By ANTHONY BOTTAN
The proposed law, which prohibited rollerskating or skateboarding on sidewalks, municipal parking lots and certain areas in the village, would fine skateboarders and rollerskaters in violation of the law up to $250. The police could issue warnings to skateboarders in violation of the law, but could ultimately impound the skateboard if the warnings are not heeded. The law would also hold skateboarders and rollerskaters liable for any property damage they caused, even those under the age of 18, in which case their parents would shoulder the liability.
According to village attorney Peter Ledwith, the law was proposed because of complaints by shoppers and owners in the downtown area, where Ledwith said, skateboarders were immobilizing the heavy pedestrian part of the district. In addition, reports of damage to private property and safety concerns for those skateboarding by the Jamaica Savings Bank on Merrick Road, prompted the drafting of the law. Mayor Brian Curran said it was the safety of skateboarders that he is most concerned about.
"Bottom line, they're kids, but there are legitimate concerns that need to be addressed," Curran said. "The overriding concern is the safety for kids."
Residents like Christine Ledwith, whose son is a skateboarder, said she is concerned with her son's safety, but does not want the village board to take away his freedom to skateboard. "My problem is the more freedoms you take away, the harder it is to get it back," she said. "I don't want any accidents, but you have to let these kids be kids."
The safety issue is when kids skateboard near the Jamaica Savings Bank, they skate on the sidewalk on Merrick Road, and often on Merrick Road itself, which is dangerous for drivers and skateboarders. Curran said he was surprised there has not been an accident yet. "It's an accident waiting to happen," said Jeff Greenfield, owner of NGL Insurance on Merrick Road in Lynbrook.
Residents and skateboarders were angered over the proposed legislation, which would limit where kids are allowed to skate. Patty Drake, whose son is a skateboarder, is afraid her children will be forced out of Lynbrook to skateboard. "I hate that our kids are going to be made to feel unwelcome in their own town," she said.
Deputy Mayor Bill Hendrick suggested using the recreation center bus to bring Lynbrook skateboarders to the Baldwin Skate Park. Lynbrook resident John Clark Jr. said he was tired of the constant trend of restricting freedom pervading not only in the village, but in the country.
"This is a constant trend to limit personal freedom," Clark said.
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