major entry points. These entrance gates act as “pinch points” and slow down traffic as they enter into the village core. Neckdowns (or curb extensions) can be provided at those locations with pedestrian crossings. Where there is on-street parking, the neckdown can extend the full width of the parking lane. Where highway width allows, on-street parking can be encouraged along the commercial areas of these roads, as a means of traffic calming and reinforcing the commercial nature of those areas. An access management program should be undertaken by the Village to reduce the number of driveways along the state highways. This program would make these arterials safer for vehicles and pedestrians and would also improve traffic flow. Whenever a commercial property owner applies to the Planning Board for a site plan approval or another type of application, the Planning Board should investigate opportunities to eliminate or consolidate driveways, and to provide vehicular and pedestrian connections between adjacent commercial properties. Traffic Calming along Collectors and Residential Streets Traffic calming devices should also be considered for those residential streets and collectors that suffer from high traffic volumes and speeds. For these types of streets, other physical measures can be implemented such as speed humps (an elongated form of the older speed bumps that are bicycle friendly and can be plowed) or median islands and chicanes. All these devices force vehicles to slow down through changes in the horizontal or vertical alignment of the road. Speed humps are legal in public streets, and they have shown to be effective in reducing speeds and improving safety. Some municipalities have also developed one-way traffic circulation systems to reduce traffic congestion. However, one-way traffic circulation is not recommended for Croton-on-Hudson’s traffic issues, as it can result in increased speeding and reduced access to shopping areas. Further study of collector and residential streets in the Village should be undertaken to identify where traffic calming measures should be implemented. Elevated crosswalks and speed humps slow traffic and improve safety Reduce Congestion at Key Intersections The key intersections in the Village where traffic congestion is prevalent should be reviewed for improvements. However, for the intersections in the Village core, the emphasis must remain on the pedestrian friendly nature of the location. Within the commercial centers of the Village, access and safety of pedestrians should be of the highest priority in any traffic improvement plan. PAGE 104 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN c. Public Transportation Access to the Railroad Station The Metro-North railroad station is an important asset for the Village. To minimize the negative impacts related to the commuter traffic to and from the station, the following improvements should be considered: • Improve bicycle and pedestrian access to the station. Bicycle facilities (shoulders, lanes and paths) should be added to the major routes leading to the station and in the parking lot. Both sides of Croton Point Avenue should be improved to accommodate this type of traffic, provided that safety requirements are met. In addition, safe bicycle racks should be added at the station. • Recommend adjustments to Beeline service. The communities that use the Croton-Harmon Metro-North station, including Croton-on-Hudson and adjacent towns, should recommend that the commuting needs of residents from these municipalities be reviewed. The residential origins of the commuters using the Croton-Harmon station should be plotted on a map compared to the Westchester Beeline service. Recommendations for more frequent Beeline service from the adjacent towns to the station should be made, tailored to the existing demand. The above improvements will reduce the traffic impacts of the station, will reduce the parking demand at the station and will increase accessibility to the station and to the rail system. The Village should also ensure that any proposals for expanded parking facilities at the train station include a specific plan to redirect traffic away from the main arteries through the Village. Improvements to Bus Service The transit needs of the transit-dependent population should be assessed, including the needs of the elderly, low-income and young residents. The need for bus shelters should be reviewed for key locations, as well as the overall signage for bus service (indicating bus stops and schedules). PAGE 105 CROTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 4.6 Residential Neighborhoods and Housing In Croton-on-Hudson, the diverse and visually appealing housing styles, mature trees, and winding residential roads help create the sense of small town character and natural beauty for which the Village is known. Many Croton-on-Hudson homes have a historic or architectural significance as well, and serve as a visual link to the Village’s history. In the Resident Survey and public workshops conducted for this Plan, many residents cited preserving the Village’s character and beauty as a priority for its neighborhoods and commercial areas. At the same time, residents expressed a concern over the cost of affordable housing for senior residents, young families