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A Plea for the Paving of Lower Old Albany Post Road
To the Editor:
I am responding - in the affirmative - to the FEMA proposal regarding the paving of Old Albany Post Road (OAPR) Please consider this a rebuttal to Noel Kropf's letter.
It is beyond my comprehension as to why Mr. Kropf would have any foundation to deny me and my neighbors of the lower part of Old Albany Post Road (OAPR) the same rights he takes for granted regarding safety and medical services during an emergency. Mr. Kropf does not reside on the lower part of OAPR and most likely would not travel this road during or after a rainstorm. What is FEMA and the Town of Philipstown waiting for? My husband and I are senior citizens, my husband is disabled, in the event of a medical emergency it would be a catastrophe if fire and safety equipment were unable to reach our home and provide us with essential needs.
As a property owner of the lower part of OAPR I must bear our financial burdens time and time again to repair our driveways. The rainstorm in March of 2008 caused significant damage and once again thousands of dollars in repairs. FEMA has denied aid to the homeowners. I have contacted the office of Thomas Lannon as early as May 2007 and written to Congressman John J. Hall inquiring of the FEMA funds and the Hazard Mitigation Plan proposal from the Town of Philipstown.
My letter to Christopher Holmes (SEMO) of December 4th, 2007 re Project PHITC01in pertinent part explained:
"The devastation caused by the torrential rains of April 16 and 17, 2007 and the subsequent rainstorm of April 28 - 29, 2007 caused the roadway of Old Albany Post Road to deteriorate. The rapid runoff caused a cavernous ravine to form on the lower section of Old Albany Post Road. The Town was unable to control the rapid water and closed the Old Albany Post Road thereby leaving residents stranded for days (3) days. We were without egress from our homes. We were void of all emergency services. In the event of fire our homes would be lost, in the need of medical attention we may have perished, in the loss of electricity we would be void of services and communication. Repair of my driveway was delayed as the contractor could not enter OAPR until the road was repaired."
To date I have received no answers as to the status of the FEMA Money or the Project, however, I am well aware of the Old Road Society's opposition to paving the southern portion Old Albany Post Road.
I ask that you move forward quickly, before winter, to avoid the spring rains and flooding. The Philiptown Board understands that this is a crisis situation; they must consider our safety - Priority One.
Dorothy Dee
Old Albany Post Road
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