Possible street redesign concerns Mount Vernon neighbors
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MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Commuters know how to find their way around. Most of the time the shortest path is the best but some neighbors in Mount Vernon are running into a possible roadblock.
People are stopping to talk along East Birch Street in Mount Vernon.
Signs are posted in surrounding buildings to rally support and inform people of the possible redesign.
Some neighbors say they've heard that the city is considering blocking a popular pedestrian path where Collins and Hayward Avenues intersect with Birch Street.
"I've been walking through here since I was a kid. Blocking it off benefits who?" asked Nick, a neighborhood resident.
Stone walls have been in place for decades, with a passageway to access the other part of the block.
The streets are classified as dead ends. Neighbors worry it could add 10 to 15 minutes to the walk. Some people say they heard it could be a trip hazard, while others suggest it was related to concerns about parking.
"It's a city street. We have a right to park there and a right to pass through," said Barbara.
Neighbors say they're taking their concerns to the next city council meeting Wednesday evening.
The Communications Director for the City of Mount Vernon said the mayor and city council members had no comment and they would be listening for the neighborhood comments.