Cars on Piermont Pier? Not for Three Days a Year

Due to popular demand, Ferry Road—which stretches to the end of Piermont Pier—will be closed to motor vehicles three days this summer.

The decision, reached at Tuesday night's village board meeting, comes on the heels of a heated debate involving concerned residents, miffed fisherman and visitors who would rather drive down the pier than walk. Now, the pier will be closed for three entire summer Sundays, from 9 p.m. on the preceding Saturday until Monday morning. The dates are June 19, July 17 and August 14.

Piermont was able to control Ferry Road motorists in the past; until 2006, one could only drive on the pier if they held a village-issued permit—one that was free to residents. But the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has a stake in the land, noted it was a discriminatory practice. To comply, the village dismissed the need for a driving permit.

"We previously had a method of controlling traffic through permits," explained Chris Sanders, Piermont's mayor, to a room of about 25 concerned residents Tuesday evening. "But now, motorists rush to the end of the pier and back, much to the chagrin of bikers, runners and people walking their dogs."

Per the new resolution, no motorized vehicles—be they cars, motorcycles or scooters—will be allowed on the pier during the designated times. Electric or motorized wheelchairs will be allowed; will enforce the new rule and seal off Ferry Road to vehicles.

The majority of residents at the meeting supported the temporary closing of the pier.

"I have three boys, and the only place [in Piermont] for them to learn to ride a bike is the pier," explained Robin Platt. But Platt noted the pier is unsafe for youngsters, especially when they are getting their chops on bikes. "I can't tell you how many close calls we've had... no drivers go 15 miles per hour [the speed limit]."

"I praise you for this beginning," she added.

Richard Benfield, a Gair Street resident, agreed with Platt. "We want to see three days this summer where the pier is traffic free," he said.

Not everyone agreed that motorists are the ones at fault, however. "It is a road," said Piermonter Richie Stark. "And I constantly see people walking in the middle of the road. Pedestrians don't follow the rules, either."

Residents on both sides of the argument continually noted the dangers of traffic—a problem Piermont Police are currently looking into. The department is conducting an in-depth traffic study to determine the average speed of cars on the pier, when it is busiest and more. The results are expected to be in by late June and will be available to the public.

Michael O'Shea, Piermont's police chief, also noted authorities are adapting to new enforcement methods. "We're going to rent cars and put police out there in plain clothes," he explained, noting uniformed police officers and cruisers can tip off speeders.

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Correction: An earlier version of this story reported bicycles will be banned on the certain dates, too. They will not be. We regret the error.