By Angela Marshall
O'side Road traffic alarms residents
In the blink of an eye, or in this case, a yellow light, the residents of Oceanside Road have found themselves just around the bend from disaster. At the first meeting of the Oceanside Road Home Owners Association, residents described dozens of accidents just past the curved area north of Temple Avodah.
Residents said they believe the yellow blinking light at the bend does no good, and that either stepped-up policing or a traditional traffic light is needed. Many of the 17 residents crowded in Jane Magno-D'Anna's living room on Sunday told horror stories of accidents witnessed on Oceanside Road. Highlights included tales of cars flipping over, lumber scattering across the road and fences lost almost as soon as they are replaced.
"I lost two cars," said Charlie Porcaro, a 10-year resident. But cars aren't the only victims of speeding drivers, Mr. Porcaro said. One day his wife and daughter were out walking when they saw a woman get hit crossing the street. "They fly down here," he said. "This is ridiculous."
"It's a living nightmare," is how Leslie Ann Stunman put it.
One of the organization's first orders of business was to write a letter to Senator Dean Skelos, asking him to look into their problems. In the letter, they also called for an end to the commercial traffic lumbering down their road.
Commercial vehicles bring pollution and congestion to their residential area, they wrote. Few signs are posted to warn drivers, but the trucks are not supposed to travel on Oceanside Road unless making a local delivery. Residents would like to see larger signs and increased enforcement.
"We don't want to live at risk here," Ms. Magno-D'Anna said.
The letter also asked for an investigation of two buildings that some residents suspect are not meeting zoning regulations. The letter, which many of those in attendance signed, said that Nassau County police officers have been seen removing youths from at least one of the buildings.
"We're just looking for an investigation at this point," Ms. Magno-D'Anna said.
