Community News, Events, History and Culture
in Palisades, New York
May 1, 2026
On March 18, NYSDOT project designer Howard McCullough and a group of NYSDOT workers were at the intersection of Route 9W and Washington Spring Road to discuss the proposed traffic circle at the intersection. The following is what I and other neighbors learned when we spoke with them:
During our conversation, a northbound tractor-trailer made a left turn onto Oak Tree Road. Howard McCullough, new to the project, immediately recorded it with his cellphone, noting he had been told the largest vehicles traveling west were commuter buses, but this was the second such vehicle he had seen since he arrived.
McCullough then said the proposed roundabout was designed for vehicles no larger than buses. Tractor trailers will only be able to go north and south on 9W.
In a prior phone call with the Project Coordinator, the same point was made. Large delivery or moving trucks will not be able to make east or west turns in this intersection. (This may pose problems for residents who need to bring in large equipment for septic system repairs and building projects.)
This was Howard McCullough’s first visit so he knew nothing of the surrounding area, such as:
The steep hill to the south.
Pedestrian activity.
Bicycle and motorcycle traffic, but he did see 5 cyclists go by.
McCullough was not aware of any traffic and safety studies, but said such research could be conducted and pointed out a camera up on the NE pole.
Since the capability was there to monitor traffic, we asked why the NYSDOT didn’t use a speed camera. Special legislation was needed for that, he said. (“So why not see to it, then?” we asked.)
Back in 2019, when the first plan was proposed, the bus stop locations had been points of contention. Howard McCullough said they would remain where they are now. (But if you look at the circle now drawn on the road, one has to wonder how that is going to work?)
McCullough said a big problem at the site has to do with water drainage. The NYSDOT crew was there to take measurements for the 3-D model they planned to build.
The Project Coordinator and the Project Designer have both said they were enthusiastic about traffic circles, and cited one in front of Vassar College as the perfect example of a location comparable to ours, but in fact, the location is nothing like the intersection in Palisades.
To see a Google Maps visualization of the traffic circle near Vassar College, scan here
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qsWz4RcQfFVh9tmG9
Aside from the fact, it is not at all comparable to the traffic situation here in Palisades, the Vassar project cost $11 million and took a year or so to complete.
We ended our impromptu meeting, thanking Howard McCullough for speaking with us and he said he would be in touch. As we walked off towards our homes, one of us jokingly called over her shoulder for the NYSDOT to prepare for an upcoming sit-in. (Maybe not a bad idea)
Conversations with neighbors in the community indicate that most do not want a traffic circle, but all agree improvements could be made at the intersection of 9W and Oak Tree / Washington Spring Roads. Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny and the NYSDOT are working towards setting up a community meeting sometime in the near future. As soon as we hear about the date, place and time of a public meeting, we will be sure to send out a notice. It is important for as many people as possible to attend so everyone has an opportunity to make their opinions known. Our petition opposing the traffic circle now stands at 270+ names. If you haven’t yet signed the petition and would like to do so, please contact me at hollywseeger@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Holly Whitstock Seeger