By Lauren Stanforth, Albany Times Union, N.Y.
Jun. 18–SCHENECTADY — The CEO of Hometown Health Center sent an e-mail to city officials criticizing the condition of an intersection where the health center’s optometrist was struck by a truck while walking to work Tuesday.
Schenectady police Lt. Brian Kilcullen said the accident occurred around 9 a.m. Tuesday when a vehicle eastbound on State Street hit Marc Hecker as he was crossing between Hometown Health’s employee lot at the former Fratello’s Restaurant and Rite Aid at Brandywine Avenue. A Hometown Health spokesman said Hecker had several injuries and he was listed in fair condition at Albany Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon.
Kilcullen said police are investigating whether the driver had a green light and what crosswalk signals were flashing at the time. The driver was ticketed for having a suspended license, Kilcullen said.
Hometown Health CEO John Silva forwarded an e-mail to Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton and City Council members that said he sent a letter to City Council two years ago raising concerns about the need for a pedestrian crosswalk between Rite Aid and the Trustco Bank.
He also said the crossing signals where Hecker was hit flash too quickly for people to get across. Silva couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon about the e-mail.
“Hundreds of parents with children, coming or leaving HHC on foot, attempt to cross Brandywine at that location each week. Other adults and children attempt to cross at other corners of this intersection using the crosswalks and can not safely cross before the lights change,” Silva said in his e-mail. “HHC, our patients, staff, and the community really need the city’s immediate attention and assistance. … Please help remedy this dangerous situation before another tragedy occurs.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Hacker’s daughter Jenna said her father is being treated for a broken arm, collapsed lung and other injuries.
Schenectady Corporation Counsel L. John Van Norden said that until the investigation is complete, the city won’t know what happened and can’t comment. Lauren Stanforth can be reached at 454-5697 or by e-mail at [email protected].
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