SLATER, HARCKHAM: PORTION OF STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM TO BE NAMED IN HONOR OF JAKE ARCARA

Pictured from left to right: Patrick Murphy (Yorktown Councilman), Ed Lachterman (Yorktown Supervisor), Dave Pagnelli (Yorktown Highway Superintendent), Matt Slater (NYS Assemblyman), Kelly Arcara (Jake's Mother), Pete Harckham (NYS Senator), Diana Quast (Yorktown Town Clerk).

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and New York State Sen. Peter Harckham announced today that a portion of Route 118 in Yorktown—from Underhill Avenue to Old Country Way— will be renamed in honor of Jake Arcara, a 28-year-old Yorktown highway department worker who tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in a work zone on Sept. 14, 2022. The legislation authorizing the renaming, sponsored by Slater in the Assembly and Harckham in the Senate, was passed by both legislative houses.

The devastating incident galvanized support for stronger work zone safety measures, including the introduction of “Jake’s Law,” a bill introduced by Slater that would authorize Yorktown to install temporary safety cameras in designated work zones and impose monetary liability on those who endanger highway workers by speeding. In the years since Jake’s passing, Slater has also led the Assembly’s annual resolution honoring his memory and highlighting National Work Zone Awareness Week. 

“Jake’s death shook our entire community. He was doing his job, and devastatingly, he never made it home,” said Assemblyman Slater. “Naming a portion of our state highway system in his honor ensures his legacy lives on as a dedicated public servant, but even more so, it acts as a catalyst for action to prevent another senseless tragedy. This highway dedication is a permanent and visible tribute to Jake’s life, his service and the ongoing fight to protect the men and women working on our roads.”

“Jake was taken from us far too soon, but with this highway dedication, a part of his memory will live on,” said Senator Harckham. “As we honor his life, we must also acknowledge the tragic circumstances of his passing—and renew our commitment to improving road safety for all. I hope this dedication serves not only as a lasting tribute to Jake Arcara but also as a symbol of strength and unity for the Yorktown community. I’m grateful to Assemblymember Slater for his partnership on this legislation and look forward to the Governor signing it into law to ensure Jake’s legacy endures.”

Kelly Arcara said, “I’m honored that a road in Yorktown has been renamed in the memory of my son Jake Arcara. He loved this town, and he’ll be looking over all who will drive on it. ‘The highway to heaven never ends.’ He and his fellow highway co-workers help keep Yorktown roads safe. It shattered my heart to lose my son; however, I am grateful for this display of love for Jake, who served this town so well.”

Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “It is so important to keep Jake’s memory alive, not only for what he meant to the town, but so that we always keep safety first and foremost for our town employees. I am so grateful to Assemblyman Slater for getting this bill passed through the assembly.”

Yorktown Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli said, “On behalf of myself and all of Jake’s highway family, we are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Matt Slater and Sen. Pete Harckham for passing legislation to dedicate and acknowledge a Yorktown state roadway in Jake’s name. We always strive to keep Jake’s memory alive in perpetuity and feel this will be instrumental in achieving that goal.”