Piermonters May Lose Ability to Drive on Pier

An issue in Piermont that may be settled with new legislation.

The idea of limiting who can drive and park on the village pier has been debated since the start of the summer—recently, the village decided to close Ferry Road to vehicles once a month.

Now, a proposed amendment would further the initiative, allowing only fisherman, crabbers, government vehicles, senior citizens and handicap individuals to drive on the pier. All others would be required to go out on foot.

Prior to 2004, a stricter vehicle law was in place. "Since the law changed, we've had a mix of traffic, dogs, children and pedestrians on a small road," explained Christopher Sanders, Piermont's mayor. "It's a recipe for something not good."

"The intention here is that we will cut down on excess traffic," he added. Currently, are carrying out a traffic study and ramping up their presence on the pier to nab speeders and other dangerous drivers.

The issue is complicated by the Department of Conservation's involvement. The DEC owns a portion of the land, and DEC officials say because it is state land, all New Yorkers must be treated equally. This means Piermonters can no longer be issued free permits while out-of-towners must pay.

If the new amendment is adopted, only those with intentions to fish and crab will be able to purchase a permit. This could mean less permits sold by the village, trustees said, a $10,000-a-year revenue source. If less money is raised through permits it would likely be made up through property taxes, trustees added.

Piermont residents were conflicted over the possible amendment, with a handful in favor. "I think it's a good idea," said resident Marjorie Smith. "It should reduce traffic to a reasonable level."

But Richard Stark, another resident, expressed apprehension at the possible dip in revenue. "We may drive away tourists," he said. "How much additional burden will that place on [taxpayers]?

Another Piermonter noted it was insulting that the village would limit his ability to drive on the pier.

Village officials fielded public comments for about 40 minutes, and noted no decision will be made until the August trustees meeting, at the earliest.

"We've heard a lot of good ideas this evening," said trustee Audie Moran. Moran noted the village must strike a balance between maintaining revenue and not encroaching on residents' access to the pier.