Yisroel R.

For years, getting up and down Pinebrook Road on foot meant walking alongside moving traffic, often on a steep stretch of roadway with no safe place for pedestrians. This afternoon that changed, as Congressman Mike Lawler joined town and village officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of new sidewalks along the road.

Joining Congressman Lawler at the ceremony were Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Chestnut Ridge Mayor Rosario Presti Jr., Deputy Mayor Chaim Rose, Village Trustee Shmuli Fromovitz, and County Legislator Joel Friedman.

The project was funded through $1 million in federal Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Lawler for fiscal year 2024. The Town of Ramapo administered the funding and oversaw construction of the sidewalks project. It is the first completed project under Lawler’s 2024 Community Project Funding package, which included $7 million for sidewalk and infrastructure improvements throughout the Town of Ramapo.

“This project is a major safety improvement for residents who deserve a safe place to walk along Pinebrook Road,” Supervisor Michael Specht said. “The Town of Ramapo was proud to administer the funding and oversee the construction of these long-awaited sidewalks. I thank Congressman Mike Lawler for securing the federal funding and the Village of Chestnut Ridge for its partnership in bringing this important project to completion.”

Deputy Mayor Chaim Rose said Pinebrook Road had long been one of the village’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians. “Seeing these sidewalks completed is an incredible accomplishment,” he said. “The Village is truly grateful to Congressman Mike Lawler for bringing this funding home, and we thank Supervisor Michael Specht and the Town of Ramapo for getting the work done.”

Lawler has also secured an additional $400,000 in federal funding for fiscal year 2026, which has already been signed into law and is moving through the final stages of the federal process. Once released, the funding will allow the Town of Ramapo to construct additional sidewalks in the Village of Chestnut Ridge.

Village Trustee Shmuli Fromovitz said the project addresses a long-standing safety concern, particularly during the evening and winter months when snow and ice made walking along the roadway especially hazardous. He said the sidewalks will help protect residents for years to come.

Chestnut Ridge Mayor Rosario Presti Jr. called the completion of the sidewalks a milestone for the village, saying Pinebrook Road had needed the improvement for many years. He thanked Congressman Lawler for securing the funding and the Town of Ramapo for its partnership in bringing the project to completion.

Residents who live along Pinebrook Road welcomed the completed sidewalks, with many saying they and their children can now walk safely without having to share the roadway with passing traffic, and thanked Comgressman Lawler for securing the necessary funds.