After months of negotiations and overcoming significant obstacles, the Village of Spring Valley and the Town of Ramapo have officially approved a long-overdue infrastructure improvement project at the intersection of Twin Avenue and Union Road. This heavily trafficked intersection, known for its congestion and pedestrian safety concerns, will undergo major upgrades, including the installation of a new traffic light, crosswalks, curbs, and sidewalks.
Residents expressed their gratitude to Town Of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht and his Chief of Staff, Mona Montal, whose dedication and efforts were instrumental in making the project a reality.
The initiative, made possible through an intermunicipal agreement (IMA), will be jointly funded by the town and village, with each covering 50% of the costs for the engineering design, study, and construction. The project is expected to enhance pedestrian safety and alleviate traffic congestion at this crucial location.
While the Town of Ramapo approved the project months ago, efforts to pass it in the Village of Spring Valley faced repeated delays due to opposition from certain officials. Trustee Yisroel Eisenbach, who championed the project, encountered significant resistance from the mayor and another trustee, leading to a prolonged struggle to secure the necessary votes. Despite these challenges, Eisenbach remained committed to moving the initiative forward.
Eisenbach consistently had the support of Trustee Asher Grossman, but securing a third vote proved difficult. Finally, at last night’s meeting, Trustee Shmuel Smith joined in favor, allowing the resolution to pass by a 3-1 vote. This marks a major victory for improved traffic safety in Spring Valley, as the long-awaited improvements can now move forward.
The project received strong advocacy from Congressman Mike Lawler and his District Director, Rafi Silberberg, whose efforts were instrumental in securing support. Additionally, Eisenbach confirmed that grant funding has been submitted and approved, with expectations that it will cover 90-95% of the total project cost. This funding significantly reduces the financial burden on local taxpayers while ensuring the necessary upgrades are completed.
Looking ahead, Trustee Eisenbach also outlined his future plans to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the village. Once the current project is completed, he intends to propose removing the stop sign and traffic light at Morris Road & Union Road while implementing a “No Left Turn” restriction at Union Road & Park Street. These additional measures aim to enhance both pedestrian and vehicular safety while easing congestion in key areas of the village.
With approvals now secured, residents can expect long-overdue improvements at one of Spring Valley’s busiest intersections, marking a major step forward in local infrastructure development.