Downtown Glen Cove’s sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections were in the spotlight during a walkability audit conducted on Tuesday.
Organized by AARP New York in collaboration with the Glen Cove Age-Friendly Center, the audit aimed to identify areas in need of safety improvements to make the city more pedestrian-friendly for people of all ages, particularly seniors and those with disabilities.
The audit, part of a statewide effort to complete 100 walk audits by Nov. 22, was one of several taking place across Long Island. Volunteers assessed sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, and traffic signals, with particular focus on intersections like Brewster, Bridge, and Pratt Streets. These locations have a history of pedestrian and bicycle accidents, raising concerns about safety. The effort comes at a critical time, as the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reported 66 pedestrian fatalities and more than 1,150 injuries in Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023.
“A walkable community is a livable community,” said Bernard Macias, Senior Associate State Director for AARP on Long Island. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, everyone deserves to walk safely in their community. Many roadways on Long Island are designed for drivers, not pedestrians, and that needs to change.”
City officials and community leaders joined AARP volunteers for the audit, highlighting both progress and areas for improvement. Anne Fangman, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Community Development Agency, pointed out significant upgrades already made at key intersections, improved crosswalks, and better sidewalks at Bridge Street. These projects, she explained, were funded through a mix of local, state, and federal grants, including a Department of Transportation grant.
“This whole corridor, from Village Square down to Town Path, has been studied for conceptual improvements,” Fangman said. “We’ve made strides in the downtown area under the city’s jurisdiction, but there’s still work to do with state and county-managed streets. It’s an ongoing process.”
AJ Kuhr, Director of the Nassau County Age-Friendly Center of Excellence at Glen Cove, praised the city’s commitment to improving pedestrian conditions but acknowledged areas that require attention.
“Glen Cove has done so much to enhance outdoor spaces like Garvies Point,” Kuhr said. “But if you’re trying to get from downtown to these areas, it can be a challenge. Sidewalks should be safe and accessible for everyone, whether you’re walking, using a stroller, or pushing a wheelchair.”
Kuhr added that small changes can have a big impact. “There are crosswalks that need repainting and cracked sidewalks that could easily be addressed with low-cost fixes. It’s great to see the city leadership so engaged in this process, showing their commitment to making Glen Cove more walkable.”
The audit findings will help guide future improvements and funding efforts. Residents are encouraged to report safety concerns to the Glen Cove Age-Friendly Center, which will document and forward them to city officials and AARP.
“A cracked sidewalk or a poorly marked crosswalk may seem like minor issues,” Macias said, “but they can make a world of difference for someone navigating their community. This is about ensuring everyone, at every age, can enjoy Glen Cove safely.”
For more information or to participate in future walk audits, visit aarp.org/ny.
