Greenburgh's Abinanti Wants Action On Saw Mill Flooding

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mount Pleasant) said Monday that the frequent closures of sections of the Saw Mill River Parkway during heavy rain is "unacceptable" and called for the state to take action.

Sections of the Saw Mill River Parkway have been closed in recent weeks during heavy rains.
Photo Credit: *Jen Corso/WHOH-TV*

by Danny LoPriore

06/17/2013 2:00 p.m.

Recent rainstorms in Westchester County over the last month have caused closures and major traffic tie-ups in Pleasantville, Mount Pleasant, and the Rivertowns on local roadways, including the Saw Mill River Parkway.

In a statement, Abinanti said that he has written a letter to both the New York State Transportation and Environmental Conservation departments requesting "an immediate meeting" to discuss immediate steps towards long-term measures to prevent constant closures.

"While the region anticipates a new New York multi-billion dollar crossing over the mighty Hudson River [the Tappan Zee Bridge], daily commuters can’t cross the flood-waters of the Saw Mill River that force a closing of the Saw Mill River parkway," said Abinanti. "The Saw Mill Parkway in Pleasantville has been closed four times in the last two weeks alone, following numerous closings over the past several months. This is an unacceptable situation."

"We must address the causes of the river’s flooding, not just resultant closures," said Abinanti.

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