To the Editor:

This letter is both selfish and self-serving. In a minute you will find out why, I am retired and home more than not. I am the only resident on Voorheesville Avenue that has full view of the rail-trail crossing at Grove Street and Voorheesville Avenue.

This past summer was the ribbon-cutting for the rail trail, which has been enjoyed by many. I can only assume the use will probably double next summer.

Cyclists, runners, strollers, dog walkers — the list goes on — all are in danger of being killed or injured at this crossing.

This past summer, I witnessed a car stopped for pedestrians in the crosswalk only to get rear-ended, which almost forced the car into the pedestrians. In another incident, a father and son decided to walk their bikes in the crosswalk and had to throw their bikes and jump out of the way to avoid being hit by a car traveling at around 40 miles per hour over the hill.

In yet another incident, a child got out in front of his group in the crosswalk before being grabbed by a family member; this also could have been tragic.

I have also witnessed a lot of property damage from people flying over the hill only to find people in the crosswalk, then taking evasive action, often hitting the street sign, crosswalk signs, or landing on adjacent lawns. At this writing, there are still broken and bent signs on the ground.

Projects look good on paper but once they start being used they often need to be tweaked. This crossing needs more than a tweak!

Recently, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy made a statement in The Enterprise — this is not a quote — basically saying safety to county residents is a top priority. Well, this crossing is priority one!

I would urge our county highway engineers to mill down this hill on Voorheesville Avenue because signage is not the answer.

We also need help from our police agencies in the form of speed enforcement, now that the rail trail is in full swing, it would be nice if the sheriff's department could dedicate a car to the Voorheesville area.

I urge any rail-trail users to look twice before entering the crosswalk and, once in the crosswalk, to move quickly. If a car comes over the hill at 40 miles per hour, your life is in danger.

I have only mentioned a few incidents to get your attention. What I have seen at this crossing would amaze you.

Now you know why this letter is selfish and self-serving because, if something happens and I didn't say anything, it would weigh on me tremendously. If anybody reading this can make a difference and possibly save a life, please do all you can.

Steve Silvano

Voorheesville