To Roundabout or Not to Roundabout: That is the 9W Question

An Orangetown Town Board meeting on September 8th covered a wide-ranging agenda, including proposed library and emergency service budgets, the rezoning of a local property and a spirited discussion over the controversial Route 9W roundabout proposed for Palisades.

Representatives from several local libraries, including Tappan, Orangeburg, Palisades and Blauvelt, appeared before the board to discuss their current financial positions and proposed budgets for 2027.

The libraries generally requested modest increases of approximately 2% to 3%, with representatives noting the challenges of managing rising costs, available resources and the changing needs of patrons. Despite those challenges, the libraries emphasized their continued commitment to providing services and programming to the communities they serve.

Local emergency service organizations also presented their proposed budgets to the town.

Nyack Ambulance Corps, South Orangetown Ambulance Corps, Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company and Rockland Paramedic Services each requested relatively small increases, generally ranging from 2% to 5%. Representatives said the increases come as emergency responders continue to experience growing call volumes.

Rockland Paramedic Services, for example, requested an increase of approximately 4% despite reporting that its call volume had risen by 23% in 2026. Town Board members expressed their appreciation for the work performed by the local emergency service organizations and emphasized the town’s strong working relationship with them.

UOVO Seeks Rezoning for 21.8-Acre Property

The board also heard a presentation from an attorney representing UOVO, an art storage company seeking to expand and modernize its facility in Orangetown.

The company has encountered a zoning issue because its 21.8-acre property is currently split between two zoning classifications, LOI and R-40. UOVO is seeking to have the entire property placed under the LOI classification.

During the presentation, it was noted that art storage is not a permitted use within the R-40 portion of the property, despite UOVO having operated at the location since 2014.

Two residents raised concerns about the potential redevelopment of the site, particularly because portions of the property contain wetlands. One resident noted that the wetlands drain toward Sparkill Creek and urged town officials to closely monitor any future development and its potential environmental impact.

Town officials said the matter would be referred to the Planning Board as the review process moves forward.

Palisades Residents Push Back Against Route 9W Roundabout

The most contentious discussion of the evening centered on the proposed Route 9W roundabout in Palisades.

Dozens of Palisades residents attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the project, which is approaching its final stages and, according to information presented at the meeting, could begin construction as early as mid-October.

Residents expressed frustration that the project continues to advance despite the Town Board previously adopting a resolution opposing it.

Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny told the crowd that the town’s ability to stop the project at this stage appears limited and encouraged residents to continue reaching out to other elected officials who may be able to intervene. Kenny said Assemblyman Aron Wieder has been working to assist residents with their concerns.

Residents cited a range of potential impacts from the proposed roundabout, including increased noise, pollution and traffic safety concerns.

While many speakers acknowledged that safety improvements are needed along that portion of Route 9W, they questioned whether a roundabout is the best solution. Residents called for a more comprehensive feasibility study examining possible alternatives before construction moves forward.

Among the alternatives discussed were additional speed-reduction measures and signage, a new dedicated left-turn lane and a designated pedestrian crosswalk.

The prevailing message from residents was not that Route 9W should remain unchanged, but that additional study should be conducted to determine whether other improvements could address the area’s safety problems without construction of the proposed roundabout.