By KAREN RICE
Many residents do not want more parking spaces built because they feel it might endanger the community's children. They believe that the parked cars will hinder a parent's vision of their child and that the increase in traffic could also pose a danger.
Other residents say the parking is necessary for those wanting to visit the park.
The board recently asked Cameron Engineering and Associates, the engineers for the parking project, to visit the site and review what improvements can be made in the plan to appease residents' concerns. After review the site, Cameron Engineering and Associates recommended the following improvements in the plan to also abet resident concerns: eliminate the three spaces most westerly spaces near the south gate; widen the pavement just east of the police booth to add two additional parking spaces for police vehicles; and widen the pavement west of the Cedarhurst Avenue intersection to add two additional parking spaces.
Mayor Andrew Parise hoped these improvements to the parking plans would reassure residents.
We brought in traffic experts because of resident concerns, Parise said. We were hoping for no danger. The park is for all residents. I feel the new plan is safe. I would not have started with [the plan] to begin with [if I did not think it was safe].
Some residents still feel that, even with the suggested improvements, additional parking next to the park is a danger to the community's children.
Deborah Spier of Cedarhurst called the improvements baloney and said the parked cars could block a parent's vision. A child can run out before you can grab him or her, Spier said. And many parents have more than one child. Even if you are a wonderful, fabulous parent, if you have cars there, the vision is very bad. Every driver who has been driving for awhile has seen a child dart out in front of his or her car.
Elkie Walfish of Cedarhurst disagreed that new parking next to the park would be a real danger as long as parents remain diligent in watching their children. [The park] is an essential spot, she said. I don't see what the problem is. If you are a normal parent you would be watching your children anyway. If you have your kids look after them.
Walfish added that the park is a community focal point and new parking is needed and would be utilized. This park is very needed it's very much in demand, especially for concerts at night and the fair in September. Most people do walk here, but I do know friends who would drive.
Parise said the board has not finished discussing the new plan and it is not certain if the Village will go ahead with the parking plans.
Parise remained hopeful and stood behind the improvements. By putting parking on the same side as the park, there is no reason to cross the street, he said. What we've done is increase safety.
