Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Port Chester public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in roads
Willet Avenue/Highland Street pedestrian crossing safety
A mom asked for a crosswalk or stop signs where her third-grader crosses to Edison School — a busy county-road intersection with no crossing at all. She also wants the village to publish how the traffic-request process actually works. Trustees promised updates and a discussion item.
Residential parking, traffic circulation, and public safety study (RFP 2026-07)
The Village planned to hire a consultant to study parking and traffic in the Edison/Brooksville/downtown area — how many spaces exist, how they're used day and night, and whether emergency vehicles and pedestrians can move safely. Findings could eventually change parking rules and street design.
Westchester and Bowman Avenue intersection safety
Paving bids are out and due June 18, with award expected in July. Viola committed in writing to resurface the Hawley Avenue side streets by July 31. The county is re-reviewing the village's Complete Streets application for a Bowman Avenue traffic light after three recent crashes there.
Truck traffic and sidewalk blocking on Grace Church Street
The coffee roaster expansion would bring more 53-foot trucks to a street where they already block traffic and sidewalks. Commissioners want an updated truck-turning study, possible delivery-hour restrictions, and ideas like decoupling tractors from trailers before any approval.
Downtown public infrastructure partnership (Liberty Square, MTA underpasses, Summerfield Park)
The chairman wants to revive the IDA's old Liberty Square commitment and possibly help fund the village manager's plan to spruce up the railroad underpasses with lighting, landscaping and seating. The board was receptive; the village manager will bring back renderings and costs after MTA sign-off.
Road paving and county/state street maintenance
The village blasted the state over crumbling state roads — South Main Street, Westchester Avenue, Boston Post Road — even getting News 12 coverage. The village fills potholes itself but says the state must fund repairs on roads it owns.
Illegal crosswalk on South Main Street (Route 1)
A crosswalk at Boston Post Road and Brody Way was approved temporarily during construction but never made permanent by the state — and it has no ADA ramp. Trustee Ford wants the village to demand the state remove it before someone gets hurt; the board agreed to send a letter.
Gateway Shopping Center traffic, parking and pedestrian safety
Turning the old Party City into a coffee shop, restaurant and retail could add 200-250 car trips at peak, while 38 parking spaces are removed for patios. The commission wants a real parking study and traffic-calming ideas like speed humps and bump-outs before the May 27 hearing.