Farmingdale to modify risky intersection

Fifth-grader Matthew Lichtenstein bounced off his school bus toward his Farmingdale home on a recent afternoon, the only student wearing sunglasses despite the overcast skies.

The glasses, along with an orange-lensed pair he keeps in a pouch at his hip, help Matthew, 10, cope with a rare vision disorder called achromatopsia.

But they can't help him safely cross his street, Jefferson Road, which meets Thomas Powell Boulevard to form an oddly shaped intersection that drivers pass through at dangerous speeds, his mother said.

"I see kids get so close to being hit," said Christina Lichtenstein, who has lived on Jefferson Road for 14 years. "I cringe. I hold my phone so I can call 911. The cars have to swerve because they're flying."

People with achromatopsia typically are colorblind and cannot see in bright light.

Matthew's problem will be exacerbated when he reaches high school and must cross Jefferson Road daily to catch the bus; his current bus route was adjusted to drop him off in front of his house.

Lichtenstein said that for four years she has appealed to village officials for a solution. She has drawn up plans for concrete islands in the intersection that would force cars to slow before turning. An engineer neighbor designed an option that would extend the property of corner resident Minnie Leiblich to create a plus-shaped intersection.

Leiblich has raised concerns about the modification of her plot, saying it would be more property for her to maintain. She has suggested speed bumps or a portable digital sign.

"I don't know what the answer is," Leiblich said, admitting, "The cars go fast. You do have to watch yourself."

She appeared alongside Lichtenstein at a village board of trustees meeting last month to urge a solution that would work for both of them.

Farmingdale Mayor George Starkie said he has consulted with the village engineer as well as outside consultants who said a wooden barrier and a stop sign should be installed.

If Lichtenstein and Leiblich approve the plan, it should be implemented before year's end, Starkie said.

"We'll try a barrier first, just sunk into the road, to make cars slow down," he said. "If they like it, then we'll make it a permanent solution."

He called the plan, which he estimated would cost the village "a couple" thousand dollars, a "win-win."

Matthew, who also is unable to see from long distances, said he just wants to be able to cross the street by himself.

"It is dangerous for everyone," Matthew said. "It's especially dangerous for me because if a car is coming from far away, I can't see it until it's too late."