Town unveils field upgrades at Robbins Lane Park

Syosset BoE seeks traffic solution at HS entrance

BY RIKKI MASSAND

At the Syosset Central School District Board of Education meeting held on July 6, former Board President Tom Rotolo spoke about the district possibly approaching Town officials about a traffic light for the area on South Woods Road, in front of Syosset High School.

Safety of students at the entry to the campus has been a chief concern since spring. Nassau County recently installed a traffic signal at the intersection of Cold Spring Road and South Woods Road, and Syosset CSD provided input that it was in favor of the new traffic light.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino on one of the refurbished athletic fields at Robbins Lane Community Park in Jericho.

The Town of Oyster Bay recently unveiled new athletic field upgrades at Robbins Lane Community Park in Jericho. As part of park improvements throughout the Town, the full artificial turf field was replaced at this facility, which includes setup for soccer and lacrosse for various age groups.

“These important upgrades will enhance the playing experience and overall safety for young athletes and others who use these fields, which is why the Town Board and I have been making field improvements a top priority throughout all communities,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “These upgrades are being achieved in the most cost-effective way while bringing added enjoyment to all who use them.”

Artificial turf fields have a general useful life of up to 10 years, however they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a fully-dirt infield.

For more information about Town parks, including local programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com/ parks.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers told the Board of Education he believes that the new traffic light “was in the works before I expressed our school district’s enthusiasm for the idea.”

To the disappointment of board members, he also announced that the intersection for the entrance of Syosset High School (South Woods Road) does not qualify for a traffic signal, due to reasons and MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) metrics he could not easily explain.

“I had conversations with the Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County officials about the traffic congestion on South Woods Road, particularly at the exit of the high school property. We have seen accidents occur there, typically minor fender-benders but there was one serious accident there too. I’ve expressed the feeling that this intersection (outside of SHS) would be better served, especially during our school arrival and dismissal phases, by having a traffic light installed on South Woods Road. That would help motorists trying to make the left-hand turn from SHS,” he told the board.

Dr. Rogers said the intersection

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