A Zoom meeting took place last week between Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and key local and state officials to discuss the growing transportation and congestion problems in Ramapo.
The infrastructure in Ramapo was originally built for a small community, and is not able to accomodate the rapidly growing community. Since many of the main roads in Ramapo, such as Route 59, 45, and 306, are state roads, the state needs to be involved in any changes or improvements to those roads.
Melnick, being a Democratic candidate, has strong relationships in Albany due to its Democratic supermajority. Last week’s meeting was initiated by Melnick due to the increasing concerns about congestion and traffic safety issues facing Ramapo. With his connections in Albany, Melnick was able to immediately contact the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Senator Jeremy Cooney, to arrange a meeting.
Some of the attendees of the meeting included local mayors, Town Supervisor Michael Specht, Highway Superintendent Fred Brinn, as well as Senator Jeremy Cooney and his chief of staff.
Several solutions were discussed at the meeting, and Cooney pledged that over the next two years millions of dollars will be allocated in the budget to address infrastructure issues around the state. Senator Cooney also stated that he will personally visit Ramapo in the near future to see the challenges up close.