CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. — Clarkstown Ward 3 Councilman Donald Franchino – on today’s Rockland News livestream show, advocated for New York State to install guardrails or concrete safety barriers along Route 59 at the Four Corners intersection, citing growing safety concerns amid ongoing weekend protests and heavy pedestrian use.
Specifically, he cited Patrick Carroll, NYS Assemblyman for District 96, to advocate to New York State to invest in safety barriers for all the pedestrians and protestors, who typically use the weekends to voice their frustrations with Federal, State and local Government issues, spanning back to the 1970’s.
Carroll, who sent a press release to Rockland News last week, adamantly stated that the four corners protests are protected by the First Amendment. “The First Amendment does not only protect convenient speech or viewpoints that public officials agree with; it protects the right of people to assemble, to dissent, and to hold their government accountable.”
Appearing on AM Rockland News with hosts Mike and Tom, Franchino agreed, and further emphasized that the issue is not about restricting free speech, but about preventing a potentially catastrophic accident.
“This is a safety issue because that is a place where pedestrians are supposed to walk, and it is not safe,” he said. “Cars can veer off and strike pedestrians. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Citing Precedent and Urging State Action
Franchino noted that vehicles have jumped curbs along Route 59 in the past, including three separate incidents at a local bank where cars went through the building’s lobby—two times by the same driver. Western Bank has since installed concrete pilings to protect the property, a model Franchino believes the state should replicate along this busy corridor.
He stressed that the state has previously acted quickly on roadway matters when motivated, pointing to the “record time” installation of two turning lanes near Chick-fil-A. “I’m not buying their excuse that they can’t put guardrails in,” Franchino said. “Guardrails or concrete pilings can go up overnight if the state wants to act.”
Support from Assemblyman Patrick Carroll Sought
Franchino said he has asked State Assemblyman Patrick Carroll—who last week reiterated strong support for free speech rights—to help secure state funding and authorization for the safety barriers. According to Franchino, Carroll has been responsive and discussions are expected to continue.
“This is not about limiting protests,” Franchino clarified. “Protest seven days a week, 365 days a year—no problem. But people must be protected.”
He added that once barriers are in place, police presence could be reduced, relieving local taxpayers of the heavy costs of weekend protest coverage.
Rockland News plans to reach out to NYS Assemblyman Patrick Carroll for a response. Notably, Carroll is scheduled to attend a commemorative unveiling of the Hector L. Soto highway, today at 1 pm.
Costs and Strain on Local Resources
Franchino highlighted several ongoing challenges:
- Police overtime costs for protest hours can reach approximately $40,000 per day, he said.
- Bathrooms and parking at nearby businesses have been strained during long protest periods.
- The organizing group behind the protests has not provided liability insurance requested by the town.
“These costs fall entirely on Clarkstown taxpayers,” Franchino said. “This is a state highway, and safety upgrades should involve state support.”
Public Encouraged to Contact State Representatives
Franchino urged residents who support the installation of safety features to contact their state representatives, particularly Assemblyman Carroll. “I need people who want to protest to be safe. Protest, no problem—just be protected,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the town board unanimously supports free speech, but public safety must remain the priority.
A Simple Measure to Prevent Tragedy
Hosts and callers emphasized that the proposal is both practical and nonpartisan. “Not all walls are bad,” one host quipped. “A barrier creates a logical delineation between the road and pedestrians.”
Franchino agreed, noting that the space between the sidewalk and Route 59 offers room for installation without limiting protest activity. “We’re not trying to limit protesting. We’re trying to make protesting even safer,” he said.
Residents may reach Councilman Franchino at 845-639-2056 or d.franchino@clarkstown.gov for more information or to share concerns. Assemblyman Patrick Carroll’s office can be reached using this link: Patrick J. Carroll – Assembly District 96