New Mendon-Thornell sidewalk opens to give Pittsford students and residents a safer and better connected route

Pittsford, New York – A long-awaited infrastructure project aimed at improving safety and encouraging active transportation is now complete in the Town of Pittsford, offering students and residents a safer and more convenient way to travel between neighborhoods, schools and local parks.

Town officials, school leaders and local students gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Mendon-Thornell sidewalk during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of a project designed to improve pedestrian access while strengthening connections across the community.

The newly finished walkway provides a protected route to both Pittsford Mendon High School and Thornell Road Elementary School, while also linking residents to Thornell Farm Park. Just as importantly, the project closes a critical gap in the local pedestrian network, creating a continuous sidewalk connection that now extends all the way to Pittsford Village.

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The opening ceremony brought together Town Supervisor Bill Smith, Town Board members Cha Ron Sattler-Leblanc and Naveen Havannavar, as well as students from Thornell Road Elementary School who live along the new route. They were joined by Pittsford School District Superintendent Shana Cutia, Board of Education Vice President Sarah Pelusio, Board of Education member Robin Scott and Thornell Elementary Principal Edward Foote to officially unveil the new community asset.

Town leaders say the project reflects a broader vision for the future of Pittsford — one where walking and cycling are practical, safe and attractive options for getting around.

“Our new Mendon-Thornell sidewalk reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to walkability, bicycle-friendliness and a more sustainable future” said Supervisor Smith. “It’s part of a larger effort to connect neighborhoods to Town parks, Town facilities, to our schools and to each other.”

For local families, the sidewalk represents more than just a stretch of pavement. It provides children with a safer route to school and gives residents another opportunity to leave the car at home when visiting parks, community spaces or nearby destinations. The improved accessibility is expected to benefit pedestrians of all ages, from young students to older residents looking for safer walking conditions.

The focus on walkability has become a central element of Pittsford’s long-term planning efforts. Town officials view pedestrian-friendly infrastructure as an important contributor not only to quality of life but also to the vitality of the local economy and the overall character of the community. The initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the joint Town-Village Active Transportation Plan, which promotes sustainable travel options and stronger neighborhood connections.

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Stretching for nearly 3,500 linear feet, the sidewalk begins at Thornell Farm Park on Mendon Road before turning east onto Thornell Road. It follows the north side of the roadway and continues to Oak Meadow Trail, where it connects with an existing sidewalk, completing a previously missing link in the network.

Funding for the project was made possible through a significant investment from New York State. The Town of Pittsford successfully secured a $540,000 grant through the state’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which supports projects that enhance pedestrian infrastructure, improve mobility for non-drivers and create safer routes for students traveling to and from school. The grant covered 80 percent of the total project cost.

With the ribbon officially cut and the pathway now open, local leaders hope the Mendon-Thornell sidewalk will serve as another step toward a more connected, accessible and sustainable Pittsford — one where residents can safely walk, bike and enjoy the community for years to come.