Orangetown Supervisor Discusses Traffic, Budget at Office Hours

Shirley Christie arrived at the Pearl River Public Library early Thursday to meet with Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart, but she was not there to discuss the proposed 2013 budget. 

Christie's concern is the traffic generated by Pearl River High School, primarily during morning rush hour. In addition to making it difficul for cars heading past the school toward Middletown Road, drivers often speed up Mointainview Ave. at those times.

Christie also said she sees drivers cutting through the ShopRite parking lot to avoid waiting for the light. She said she would also take her concerns to the Orangetown Traffic Advisory Board.

Stewart discusse those issues and others in the area of the high school, but did spend much of the time discussing the 2013 budget with resides. One who stopped by to say hello and ask, "What's with the nine percent increase?"

Stewart explained that expenses being pushed on the town by Rockland County such as elections and tuition as well as pension payments are among the rising costs that the town cannot control. 

The budget discussions are likely to continue through November, when the official budget is due.