Maintain access to Rapp Road for current users

I would like to take issue with Guilderland Town Supervisor Peter Barber’s letter “Best option is to end passthrough traffic,” Sept. 18.

I am a new resident on Wilan

Lane and use Rapp Road to access my street. I have not witnessed any problems with the current traffic flow or traffic tie-ups on Rapp Road.

It is my belief that if Costco is accessed only by Crossgates Mall Road, then this should not significantly impact Rapp Road traffic. However, the apartments proposed on Rapp Road could be a problem.

Guilderland has proposed that access to Rapp Road from Western Avenue and Crossgates Mall Road be taken away. A drawing of the apartment complex shows the proposed closed part of Rapp Road being converted to sidewalks.

There are about 10 families in the historic area with valid concerns, about 40 families on Wilan Lane, several more on Pine Lane and Rapp Road as well as families on Gipp Road that are affected by any changes to Rapp Road.

It should also be mentioned Rapp Road, during recent closures for “analysis,”ended up being partially reopened for emergency services. If Rapp Road is closed, the added response time for emergency services will be a a concern. A suggestion:

Prevent access to the apartments from Rapp Road, then direct non-residential traffic away from Rapp Road by adding flashing lights on Crossgates

Mall Road and Western Avenue.

The real question/answer may be whether these 225 apartments need to be built at all. But, please, let’s arrive at a better solution than closing Rapp Road access to the current residential population using it.