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Submitted by the Office of Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian
In a unanimous vote, the Erie County Legislature passed a resolution urging New York state to reconsider its stance on traffic safety at a Grand Island intersection where 13-year-old Leah Mayer was fatally struck.
The resolution, introduced by Legislator Michael Kooshoian, was prompted by a letter from Bill Daniels, the grandfather of Leah Mayer, who died crossing South State Parkway at the intersection of NY957B and Broadway. The tragedy underscored longstanding community concerns about the safety of the crossing.
While the New York State Department of Transportation previously reviewed the intersection and recorded six crashes – four within the period of study and two outside it – the agency concluded the site did not meet criteria under the 2023 manual on uniform traffic control devices for a traffic light, all-way stop, or additional highway lighting.
In response, Kooshoian argued the data – and, more importantly, the loss of life – justify stronger action than the proposed upgrades to trail signage and a speed reduction.
“Public safety shouldn’t hinge on whether a location narrowly meets federal guidelines,” he said.
The resolution, labeled INTRO.6-3, calls on the DOT to reevaluate its initial findings and explore additional safety measures, including a potential four-way stop. It passed with full bipartisan support during the legislature’s March 27 session.
“Public safety affects everyone,” Kooshoian said. “When a child dies at a crosswalk, we owe it to our community to do more.”
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
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