Debby Izzo, who owns the Dirty Dawg (which is located at the intersection of Newbridge and Elbert), agreed that visibility issues for drivers have contributed to the number of accidents in the area. She said she has seen many motorists put themselves in dangerous positions because they have to pull their cars forward onto Newbridge when trying to turn onto the road from a side street because they can’t see past parked cars.

School buses and student drivers coming to and from Mepham at similar times for arrival and dismissal add to the congestion, in addition to motorists speeding down Newbridge. Izzo said she was especially concerned about the students in the area.

“I now have grandchildren that I would worry about,” she said. “It’s every parent’s nightmare that their 17-year-old gets his license, goes to school and doesn’t come home.”

Seeking a solution

Before signing Scalesi’s petition, Izzo said she reached out to the office of Hempstead Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin about traffic issues in the area. Mepham officials have also contacted local elected officials.

Principal Michael Harrington said administrators have written letters to county and town officials in recent months advocating for school zone and speed limit signs to be installed along Newbridge Road. He said representatives from the Nassau County Police Department and town responded quickly by conducting additional surveillance in the area.

To ensure that student motorists are cautious when driving in the busy area, Harrington said, Mepham sponsors programs that warn against the dangers of texting and driving. He thinks the signs would help slow down other drivers, especially those who are not from Bellmore.