Lake Street crossing light ignored too often by drivers. White Plains needs a Pedestrian Commissioner more than ever.

It should have been like the pedestrian controlled TRAFFIC light on the east side of North Broadway where it aligns with Barker Avenue.

But, instead, on Lake Street the City merely installed a pedestrian controlled FLASHING light that is designed to alert drivers that pedestrians may be walking across Lake Street to/from Stewart Place.

On a recent sunny afternoon I tried to cross Lake Street. I pressed the button to start the flashing light. The light flashed but many  drivers ignored it and did not stop. After finally reaching the park, I later noticed it happening again to another pedestrian.

Here's why the City of White Plains implemented this halfhearted measure:

White Plains needs a Pedestrian Commissioner, part II Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I sent my original post to the members of the White Plains Common Council, including the mayor. Obviously, the problem has not been addressed. Why not? I will send this message to the CC members again but I am not optimistic that anything will be done...

To them downtown White Plains is there for their convenience and amusement. They would never consider living downtown but enjoy having the stores and restaurants so close and accessible. Just hop in the car and you're there in a few minutes. That's why we have so many high speed mega lane roads and multi-level parking garages, the architectural feature that defines White Plains.

Downtown has been blighted to support cars to support retail sales tax. Maybe breaking that boom-bust tax dependency would also begin to change public policy that has become so distorted by its accommodation of cars.

White Plains needs a Pedestrian Commissioner more than ever.
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