Gannett Drive Speed Limit Lowered to 25

Drivers on Gannett Drive are being asked to adhere to a new speed limit. 

The Harrison Town Board approved a proposal last month that lowers the speed restriction on the industrial road to 25 miles per hour, down five miles per hour from the previous limit. 

The change was likely the result of a public complaint.

"We would not have looked into it had the people not requested," said Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh.  "Obviously there was something wrong and the people requested it."

The Harrison Town Board approved a proposal by the now retired Chief of Police Dave Hall on Dec.17.  In his proposal, Hall cited the need for a safer environment for pedestrians walking to the nearby bus stop on Westchester Avenue. 

Gannett Drive, which is not a through street, is home to several large offices as well as a printing and packaging center currently used by The Journal News.  The road intersects with Westchester Avenue and the bus stop located near that intersection is sometimes used by people who work in the offices.  There are no homes or apartments in the area.

"I think it's a good idea," said Mary Calarco, an office administrator in one of the street's office buildings.  "In the evening people in a rush to get out of the office sometimes speed."

Although Calarco said she has never personally seen an accident on the road she thinks that the change is a good idea if it will prevent future problems.  She added that she intends to send an e-mail to others in the building to make them aware of the change.

A spokesperson from the Harrison Police Department was not available to comment on how strictly police intend to enforce the new speed limit.  However, several new street signs have already been posted on the side of the road.

"I don't know if the speed limit will help," said Calarco.  "I hope it will."