We, the undersigned residents, commuters, and concerned citizens, respectfully request the Town of Babylon to remove the stop sign recently installed at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Wright Street in April 2025.

Background and Context
Prior to the stop sign's installation, this intersection featured a pedestrian crosswalk with a "Yield to Pedestrians" sign, which was appropriate given the extremely low foot traffic in the area. The east side of Belmont Avenue consists of a public park with no residential properties, and it is not uncommon for several months to pass without a single pedestrian crossing at this location.

Belmont Avenue itself is a double-lined road, indicating that it is a primary thoroughfare in the area meant to support continuous traffic flow. This designation reflects its importance as a main corridor for local and through traffic.

Reasons for Removal

• Unwarranted Disruption of Traffic Flow
  The stop sign unnecessarily interrupts traffic on a main road that was not designed for frequent stops. This leads to inefficient traffic movement and increases commute times for residents and visitors.
• Increased Wear and Tear on Vehicles
  Repeated stopping and starting on a road intended for consistent flow causes excessive wear on vehicle brake systems and reduces fuel efficiency, contributing to increased maintenance costs for drivers.
• Environmental Impact
  The forced stop-and-go traffic leads to higher emissions, increasing pollution levels in the area, which runs counter to the town’s environmental and sustainability goals.
• Frustration and Driver Behavior
  The new sign has created driver confusion and frustration, especially during times of zero pedestrian presence. Many drivers perceive the stop as unjustified, which may inadvertently lead to rolling stops or disregard for the sign—creating new safety concerns rather than addressing existing ones.
• Lack of Justification Based on Pedestrian Use
  While safety is paramount, this location does not warrant a full stop based on usage data. The park generates minimal pedestrian traffic, and when pedestrians do cross, the previously existing "Yield to Pedestrians" signage was adequate and appropriate.

Proposed Action

We respectfully urge the Town of Babylon to reassess the necessity of the stop sign at this intersection and to restore the previous configuration—a marked pedestrian crosswalk with a "Yield to Pedestrians" sign. This setup would maintain pedestrian safety while allowing traffic to flow smoothly along this important roadway.

By removing this unnecessary stop sign, the Town can improve traffic efficiency, reduce vehicle and environmental strain, and better align with the actual usage patterns of this intersection.