Concerns About A Proposed Traffic Ordinance

A proposed ordinance that would establish a “no commercial traffic” restriction on Irma Avenue in Port Washington has some people in the area concerned.  

Lewis Cohen, co-owner of on Main Street says the proposed restriction depicts an anti-commercial and anti-business stance. He expressed these sentiments at a recent board meeting.

But Councilman Fred Pollack said businesses on Irma Avenue would still be able to receive deliveries by truck.

“Nothing will change for any businesses, trucks can pickup and deliver to any business on Irma Avenue,” Pollack said. “Federal law prohibits that to change. We just want to ban trucks and vans that are using the street as a cut through while driving at high speeds.”

Cohen said that the regular car traffic speeds through the streets more often than trucks or vans.

“I spoke with several business owners in the area and this ban is not sitting well with them,” Cohen said. “It makes more sense to put in some speed bumps and conduct a traffic study of the area.”

Laura Shabe, a Port Washington resident, said that she too is against this ordinance.

“We need to take a holistic viewpoint,” Shabe said. “Where will the traffic go? If no trucks are allowed on Irma Avenue, this will then push traffic onto another street creating further problems.”

Cohen offered this idea: “Another suggestion would be to reduce the speed to 20 or 25 [miles per hour] on Irma Avenue,” he said.

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman said that this proposal is only a draft and the public hearing will continue and be decided upon at the Town Hall meeting on March 6.