By Dan Murphy
It has been more than 18 years since Sept. 11, 2001 changed the lives of Americans forever. The impact on Westchester County resulted in a loss to hundreds of county families and, through memorials like The Rising at Kensico Dam Park in Valhalla, we are reminded never to forget.
On top of the Kensico Dam was a road that connected Route 22 with the Village of Valhalla. That road has been closed since 9/11 for fears of a terrorist attack on the dam, which holds back 30 billion gallons of drinking water used by 10 million New York City residents through the New York City Department of Environmental Protection reservoir water supply system.
For many longtime Westchester residents, the Kensico Dam road has largely been forgotten, and we have become used to traveling other ways in and around that portion of Valhalla, north White Plains, and Route 22 and the Bronx River Parkway, all of which connect and intersect near the dam.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has proposed re-opening the road along the dam to automobile traffic, perhaps with some restrictions for trucks.
“We recognize that this road goes across a dam that holds back thousands of gallons of water, and we understand it is a very important dam to secure for the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of Westchester County residents,” he said. “But I also know that all across America, roads of importance and bridges that connect one side of a place to another, in some fashion, those bridges are also being secured in a way that still allows for their use.
“We believe we can accomplish both goals, which is to secure the security of the dam and, as well, open a traffic process that is essential for emergency services and we think, as well, for the general population.”
Currently, a barricade across the road prevents any automobile traffic. Before its closer almost 20 years ago, the road was used by an average of 6,000 cars per day, and for local residents it was a popular way to cut around traffic during busy rush hours in Valhalla and the Bronx River Parkway.
Another concern is that with the dam road closed, emergency vehicles take longer to arrive at their locations. “It takes us easily 10, 12, 14 minutes to get there because we can’t safely navigate around all the traffic coming off the Bronx River,” said Briana Chapman of the Valhalla Ambulance Corps.
County Legislator Margaret Cunzio, who represents the third district that includes the Kensico Dam, said: “I feel this is a necessity for emergency services purposes. As we know, when we are dealing with emergency services, time is of the essence. And in my mind, having the capacity to have fire departments and emergency services have access to this road would not only be invaluable, but it could also save a life.”
To mitigate any security concerns regarding the integrity of the dam, the county has comprised a list of safety measures that would remain in place. These measures include continued closure of Kensico Dam Road during nighttime hours, prohibition of oversized vehicles, limited hours of operation – targeted toward rush hour traffic, and other specific elements of upgrade protection.
So far, the NYCDEP, which owns the dam and controls the road above the dam, or on the dam, has rejected the idea of re-opening it for automobile traffic. In a letter responding to Latimer’s request, DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza said there is no circumstance under which the agency would consider allowing a proposal to put vehicles on the road. DEP cites a risk to the water supply and to the public safety of those near the dam.
Instead of re-opening the road, the NYCDEP suggests traffic mitigation around the dam road as part of a $5 million construction project, which it claims would alleviate traffic flow.
But those who live in the area, including Legislator Cunzio and Mt. Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi, support the idea of some sort of limited opening of the road to automobile traffic.
If Westchester can get approval from the NYCDEP, the next step would be to propose the idea to the federal government and the Department of Homeland Security.
“We have not discussed anything with our federal friends yet,” said Latimer. “If we do get the approval, we will then reach out to those in the federal government to ask for their input and their advice in putting this plan together.”
Kensico Dam Road is now open only as a recreation path for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Opening it to vehicular traffic is a good suggestion and one worthy of discussion and consideration, not outright rejection, from the NYCDEP
