Community Corner

Hauppauge Family Pushes for Safer Intersection After Deadly Accident

The Strobers want a right-turn only sign on South Plaisted Ave. northbound onto Route 347 following the accident that killed Marlene Strober July 1.

A Hauppauge family is lobbying for immediate changes to a Route 347 intersection before they have to see another resident of their community suffer a tragedy like their own.

Michael Strober said his family is in shock following the tragic death of his mother, Marlene in a. Following her death, he and his two siblings have sworn to see traffic sign installed at the intersection.

“We are absolutely committed to seeing if we can appeal to the county or state and have them make it a right turn only at that intersection, so drivers don’t try to cross over. It’s too dangerous,” Strober said.

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Marlene, 64, was killed July 1 on her way to work as a medical biller Smithtown. She entered the intersection in her 2002 silver Saab, when she was hit by a 2002 Ford pickup truck driven by Rafael Robles, 50, of Bay Shore.

“She used to admonish my father, Ross, ‘Don’t go there, it’s too dangerous,’” said Michael.

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Marlene had not been in a single car accident in 47 years of driving and frequently used Mount Pleasant Road to access Route 347, regulated by a traffic light, rather than risk crossing on South Plaisted, according to Michael. Construction on Mount Pleasant Road cause Marlene to deviate from her routine July 1.

As news of the accident reached local residents, Patch commenters voiced their sympathies for the Strober family, and concerns about the intersection.

“I live right on the corner there and this is the third accident in five days. It needs to be closed or at least a light there,” posted Maureen Stewart.

Eileen Peters, spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Transportation, said the South Plaisted and Route 347 intersection has been a safety concern for years. She said Route 347's reconstruction plans call for a traffic light to be installed.

“That’s why the Route 347 project was initiated, because of community concerns over accidents at the intersections,” Peters said. “Safety concerns have always been at the forefront of this project.”

However, construction on that section of Route 347 isn’t scheduled to start until late 2014 into 2015.

Michael said the DOT's plans are promising, but more immediate change is needed to protect other drivers.

“I think we still need to push for getting something there in the interim, We should have a right turn only. We’ll lobby for that until construction is completed,” he said.

The family plans on creating a website to notify the community of their cause and create a petition. Other concerned residents can contact the family at info@make347safe.org.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Ross, of 44 years; her siblings, Linda Chase and Richard Strelitz; her children, Michael and Laura Strober of Chappaqua, David and Andrew Strober of Rye, and Lauren Strober of Tarrytown. She was the grandmother of four grandchildren. Marlene was involved in the Hauppauge community via the PTA and soccer club, having worked in a family business for more than 30 years.


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