By DEBBIE ROSEN
Council okays "No Parking" area on Lawrence Ave.
Responding to the recommendation of the Town of Hempstead Traffic Committee, the town council has unanimously voted to place "No Stopping Anytime" signs on a portion of Lawrence Avenue that has caused safety concerns.
On Nov. 14, the seven-member council created a no-parking zone on the west side of Lawrence Avenue, beginning at the north curbline of Concord Avenue and extending 190 feet north. Signs will be installed within the next few weeks, a spokesperson for the town said.
A twisting, blind curve on that portion of Lawrence Avenue has concerned residents for years. Four warning signs recently posted along the avenue between Concord and Henrietta avenues did not slow traffic around the curve, but some residents have expressed hope that this latest decision will have a positive effect.
At a public hearing before the vote, Jeff Toback, a Nassau County legislator and Oceanside resident, supported the action to be taken, but asked that the council consider two more safety measures.
"The safety of the residents is of paramount concern," he said, asking that a double yellow line be painted on the curve to make motorists stay within lanes.
Legislator Toback asked the town to also place stop signs on Lawrence Avenue at Elaine Drive and Concord Avenue, so motorists heading north would have to drive slower.
At least one resident disapproved of the town's action. A 31-year homeowner on Lawrence Avenue, Michael Altschuler, agreed that safety measures are needed, but disagreed with the town's solution. With several letters in hand from neighbors, Mr. Altschuler ascribed safety concerns on his street to speeding motorists. He told board members that no parking was virtually an open invitation for kids to go even faster, and suggested blanketing the area with police patrols to watch out for those going far beyond the speed limit.
"When no cars are parked on both sides, young kids have room to zip around. I'd like to stand in the street and throw a shovel at them," said Mr. Altschuler, who said the town previously passed a no-parking rule and it just aggravated the situation.
After the meeting, Mike McConnell, speaking for the town, confirmed that in the mid-1970's, parking was suspended on both sides of the street for 300 feet, but the motion was rescinded because residents complained they were left without a place to park.
"The town board has adopted the motion based on the recommendation of the Traffic Committee of the Traffic Control Division due to a study conducted over weeks this past September," said Mr. McConnell. "The decision was one made to ensure safety of people in the neighborhood."
A homeowner on Harris Drive, Ellen Kessler, agreed with the town's action. "I think the decision will help resolve the problem. It's hard enough to see when you go around that curve," she said. "It would be even better if there was no parking on both sides of the curve."
Elliot Taub, a longtime activist for safety along the curved portion of Lawrence Avenue and a Concord Avenue resident, was delighted. "It's a wonderful compromise," he said. "On this particular curve, vehicles can't hold the lane, and without this motion by the town ... it could be a death trap. It might be a bit of an inconvenience to people to a slight extent, but the beneficial effect is worth it."
