Editorial - The Intersection On Harned Rd And 25 Is Dangerous And Needs To Be Addressed

Intersection at 25/Harned/Indian Head/ Sunken Meadow ParkwayWhen I was on the Smithtown Town Board I was in a position to vote on a site plan that would allow a full service station with convenience store to be built on the corner of Harned Road and Rte. 25 in Commack.  Adjacent to the site is a complicated exit for Sunken Meadow Parkway. The public hearings for the proposal were contentious. Town Board was split with Councilman McCarthy and Councilman Crieghton supporting the proposal and Supervisor Vecchio, Councilman Wherheim and myself opposed.

The site was blighted and its remediation would be a huge improvement to the appearance of the corner. Many waivers had to be granted to accommodate the proposal. The problem for me was that it was a busy and often dangerous intersection. The proposed plan would certainly improve the site but how would it impact on this hazardous intersection?

I remember driving through the intersection one evening in December when there were Christmas trees being sold at the site. Immediately in front of me two cars collided as one tried to gain access to the tree lot (former gas station) by making a left turn from Harned into the lot as a second car was heading north on Harned. It wasn’t the most serious crash, but it was enough to reinforce my belief that the intersection was dangerous and to secure a no vote from me. 

The proposal was approved after I left the board by Councilmen McCarthy, Creighton and Councilman Malloy.

Since the development of the site I have witnessed an additional motor vehicle crash at the intersection.

On Friday, August 14th at approximately 11:40 am, I was heading south on Indian Head Road and was at the light in the lane heading straight onto Harned Rd.  I was the second vehicle behind an SUV (I drive a sedan) we were stopped for a red light. The Light turned green, the SUV moved and I followed. The SUV stopped and I stopped, the car behind me did not move into the intersection. Why were we stopped I wondered sitting half in the intersection. 

The jam up that left me out in the intersection after the light changed was a huge tractor trailer trying to make a left turn into the station as traffic heading north on Harned Rd. was backed-up. With no access to the lot, the tractor trailer driver was forced to wait and I was forced to sit in the intersection. The light changed and I was still hanging out half in and half out of the intersection.

Early Sunday morning view of intersectionWas there an accident? No, but it was incredibly stressful. Since I don’t travel that intersection very often I think experiencing three incidents like I have is indicative of a problem. While no one would suggest taking down the gas station, a no left turn sign (into the service station) on Harned and enforcement is warranted. 

Prohibiting vehicles heading south on Harned Road from making a left turn into the station would provide a safer roadway. People  in the area report that there have been numerous accidents although no fatalities. 

Before a fatality occurs Councilmen McCarthy and Crieghton need to find a way to make the intersection safe. If not the two councilmen who supported the gas station project than someone else on the Town Board needs to get the ball rolling with the County to make the intersection safe now before something serious happens.  

Pat