Pine Plains unveils first phase of major sidewalk repair project

PINE PLAINS — Town Board members unveiled plans for sidewalk renovations in downtown Pine Plains as they prepare to apply for a federal grant to fund the first phase of the project.

Councilwoman Jeanine Sisco described the first phase of the sidewalk project at a public forum at Pine Plains Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3.

The first phase calls for repairing sidewalks along Church Street and Main Street and the crosswalks where those streets meet. Two new crosswalks are planned — one on Church Street at the intersection with Academy Street and another on Main Street that will connect the sidewalk on the east side of the street to the Pine Plains Free Library and Community Center.

Town Board members said they intend to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant. The federal funds are administered through the New York State Department of Transportation to finance projects that promote walkability and lessen dependence on cars in a community. The application deadline is March 12, 2026.

Discussion at the public forum centered around crosswalk safety and the inclusion of flashing yellow lights on signposts for pedestrians to activate when they cross. Sisco said it's unclear whether flashing lights will be required at the crosswalks.

She showed pictures of crosswalks in Pleasant Valley, New York, across Route 44, that do not have flashing lights, which she said indicated the lights may not be required in Pine Plains. Sisco also showed pictures of the crosswalks in downtown Millerton that feature lights that would be similar to installations in Pine Plains if required.

Residents were divided on the issue, with opponents raising aesthetic concerns and supporters citing research that flashing lights improve driver awareness and safety at crosswalks.

Pine Plains resident Torey Soracco said she opposed flashing lights at the crosswalks and questioned prior Town Board statements that indicated the lights may be required under grant stipulations.

Soracco asked about the lights' effectiveness, and whether alternative safety measures had been considered. She supported a police presence at the crosswalks to deter unsafe driving.

"I want to make sure we're doing the best way we can," Soracco said. "We already know a way to do that. The fastest way is to give people tickets."

Michael Stabile, who serves as Chair of the Pine Plains Planning Board, spoke in support of flashing lights. He said Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) studies show flashing lights at crosswalks improve driver awareness.

The lights, officially known as "rectangular rapid flashing beacons," reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 47% according to data from the FHWA. Figures on the FHWA's website also state that driver yield rates increase up to 98% at crosswalks with flashing lights.

"I worry about putting sidewalks in that don't have enough safety features," Stabile said.

Sisco said town officials are budgeting for flashing lights in the event they are required, but current plans are to avoid the lights if possible.

Town Supervisor Brian Walsh laid out the timeline of the project. He said the grant process and design work for the first phase would likely take the rest of this year and continue through 2027. He added that the current timeline indicates the first phase of repairs will be complete in late 2028.

After that first phase, Walsh said the project would expand outward from the town center to repair damaged sidewalks and install new paths.

Those plans have not been laid out yet, with no clear timeline given at the public forum. Board members acknowledged the project will be a lengthy process.