Abinanti Calls Saw Mill Closings 'Unacceptable'

Local officials, like village residents, continue to express frustration and concern over the Saw Mill River Parkway flooding issues that results in closings in Pleasantville.

New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D—Greenburgh) said in a statement he recently penned a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requesting "an immediate meeting" with the two groups to discuss immediate steps to restore the [Saw Mill River] Parkway to public use and long-term measures to prevent constant closures.

"While the region anticipates a new New York multi-billion dollar crossing over the mighty Hudson River [Tappan Zee], daily commuters can’t cross the flood-waters of the Saw Mill River that force a closing of the Saw Mill River parkway," said Abinanti in a statement. "The SMR Parkway in Pleasantville has been closed four times in the last two weeks alone, following numerous closings over the past several months. This is an unacceptable situation."

Pleasantville Mayor Peter Scherer also recently said the village is pressuring the state for answers and assistance.

Abinanti, who represents the towns of Mount Pleasant and Greenburgh, also asserted officials must look into the causes of the river's flooding, not just its effect on the roadway.

"We must address the causes of the river’s flooding, not just resultant closures," said Abinanti.