise Highway at the intersection of Wantagh Avenue, first before the Hempstead Town Board about the need for a “Complete Streets” policy on Jan. 25, 2011.

"I’m very happy they are moving forward with it," Vega said. 

Also attending Tuesday’s Hempstead Town Board meeting in support of the “Complete Streets” measure was Eric Alexander, who is executive director of Vision Long Island. Alexander said he is pleased Hempstead has joined five other Long Island townships in crafting “Complete Streets” policies including North Hempstead, Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip and Southampton.

"There are a lot of people in Hempstead that will benefit from this law," Alexander said. 

Alexander said Vision Long Island will be honoring Vega as well as State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick, this June for their commitment to improving transportation safety conditions.