A NO VOTE OVER TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERNS FOR RYE ARTS CENTER EXPANSION

I am writing because I have grave concerns about the proposed expansion of the RAC. As a Blind Brook Lodge resident I am very familiar with the safety hazards all along the stretch of Milton Road from Firemen's Circle to Rye High School. It seems ludicrous to believe that this expansion will seamlessly fit into an already congested area. While living here I have witnessed many near misses on the crosswalks as well as the sidewalks. There are several handicapped and at least one blind resident who regularly use these crosswalks.

To be clear I have been a fan of the RAC since moving to Rye many years ago. I had a great experience taking an oil painting class with Elizabeth Derderian. However, in the past year or so, I returned from vacation to see what looked like garbage strewn across the lawn ar RAC. After several days I was heading over to clean it up myself when a neighbor told me it was actually an art installation. Unfortunately it stayed for months and was an eyesore out my living room windows - that might have been the point but the length of time it was there was inconsiderate to the neighbors across the street. The glaring lighting in front seemed to make it worse. I think those lights would work better in the darker back parking lot.

In addition, I personally think the quite modern building doesn't seem to have enough of a relationship with the beautiful older architecture of the neighborhood that most of us enjoy living with in this very busy part of Rye.

My only conclusion is that the RAC doesn't care enough about its neighbors and the safety of everyone who uses this busy thoroughfare every day. I am not in favor of their plans for expansion.