To the Editor:

I have come to love Altamont, in a very short time, as a place of beauty, peace, and strong community relations. People respect each other (with freedom to disagree), help one another, and watch out for each other.

Yet.. — no one stops for people crossing the crosswalks on Main Street. 

Do we need more signs? Fluorescent paint? Police presence?  I don't think it's that extreme. 

With a dog and child in tow, I have found it to be a mighty venture trying to assess if it is safe enough to cross Main Street, knowing that folks will likely not stop. 

I have tested all locations from near the SEFCU (State Employees’ Federal Credit Union) to up by Stewart’s, and people do not think to stop to allow pedestrians to cross in the lined, clearly marked crosswalks.  It is a state law!

Each time I use extra caution to be sure my precious cargo gets from one side to the other. Forget about it if I were a chicken — I'd never get to the other side. 

In all seriousness, we really need to pay more attention here, friends. We have a beautiful community that we call home. Our neighbors, children, and animals deserve a safe place to cross Main Street to get to the plentitude of parks, schools, homes, playgrounds, and food establishments that we have within our village, nestled at the base of the Hilltowns.  

Please stop when you see someone trying to cross Main Street (or any street) when they are in the clearly marked crosswalk. 

Thank you for protecting our most precious cargo and stopping when there are people, pets, and others trying to cross Main Street. It keeps us all safe. 

Marcia Ranieri
Altamont