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An Explanation of Opposition to Proposed "Repair" Work for Old Albany Post Road
To the Editor:
After evaluating the proposed "repair" work for the southern end of the Old Albany Post Road, I would like to explain my opposition to the proposal.
1.Paving is not necessary to prevent the flooding problems; flooding was due to unrelated causes. It's unfortunate that neighbors have been misled in this understanding.
2.The main issue is adequate drainage of the existing unpaved road.
3.A related issue is durable construction of the unpaved road.
4.The proposed straightening and widening of the road leads to additional speed, and more accidents.
5.Paving this section of the Old Albany Post Road sets a precedent for paving additional sections that are at least as badly in need of adequate drainage.
6.The paving activity is counter to the Historic Road designation, counter to promises made by the Town of Philipstown and counter to the findings of Philipstown's Comprehensive Plan.
To discuss points 2 and 3:
1.The Philipstown Highway Department has spent a great deal of money resurfacing the unpaved roads. The Item 4 or other finish material is spread over not only the travelway but the swales at the side and even up the bank beyond the drainage areas. The material naturally washes away, and water gouges deep ditches at either side of the road. When the resurfacing is new, drivers think the road is fine; they speed.
Three unfortunate results are:
a.Drivers don't understand that the road is not engineered with drainage; it is not a permanent solution.
b.Drivers don't realize that their speed, as well as extremely heavy trucks, damages the road unnecessarily.
c.Money is wasted on material that can't be expected to stay in place.
2.The catch basins and retention ponds and drainage systems that are engineered before paving would be just as effective for unpaved roads if the roads were also engineered for support and drainage.
3.In other words, the unpaved roads need a subsurface that allows drainage to the sides, crowning and adequate stone in the gutters.
4.The banks should be stabilized; many are steep and allow loose dirt into the gutter.
5.The drainage system requires cleanout; at present many culverts, catch basins and retention ponds are full of Item 4, not to mention the streams and ponds adjacent to the road. Naturally, this is unnecessarily difficult because there was too much available loose and fine material across the entire area.
6.As the engineering report and Roads Advisory Committee Report showed, dirt roads should be less expensive over a twenty year period, if engineered for drainage. The Old Albany Post Road is a designated Historic Road. Through that designation, it is protected. It is designated to remain dirt. We must maintain it in its historic condition; that it the point of historic designation. The reasons are: our connection to the environment of this community; an awareness of the economic savings of maintaining a dirt surface; our appreciation of a historic past.
Betsy Calhoun
Garrison
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