THE ASSEMBLY

STATE OF NEW YORK

CHAIR
Subcommittee on
Catastrophic Natural Disasters

ALBANY
JAMES SKOUFIS
Member of Assembly
99th District

COMMITTEES
Agriculture
Insurance
Labor
Local Governments
Transportation
Veterans Affairs

April 21, 2016

Monroe Town Board
1465 Orange Turnpike
Monroe, NY 10950

Blooming Grove Town Board

P.O. Box 358
Blooming Grove, NY 10914

South Blooming Grove Village Board

P.O. Box 295
Blooming Grove, NY 10914

Dear Town/Village Boards:

I am writing to request consideration of passing a resolution calling on the Department of Transportation
(DOT) to reduce the speed limit on a portion of Route 208 from 55 mph to 45 mph. The specific section
is an approximately 1.5 mile stretch connecting the Town of Monroe and the Village of South Blooming
Grove.
Like many of our constituents, we all travel this road regularly and are aware of the dangerous condition
at and around the Route 208-Mountain Road intersection. Particularly for motorists who have to turn
onto Route 208, this intersection, given its short sightline and high speed, is extremely precarious.
Heading northbound from Monroe to Blooming Grove, Route 208 shifts from 45mph to 55mph near the
ramp leading onto Route 17 East. Continuing, Route 208 shifts back to 45mph from 55mph about .3
miles north of the Route 208-Mountain Road intersection. I believe keeping this 1.5 mile stretch of
Route 208 consistent with the surrounding 45 mph speed limit would enhance safety at and around the
dangerous Route 208-Mountain Road intersection.
In order for the DOT to begin examining the merits of a speed limit change, the relevant local municipal
boards must pass a resolution to DOT requesting the change.
I thank you for your consideration of this proposal and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to contact me.
Sincerely,

James Skoufis
Member of Assembly

ALBANY OFFICE: Room 821, Legislative Office Building, Albany, New York 12248 518-455-5441 FAX: 518-455-5884
DISTRICT OFFICE: 11 Main Street, Chester, New York 10918 845-469-6929 FAX: 845-469-0914
EMAIL: skoufisj@assembly.state.ny.us