Residents express concern over potential exit closure (VIDEO)

June 2, 2024
4:58 am

WURTSBORO- Concerns over the possible closure of Exit 114 on Route 17 in the Town of Mamakating have been growing as the state Department of Transportation (DOT) gets closer to finalizing its plans for bringing Route 17 in line with federal standards to make it an interstate highway.

Officials from the Town of Mamakating started a petition drive to oppose the potential closure, which has not yet been confirmed by DOT, which collected more than 3,500 signatures in its first week. Mamakaing town supervisor Michael Robbins opposes the closure and spoke about the impact it would have on local residents and businesses.

”It’s one of the exits that they’re talking about closing because it doesn’t meet federal regulations. We’re trying to keep it open and see what the DOT can do to help, because it’s very important to our community,” said Robbins. He spoke about the access the exit provides for first responders.

Village of Wurtsboro Mayor Frank Sisco said he’s concerned that the potential closure could hurt businesses in the village that are often patronized by travelers on Route 17.

“All our businesses are centered on Sullivan Street, not 209. Closing down that exit puts you on 209 which is not our Main Street,” he said.

The president of the Wurtsboro Board of Trade, Jaclyn Horton-Jennex, agreed, saying it is difficult enough for local businesses and that the exit elimination will likely cause more to struggle.

“If we don’t have that exit you won’t come through our main street and as a result, Wurtsboro is just going to be a ghost town,” she said.

In a statement issued by DOT, ”No final decisions have been made about the design of the project and New York State DOT remains committed to engaging with the community every step of the way.”