By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
Skip Zalud said many Merrick-North Merrick Little League parents speed through Babylon Road on their way to Levy-Lakeside. And, since the block is a short, narrow street, parents could easily cause an accident if they drive too fast, he said. Zalud is particularly concerned because 10 children live on the road, and he fears one of them might get hit by a speeder.
Dr. Ronald Smith, the Merrick School District superintendent, said a speed bump is planned for Babylon Road this summer to slow down all drivers.
Margaret Maher also said the Little League uses loudspeakers on the ball field, which is nearby Babylon Road, as early as 8:30 a.m. on weekends. At that time of morning, Maher said, her husband, a New York City firefighter who works nights, is trying to sleep. "It's such a small ball field," she said. "We don't feel you really need a speaker there."
Smith said the use of loudspeakers is subject to permission granted by the Merrick School District to the league on a per-use basis, and that the league was given the OK to use the speakers only once or twice this year. Little League President Charles Winterfeldt said during an interview that, to his knowledge, loudspeakers were only used for opening-day ceremonies at 11:45 a.m.
The residents also brought photographs before the Merrick School Board, showing cars parked along Babylon Road in front of driveways and fire hydrants.
Residents wondered why, with what they called Levy-Lakeside's large parking lot, parents would choose to park illegally, knowing there are free spaces at the elementary school. School Board President Diane Seaman said in response, "Unfortunately, people have gotten very lazy."
There may be more than one game taking place at a time at Levy-Lakeside, with ball fields in front and back of the school in use. But, Smith said, "There are plenty of parking spaces." Winterfeldt agreed there is ample parking in the lot and said he sympathizes with Babylon Road residents. "I don't blame the neighbors for being upset when someone parks in their driveway," said Winterfeldt, who encouraged residents to call the police to report illegally parked cars.
The residents also said roaring leaf blowers and loud tractors were used as early as 6 a.m. on weekends to prepare Levy-Lakeside's front ball field for play. Seaman assured residents that there will be no more early-morning noise. "We will make a phone call, and that will stop," she said.
Winterfeldt said he is unaware of any field preparation done as early as 6 a.m. He agreed that use of leaf blowers that early is unacceptable, and he said he would make a call to see if they were used at that time.
Smith wants to set up a meeting with Little League officials, Babylon Road residents and local police to brainstorm ideas for enforcing safety laws and parking regulations, as well as fostering neighborliness among Little League parents.
The Merrick School District issues permits for use of the Levy-Lakeside School. Zalud said the board should tell league officials that, if they wish to keep the permits, they must abide by certain rules.
Winterfeldt said the league, which is a volunteer organization and serves some 1,100 Merrick and North Merrick children, makes every effort, including meetings and mailings, to get parents to obey street signs and respect neighbors. He added, "We will send the word out again in a special mailing."
