Last week, approximately two hundred citizens attended a rally, organized by Community Action Network, to protest New York State DOT's plan to widen the Columbia Turnpike.

The four-lane arterial functions as East Greenbush's main street, and is home to a mixed bag of small shops, mid-sized shopping centers and residences. NY State DOT's plan to add a fifth "turning lane" has met with community resistance because of property takings and a desire to slow traffic rather than speed it up. Over 1,000 signatures have been collected on petitions rejecting the new lane.

Jeff Anzevino from Scenic Hudson said about the project, "We don't address our weight problems by wearing bigger belts. And we mustn't try to build our way out of congestion. It hasn't worked in the past and it won't work in the future."

The widening has turned into a major election issue in the town. Several Town Supervisor and Town Board candidates spoke against the widening.